Gerês Park Tour small group, Culture, Nature, Waterfalls, Viewpoints & Lunch

Porto , Portugal

Gerês Park Tour small group, Culture, Nature, Waterfalls, Viewpoints & Lunch

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(1 reviews)

10h

For a full refund, cancel at least 24 hours before the scheduled departure time.

Manual confirmation

Mobile or paper ticket accepted

About this experience

The Gerês Park Full-Day Tour includes the visit to Braga and Tibães Monastery, followed by a wonderful regional lunch at Covide in Gerês National Park. In the afternoon we will proceed exploring the natural wonders of Gerês, the most beautiful section of the roman road Via Nova XVIII at Mata da Albergaria, Pedra Bela viewpoint and Arado waterfall. Before returning to Porto we will stop at Caldas do Gerês village and taste local sweets.

Highlights:
• Full-day Gerês tour from Porto with an expert guide
• Visit to the city of Braga with tasting of local sweets
• Visit to Tibães Monastery
• Regional lunch at Covide
• Visit to Gerês national park, with stop at Caldas do Gerês village

Available options

Gerês Park Tour small group, Culture, Nature, Waterfalls, Viewpoints & Lunch

Pickup included

What's included

Bottled water

Exploring the natural wonders of Gerês

Visit to Tibães Monastery

Visit to Braga city center

Visit to Caldas do Gerês village

Regional Lunch at Covide-Gerês

Tasting of local sweets in Braga

Detailed itinerary

From your hotel in Porto, you’re picked up in the morning for the drive to Braga. We will stop at the city of Braga to visit the city center. The Braga Diocese is the oldest in Portugal and, in the Middle Ages, the city even competed with Santiago de Compostela in power and importance. You will have the opportunity to taste some delicious sweets at a well known cake-shop.

After Braga city center we will proceed to visit Tibães Monastery. Founded by Saint Martin of Dume in the 6th century it became the Portuguese and Brazilian headquarters of the Order of Saint Benedict em 1567. The current building, one of the most grandiose in the country, was built In the 17th century.

We will stop for lunch in Covide already at Gerês National Park. The lunch includes several tasting starters (pataniscas de bacalhau, chouriço assado and local cheese), loin of veal with a special rice with red beans and a Crème Brulée dessert. White or red Vinho Verde or Douro wines are served.

In the afternoon the tour continues through Gerês, starting at Mata da Albergaria along one of the most beautiful sections of the Via Nova XVIII, a roman road built at the end of 1st century AC that connected two important iberian cities: “Bracara Augusta”, present city of Braga, and “Asturica Augusta”, present city of Astorga, in a distance of 215 miles (~318kms). Then, we will descend from the Spanish border of Portela do Homem to the village of Caldas do Gerês for a short stop. We will proceed to Pedra Bela a view not to be missed at the most beautiful and sought-after viewpoint of Peneda-Gerês National Park. From this viewpoint, located in a mount, one can observe the whole of Caniçada reservoir, a part of Gerês valley, as well as the mountains all the way up to Portela de Leonte.

In Gerês the mountainous terrain is cut across by rapidly flowing rivers and streams, including many waterfalls. In the surroundings of Ermida village we will visit the Arado Waterfalls. They can be reached by the road and a staircase that leads to the lake rising above the waterfalls. Your Gerês Park full-day tour ends with return transport to your Porto hotel.

What's not included

Gratuities

Available languages

Guide guide

PT EN

Reviews breakdown

Tripadvisor 5.0

1 reviews

5★

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1★

Important information

Suitable for all physical fitness levels

Child rate applies only when sharing with 2 paying adults

Children must be accompanied by an adult

Children ages 3 years and under are free, but their seats are subject to availability

Meeting point

About Porto

Porto, the second-largest city in Portugal, is a vibrant coastal city known for its rich history, stunning architecture, and delicious cuisine. With its picturesque Ribeira district, historic bridges, and world-famous port wine cellars, Porto offers a unique blend of cultural heritage and modern charm.

Top Attractions

Ribeira District

The Ribeira district is the historic heart of Porto, known for its colorful buildings, narrow streets, and lively atmosphere. It's a UNESCO World Heritage site and a must-visit for anyone coming to Porto.

Historical 2-3 hours Free to explore

Livraria Lello

Livraria Lello is one of the most famous bookstores in the world, known for its stunning neo-Gothic interior and as an inspiration for J.K. Rowling's Harry Potter series.

