Discover the historic architecture and taste the refreshing wines of Ponte de Lima on a private tour. Explore the charming city, visit a 17th-century manor house and winery, and savor the region’s famous cuisine.
Discover the historic architecture and taste the refreshing wines of Ponte de Lima on a private tour. Explore the charming city, visit a 17th-century manor house and winery, and savor the region’s famous cuisine.
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Ponte Romana e Medieval - This bridge is the city’s hallmark, and along with the river that flows beneath it, it gave the town its name.
It actually consists of two bridges: a larger medieval section that starts on the left bank, extends to the Church of Santo António da Torre Velha, and passes this church in two arches; and the remaining section,…
- Ponte Romana e Medieval - This bridge is the city’s hallmark, and along with the river that flows beneath it, it gave the town its name.
It actually consists of two bridges: a larger medieval section that starts on the left bank, extends to the Church of Santo António da Torre Velha, and passes this church in two arches; and the remaining section, which is part of the Roman bridge, made up of five arches starting from the large arch in the dry part of the riverbed.
It was declared a National Monument in 1910.
- Capela do Anjo da Guarda - Classified as a National Monument in 1978, it possibly dates back to the 13th century.
The Guardian Angel Chapel, also known as Padrão de São Miguel, is situated next to the Lima River and the old bridge, near the Roman section of the bridge. It may belong to the late Romanesque or early Gothic period.
In 2021, it was restored, and the intervention was unveiled in March 2022.
- Igreja de Santo Antonio da Torre Velha - This temple originates from an old hermitage documented since the 18th century, dedicated to Nossa Senhora da Esperança. However, its current appearance is due to a 19th-century renovation and expansion ordered by the Confraternity of Santo António. It was also during this time that the tile panels were added.
As the church and the tower of the early medieval wall coexisted until the mid-19th century—when the tower was demolished—the church was renamed Santo António da Torre Velha.
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Centro de Interpretação e Promoção do Vinho Verde - The visit includes access to the permanent exhibition, the terrace with a small vineyard plantation, a promotional film about the Demarcated Region of Vinhos Verdes, and a tasting of regional wine.
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Taverna Vaca das Cordas - A secular tradition dating back to the 15th century, attracting thousands of visitors from across the country and neighboring Spain, who flock to the historic center and the sands of the Lima River.
The tradition always takes place on the eve of the religious holiday of Corpus Christi, in the late afternoon.
The traditional “Vaca das Cordas” race starts on Rua do Arrabalde, heads towards Largo da Matriz, and circles the church three times. The “race” continues through the streets of the Historic Center to the beach, where thousands of people try to dodge the animal or simply watch this popular event. It is a day of celebration that showcases the spirit and tradition of the people.
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Dona Teresa - A tribute to Queen D. Teresa, who granted Ponte de Lima its town charter in 1125.
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Igreja Matriz de Ponte de Lima - A late Gothic church that succeeded an even older one, expanding from a single nave to three. Inside, the highlight is the Chapel of Nossa Senhora da Conceição, which belonged to the Solar de Bertiandos.
The Igreja Matriz de Ponte de Lima was built by D. João I in 1425 and completed in 1446, but it underwent several transformations and extensions over the centuries, evident in the overlapping of various styles—Romanesque, Gothic, and Neoclassical.
- Igreja da Misericórdia de Ponte de Lima - The Santa Casa da Misericórdia de Ponte de Lima was established in 1530.
The church, classified as a Property of Public Interest, features Mannerist and Baroque styles and was built in the 17th and 18th centuries. It is characterized by a single nave, a chancel with a coffered vault (1638), and a main portico that opens laterally over the old cemetery, now a churchyard enclosed by a railing, creating a remarkable porch veranda that defines the space.
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Paço do Marquês de Ponte de Lima - The Marquês Palace is a magnificent 15th-century stone building that currently houses the Military History Interpretation Center.
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Torres de São Paulo e da Cadeia Velha - These two towers, classified as Buildings of Public Interest, along with the entire wall that connects them, are the most notable remnants of the old Ponte de Lima wall, which also included gates and towers, such as the Expectation Tower and Postigo Tower.
This complex was built in the 14th century during the reign of D. Pedro I.
The Torre de Cadeia Velha, or Porta Nova, is the result of significant improvements made to the existing tower as part of the 14th-century village’s walled structure, commissioned by King Manuel to house the Prison District, completed in 1511.
