Gerês National Park, nestled in the northern reaches of Portugal, beckons adventurers to enjoy its natural beauty. This full-day excursion from Porto allows you to experience the park’s enchanting landscapes through a thrilling combination of hiking, swimming, and a traditional Portuguese picnic. Led by knowledgeable guides, you’ll discover the region’s rich cultural heritage while savoring the serene tranquility of this protected paradise. Prepare to be captivated by the park’s crystal-clear lagoons, lush forests, and breathtaking vistas – an unforgettable adventure awaits.
Key Points
- A 9-hour small-group excursion combining hiking, swimming, and traditional Portuguese cuisine in the stunning Gerês National Park near Porto.
- Guided by fluent French and English speakers along a 4-kilometer hiking trail each way, with opportunities to swim in crystal-clear lagoons.
- Includes a traditional Portuguese picnic lunch featuring local specialties, as well as breakfast and access to drinking water.
- Flexible booking with a pay-later option and free cancellation up to 24 hours in advance.
- Highly rated by customers for the knowledgeable tour guides, homemade meals, and breathtaking natural scenery.
Activity Overview
Visitors to Gerês National Park can experience a 9-hour excursion that combines hiking, swimming in crystal-clear lagoons, and savoring authentic Portuguese finger foods.
The small-group tour, limited to 8 participants, is led by live guides fluent in French and English. Guests can hike a 4-kilometer trail each way and explore the park’s natural wonders.
A small-group tour led by multilingual guides, inviting guests to hike and explore the natural wonders of Gerês National Park.
After working up an appetite, they’ll enjoy a picnic lunch featuring local specialties.
With free cancellation up to 24 hours in advance, this tour offers a flexible and immersive way to discover the beauty of Gerês National Park.
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Pricing and Booking
The tour is priced from $76.62 per person.
Travelers can reserve their spot now and pay later, with flexible travel plans that don’t require any payment upfront.
The tour operator offers a "check availability" feature, allowing visitors to quickly find suitable starting times.
Plus, the company provides free cancellation up to 24 hours in advance for a full refund, offering peace of mind for those with unpredictable schedules.
The combination of affordable pricing, flexible booking options, and generous cancellation policy makes this Gerês National Park adventure an attractive choice for visitors to Porto.
Itinerary Highlights
This Gerês National Park adventure begins with a 2-hour mini-van ride from the starting location at R. de Santa Catarina 447.
The itinerary highlights include:
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A 4 km hike each way through the park’s stunning landscapes.
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Swimming in 7 crystal-clear lagoons, perfect for cooling off.
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A traditional Portuguese picnic lunch featuring a salad, dessert, bread, finger foods, and fruit salad.
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A visit to a charming communal village to immerse in the local heritage and culture.
With a mix of invigorating activities and authentic culinary experiences, this tour offers an unforgettable day in the breathtaking Gerês National Park.
Included Amenities
To ensure a comfortable and enjoyable experience, the tour includes several amenities. Travelers will start their day with a tasty breakfast, including coffee, pastel de nata, and fresh fruit. During the hike and swimming activities, they’ll have access to clean drinking water throughout the day.
| Picnic Lunch Includes | |
| — | — |
| Portuguese salad | Bread |
| Dessert | Finger foods |
| Fruit salad | |
The tour also provides ample opportunities for capturing memorable photos of the stunning Gerês National Park scenery.
More Great Tours NearbyCustomer Feedback
Travelers have enthusiastically praised the tour, awarding it an impressive overall rating of 5 out of 5 stars based on 11 reviews.
Notable customer feedback highlights several key aspects:
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The quality of the homemade Portuguese meals served during the picnic lunch.
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The knowledgeable and engaging nature of the tour guides.
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The balance between active hiking and relaxing time spent swimming in the park’s crystal-clear lagoons.
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The breathtaking natural scenery of Gerês National Park.
With these overwhelmingly positive reviews, the tour offers an exceptional opportunity to experience the best of Gerês National Park.
Transportation to Gerês National Park
The tour includes transportation via a comfortable mini-van, which departs from the starting location of R. de Santa Catarina 447 and takes participants on the 2-hour drive to Gerês National Park.
The mini-van provides a convenient and efficient way to reach the natural wonders of the park. Along the journey, travelers can admire the picturesque Portuguese countryside, getting a glimpse of the region’s rural landscapes before arriving at their destination.
The transportation is seamlessly coordinated to ensure a smooth and stress-free start to the day’s adventures in the heart of Gerês National Park.
Hiking in Gerês National Park
When participants arrive at Gerês National Park, they embark on a 4-kilometer hike, traversing the park’s well-marked trails.
The hiking experience offers:
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Stunning vistas of the park’s lush forests and crystal-clear lagoons.
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Opportunities to spot native wildlife, including Iberian wolves and golden eagles.
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Stops at historic sites, such as ancient villages and traditional granite houses.
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A chance to enjoy the park’s rich cultural heritage and natural beauty.
The guided hike is designed to strike a balance between physical activity and leisure, allowing travelers to fully appreciate the essence of Gerês National Park.
Swimming and Dining Experiences
After the invigorating hike, participants cool off by swimming in the park’s seven crystal-clear lagoons.
These natural pools offer a refreshing respite from the day’s activities.
Afterward, the group enjoys a traditional Portuguese picnic lunch featuring a salad, dessert, bread, finger foods, and fresh fruit salad.
The homemade meal provides a taste of local cuisine, allowing travelers to savor the authentic flavors of the region.
Throughout the day, the tour guide shares insights about the area’s history and cultural heritage, enriching the overall experience.
With knowledgeable guides and delicious food, this Gerês National Park excursion offers an unparalleled blend of adventure and culinary delight.
Since You Asked
What Is the Dress Code for the Tour?
The tour doesn’t have a strict dress code. Comfortable, active wear and hiking shoes are recommended to enjoy the hiking and swimming activities. Bringing a swimsuit and towel is also advised for the lagoon visits.
Are Insect Repellent and Sun Protection Provided?
Insect repellent and sun protection are not provided on the tour. However, it’s recommended that participants bring their own to ensure they’re protected from bugs and the sun throughout the day’s activities in the national park.
Can I Purchase Additional Food or Drinks During the Tour?
Yes, additional food and drinks can be purchased during the tour. The itinerary includes a picnic lunch, but participants are free to bring or buy extra snacks and beverages as needed throughout the day.
How Accessible Is the Hiking Trail for People With Mobility Issues?
The hiking trail is moderately difficult and may not be fully accessible for those with mobility issues. The tour involves a 4 km hike each way, so participants should have a reasonable level of fitness and mobility.
Is There an Option to Extend the Tour or Add Additional Activities?
The tour doesn’t offer additional activities or extensions, but guests can explore the park further on their own after the main tour. The hiking trail may not be suitable for those with mobility issues, so alternative arrangements should be discussed.
The Sum Up
Enjoy the natural beauty of Gerês National Park on this guided tour. Hike through stunning landscapes, swim in crystal-clear lagoons, and savor a traditional Portuguese picnic. With personalized attention from English and French-speaking guides, it’s the perfect way to experience Portugal’s rich culture and outdoor splendor.
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