Viseu and Lamego: Land of Stories, Cuisine, and Nature

Located between the north and centre of Portugal, Viseu is one of the most emblematic cities in the country with more than 2,500 years of history.

Surrounded by mountains and rivers, it is an ideal destination for those who want to join nature and sample beautiful Dão wines in the same place.

We are talking about what was, in 1908, defined as the first demarcated region of non-liqueur wines in the country.

But more than history and tradition, this city is synonymous with innovation and quality of life.

In 2021, Viseu was even considered the best city in the country to live in, according to a study by DECO.

Less than an hour from Viseu is Lamego, a very old city with a history that is reached back to the time of Castreja and the Roman occupation.

Being so close to the banks of the Douro River, Lamego offers you a variety of tours on which you can admire the extensive valleys where port wine is made.

And what about your location? We lack the words to properly describe it. Maybe by the end of this tour, you will be able to help us finish this paragraph.

The perfect mixture of nature and excellent cuisine.

In 1935, Viseu came to be known as the “Garden City”.

Don't be surprised, therefore, when on this sightseeing tour you find yourself getting lost in so many charming gardens.

But Viseu does not just live on flower: the history of Portugal was also made here.

A visit to its various landmarks, such as the beautiful Cathedral, the churches, or the iconic squares, is enough to realize that Viseu played a crucial role in the history of the country.

Along the way, pass the Cava de Viriato, a fortress full of mysticism that you really must get to know.

It is a reminder of a glorious period of Lusitanian resistance to the Roman conquest, which was commanded by Viriato.

However, even today there are many unanswered questions about the construction of this fortress.

Can you unravel the mystery of the city of Viriato?

It is also here that you will find the largest fair in the region, the famous, centuries-old Feira de São Mateus*, whose origin dates back to the year 1392.

If you take this tour in August or September, you will have the opportunity to see one of the great markets of Portugal.

Along the streets of Viseu, overflowing with examples of Roman, medieval, and Jewish influence, you will find many secret places, rich in heritage and nature, and full of stories to tell.

Besides, this is a city where art is breathed into creation.

A visit to the Grão Vasco Museum, which has an impressive Romanesque and Baroque collection, is always a good idea.

You can also stroll through the main streets of the city and see the collections of urban art.

*In 2021 the Fair of St. Matthew was cancelled again due to the pandemic.

It's missing the wine... and food, of course.

Don't even think for a second that you're leaving Viseu without tasting the wines of the area.

Tour one of the main farms in the region, taste the famous dão wines, and hear the secrets of their tradition as told by the real experts.

When it comes to eating, notice Viseu has been one of the national destinations for gastronomy since 2019. The veal, the roast goat, the rancho à moda de viseu and carqueja rice delight all who pass through there.

If you like fish, try the cod à lagareiro or roasted octopus.

Whatever your choice, one thing is certain: you will leave the table with a smile on your face.

Finish lunch in style with a village-style sweet rice, curd pudding or the famous cavacas.

Lamego

Once you've got your energy back, it's time to leave for Lamego.

On arrival, we soon realize that this city has a long and marked connection to religion.

This influence is visible in the various monuments scattered throughout the city.

Pass through the Cathedral, by the Chapel of Pedro de Balsemão, by the Sanctuary of Our Lady of Remedies or by the Church of the Convent of Santa Cruz and discover some of the stories that are part of the histories of Viseu and Portugal.

We end with a guided tour of a winery in the Távora-Varosa region to taste the unmistakable sparkling wines.

These have been produced there since the seventeenth century, by the hands and techniques of the monks of Cistern, where fermentation is done in the bottle according to the traditional method.

A unique tour of one of the main regions of the country

This visit lasts approximately twelve hours. In it, you will stroll through cities and visit monuments with stories as old as the country itself, and you can try one of the best local cuisines in Portugal.

Of course, accompanied by the very best of wines.

Discover these two beautiful cities, right in the heart of Beira Alta.

Here, the doors are always open to those who arrive wanting to learn more about Portugal.

Talk to your family and arrange your tour now.