Viana do Castelo

Tours

Embark on a fascinating day tour that takes you through the rich history and stunning landscapes of northern Portugal. Your journey begins with a visit to the Sacred Heart Sanctuary in Viana do Castelo, a majestic hilltop church offering breathtaking views of the surrounding region. After taking in the serene atmosphere, you will head to the center of Viana do Castelo, a charming town filled with history and culture. Here, you’ll have free time to explore its cobblestone streets, admire the traditional architecture, and discover the local shops and cafés. From Viana do Castelo, the tour continues to Braga, one of Portugal’s oldest cities, known for its religious significance and beautiful historical sites. A guided tour will introduce you to the city’s stunning landmarks, including its impressive churches and picturesque squares, before giving you some leisure time to explore at your own pace. Next, you’ll visit the Bom Jesus Sanctuary, an iconic site nestled in the mountains, renowned for its Baroque staircase and incredible views. Take some time to relax and admire the peaceful surroundings before continuing to your final destination: Guimaraes. Often referred to as the birthplace of Portugal, Guimaraes boasts a medieval center with well-preserved architecture and a rich cultural heritage. Here, you’ll enjoy both a guided tour and free time to wander through the historic streets, visit local attractions, and take in the vibrant atmosphere. This full-day tour offers an unforgettable experience, combining the best of northern Portugal’s history, culture, and natural beauty. From hilltop sanctuaries and historic cities to charming streets and picturesque views, you’ll discover the essence of this remarkable region.

The Gil Eannes Hospital Ship was built in Viana do Castelo shipyard in 1955 to aid the cod-fishing fleet off the banks of Newfoundland and Greenland. Its main purpose was to render medical assistance to the fishermen and crew of this fleet. However, it also served as a flagship, a mail ship, a tugboat, an icebreaker and a supply ship as it guaranteed the supply of provisions, nets, bait and fuel to the fishing vessels. There was also a chaplain on board to provide spiritual and religious guidance. It completed its last voyage to assist the fishing fleet in 1973 and two years later in 1975, it made its final journey as a hospital ship, providing medical-hospital aid during the withdrawal of troops when Angola became independent. It was decommissioned in 1984 and docked on the Lisbon port only to be moved from pier to pier until it was sold to a scrap dealer in 1997. In a deplorable state of degradation and most of its equipment ransacked, it was scheduled to be dismantled. In the face of this inglorious fate, the Vianense community united to bring the ship back home, to where it was built, being rescued from the scrapyard. It returned to Viana on January 31st, 1998. After major restoration works at the Viana do Castelo shipyard, it was docked on the city's old commercial port for people to visit. Since then, visitor has "navigated" through the various restored museum spaces which include: the bridge, galley, bakery, engine room, operating theatre, doctor's surgery room, treatment room, radiology room, various cabins, chapel, temporary exhibit rooms and other spaces. Now serving as a museum ship under the custody of the Gil Eannes Foundation, a non-profit organization who owns the ship, an array of services and products are available to tourist which provides memorable experiences and a glimpse into the country and city's maritime heritage.

The fun begins at the Canyoning Center in Lugar da Varziela in Castro Laboreiro, where adventurers are provided with a neoprene suit and socks, boots, helmet, and special-grip sandals. A quick safely briefing will give an overview on how to navigate the stream and rappel before we make our way to the river.   The Varziela river offers a variety of natural slides perfect for jumping and rappelling and suitable for all levels.

Enjoy a unique experience that will allow you to explore one of the most beautiful nature routes in the water in a Kayak: the Açudes section. Discover the route that connects Ponte da Barca and Ponte de Lima. Cross safely fast dams with a low degree of difficulty, inserted in a pollution-free valley, allowing you to enjoy nature in its pure and relaxing state. During this experience, you will be accompanied by a monitor in the water and a support vehicle outside the river, bringing all the safety and guidance necessary for beginners and pros.

