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“Delicious wines
and beautiful
walks-who
could ask for
more?”
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June 17 -24, 2005
Price: $2,595 U.S. Trip Rating:
Hiker
Trip begins in Santiago de Compostela and ends in Porto
Single Supplement Rate: $450 U.S.
Days 1-2 Day 3 Days 4-6 Days 7-8
Northern Portugal presents a landscape breathtaking in its variety and beauty. Savor the contrasts–from a walk through the nature reserve on the Lilliputian Island of Cies, to deep forest strolls in mammoth Peneda-Geres National Park. Visit Roman spas in Amares, Celtic ruins in Monte Tecla, and Santiago de Compostela, a World Heritage City. Our immersion into the culture around the lifeline of the Minho River educates our palates to the unique Albarino grape, described by aficionados as like no other in the world. From the brilliant, colorful costumes and warm, hospitable smiles, to the fine Portuguese dining replete with the region’s finest wines, this experience is difficult to surpass. They say if Portugal is a rainbow, then the Minho River of its north is the vibrant green stripe–come see it for yourself.
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 Best of the Best
Santiago de Compostela
A World Heritage City and final resting-place of St. James, Santiago has been the destination of pilgrims since Chaucer’s day. From the fabulous Baroque cathedral to the Parador built by Isabel and Ferdinand,experiencing this cultural icon is a rare treat.
Wines of Northern Portugal
Enjoy the singular tastes of the white wines of the Vina Antiga Bodega; then educate your palate to the nutty nuances of a Quinto do Noval at the impressive Port Institute.
Island of Cies
Home to puffins, razorbills and the near extinct, penguin-like guillemot, this solitary island sanctuary echoes with the thunder of waves and the lonely, distant cries of sea birds.
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 Days 1-2 Bayona – Vila Nova de Cerveira
Our trip begins in the World Heritage City of Spanish Santiago de Compostela, touring with an art historian and dining on Spanish comida. Home to succulent seafood, Bayona is bathed in history where Columbus’ ship, La Pinta, brought the first word of the New World. We ferry to the Natural Park on the Island of Cies, then visit the Bronze Age and Celtic ruins of Monte Tecla. In charming Vila Nova de Cerveira, we are guests within ancient castle walls.
Day 3 Camino de Santiago – Valenca do Minho
Beginning with 4000-year-old dolmens, our path joins rural villages in a green cradle of hillsides cascading with vineyards. We walk an ancient pilgrimage trail, the Portuguese Camino de Santiago, to Valenca, home of the finest handmade linen in Portugal.
Days 4-6 Amares-Peneda – Geres Park
From our base in Amares, we explore the dramatic Peneda-Geres Park, known as Europe’s last wilderness. Home to golden eagles and rare wolves, the park boasts peaceful forests of virgin oak, cool mountain lakes, and herds of wild ponies, the descendants of Roman steeds. Amares also offers a Roman spa still in use, handicrafts, horseback riding and water sports– take your pick!
Days 7-8 Porto
In the shade of indigenous oaks, past a pristine waterfall perfect for a dip, we walk the ancient Roman road to Porto. We spend the afternoon sampling the delightful wines of the Port Institute, then enjoy an evening of world-class dining. We cap our trip with a visit to the Cathedral and the Rua das Flores, home to the city’s best goldsmiths and jewelers. Saude! –Until we meet again!
This itinerary is intended as an hors d'oeuvre to
whet your travel appetite. PLEASE CONTACT US TO
RECEIVE A MORE DETAILED TRIP ITINERARY.
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