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The twelve Historical Villages of Portugal, situated in the central region of the country, are remarkable for their rich histories, distinct traditions, and captivating charms. Each village has its own unique character, yet they all share a common thread of historical significance and cultural heritage.
Exploring these villages provides a journey through time, where history, tradition, and natural beauty converge to create an unforgettable experience.
Itineraries
Day 1
PORTO AIRPORT - VISEU
Welcome by guide and group transfer to your hotel. Check in and rest of day free at leisure.
Dinner and overnight in a hotel.
Stay: Hotel Grão Vasco 4*, Viseu or similar
Day 2
VISEU – POVOLIDE - LINHARES DA BEIRA – CELORICO DA BEIRA – SERRA DA ESTRELA
After a hearty breakfast at the hotel, participate in a Cheese Making Experience at a Quinta. With over eight centuries of history, this cheese is a cultural and culinary landmark in Portugal. You will visit a traditional Quinta (farm) where you will learn the traditional methods of making Serra da Estrela cheese. After the lesson, enjoy a coffee break featuring a cheese board with freshly made Serra da Estrela cheese, accompanied by bread, coffee, and tea.
After lunch, drive to the small but beautiful village of Linhares da Beira. Take a stroll in the village with a harmonious urban complex where simple granite houses coexist with manor houses that preserve signs of ancient nobility. Discover many 18th-century windows and other architectural details as you stroll through the village. The walk surrounding the village is topped off by visiting the vigorous castle that crowns the village. The castle follows the geology of the land on a huge rocky hill, offering spectacular panoramic views of the surrounding landscape. Return to hotel in the evening.
Stay: Hotel Pousada Serra da Estrela 4*, Serra da Estrela
[Difficulty: 3 (scale 1 to 5) About 4 kms Time average: 1-.15h]
Day 3
SERRA DA ESTRELA – PIODAO – CHÃS D’ÉGUA – FOZ D’ÉGUA – SERRA DA ESTRELA
After breakfast, depart for the mountain village of Piodão. Explore the charming village of Piodão, known for its unique architecture. The hallmark of this village is schist, an abundant material in the region, used in the construction of houses and street floors. Wander through the narrow, winding streets, taking in the atmosphere and capturing beautiful photos of this one-of-a-kind village.
After lunch, depart for the nearby villages of Chãs d’Égua and Foz d’Égua. Discover the rural mountain village of Chãs d’Égua, known for its typical schist and slate houses. The village is surrounded by picturesque nature, providing a serene and peaceful atmosphere. Continue to Foz d’Égua, another charming village with a similar rural mountain appearance. Enjoy the natural beauty, rich in species of fauna and flora, that thrive in this almost pristine environment. After exploring Chãs d’Égua and Foz d’Égua, return to the hotel.
Stay: Hotel Pousada Serra da Estrela 4*, Serra da Estrela
[Difficulty: 3.5 (scale 1 to 5) About 10 kms Time average: 3-3.5h]
Day 4
SERRA DA ESTRELA – SEIA – MARIALVA - MÊDA-LONGROIVA
After breakfast, start your morning with a visit to the Bread Museum, the largest complex dedicated to bread in the world. Learn about the history and cultural significance of bread in Portugal, including traditional baking techniques and varieties of Portuguese bread. After the museum visit, drive to the village of Marialva, a village with ancient roots and a notable military history from the Middle Ages. Walk through the village and explore its historical landmarks, including the impressive castle. Begin your trail walk from Marialva to Meda, enjoying the picturesque landscapes and natural beauty along the way. Continue your walk to Longroiva, a small village with only 218 inhabitants. Appreciate the tranquility and rural charm of this peaceful village. Enjoy a packed lunch during the trail, providing nourishment as you walk through the scenic countryside. After the walk, transfer to your hotel for dinner and rest.
