Dinner and Field Trips
Farewell Dinner (June 25)
Dinner Venue: Círculo Universitário do Porto
Address: Rua do Campo Alegre, nº 877
4150-180 Porto
Field Trip (June 26) – 1 day
On Friday, June 26, 2026, several Field Trips options will be available, allowing participants to discover the diversity and distinctive beauty of some regions in Northern Portugal. Pre-registration is required, as it is not included in the registration fee for the 4th European Rural Geographies Conference.
(PRE-REGISTRATION: not included in the fee)
The participation cost for each visit is €65,00.
– Minimum number of participants – 30
– Maximum number of participants – 50
1 – Please note that the arrival time is approximate and not guaranteed, as it depends on traffic or unforeseen circumstances during the return journey.
2 – Tours will only take place with a minimum of 30 and a maximum of 50 participants.
3 – Your tour booking is only confirmed once payment has been received.
Field Trip 1:
Douro Demarcated Region (Lamego)
Field Trip 2:
Guimarães / Fafe
Field Trip 3:
Viana do Castelo
Field Trip 4:
Ponte de Lima
Field Trip 1: Douro Demarcated Region (Lamego)
Between terraces and history: landscape, heritage and wines in the Douro Demarcated Region (Baixo Corgo – Lower Corgo)
Coordination:
Helena Pina (CEGOT, Faculty of Arts and Humanities, University of Porto)
Itinerary:
Description:
The Douro Demarcated Region (RDD), one of the most prestigious wine regions in the world, is located in north-eastern Portugal, in the valley of the Douro River and its main tributaries. Institutionalised in 1756, during the period of the Marquis of Pombal, the RDD was the first region to be demarcated and regulated on a global scale. Covering around 250,000 hectares, 40,000 of which are occupied by continuous vineyards, it is divided into three distinct sub-regions in terms of geomorphology, soils and climate, differences that are reflected, of , in the type and quality of the wines produced: DOCs, obviously Port Wine, in addition to sparkling wines.
The Douro landscape is undoubtedly a stunning, magnificent setting, marked by a long history that is reflected in an unmistakable landscape, where the mixture of different types of terraces is unmistakable (including traditional terraces, high vineyards and terraced vineyards). Here, there is a marked division of properties, usually delimited by olive trees, portraying a harmonious interaction between human work and nature. This combination led UNESCO to classify the Alto Douro Wine Region (24,600 ha) as a World Heritage Site in 2001, in the category of Evolving and Living Cultural Landscape.
Photo 1 – Typical landscape of the Lower Corgo region of the Douro. (Source: photo by the author, 2025)
In addition to its economic and wine-growing importance, the RDD is home to a superb and diverse architectural, historical and cultural heritage, reflected in the farms, manor houses, churches and urban centres, which bear witness to centuries of wine-growing activity inextricably linked to trade. Centres such as Peso da Régua and the city of Lamego, in addition to the countless farms and their respective manor houses, are illustrative examples of this emblematic Douro heritage. This is the case of Quinta da Pacheca (75 ha), located in Baixo Corgo, one of the oldest and most prestigious, whose history dates back to the 18th century. Today, the estate perfectly combines traditional winegrowing with innovative, high-quality winemaking, as well as olive oil production and renowned wine tourism.
Photo 2 – Entrance to Quinta da Pacheca.
(Source: Quinta da Pacheca archive and website)
Photo 3 – Enjoy an overnight stay in a barrel surrounded by fantastic landscapes.
(Source: Quinta da Pacheca archive and website)
The city of Lamego stands out for its long history, as can be seen from the important role it played in the constitution of Portugal and its independence. In fact, in the 12th century, the first courts of the kingdom met here. With an enviable heritage, highlights include the Cathedral, the Castle and its Keep, and the Sanctuary of Nossa Senhora dos Remédios, built between the 18th and 19th centuries. This architectural ensemble, one of the most notable examples of Baroque religious art in the Douro region, is one of the icons of Lamego, a symbol of the identity of Lamego and the heritage of the Douro Demarcated Region!
This study visit to the Douro Region (Baixo Corgo) provides an understanding of the deep connection between landscape, heritage and wine, as well as the contemporary challenges related to the preservation, sustainability and revitalisation/enhancement of this unique territory, one of the symbols of Portuguese identity and excellence.
