Start the day with private pickup from your hotel or agreed meeting point in Porto. Travel comfortably in a premium private vehicle toward the Paiva River valley. The drive introduces the region gradually, moving from Porto into one of northern Portugal’s most distinctive river landscapes.

Start of the Paiva Walkways at Areinho River Beach Begin the Paiva Walkways at Areinho River Beach. This wooden boardwalk route follows the Paiva River through a dramatic valley setting, offering scenery, rhythm and immersion without the character of a technical hike. At present, due to recent fires, the full route to Espiunca is not open, and the walk currently ends at Praia do Vau.

516 Arouca Bridge Reach and cross the 516 Arouca Bridge, one of the signature attractions of Arouca Geopark. Measuring 516 metres in length and suspended around 175 metres above the Paiva River, the bridge gives a powerful sense of scale and perspective over the valley.

Continue the Paiva Walkways Toward Vau River Beach After the bridge, continue at a steady pace through another scenic section of the valley toward Vau River Beach, currently the end point of the accessible route. Time is allowed for photos, pauses and appreciation of the river setting.

Lunch and Free Time in Alvarenga Lunch is intentionally flexible and not included in the base price. After the morning walk, Alvarenga offers a practical and comfortable setting to sit down, recover and enjoy regional food. The area is known for Arouquesa beef, often served as regional steak, while lighter or vegetarian options may be arranged depending on the selected restaurant.

Transfer from Alvarenga to Castelo de Paiva The afternoon continues through the Paiva sub-region, a quieter and more rural setting associated with wine production and traditional landscapes.

Casa de Algar Winery Visit and Tasting Visit Casa de Algar, a family wine estate in Santa Maria de Sardoura, in the municipality of Castelo de Paiva. Located within the broader Vinho Verde wine region, the estate offers a more intimate wine experience than a large commercial cellar. The visit includes a guided introduction to the property and a tasting of three wines of the guest’s choice, accompanied by local snacks. This is a well-balanced afternoon close after the dramatic scenery of the Paiva Valley.