We'll drive along the North Coast of Portugal on a 4x4 jeep unveiling some of the most amazing natural gems hidden in Portugal that fortunately, not everybody knows. We will visit Vila Nova de Cerveira (medieval village), Viana do Castelo and its wonderful beaches, the waterfalls of the "pinchos" and much more. Weather permitting, you can refresh yourself in the clear waters of the waterfalls and we will have a lunch in typical taverna whit Portuguese “tapas”. Returning to Porto, we will visite one of more typical Fisherman villages (Angeiras). Come and discover the surprises waiting for you! Other things to note Meet at the indicated meeting point (on request we can make the drop in and drop off in your accommodation with extra cost) bring comfortable clothes and bathing suit. RNAAT nº de registo 285/2018.

The Viana do Castelo Costume Museum, integrated into the Portuguese Museum Network since 2004, is a permanent, non-profit institution at the service of society and its development, which incorporates cultural assets and values them through research, inventory, conservation, exhibition and interpretation, disseminating the representative assets of nature and the Alto Minho man, with the mission of studying popular culture, safeguarding and developing heritage and educating, in the true dynamic sense of creativity and culture.

Portugal Active’s Horseback Riding Tour will take you through the breathtaking scenery of Viana do Castelo. You’ll pass through fields of flowers, mountain trails and even the paradisiac beaches* of the city. The tour can be made for anyone – from a beginner to a professional – we have horses for all types of riders. It will be supervised by an experienced teacher who will guide and teach you how to better control your horse. * Please note that, due to local legal restrictions during bathing season, it might not be possible to ride on the beach sand, therefore the route shall be slightly adapted.

The Gil Eannes Hospital Ship was built in Viana do Castelo shipyard in 1955 to aid the cod-fishing fleet off the banks of Newfoundland and Greenland. Its main purpose was to render medical assistance to the fishermen and crew of this fleet. However, it also served as a flagship, a mail ship, a tugboat, an icebreaker and a supply ship as it guaranteed the supply of provisions, nets, bait and fuel to the fishing vessels. There was also a chaplain on board to provide spiritual and religious guidance. It completed its last voyage to assist the fishing fleet in 1973 and two years later in 1975, it made its final journey as a hospital ship, providing medical-hospital aid during the withdrawal of troops when Angola became independent. It was decommissioned in 1984 and docked on the Lisbon port only to be moved from pier to pier until it was sold to a scrap dealer in 1997. In a deplorable state of degradation and most of its equipment ransacked, it was scheduled to be dismantled. In the face of this inglorious fate, the Vianense community united to bring the ship back home, to where it was built, being rescued from the scrapyard. It returned to Viana on January 31st, 1998. After major restoration works at the Viana do Castelo shipyard, it was docked on the city's old commercial port for people to visit. Since then, visitor has "navigated" through the various restored museum spaces which include: the bridge, galley, bakery, engine room, operating theatre, doctor's surgery room, treatment room, radiology room, various cabins, chapel, temporary exhibit rooms and other spaces. Now serving as a museum ship under the custody of the Gil Eannes Foundation, a non-profit organization who owns the ship, an array of services and products are available to tourist which provides memorable experiences and a glimpse into the country and city's maritime heritage.

The faience collection at the Viana decorative arts museum is one of the most significant in Portugal. Thanks to the reformist impulse of the second half of the 18th century, which included the ceramics industry, there was an increase in production and the emergence, in several locations, of manufacturing centers for the manufacture of earthenware. The rooms on the main floor facing Largo de S. Domingos are filled with 18th century tiles made in Lisbon and attributed to the artist Valentim de Almeida. With a baroque theme, they represent the four continents, hunting and garden scenes. The interior chapel is also covered with excellent historic tiles with biblical themes signed by the painter Policarpo de oliveira Bernardes (1695-1778). Telephone – 258 809 305 Email address – mad@cm-viana-castelo.pt Largo de S. Domingos 4900-330 Viana do Castelo Portugal

Explore the breathtaking landscapes of Ponte de Lima and Viana do Castelo from the stunning heights of Serra da Nó. With passages through natural wonders that envelop the mountain range, enhancing your journey with their timeless beauty. This exhilarating tour not only immerses you in the splendor of nature but also tests your driving skills on diverse terrains. It promises an adrenaline-fueled adventure suitable for nature enthusiasts, thrill-seekers, and individuals of all ages. An exciting and complete ride for people of all ages who like nature, driving and challenge