Photo 4 – Sanctuary of Nossa Senhora dos Remédios (night view).
(Source: Photo by Paulo Chaves – Facebook.com)
Field Trip 2: Guimarães / Fafe
From medieval origins to rural traditions: heritage, urban landscape and identity in Guimarães and Fafe
Coordination:
José Luís Braga (CIDI, European Institute of Higher Education of Fafe)
Itinerary:
08:00 AM – Porto (departure)
09:00 AM – Guimarães
Castle of Guimarães
Palace of the Dukes of Braganza
Praça de Santiago
Praça da Oliveira
Praça da Misericórdia
Praça do Toural
Church of São Francisco
Zona dos Couros (Leather Tanning District)
Vila Flor Palace and Gardens
01:00 PM – Lunch in Fafe
03:00 PM – Fafe
Golães Straw Museum (Museu da Palha de Golães)
Vinhos Norte (regional wine experience)
House of Penedo (Casa do Penedo)
06:00 PM – Return to Porto
08:00 PM – Arrival at Porto
Description:
Guimarães, often referred to as the “Cradle of Portugal”, plays a central role in the formation of Portuguese national identity. Its historic centre, classified as a UNESCO World Heritage Site in 2001, is an outstanding example of the preservation and evolution of a medieval town, where urban morphology, monuments and public spaces reflect centuries of political, social and cultural history. Key landmarks such as the Castle of Guimarães and the Palace of the Dukes of Braganza are closely linked to the origins of the Portuguese monarchy, while the city’s squares and religious buildings illustrate the vitality of civic and spiritual life over time.
Photo 1 – Castle of Guimarães (Source: Eixo Atlântico, 2024)
Photo 2 – Palace of the Dukes of Braganza (Source: Paço dos Duques, s.d.)
Beyond the monumental core, areas such as Zona dos Couros reveal Guimarães’ strong connection to traditional crafts and early industrial activities, particularly leather production, which shaped the local economy and urban fabric. Today, this area stands as a symbol of the city’s capacity to reinterpret its heritage through regeneration and cultural valorisation. The Vila Flor Palace and its surrounding gardens further highlight the dialogue between heritage, landscape and contemporary cultural uses.
The visit continues to Fafe, a territory marked by rural traditions and distinctive cultural expressions. The Golães Straw Museum preserves and promotes traditional craftsmanship associated with straw weaving, an important element of local identity and intangible heritage. The experience is complemented by an introduction to Vinhos Norte, representing the diversity and character of northern Portuguese wines, and by a visit to Casa do Penedo, an iconic example of vernacular architecture harmoniously integrated into the natural landscape.
Photo 3 – Winemaking Center of Vinhos Norte. (Source: Vinhos Norte, 2010)
Photo 4 – House of the Penedo
This field trip offers a comprehensive perspective on how history, heritage, craftsmanship and landscape contribute to the construction of r egional identities in northern Portugal, while also addressing contemporary challenges related to preservation, sustainability and cultural tourism.
Field Trip 3: Viana do Castelo
From medieval origins to rural traditions: heritage, urban landscape and identity in Guimarães and Fafe
Coordination:
Andreia Amorim Pereira (Municipality of Viana do Castelo)
Support:
Ricardo Carvalhido (Scientific Director of the Aspiring Litoral Geopark of Viana do Castelo)
José Paulo Vieira (Environment and Climate Change Division of the Municipality of Viana do Castelo)
Leontina Cardona and Guilherme Rodrigues (Tourism Unity of the Municipality of Viana do Castelo)
Itinerary:
08:00 AM – Porto (departure)
09:00 AM – Welcome Reception
Official greetings followed by a welcome coffee, featuring a tasting of certified Viana pastries at the Interpretive Center of the Portuguese Coastal Way.
09:30 AM – Historic Center Tour
Guided visit to the historic center of Viana do Castelo, including the Costume Museum.
11:00 AM – Reception at Arga Mountain Observatory
Hosted by the President of the São Lourenço da Montaria Parish Council and the team of the aspiring Viana do Castelo Geopark.
11:30 AM – Visit to Turf of Chãs de Arga
Explore this remarkable geosite within the Viana do Castelo Coastal Geopark.
01:00 PM – Lunch in Montaria Mountain Village
03:00 PM – Documentary Screening: “Fotografia Falada”
04:30 PM – Guided Walk on the Portuguese Coastal Way
Short interpretive walk between Carreço and Afife.
