This tour is a perfect blend of natural beauty, historical landmarks, geological wonders and culinary delights.
We start the trip by visiting Ponte Arouca 516, the longest pedestrian suspension bridge in the world that spans more than 500 meters and offers breathtaking views over the Paiva River and the surrounding landscape.
Next, we explore Passadiços do Paiva, an 8km wooden boardwalk that follows the river and offers stunning views of the landscape, and an opportunity to spot wildlife.
Then we visit the Convent of Arouca, a well-preserved Romanesque architecture that reflects the rich history of the city or for those interested in geology, we can head to the Arouca Geopark, where we can explore geological wonders such as waterfalls, rock formations and caves.
Finally, we delight in the traditional cuisine of the region, with its generous stews, grilled meats and sweets.
Posted By : Diane_R
This was a wonderful day in Arouca! Our tour guide, Ricardo, was so friendly and knowledgeable. We started our day with a hike along the Passadicos do Paiva, followed by the Arouca suspension bridge. After our 7k hike, we had lunch at a local restaurant and finished the day at the monastery in Arouca. The boardwalk along the Paiva River was absolutely beautiful. There are spots where you can stop and swim, and if we were to come back, we would take advantage. The suspension bridge is breathtaking. Lunch was delicious, and the monastery was an unexpected surprise. It is full of beautiful antiquities and art, some dating back to the 14th century. For those thinking about booking this, don’t hesitate. We wound up hiking the boardwalk in the direction that resulted in 550 steps up at the end. I would recommend making sure you confirm with your tour guide ahead of time which direction you would prefer. If you start at the bridge there is a short boardwalk up, but you would then take the 550 steps down instead of up. We were went with three teenagers and they all loved the day - even the monastery. A great day!! You will not be disappointed!
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Posted On : 2024-06-23 19:57:31 
Posted By : Grisel_S
What a beautiful experience. This tour provided amazing views of nature while hiking a nice path, an opportunity to see an engineering wonder, visit a historic convent, and to try some great food. Carlos was a great tour guide who took care of all of our needs.
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Posted On : 2023-09-01 06:34:31
Posted By : 890wl
We had a wonderful day tour of Arouca region. Carlos our guide, picked us at our hotel in Porto. We started off with the Arouca 516 bridge crossing on a beautiful morning and made our way through the Paiva walkway alongside the river Paiva to Vau. Thereafter we went for a lunch at the village of Alvarenga, the beef tasted exquisite. After lunch , Carlos drove us around the surrounding area and we headed to Arouca where we had a tea break. We then headed back to Porto city where the tour concludes. There are a lot of things to do, and I recommend this tour company. Carlos is very accommodating and you can discuss routes and interests with him to tailor to your preference. An excellent and enjoyable day - we wish we had more time. Thank you very much!
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Posted On : 2023-04-13 15:18:25 
Posted By : Brothan
Excellent private tour. Ricardo was the BEST tour guide. He is personable, helpful, very customer conscious. He shared his knowledge, made sure we were comfortable and having a wonderful time. Lunch was also excellent, along with the best wine. We had a lovely time!!!! Thanks Ricardo!
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Posted On : 2022-09-14 19:33:09
Posted By : L9856RCosamaa
The hike was beautiful and its worth seeing. But be prepared to walk 9km and see fantastic views. Also our tour guide dropped us off the starting location and was there to greet us at the end of the hike
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Posted On : 2022-07-08 06:28:22
Posted By : Walkabout1378
I was happy to have found Endless Weekend Tours for my non standard tours, for my time, before going on the Douro River cruise.
With Carlos, the Manager, together we discussed the routing, places I wanted to see and places he highly recommended of not being missed out.
The day we left, luckily only with a big of fog, which later turned to blue sky and sunshine.
Sceneries driving through the Sierra of Freita was just amazing. Small villages, country sites with hardly any people or tourists, small roads up and downhill. Very glad having had a good driver like Carlos. Some spots would have been a bit scary if being afraid of the height. But got to Arouca safely.
I can highly recommend this company for individual tours and I assume, that even the standard tours are great.
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Posted On : 2021-11-13 03:41:24
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