The Way of St James and Parada de Gonta

Ponte de Lima is a beautiful village in the Lima Valley which dates back to 1125. Apart from its beauty it is famous for its Roman Bridge. It was originally a Roman settlement on the road from Braga to Santiago de Compostela.

Santiago de Compostela is of course famous as the final destination on the Pilgrims Way known in Portugal as the Way of St James. That walk commences in Porto through Ponte de Lima and from Ponte de Lima there is another 154 kilometres to go.

It is a beautiful part of Portugal. Its landscape, its buildings and its culture allow the visitor a taste of the authentic Portugal. The National Park Peneda – Geres is one of the most beautiful in Portugal.

And for those with modern tastes wonderful accommodation and restaurants are all available. From the coast to the Spanish border Portugal’s Centre and North offers history, culture, national parks, mountains and villages of granite and schist. River and ocean beaches. The giant waves in Nazare where American surfer Garrett McNamara rode a 100 foot high wave.

Portugal may be well known for the wine produced in the Douro Valley. However, the Dao River as it carves its way through granite rock is one of Portugal’s most promising wine regions. Its best red wines are made from the Tinta Roriz and Touriga Nacional grapes and its finest example of white wine is based upon the Encruzado grape.

On your journey to Quinta dos Três Rios you will experience the warmth and hospitality of the people, the culture, and the produce of central and northern Portugal. Quinta dos Três Rios is situated just outside the village of Parada de Gonta. A small village of less than 1000 people, here you will find yourself in the real Portugal. Your hosts Hugh and Jane are English but will immerse you in rural Portugal, its wine and food.

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Day 1

• Arrive Ponte de Lima.
• Accommodation Mercearia da Vila.
• Accommodation in Suite.

Day 2

• Guided day trip to Viana do Castelo and Braga.
• Lunch at Copo1/2 in Braga.
• Dinner at restaurant Acude (excluding wine).

Day 3

• Way of St James pilgrimage route Ponte de Lima to Rubiães (22km).
• Return transport to Ponte de Lima.
• Dinner at restaurant A Tulha (excluding wine).

Day 4

• Guided tour to Parque Nacional de Peneda – Geres.
• Lunch Restaurant Ponte Nova.
• Dinner Sabores do Lima (excluding wine).

Day 5

• Travel to Quinta dos Três Rios.
• Enjoy a light lunch and a visit to see local wine making in the nearest village of Parada de Gonta.
• Dinner at Quinta dos Três Rios.
• Accommodation at Quinta dos Três Rios.

Day 6

• Dao wine tour visiting two or three vineyards in the morning.
• Lunch at Quinta de Cabriz.
• Visit to a traditional vineyard in the afternoon.
• Dinner at Quinta dos Três Rios.
• Accommodation at Quinta dos Três Rios.

Day 7

• Visit two vineyards in the Douro region.
• Lunch at DOC Restaurant overlooking the Douro River.
• Afternoon vineyard visit.
• Dinner at Quinta dos Três Rios.
• Accommodation at Quinta dos Três Rios.

Day 8

• Enjoy a day trip to Viseu, Aveiro, or Coimbra.

Day 9

• Depart for your next CoolPortugal experience.

• Four nights suite accommodation Mercearia da Vila
• Daily breakfast
• Lunch at Copo1/2
• Packed lunch on Pilgrims Walk
• Lunch Ponte Nova
• Dinner Restaurant Acude
• Dinner Restaurant A Tulha (excluding beverages)
• Dinner Restaurant Sabores do Lima (excluding beverages)
• Guided day trip and transport to Viana do Castelo and Braga
• Guided day trip and transport to Parque Nacional de Peneda – Gerês
• Transport from Rubiães to Ponte de Lima
• Four nights accommodation at Quinta dos Três Rios
• Daily breakfast at Quinta dos Três Rios
• Welcome drinks at Quinta dos Três Rios
• All dinners including house wine at Quinta dos Três Rios
• Lunch at Quinta de Cabriz
• Two course lunch at DOC Restaurant (excluding beverages)