06:00 PM – Wine Tasting
Commented tasting featuring one or more local Viana producers.
07:00 PM – Return to Porto
08:00 PM – Arrival at Porto
Description:
The RuralGeo 2026 study visit in Viana do Castelo offers an integrated reading of a territory where long-term historical processes intersect with highly complex natural dynamics. Between the Atlantic coastline, the Lima River estuary, the agricultural mosaic of the Lima Valley and the granite plateaus of the Arga and Santa Luzia mountain ranges, a deeply human-shaped landscape emerges—yet one that remains structurally conditioned by geology, hydrology, and landform morphology.
The day’s itinerary symbolically follows this altitudinal and ecological transition—from the coast to the valley, and from there to the mountains—providing insight into how different natural systems have supported distinct patterns of human settlement and land use.
1. Historic Centre: Atlantic City, Trade and Pilgrimage
The visit begins at the Interpretive Centre of the Portuguese Coastal Way, housed in “Hospital Velho”, a former pilgrims’ hostel, and continues through Viana do Castelo’s historic centre. Located at the mouth of the Lima River, the city has been, since the Middle Ages, a key hub for trade, pilgrimage and Atlantic connections.
The Costume Museum highlights traditional clothing as an expression of rural society, agricultural economy and regional identity.
2. Lima Valley: Agriculture and River Landscapes
In the lower sector of the Lima River extends the Ribeira Lima, a vast alluvial plain sustaining a millennial agricultural landscape. The system of smallholdings and polyculture, structured upon fertile soils, remains a dominant feature.
The introduction of maize in the 16th century profoundly transformed this landscape, as recorded in the Parish Memories of 1758. The river also functioned as a transport route, enabling the flow of agricultural and fishing products.
Viticulture persists as a structuring element of the Lima Valley landscape. The traditional trellised vine system, delimiting agricultural fields, has evolved into modern training systems. Historic estates and manor houses such as Paço de Anha, Paço de Lanheses and Solar de Louredo stand out in wine production.
Ecologically, the valley is part of the Site of Community Importance and Special Area of Conservation of the Lima River, with riparian galleries and estuarine habitats of high biodiversity value.
3. Serra de Arga: Geology and Rural Settlement
The late morning leads to the village of Montaria, located on the southern slope of Serra de Arga. It develops between 300 and 400 metres in altitude, at the base of a steep escarpment that defines the central granitic massif. The deposition of sediments resulting from granite erosion creates soils suitable for agriculture, occupied by subsistence farming plots, often supported by terraces.
On the summit plateau (800 m), integrated into the Viana do Castelo Coastal Geopark, peat bogs and heathlands of probable periglacial origin constitute relevant palaeo-environmental records for understanding recent climatic fluctuations.
4. Memory and Lived Landscape
After lunch, the documentary “Fotografia Falada”, produced by AO NORTE, within the framework of the Affective Cartography of Montaria project, will be screened, introducing the intangible dimension of the landscape. Beyond geology, agriculture and history, the territory is also memory, narrative and shared identity.
5. From the Âncora Valley to the Northern Coast: A Dynamic Interface between Land and Sea
The descent from Montaria to the coast crosses the Âncora River valley, which rises in Serra de Arga at 805 metres altitude and flows into Vila Praia de Âncora after a 21 km course, marked by numerous waterfalls and cascades.
On the Atlantic coast, between the Lima estuary and the mouth of the Âncora River, sandy beaches, dune systems and granite cliffs stand out, particularly the Montedor sea cliff, a priority habitat within the Natura 2000 Network. Burial mounds, rock carvings, hillfort settlements, salt-production structures and modern fortifications such as the Fort of Santiago da Barra reveal a continuity of occupation since the Neolithic, associated with marine resources and Atlantic routes.
6. Portuguese Coastal Way – Carreço to Afife Section
In Viana do Castelo, the Camino de Santiago often follows the route of an ancient Roman road, later overlain by the modern “Royal Road”, crossing villages and agricultural areas. The section of the Portuguese Coastal Way between Carreço and Afife develops mainly along old rural paths, crossing cultivated fields, small forest patches and watercourses, with the Atlantic present on the horizon.
