The Enchanting North of Portugal
A week at a 16th-century estate overlooking the Atlantic, timed to coincide with the Romaria de Nossa Senhora da Agonia — one of Portugal's most celebrated festivals, held in Viana do Castelo since 1772.
A week in the heart of northern Portugal where history, nature, and living tradition come together in one unforgettable place.
Key highlights
- A stay at Quinta da Boa Viagem, a 16th-century estate overlooking the Atlantic Ocean, founded by King Manuel I of Portugal.
- The Romaria de Nossa Senhora da Agonia in Viana do Castelo — salt carpet processions, a women's parade in traditional costume, and fireworks over the Lima River.
- Vinho verde tasting at Paço de Calheiros, hosted by Count Francisco de Calheiros.
- Excursion to Ponte de Lima — the oldest town in Portugal — and the Peneda-Gerês National Park.
- An intimate group of up to 15 guests — one week, one estate, one extraordinary region.
Why this retreat
Northern Portugal is one of the most beautiful and least-discovered parts of the country — green valleys, medieval towns, and an Atlantic coastline that takes your breath away.
Our base for the week is Quinta da Boa Viagem, a historic estate with a story stretching back to the early 16th century, when it was founded by King Manuel I of Portugal. From the terrace, you look out over the Atlantic. The gardens, the pool, the slow rhythm of the place — it all invites you to simply be here.
The timing of this retreat is intentional. We arrive during the Romaria de Nossa Senhora da Agonia, one of the most important and joyful festivals in Portugal, celebrated in nearby Viana do Castelo without interruption since 1772. Salt carpets laid by hand in the streets of the old town, a solemn procession of women in traditional costumes carrying filigree jewelry passed down through generations — and fireworks over the Lima River that thousands gather to watch. This is living Portuguese culture, and we will be right in the middle of it.
This journey is yours if...
- You want to experience Portugal beyond the tourist trail — its history, culture, and living traditions.
- You're drawn to beautiful, carefully chosen places with a genuine sense of history.
- You appreciate outstanding food, good wine, and meaningful encounters.
- You want every detail taken care of, with space to simply enjoy the experience.
Where you'll stay
Quinta da Boa Viagem, northern Portugal
A 16th-century estate overlooking the Atlantic Ocean. Comfortable cottages and apartments with twin bedrooms, a private bathroom, a kitchen, and access to the garden swimming pool.
Single cottage supplement: on request
The Enchanting North of Portugal
Deposit: €300 · due within 72 hours of booking
Balance: remaining amount · due 60 days before departure
What's included
Getting There & Around
- Transfer from Porto Airport (August 18)
- Transfer to Porto Airport (August 25)
- All transfers to beaches, excursions, and festival events
Where You Sleep & Eat
- 7 nights in estate cottages/apartments (twin bedrooms, private bathroom, kitchen, pool access)
- 7 breakfasts
- 7 dinners (August 18–24)
Experiences & Guidance
- Vinho verde tasting at Paço de Calheiros, hosted by Count Francisco de Calheiros
- Professional guidance throughout the entire stay by Marta Sagatowska
- Mandatory tour operator liability insurance
- Contribution to the Portuguese Travel Guarantee Fund (FGVT)
Price doesn't include:
Flights · Personal travel insurance (medical and accident) · Personal expenses and shopping
Practical information
- Location: Quinta da Boa Viagem, northern Portugal
- Starting point: Porto Airport (August 18, 2:30 PM)
- End point: Porto Airport (August 25)
- Fitness level: Light. Leisurely walks and excursions. No athletic experience required.
- Language: English, Portuguese or Polish depending on group composition
- Your guide: Marta Sagatowska, founder of Pura Alma Travel
- Organizer: Pura Alma Travel (Portugal), Portuguese National Register of Tour Operators RNAVT 12841
- Insurance: Mandatory tour operator liability insurance included. Participants purchase their own medical and accident insurance in their country of residence.
What our travelers say
A week like this doesn't come around often. When it does, it stays with you.
We've designed this retreat around one of Portugal's most extraordinary moments — and one of its most beautiful regions. If you have any questions, Marta is happy to answer them personally.
FAQs
No. This is a cultural and leisure retreat with easy walks and excursions. Suitable for everyone.
You'll stay in private cottages and apartments at Quinta da Boa Viagem, a 16th-century estate overlooking the Atlantic Ocean. Each cottage includes twin bedrooms, a private bathroom, a kitchen, and access to the garden swimming pool.
Yes, a single room option is available. Please contact us for further details.
We meet at Porto Airport on August 18. There are direct LOT flights on the Warsaw–Porto route on both August 18 and August 25. There is also the possibility of arriving from other airports. We can adjust pick-up times from Porto Airport upon request — please contact us for details.
It is one of Portugal's most important and celebrated festivals, held in Viana do Castelo since 1772. Over the course of several days, the city comes alive with a women's procession in traditional costumes and filigree jewelry, salt carpets laid by hand in the streets of the old town, solemn religious processions, and fireworks over the Lima River.
Each trip is confirmed only once the minimum number of participants has been reached. As soon as this happens, you will receive an official confirmation, and from that moment you can proceed with purchasing your airline tickets independently.
If the minimum number of participants is not met, the trip will not take place and your deposit will be fully refunded.
Please note that participants should not purchase airline tickets before receiving confirmation that the trip is guaranteed to run.
We organize trips for small, intimate groups, with the option of individual bookings within the group. Our journeys are also a chance to meet new people and travel together.
Before departure, we provide full guidance on what to pack — from comfortable trekking shoes and light clothing for warm days to warmer layers for cool evenings. A detailed packing list is sent to all participants.
Yes. We reserve the right to make minor changes to the program or accommodation, for example for safety or participant comfort reasons. If a change is significant, we inform participants in advance.
Each trip page lists exactly what is included. In general, the price covers accommodation, breakfasts and dinners, guide support, transfers, and mandatory insurance. Flights to the meeting point are booked independently — this allows everyone to find the most convenient connection. We are always happy to help with flight selection, and can book tickets on your behalf if needed.
Every journey is prepared with great attention to detail — from accommodation and transport to the daily program and activities. Our trips are not just holidays; they are experiences: pilgrimages, coastal retreats, cultural stays, and far-reaching expeditions. We take care of everything so you can simply show up and be present.
Participants should have valid medical and accident insurance with them at all times. We provide full care and logistical support throughout the trip, along with safety guidance before departure.
The deposit is usually non-refundable. However, it is possible to transfer your booking to another person with the organizer's approval, provided the new participant's health condition allows them to take part in the trip.
As a licensed travel agency, we provide mandatory organizer's liability insurance. Participants are responsible for purchasing their own medical and accident insurance in their country of residence.
A deposit is required upon registration, with the remaining balance paid by specified deadlines. If you need an individual payment arrangement, please contact us.
Still have questions?
Not sure if this is the right trip for you? Marta is happy to answer any questions personally.
