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Rally Portugal is much more than simply sailing between interesting ports; we take the ralliers on a whole journey of discovery through Iberian history, visiting some of the most interesting and picturesque locations in a series of day tours from our stopover ports.
We have the longest stopover in Bayona, allowing ralliers to recover from their Biscay crossing and to relax into the cruising lifestyle. From Bayona we visit the UNESCO World Heritage city of Santiago de Composela, famous for being the destination of the Camino de Santiago (Way of St James) pilgrimage route since the 9th century. You can read more about Santiago here.
 Also from Bayona we offer an optional tour to visit the Terras Gauda Vineyards (left), home of Galicia's albarino wines. Up in the mountains the ralliers can enjoy a short country walk to take in some green views after all the waves of Biscay, before returning to Bayona via the Molinos de Folon, historic water mills.
Our first Portuguese port is Povoa de Varzim, from where we visit Porto, and take a tour (and tasting!) in the Taylor Fladgate port wine lodge. Read more about port here. Also in Povoa we take a tour to the UNESCO World Heritage city, and European City of Culture 2012, Guimaraes. On the return we may be able to visit one of the region's traditional rug factories; this proved very popular last year, with many boats boasting saloon rugs!
In Figueira da Foz we take a tour to the university city of Coimbra, and visit the beautifully-decorated University library. Coimbra is famous for its medieval fayre, but sadly the dates don't coincide for our visit in 2012. On the return we will take a look at the 11th century Montemor castle.
From Peniche we recommend that crews take a bus into the walled city of Obidos to enjoy the Gothic, Renaissance and Baroque buildings.
A guided tour is on offer in Oeiras, taking the group by bus and on foot to see the local sights, including the Barcarena gunpowder factory, which is now a historic site.
 An optional tour will take the ralliers out of the town to the hill-top city of Sintra and a visit to the Royal Palace perched high on the maintain ridge. One the return the bus will take the coast road to Cascais.
Also during our time in Oeiras the more artistic crews have the opportunity to redecorate the harbour walls, with the blessing of the marina manager, who provides paints for the crews to paint their boat logos and names.
A leisurely stroll through Sines with enthusiastic guide Maria will bring out the town's history, before ending-up at the fort for the morning's prize giving.
Lastly, crews can take a stroll through Lagos using our self guided tour planner.
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