Item: Arcos de Valdevez: Explore Historic Villages and Breathtaking Landscapes in a Day
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Arcos de Valdevez: Explore Historic Villages and Breathtaking Landscapes in a Day

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Arcos de Valdevez

Experience the beauty of Arcos de Valdevez on a one-day tour filled with historic villages, breathtaking landscapes, nature trails, biking routes, rappelling, tree climbing, and delicious gastronomy.

Duration: 10 hours

Cancellation: 1 day learn more

Highlights

Sistelo - The village of Sistelo is situated in the municipality of Arcos de Valdevez, nestled in the heart of the Peneda-Gêres National Park, near the source of the river Vez. It stands as a stunning example of nature sculpted by human hands. Renowned for its terraced landscapes where corn is cultivated and cattle graze, it has been officially designated as a national monument and is often referred to as the “Portuguese Tibet.” The village is well-preserved, featuring restored granite houses, granaries, and public washrooms. The Castle of Sistelo, the village’s hallmark, is a late 19th-century palace that was once home to the Viscount of Sistelo and is well worth a visit. Explore the walking paths, the Vez ecovia, and capture breathtaking photographs!
Espigueiros de Soajo - Nestled in the heart of the Peneda-Gerês National Park, the village of Soajo is an ancient settlement located in a picturesque mountainous region, predominantly rural. The village is distinguished by its granite-paved streets and stone block houses, where tranquility prevails and time seems to stand still, surrounded by pristine nature. One of its main attractions is the community threshing floor, featuring twenty-four granaries over 200 years old, many of which are still in use for storing and drying corn. Discover the megalithic monuments, the lagoons of the river Adrão, and the magnificent mountain flora, including one of Portugal’s rare carnivorous plants: the insectivorous dewy.
Mosteiro de Ermelo - The old monastery, likely built by D. Teresa, adopted the Cistercian order at the end of the 13th century, thus falling under the influence of Santa Maria de Fiães. Despite facing significant challenges, it was converted into a parish church in 1441, only to return to the order in 1497. By 1560, it was in a state of advanced neglect, leading to its secularization and the integration of its income into the college of S. Bernardo de Coimbra. Today, some architectural elements of the Romanesque church and later modifications from the Modern Period remain. Originally, it would have been a church with three naves and a headboard with three square chapels. The original Cistercian plan was never completed, likely due to local economic difficulties, so what we see today is mainly the result of 18th-century renovations. The collateral nave was removed, leaving only the triumphal arch of the chapel (visible from the outside), with the sacristy on the opposite side. The roof features one of the original elements of the Cistercian design, a Romanesque rose window that illuminates the central nave. Some decorative elements of the cantilevers and capitals are fully integrated into the typical Romanesque style of the Minho basin, but the overall architectural plan exemplifies the typical model used by the Cistercian order. In the southern area, some arcades from the monastery’s regular structures are still visible.
Paço de Giela - Designated a National Monument since 1910, the Paço de Giela is a remarkable example of medieval and modern private civil architecture. Its origins, like those of the old Santa Cruz Castle, are closely tied to the history and formation of Valdevez. When the castle ceased to function as a strategic point, the construction of Giela’s “house-tower” marked a new era of protection and noble and royal dominion over the area. Today, the medieval tower is visible along with the residential section featuring “Manueline” windows and a fortified entrance. The tower was built in the mid-14th century, and the residential area was added at the end of the 15th century and completed in 1573. In 1662, Portuguese artillery inflicted significant damage on the building while expelling the Spanish general Pantoja. The 17th and 18th centuries saw several modifications to the residential section, but the 19th century marked the beginning of a period of decline and abandonment. In 1999, the property was acquired by the local authority.
Park Porta do Mezio - Tree climbing activity
Bike ride
Miranda - Rappelling activity in Penêdo do Castelo!
Bike ride.

What's Included

Lunch included
Safety equipment provided for arborism
Comfortable travel with in-vehicle air conditioning
Bicycle usage included
All fees and taxes covered
Safety gear for rappelling activity provided

Additional Information

Embark on a 1 DAY TOUR of ARCOS DE VALDEVEZ for a blend of Nature and Adventure! Travel comfortably with Centro Aventura guides to experience Arcos de Valdevez like never before! We will be exploring some of the most historical villages such as Sistelo (acknowledged as one of the Seven Wonders of Portugal), Mezio, Soajo, among others! Along the journey, we will traverse petite trails offering scenic views! Get ready to bike on small routes leading to captivating locations. Another exciting part of our journey involves experiencing rappelling with a spectacular panorama, as well as an adventurous tree climbing course! To top it off, savor the rich local cuisine and the renowned Arcos Cigars (recognized as one of the Seven Wonders of Portugal)!

Join us on this exciting journey and IMMERSE yourself in the NATURE, history, traditions and culinary delights of the Municipality of Arcos de Valdevez.

Location

Riva Café

Cancellation Policy

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

Customer Ratings

4.5