- Pelourinho de Ponte de Lima - The original pillory dates back to the 16th century and was built on the beach, almost in front of the São Paulo tower.
In the early 19th century, it was adorned with the arms of the United Kingdom of Portugal, Brazil, and the Algarve. It was demolished at the end of the liberal struggles and rebuilt during the Estado Novo period in front of the City Hall, using some fragments identified as part of the original monument.
- Largo de Camões - The Fonte Nobre in Largo de Camões was completed in 1603, funded by a tax levied in 1580 on certain consumer goods, such as salt, whose revenue was used to build the monument we enjoy today.
It was originally built in the current Largo Dr. António Magalhães, one of the main gateways to the town’s wall at the time, and was moved to Largo de Camões in 1929. Its Renaissance design and execution are attributed to the renowned master Limiano João Lopes.
- Calheiros Manor - Optional - 25€ per person - Visit the cellar of Quinta do Paço de Calheiros to explore its boutique winery and taste three different wines: Paço de Calheiros, a 100% Loureiro fermented and aged in stainless steel; Conde de Calheiros, a 100% Loureiro aged in oak barrels; and a red sparkling wine also produced at this Quinta.
This will be a unique experience even for those accustomed to tasting different styles of wine.
- Mosteiro de Santa Maria de Refoios do Lima - (OPTIONAL)
The Monastery of Refoios, founded in the 12th century by D. Afonso Ansemondes for the Canons of the Order of Saint Augustine, has undergone several changes over the centuries and currently houses the facilities of the Escola Superior Agrária de Ponte de Lima. It is located near the imposing Parish Church that gives the group its name—Refoios de Lima.
It was the largest monastery in the area of the current municipality of Ponte de Lima and has been classified as a Property of Public Interest since 1939.
- Quinta da Torre de Refoios - Built in the 14th century, it is one of the earliest known medieval defensive towers in the country and has been classified as a Property of Public Interest since 1996.
It is a very well-preserved tower located within a housing tourism estate, making it one of the region’s standout attractions.
- Wi-Fi, bottled water, and refreshments in executive vehicles.
- Included personal accident and civil liability insurance.
- Transportation in luxury vehicles tailored to your comfort and needs.
- Professional services of a Certified Tour Driver.
- Wi-Fi, bottled water, and refreshments in executive vehicles.
- Included personal accident and civil liability insurance.
- Transportation in luxury vehicles tailored to your comfort and needs.
- Professional services of a Certified Tour Driver.
- Gratuities are not included and are left to individual discretion.
- No luggage or excess baggage, unless specified.
- Extra - Typical Lunch (Start - Main - Drink - Dessert - Coffee) with Wine - €25.00
- Extra - Guided visit to Paço de Calheiros and its winery with 3 tastings of Alvarinho - €25.00
- Extra - Guided visit to the Vinho Verde Interpretation Center with tasting of Alvarinho - €3.00
- Gratuities are not included and are left to individual discretion.
- No luggage or excess baggage, unless specified.
- Extra - Typical Lunch (Start - Main - Drink - Dessert - Coffee) with Wine - €25.00
- Extra - Guided visit to Paço de Calheiros and its winery with 3 tastings of Alvarinho - €25.00
- Extra - Guided visit to the Vinho Verde Interpretation Center with tasting of Alvarinho - €3.00
On our private tour of Ponte de Lima, visitors get the chance to discover one of the oldest and most enchanting cities in Portugal. Its scenic architecture, quaint streets and breathtaking river views offer a unique glimpse into the rich history and culture of the country. The journey starts with an excursion to the city’s famous medieval bridge,…
On our private tour of Ponte de Lima, visitors get the chance to discover one of the oldest and most enchanting cities in Portugal. Its scenic architecture, quaint streets and breathtaking river views offer a unique glimpse into the rich history and culture of the country. The journey starts with an excursion to the city’s famous medieval bridge, crossing the Lima River, flaunting beautiful views of the surrounding panorama. Next, we delve into the appealing historic heart of the city, taking in views of its age-old churches, grand mansions, and serene gardens. Our next stop brings us to the magnificent Paço de Calheiros manor house, a glorious 17th-century estate encircled by verdant gardens and vineyards. Here, you’ll get the chance to visit the winery, understand the region’s wine production rituals, and sample its fresh, tangy wines. Additionally, travelers can also savor the region’s renowned culinary delights.
For a full refund, cancel at least 24 hours before the scheduled departure time.
For a full refund, cancel at least 24 hours before the scheduled departure time.