Portugal

To get a full refund, cancellation must be no less than 8 days before the local start time of the experience.

If traveler cancels their booking from 7 to 0 days before the local start time of the experience, no refund is provided.

This immersive day trip from Porto invites you into the heart of Terra de Miranda, a culturally rich and ecologically pristine region in Northeast Portugal. Guided by a naturalist photographer and a cultural researcher, you'll explore ancient chestnut groves, oak and holm oak forests, and panoramic viewpoints overlooking the Serra da Nogueira and the Spanish mountains of Sanabria and Culebra. 

The program changes with the season but may include swimming in rivers and natural pools during summer, autumn forest walks, and winter snowshoeing. Along the way, you'll encounter local wildlife such as roe deer and wild boar, and witness traditional practices like bagpipe music and the Pauliteiros stick dance before your scenic ride back to Porto.

This journey offers an authentic immersion into the living traditions and natural splendor of Terra de Miranda. You'll engage directly with local artisans, witnessing the crafting of wooden carnival masks and the rehearsal of traditional dances accompanied by the gaita mirandesa, a unique bagpipe recognized by the Portuguese Ministry of Culture.

The experience is enriched by the expertise of your hosts: Alexandra Melo, who has dedicated nearly two decades to preserving inland Portuguese crafts, and António Sá, a seasoned naturalist and photographer with deep roots in the region (whose photos illustrate this experience). Their insights provide a profound connection to the land's heritage, ensuring a meaningful and respectful exploration of this untouched corner of Portugal, home to the country's second official language, Mirandese.

A guided walk through centuries-old chestnut, oak, and holm oak forests, identifying roe deer tracks, wild boar wallows, and learning about the local ecosystem.

Led by a professional naturalist who grew up exploring these forests, offering a rare, authentic insight into local biodiversity.

Guided walk through ancient forests to observe local wildlife and flora.

Forest Exploration & Wildlife 

Departure from central Porto with private transport, heading into the remote landscapes of Northeast Portugal.

The drive introduces you to the transition from bustling city life to the peaceful rhythm of one of Portugal’s most untouched regions.

Private transport from Porto into the heart of Terra de Miranda.


Porto to Terra de Miranda

Enjoy a traditional Mirandese lunch, featuring dishes like posta mirandesa (grilled beef), local beans, seasonal vegetables, and homemade desserts. The meal is served in a cozy, family-run spot where the focus is on local flavor and hospitality.

This is an introduction to the region’s food culture through recipes passed down through generations and prepared with ingredients sourced from nearby farms. Beyond the meal, you'll engage in conversations about local customs, food traditions, and daily life.

Share a regional meal prepared with local ingredients in a family-run setting.

Traditional Lunch

Attend a local rehearsal of the Pauliteiros de Miranda, featuring vibrant stick dancing and traditional bagpipe music.

This direct, behind-the-scenes access to a living cultural heritage is rarely available to visitors.

Experience the rehearsal of the traditional Pauliteiros stick dance.

Pauliteiros Dance Rehearsal

Relaxed return trip back to Porto with private transport.

An opportunity to reflect on the experience while crossing some of Portugal’s most beautiful and remote countryside.

Private return transport to Porto after an unforgettable immersion in Terra de Miranda.

Return Transport to Porto

Visit a local workshop where colorful wooden masks are meticulously carved for Carnival celebrations.

A chance to interact directly with master artisans preserving one of Portugal's rarest cultural crafts.

Discover the craft of traditional wooden carnival masks with a local artisan.

Artisanal Mask Workshop Visit

Day Trip from Porto to Terra de Miranda: Explore folk dancing, masks, wildlife & nature photography.

The per person price of this experience assumes a minimum number of participants to cover base costs and logistics. The supplemental fee enables us to maintain quality and exclusivity for your smaller than minimum group

The Wild Northeast

Guided exploration of chestnut groves, oak and holm oak forests in Miranda do Douro & surrounding areas.

Seasonal outdoor activities such as river swimming (summer), autumn forest walks, or winter snowshoeing.

Wildlife observation of species like roe deer and wild boar.

Cultural encounters including traditional bagpipe music and the Pauliteiros stick dance.

Regional lunch featuring local Mirandese cuisine.

Pick-up from Porto and transportation throughout.

Comprehensive insurance coverage.

Comfortable walking shoes suitable for forest trails and uneven terrain
Layered clothing to adapt to seasonal changes (warm layers for autumn and winter; light clothing for summer)
Waterproof jacket, especially in the autumn and winter months
Hat, sunglasses, and sunscreen for sun protection
Reusable water bottle
Camera or smartphone for photography (optional: binoculars for wildlife observation)
Small backpack for carrying personal items during excursions

You will be picked up from your hotel or accommodation in Porto. After booking, chat with Alexandra to share your accommodation details.

Alexandra Melo is a former journalist turned entrepreneur, dedicating the past 18 years to researching and preserving genuine Portuguese crafts and traditions, particularly in inland Portugal. Her deep understanding of the region's cultural heritage enriches the experience with authentic insights.​

António Sá is a naturalist, freelance reporter, and photography instructor with a lifelong connection to the Bragança region. His expertise in nature and storytelling offers participants a profound appreciation of the local environment and its narratives.​