After leaving the city, in Areosa, the route passes near Quinta da Boa Viagem and enters a rural landscape structured by stone walls, narrow lanes and traditional paths. The passage through Carreço Parish Church and, in Afife, through São Roque Chapel and the
Cabanas Monastery, marks the continuity of a historical axis connecting spaces of worship, settlement and production.
Field Trip 4: Ponte de Lima
Discovering the Manor houses of Ponte de Lima and Vinho Verde vineyards
Coordination:
Cristiana Freitas (Ponte de Lima Municipal Council)
José Velho Dantas (Ponte de Lima Municipal Council)
Itinerary:
08:00 PM – Arrival at Porto
09:30 AM – Ponte de Lima
Visit to the historic centre of Ponte de Lima
Roman and Medieval bridge
11:00 AM – Água-Arriba boat trip (half the group, followed by a visit to the CIPVV)
11:00 AM – Vinho Verde Interpretation and Promotion Centre (CIPVV) (half the group, followed by Água-Arriba boat trip)
Visit to the exhibition
Tasting of Loureiro de Ponte de Lima Vinho Verde
01:00 PM – Lunch at Paço de Calheiros
02:30 PM – Visit to the estate: the owner will give a guided tour of Paço de Calheiros, the gardens, the agricultural areas comprising the vineyards, orchards and vegetable gardens, and the plant bed project – CIRQUA – Integrated Approaches at Local Scale for Enhancing Water Reuse Efficiency and Sustainable Soil Fertilisation from Nutrients Recovered from Wastewater – an international cooperation project involving universities in Turkey, Greece and Morocco, coordinated by CIIMAR.
06:00 PM – Visit to the International Garden Festival
07:00 PM – Return to Porto
08:00 PM – Arrival in Porto
Description:
Ponte de Lima, Portugal’s oldest town, celebrated in 2025 the 900th anniversary of the granting of its charter by Queen Teresa, who elevated the then ‘Lugar de Ponte’ to town status. Today, visiting Ponte de Lima is like travelling back in time, from the dawn of human civilisation to a vision of the future through a sustainable lens. Its age has endowed it with a unique character, reflected in its heritage and the legends it embodies. Bathed by the River Lima, once known as the ‘River of Oblivion’, the medieval architecture of the bridge, its towers and its historic centre are must-see landmarks.
It is currently one of the main tourist destinations in the north of the country, boasting a unique culinary tradition, notably the Ponte de Lima-style Sarrabulho rice and excellent Vinho Verde. The quality of its local produce, its manor houses and country estates, as well as its nature, equestrian and water-based tourism, have earned Ponte de Lima national and international renown.
Photo 1 – Views of the historic centre, the Roman and medieval bridge, and the International Garden Festival.
(Source: Ponte de Lima Municipal Council)
The Portuguese Way of St James, the Bertiandos and S. Pedro d’Arcos Lagoons Protected Area, and the Ponte de Lima International Garden Festival round off the superb range of experiences on offer in Ponte de Lima
Photo 2 – Arroz de Sarrabulho à Moda de Ponte de Lima, a dish certified as a Traditional Speciality Guaranteed (TSG) by the European Union.
Photo 3 – The Portuguese Way of St James, which passes through Ponte de Lima, has been travelled for several centuries.
The Água-arriba is a historic boat that used to ply the banks of the Lima; the origins of this vessel, which set sail from Ribeira Lima bound for the markets, are lost in the mists of time.
Photo 4 – Água-Arriba boat. A traditional vessel used on the River Lima to transport people, animals and goods.
These boats, which were among the most iconic working vessels on the River Lima, would leave their moorings at high tide, helmsman at the helm, so that they could make use of the current. The sail was used whenever the wind permitted. They measured between 12 and 15 metres, and their holds were filled with people, animals and goods.
The new “Água-arriba”, handcrafted using techniques passed down through generations, respects the tradition of materials and tools.
Ponte de Lima is widely recognised as the municipality with the highest number of manor houses and stately homes in Portugal, a legacy of the nobility’s power in the region between the 17th and 18th centuries. This concentration makes the region a hub for rural tourism.
Paço de Calheiros is an 18th-century manor house; the property has been in the family for 700 years and is open to guests as a rural tourism accommodation.
Photo 5 – Paço de Calheiros, an 18th-century manor house offering magnificent views over Ponte do Lima, with gardens listed as historic and Loureiro vineyards, where Vinho Verde is produced on the estate.