In this activity, we'll hike through the fantastic area of Arcos de Valdevez and the village of Sistelo, in enchanting landscapes, whether it's the constant presence of water, through the River Vez and its tributaries, the waterfalls and river beaches, or the terraces and meadows of Sistelo, up to the Alto Vez Glacier Trail, where we'll reach an altitude of over 1100 metres.

We'll have the opportunity to walk along the Sistelo footpath, next to Sistelo, climb up to the Estrica viewpoint and walk along the old trackways, which take us to panoramic views of excellence, crossing medieval bridges and places that make us just want to stay and enjoy the atmosphere. We can also walk through the streets of Aldeia do Sistelo, visit its church and the granaries that are so characteristic of the Soajo area. Aldeia do Sistelo was one of the winning villages in the “7 Wonders of Portugal” competition”. Located in the Peneda-Gerês National Park, it is famous for its terraced landscapes, where corn is grown and cattle still graze. The village is very well preserved, with most of the typical granite houses, barns and public lavatories renovated. The village has typical handicrafts, especially woollen socks and aprons, which delight tourists and visitors alike

We'll also have time for a guided tour of Paço da Giela, very close to Arcos de Valdevez. This weekend we will of course have the opportunity to sample the best flavours of the local cuisine. Come and join us!

20h00 - Suggested Group Dinner

22nd October (Sunday)

9.30 a.m. - “Estrica Viewpoint, Walkways and Bridges Trail” walk”

The initial path of this trail leads us to the River Vez to be dazzled by a magnificent riverside forest. The initial path of this trail leads us to the banks of the River Vez. After crossing the bridge over the river and walking along the Vez ecovia walkway on the way to the chapel of Srº dos Aflitos, we return to Sistelo along stone paths moulded by traditional ox carts. Among the river scents, the croaking of amphibians and the songs of river birds, the biodiversity hidden in the amial is revealed. Here and there the gilbardeiras attract attention with their red berries. Once we have crossed the river and travelled along the walkway, the path is shaded by alvarinho oak trees, taking us to one of the points where the grandeur of the landscape is breathtaking - the Estrica viewpoint. Here the view over the valley is unique. The terraces between Sistelo and Padrão hold your gaze in astonishing beauty.

Points of interest: Sistelo Castle House, Estrica Viewpoint, River Beach, bridges over the River Vez, rural landscapes, Sistelo terraces.

Estimated time for the start of the walk: 15h30
Level of difficulty of the route: 3.5 (Scale from 1 to 5)
Route length: 8 kilometres
Expected duration: 3h30

14h15 - Guided tour of Paço de Giela

Paço de Giela

O Paço de Giela is a remarkable example of medieval and modern private civil architecture, considered one of the most important National Monuments and classified as such in 1910.

Its origins are deeply linked to the formation of the important "Terra de Valdevez". The construction of Giela's "tower-house" marks a new moment of protection and manorial and royal dominion over the region, and the building stands out for its profound originality and importance. Today, the medieval tower is visible, as well as the residential body, with "Manueline" windows and a fortified entrance, mostly built in the 16th century. The tower was probably built in the middle of the 14th century, replacing a small tower abandoned in the 11th century and corresponding to a phase of occupation with a strong medieval influence and the vigour of castles.

The tower is the element that integrates a museum space, incorporating three floors dedicated respectively to the archaeology and human occupation of the municipality over the last millennia, the evolution and history of the monument itself, as well as the important moment linked to the formation of Portugal, the so-called “Recontro de Valdevez”, which took place in 1141 and pitted Afonso Henriques against his cousin Afonso VII of León and Castile.

- Vez River Walkways and Ecovia - Sistelo Village - Estrica Viewpoint - Poço das Caldeiras River Beach - Vilela Bridge - Sistelo Castle House - Sistelo Granaries and Mother Church - Sistelo Terraces and Brandas - Chã da Armada Viewpoint - Padrão Village, Padrão Chapel and Cross, Woods and Waterfalls - Arcos de Valdevez - Guided Tour of the Paço de Giela - Natural landscapes of great beauty -