The trail starts at the village of Castelo Melhor, next to the Côa Valley Archaeological Park reception centre. The trail follows walled roads among olive groves and vineyards. It is possible to access the São Gabriel chapel on an unmarked detour, from where panoramic views of the entire Côa river valley can be enjoyed. The trail continues towards the north through areas of pasture land and old farming areas, passing through the village of Orval. At this point, alongside the EN222 there is a MTB/Horse riding detour from the GRVC, with ends marked (Orval MTB/Equestrian detour). The GRVC continues towards the mouth of the river Côa, through extensive areas of vineyards, before embarking on a zig zag descent along a footpath as far as the railway bridge over the river Côa.
From here it is possible to access an unmarked detour to visit the mouth of the river Côa, where the Côa flows into the Douro, and the railway bridge that crosses it. The GRVC crosses the river on the road bridge (EN222) before turning off the road at the first curve and climbing towards Vale do Porno, joining an old walled road. At this point, alongside the EN222 there is a MTB/Horse riding detour from the GRVC, with ends marked (Côa Museum MTB/Equestrian detour). After reaching the top of the slope, the route follows the road as far as the Côa Museum.
