The Vez River valley in northern Portugal offers a unique opportunity to take in the region’s enchanting natural beauty. This eco-walking tour through the rugged landscapes of Sistelo and Gerês promises a serene and rejuvenating experience for adventurous travelers. From the diverse flora lining the trails to the chance to swim in refreshing waters, this 10-hour excursion provides a chance to disconnect from the hustle and bustle of daily life and connect with the wilderness. With a picnic lunch featuring local specialties, this tour caters to outdoor enthusiasts of all ages, leaving them eager to explore further the captivating ‘Portuguese Tibet‘.
Key Points
- Eco-friendly walking tour starting in Sistelo, known as the ‘Portuguese Tibet’, and exploring the picturesque Vez River and its surrounding natural landscapes.
- 10-kilometer trail with diverse vegetation, including alders, willows, ash, and hazel, suitable for children aged 8 and above.
- Includes a picnic lunch at the 6-kilometer mark, featuring local artisanal bread, cured meats, and cheeses.
- Swimming in the Vez River is an optional activity, but participants undertake it at their own risk.
- Restrictions in place to ensure the safety and enjoyment of all guests, including age and health limitations.
Tour Overview
The ECO walking tour Sistelo/Geres Walkways offers a 10-hour excursion priced at $157.97 per person.
Participants will enjoy a walking trail in pure nature, strolling along a musical river surrounded by diverse tree species.
The tour starts in Sistelo, the ‘Portuguese Tibet‘, and includes a picnic lunch with local bread and charcuterie.
Suitable for children 8 years and older, the tour includes hotel pickup and drop-off, as well as the picnic.
The 10km walking trail follows the Vez River, offering a chance to admire the alder, willow, ash, hazel, and wild pear vegetation, and the option to swim at one’s own risk.
Highlights
Visitors can enjoy a walking trail in pure nature and stroll along a musical river covered with diverse tree species during the ECO walking tour Sistelo/Geres Walkways.
The tour starts at Sistelo, known as the ‘Portuguese Tibet‘, offering a picturesque setting. Participants can savor a picnic in nature, indulging in local bread and charcuterie.
The tour is suitable for children aged 8 and above, allowing families to explore the stunning landscape together.
With the river waters flowing like a musical stream, the tour provides a serene and rejuvenating experience in the heart of the wilderness.
Included Services
For the ECO walking tour Sistelo/Geres Walkways, the package includes hotel pickup and drop-off as well as a picnic lunch with drinks.
Travelers won’t need to worry about transportation, as they’ll be picked up from their hotel and taken directly to the starting point of the 10km walking trail.
Once on the trail, they’ll enjoy a delicious picnic lunch served at the 6km mark, complete with local bread and charcuterie. This ensures hikers stay fueled and energized throughout the day.
With these convenient inclusions, participants can focus on seeing the stunning natural scenery and the soothing sounds of the musical Vez River without logistical concerns.
Tour Description
Participants on the ECO walking tour Sistelo/Geres Walkways will embark on a 10km trail along the picturesque Vez River, immersed in the region’s diverse vegetation.
They’ll encounter a variety of tree species, including alders, willows, ash, and hazel. The river’s waters flow like a melodic stream, creating a serene ambiance.
At the 6km mark, hikers will enjoy a picnic lunch featuring local bread and charcuterie, surrounded by the natural beauty. While swimming is an option, it’s at the participants’ own risk.
The tour offers a chance to disconnect from the hustle and bustle and connect with the tranquility of nature.
Walking Trail Details
Starting at the charming village of Sistelo, the ECO walking tour Sistelo/Geres Walkways leads participants along a 10-kilometer trail that follows the picturesque Vez River, where the waters flow with a melodic rhythm.
The diverse vegetation along the trail includes alders, willows, ash, hazel, and wild pear trees, creating a lush and vibrant environment. The trail offers visitors the opportunity to enjoy nature and witness the river’s natural beauty.
At the 6-kilometer mark, you will enjoy a picnic lunch with local bread and charcuterie, providing a delightful respite before continuing their journey.
The tour is suitable for children 8 years and older, though swimming is optional and at one’s own risk.
Picnic Lunch
Midway through the 10-kilometer trail, the tour provides a delightful picnic lunch featuring local breads and charcuterie, allowing participants to savor the flavors of the region as they rest and recharge.
The picnic spread includes:
- Freshly baked artisanal bread from a local bakery
- A selection of cured meats and cheeses sourced from nearby farms
- Seasonal fruits and vegetables, perfectly ripe and bursting with flavor
- Refreshing drinks to hydrate and revive tired hikers
A picturesque setting along the banks of the Vez River, where the soothing sounds of flowing water create a peaceful ambiance.
This picnic break offers a chance to truly take in the natural beauty of the Sistelo and Gerês region, refueling both body and spirit.
Activity Suitability
The ECO walking tour of the Sistelo/Geres Walkways is suitable for a range of participants, though certain restrictions apply.
Children 8 years and older are welcome, making it a family-friendly activity. However, the trail isn’t recommended for children under 7 or those with mobility impairments, visual impairments, or pre-existing medical conditions.
Plus, the tour isn’t suitable for individuals over 95 years old or those who’ve recently undergone surgery.
The walking trail itself is 10km long, and participants should be prepared for a moderate level of physical activity.
Restrictions
The ECO walking tour of the Sistelo/Geres Walkways offers a scenic and nature-filled experience. However, there are some important restrictions to consider.
The tour isn’t suitable for children under 7 years old, as the 10km walking trail may be too challenging for younger participants.
The tour isn’t recommended for:
- People with mobility impairments
- Visually impaired individuals
- Those with pre-existing medical conditions
- Individuals who’ve recently undergone surgery
- Participants over 95 years old
These restrictions are in place to ensure the safety and enjoyment of all guests, as the tour involves navigating uneven terrain and potential river-related activities performed at one’s own risk.
Recap
This eco-walking tour through the stunning Vez River valley offers a chance to take in Portugal’s serene natural beauty.
Hikers can enjoy a picnic lunch, take a refreshing swim, and disconnect from the modern world.
Suitable for children 8 and older, the tour provides a unique opportunity to connect with the wilderness and experience the enchanting ‘Portuguese Tibet’.