Stay: Hotel Rural de Longroiva 4*, Longroiva
[Difficulty: 3.5 (scale 1 to 5) About 14 kms Time average: 5-5.5h]
Day 5
LONGROIVA-CASTELO RODRIGO-LONGROIVA
After breakfast, drive to the historical village of Castelo Rodrigo - the center of local power for over 600 years and a scene of major historical events. It was also an important crossing point for pilgrims on their way to Santiago de Compostela. Enjoy a guided tour of the historic center of Castelo Rodrigo, exploring its medieval streets, ancient walls, and historical landmarks.
After lunch, start the trail “Conquista da Marofa,” a scenic and historically rich hike that offers beautiful views and a connection to the natural surroundings. After hike, return to hotel for dinner and experience a relaxing massage (not included) to unwind and rejuvenate from the past days of exploration.
Stay: Hotel Rural de Longroiva 4*, Longroiva
[Difficulty: 3.5 (scale 1 to 5) About 11 kms Time average: 3.5h]
Day 6
LONGROIVA – CASTELO MENDO – CASTELO BOM – GUARDA
After breakfast, drive to the historical village of Castelo Mendo. Due to its border location, Castelo Mendo's history is deeply linked to military defense and the consolidation of national territory. The village was rebuilt and expanded after falling into ruins due to barbarian and Muslim invasions. Start your circular trail, beginning and ending in Castelo Mendo. Explore the village's historical landmarks, fortified walls, and charming streets as you hike through the surrounding scenic landscapes. After lunch at a Local Restaurant, drive to the beautiful village of Castelo Bom, which has a small population of only 216 inhabitants. Explore its charming streets, historical buildings, and soak in the tranquil atmosphere. After visiting Castelo Bom, return to the hotel. Enjoy some free time to rest and relax at the hotel.
Stay: Hotel Lusitania 4*, Guarda
[Difficulty: 2 (scale 1 to 5) About 6 kms Time average: 2h]
Day 7
GUARDA – SABUGAL - GUARDA
After breakfast, depart from the hotel and drive to the village of Sabugal. Explore Sabugal's medieval castle, which stands on a small plateau in the Malcata mountain range. Learn about its historical significance and enjoy the panoramic views from the castle grounds. Visit the local museum dedicated to the study and dissemination of the history, culture, and heritage of Sabugal. The museum offers insightful exhibits that enhance your understanding of the village's past.
After lunch, start the trail that begins and ends in Sabugal, next to the Coa river. Walk through oak and pine forests, enjoying the magnificent panoramic views over the valley. The trail borders the river and is covered by a lush forest of huge ash, alder, willow, oak, and chestnut trees. Admire the abandoned dams and mills, and keep an eye out for otters playing or mallard ducks fluttering by. The trail offers a peaceful and scenic journey through nature. After the trail, return to hotel.
Stay: Hotel Lusitania 4*, Guarda
[Difficulty: 3 (scale 1 to 5) About 10 kms Time average: 3.5h]
Day 8
GUARDA – SORTELHA – BELMONTE - GUARDA
After breakfast, depart from the hotel and drive to the historic village of Sortelha, one of the most beautiful and well-preserved historic villages in Portugal. Explore its charming stone houses, which look like something out of a fairy tale, and admire the curious granite formations. After lunch, drive to Belmonte, the birthplace of Pedro Álvares Cabral, credited as the discoverer of Brazil. Visit the 15th-century castle of Belmonte, which offers historical insights and panoramic views. The castle was also a place of refuge for a Jewish community that settled in the area. Explore the Jewish heritage of Belmonte, including a visit to the Synagogue, the Jewish quarter, and the Jewish museum. Learn about the legacy and history of the Jewish community in the region. After visiting Belmonte, return to the hotel for some relaxation.