Cultural 1 hour €6 (includes a book voucher)

Clérigos Tower

The Clérigos Tower is a iconic Baroque bell tower that offers panoramic views of Porto. Climbing the 240 steps to the top is well worth the effort for the breathtaking views.

Architecture 1 hour €5

Dom Luís I Bridge

This double-deck iron bridge spans the Douro River, connecting Porto to Vila Nova de Gaia. The upper deck offers stunning views of the river and the city.

Architecture 30 minutes Free

Port Wine Cellars

Vila Nova de Gaia is home to many of Porto's famous port wine cellars, where you can learn about the history of port wine and enjoy tastings.

Cultural 2-3 hours €10-€30

Must-Try Local Dishes

Francesinha

A hearty sandwich made with layers of meat, covered in melted cheese and a special sauce, served with fries.

Lunch/Dinner Contains meat and dairy

Bacalhau à Brás

A traditional Portuguese dish made with shredded cod, onions, potatoes, and eggs.

Lunch/Dinner Contains fish and eggs

Tripas à Moda do Porto

A traditional Porto dish made with tripe, beans, and spices, slow-cooked to perfection.

Lunch/Dinner Contains meat

Pastéis de Nata

Delicious custard tarts with a flaky pastry crust, often dusted with cinnamon or powdered sugar.

Dessert Contains dairy and eggs

Popular Activities

Hiking in the Serra do Pilar Kayaking on the Douro River Sunbathing at Praia do Castelo do Queijo Enjoying a port wine tasting Visiting the Livraria Lello Exploring the Ribeira district Swimming at Praia do Castelo do Queijo Boat tours on the Douro River

Best Time to Visit

May to September

This is the peak tourist season with warm weather and plenty of sunshine. It's ideal for exploring the city and enjoying outdoor activities.

18°C to 28°C 64°F to 82°F

Practical Information

Language

Official: Portuguese
Widely spoken: English, Spanish, French
English: Widely spoken in tourist areas

Currency

Euro (EUR)

Time Zone

GMT+1 (Western European Time)

Electricity

230VV, 50HzHz

Safety Information

Overall Safety Rating: Generally safe

Porto is generally a safe city for travelers, with low violent crime rates. However, petty crime, such as pickpocketing and bag snatching, can occur in tourist areas and on public transportation.

Important Precautions:

• Keep valuables secure and out of sight, especially in tourist areas and on public transportation
• Be cautious when using taxis, and always ensure the meter is running or agree on a price before starting your journey
• Avoid walking alone at night in quiet or poorly lit areas

Getting there

By air

Francisco Sá Carneiro Airport • 11 km (7 miles) from city center

By train

Porto Campanhã, Porto São Bento

By bus

Porto Bus Terminal (Terminal de Camionagem de Porto)

Getting around

Public transport

The metro system is efficient and easy to use, with six lines connecting major points of interest.

Taxis

Available • Apps: Bolt, Uber

Rentals

Car, Bike, Scooter

Neighborhoods

Ribeira Bolhão Foz do Douro Miguel Bombarda

Day trips

Braga

50 km (31 miles) • Full day

Braga is a historic city known for its beautiful churches, monasteries, and the Bom Jesus do Monte sanctuary.

Guimarães

40 km (25 miles) • Full day

Guimarães is a historic city known as the birthplace of Portugal. It's home to a well-preserved medieval center and the stunning Guimarães Castle.

Douro Valley

80 km (50 miles) • Full day

The Douro Valley is a stunning wine region known for its terraced vineyards, port wine cellars, and scenic boat tours.

Festivals

São João Festival • June 23-24 Festa de São João • June 24 Porto Wine Festival • September

Pro tips

Visit the Livraria Lello bookstore early in the morning or late in the afternoon to avoid the crowds and long queues
Take a port wine tasting tour to learn about the history of port wine and sample a variety of wines from different cellars
Explore the historic center of Porto on foot, as many of its narrow streets and charming squares are best discovered by walking
Try the local cuisine, such as Francesinha, Bacalhau à Brás, and Tripas à Moda do Porto, at traditional restaurants and cafes
Take a day trip to the Douro Valley to see the stunning vineyards, visit port wine cellars, and enjoy a scenic boat tour on the Douro River