After meeting your guide at a central location in the morning, you will head out for Barcelos. This city, located in the Braga District, was originally a Roman settlement, then became the seat of the first Duke of Braganca. The Duke's palace was partially destroyed in an earthquake in 1755 and is now an open-air museum. Its claim to fame is the Galo de Barcelos, or Rooster of Barcelos. Legend has it that a rich man threw a party and when it was over, he noticed that his silver cutlery was missing. He accused a pilgrim who was put before a judge. The judge was eating a roasted rooster and was about to sentence him when the pilgrim said, "If I am innocent, this rooster will crow three times." As he was about to be lynched, a rooster crowed and the pilgrim was released.
The only national park in Portugal, Peneda-Gerês National Park, covers over 270 square miles. This park has so much to offer, from its history of human presence dating back to at least 3000 BC, to its breathtaking scenery, rivers and waterfalls.
Tour through Ponte de Lima, named after the long, medieval bridge that spans the Lima River which runs next to the town. This small village was founded on March 4, 1125 AD. During your day, you will stop for lunch at a local restaurant.