Stay: Hotel Lusitania 4*, Guarda
[Difficulty: 3 (scale 1 to 5) About 9 kms Time average: 3h]
Day 9
GUARDA – ALPEDRINHA – CASTELO NOVO – IDANHA-A-NOVA
After breakfast, depart from the hotel and drive to the village of Alpedrinha, on the southern slope of Serra da Gardunha, known for its picturesque landscapes and pure air. Explore the village, once known as Petratinia to the Romans. Discover the mysterious tunnel that begins in one of the streets, its excavation avoided due to the risk to surrounding houses. After lunch, continue to Castelo Novo, surrounded by a mystical landscape and boasts over 800 years of history. Situated in a natural amphitheater of Serra da Gardunha, the village offers breathtaking views and serene surroundings. After completing the walk and exploring Castelo Novo, return to the hotel.
Stay: Hotel Estrela da Idanha 3*, Idanha-a-Nova
[Difficulty: 3.5 (scale 1 to 5) About 12 kms Time average: 4.5h]
Day 10
IDANHA-A-NOVA-MONSANTO – IDANHA-A-VELHA – IDANHA-A-NOVA
After breakfast, drive to Monsanto, known as "the most Portuguese village in Portugal." Explore Monsanto, where traces of Arab and Visigothic presence can still be found. The village, nestled on "Monte Santo," was once home to Fernando Namora, a renowned doctor and writer. After lunch, continue your journey to Idanha-a-Velha, known as Civitas Aegitidanorum, is a famous Roman city and a significant archaeological site. Explore the Templar works and other traces that denote the influence of different civilizations throughout the village's history in the Beira Baixa region. After exploring Idanha-a-Velha, return to the hotel.
Stay: Hotel Estrela da Idanha 3*, Idanha-a-Nova
[Difficulty: 3 (scale 1 to 5) About 11 kms Time average: 3.5h]
Day 11
IDANHA-A-NOVA – ALPIARÇA – LISBON
After breakfast, drive to Alpiarç and explore a Quinta (estate), dating back to the 12th century. Learn about the vineyard's history and the winemaking process. Enjoy a wine tasting session at the Quinta, sampling national and international grape varieties produced by their winemaker. Indulge in a lunch paired with wines from the estate, savoring local flavors and dishes. After lunch and the vineyard visit, continue your journey to Lisbon.
Upon arrival in Lisbon, enjoy leisure time in the afternoon to explore the city at your own pace. You might visit local attractions, stroll through charming neighborhoods, or relax at a café.
In the evening, dinner in the hotel.
Stay: Hotel Zenit 4*, Lisboa
Day 12
Depart LISBON
After breakfast, check our and transfer to airport.
Hotel IN DOUBLE ROOM (subject to availability):
Hotel Grão Vasco 4*, ViseuHotel Pousada Serra da Estrela 4*, Serra da Estrela
Hotel Rural de Longroiva 4*, Longroiva
Hotel Lusitania 4*, Guarda
Hotel Estrela da Idanha 3*, Idanha-a-Nova
Hotel Zenit 4*, Lisboa- Meals:
- Half Board from the dinner of the 1st day till breakfast of the 12th day in 3* and 4* hotels
- 8 Lunches in local restaurants
- 1 lunch box
- 1 Lunch in a Quinta in Alpiarça
- Coffee with meals
- Local Tourism Bus according to the program
- English speaking tour guide according to the program
- Trail guide for the walking trails
- Audio Guides (Mandatory) according to the program
- Entrance fees according to the program:
✓ Bread Museum, Seia
✓ Museum of the city, Sabugal
✓ Castle, Belmonte
✓ Jewish Museum, Belmonte - Visits and tastings according to the program
✓ Serra da Estrela Cheese lesson, Povolide - Local Phone assistance 24h /24h.
- Local City Taxes
- A Singapore Tour Leader
- Return flights
- The insurance
- The drinks not mentioned
- Personal expenses
- Anything not listed in “Prices include”
- Additional nights in Porto or Lisbon: on request
- Visits and transfers not planned in the program
- Tips
No Details Found
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