Portugal Historic Village Hiking Tour
Picturesque Trails from Lisbon to the Central Massif
- Available: April, May, June, August, September, October
- Activity: Level 3
- Accommodations: Comfortable Hotels
Highlights
- Marvel at stunning views from a mountaintop castle overlooking "the most Portuguese village in Portugal"
- Enjoy hikes through the Serra da Estrela National Park in the mountainous central massif
- Take a walking tour of Lisbon, with its Gothic cathedrals, majestic monasteries, and narrow lanes
Itinerary
Arrive in Lisbon
Day 1
Arrive at Lisbon Portela Airport in the morning and meet your MT Sobek representative, who will transfer you to the hotel. Enjoy some time to check in and freshen up before lunch, then take a walking tour through the old town of Lisbon, and the Mouraria and Alfama neighborhoods. Finish the first day with a festive welcome dinner at a local restaurant.
Accommodation: Lisbon Plaza Hotel
Accommodation: Iberostar Selection LisboaMeals: Lunch, Dinner
Journey to Salvaterra do Extremo & Hike to Monfortinho
Day 2
After a hearty breakfast, begin the journey inland to the small village of Salvaterra do Extremo, near the border of Spain, to begin today's hike on varied terrain along an ancient Roman road. Stroll around this charming place, a former stronghold used by the Romans and the Arabs, seeing traditional homes made of shale, the House of Sardoes (lizards), a moon-shaped well, the bell tower of Casa da Camara (complete with storks in the belfry!), and the cylindrical granite stiles. Continue on to Monfortinho, home for the next two nights.
Accommodation: Hotel Fonte Santa
Accommodation: Casa do CedroActivity: 4 hours/7.5 miles hiking with 954' elevation gain & 990' elevation loss
Transportation: 3-hour private van transfer
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Hike to the Villages of Idanha-a-Velha, Monsanto & Penha Garcia
Day 3
Hike through a dazzling landscape today, from village to village. Begin in Idanha-a-Velha, a former Roman settlement dating back to 16 A.D. Hike up to ancient Monsanto, "the most Portuguese village in Portugal," perched against the face of a rocky cliff where houses sit wedged between giant boulders. Hike up to the castle above it, for a picnic lunch and stunning panoramas. En route back, take a brief side hike to the village of Penha Garcia, with its labyrinth of streets winding among small, flower-covered houses. Hike back to Monfortinho for dinner.
Accommodation: Hotel Fonte Santa
Accommodation: Casa do CedroActivity: 5.5 hours/7.5 miles hiking with 1,795' elevation gain & 495' elevation loss
Transportation: 1-hour private van transfer
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Explore the Villages of Sortelha & Belmonte
Day 4
Leave Monfortinho after breakfast and head to the medieval village of Sortelha, with its walled fortress high atop a rocky promontory at 2,500 feet. Continue to Belmonte village, dominated by a 13th-century castle and a labyrinth of ancient alleyways that make up the old Jewish quarter; Belmonte is still home to the largest Jewish community in Portugal. Today ends at Penhas Douradas on the central high plains of Estrela Mountain.
Accommodation: Casa das Penhas Douradas
Activity: Three historic village walking tours
Transportation: 2.5-hour private van transfer
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Hike in Serra da Estrela Natural Park
Day 5
Today hike through the diverse landscapes of Penhas Douradas, a region of Serra da Estrela Natural Park marked by rocky outcrops, boulders and crags, several of which resemble human forms. The destination today is the dam of the Vale do Rossim, a picturesque lake with a small beach perfect for resting, soaking your feet, and enjoying a nice picnic. Then head back to the hotel, arriving in the late afternoon.
Accommodation: Casa das Penhas Douradas
Activity: 3 hours/5.5 miles hiking with 1,092' elevation gain & 1,046' elevation loss
Transportation: 1-hour private van transfer
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Visit the Village of Piodao & Arrive in Lousa
Day 6
Today leave Serra da Estrela behind, heading towards the small town of Lousa. En route, visit the photogenic village of Piodao, where cobblestone avenues lined with shale houses cascade down a gentle slope. With its white facades and cylindrical buttresses, a beautiful 19th-century church dedicated to Nossa Senhora da Conceicao stands out among the shale houses. Reach today's destination, the charming town of Lousa, in the late afternoon.
Accommodation: Octant Palacio da Lousa
Transportation: 2-hour private van transfer
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Leave Lousa & Enjoy Fado in Lisbon
Day 7
Start at the Castle of Arouce and hike on the magnificent Serra da Lousa trail, passing through villages seemingly lost in time. Wander through the winding alleyways of Talasnal and drink straight from the village's spring fountain. Continue across bridges and creeks and climb towards the village of Casal Novo, then catch amazing views of the valley and the castle. After lunch, return to Lisbon. Check in and head out for dinner in a casa de fado, a restaurant that features Portuguese fado music.
Accommodation: Lisbon Plaza Hotel
Accommodation: Iberostar Selection LisboaActivity: 3 hours/4 miles hiking with 1,607' elevation gain & loss
Transportation: 2.5-hour private van transfer
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Depart from Lisbon
Day 8
Enjoy breakfast before your guide assists with your airport transfer.
Meals: Breakfast
Why Travel With Us?
MT Sobek has been leading guests on spectacular routes through Europe for over 50 years and this unique hiking journey follows age-old paths through Portugal's most historic villages.
In 8 days you will enjoy a memorable and well-paced hiking tour through the Central Massif, plus time to explore Portugal's capital, Lisbon, and enjoy a fado dinner show.
Local expert guides lead you from one picture-perfect village to the next, providing insight into Portugal's people, culture, and heritage. Come away knowing the people as well as the place.
Dates & Prices
Price is per person, double occupancy in USD.
The earlier you book, the more choice of available dates you’ll have and once you book, your price is guaranteed.
Your Guides
The best people to immerse you in a destination are the ones who live there, which is why we feature local Adventure Guides on our trips. Here are a few that you might meet on this adventure.
Pedro L.
Pedro hails from the south of Portugal and is a graduate of the School of Hospitality and Tourism of Coimbra (EHTC). He is an adventurous person who loves to experience the people, cultures, and ecosystems of other countries through travel. After his own explorations on a grand six-month journey through South America, he returned to Portugal’s familiar and fantastic environs where he has become an avid birdwatcher. He delights in sharing his knowledge, spotting and identifying Portugal’s rich birdlife along the trail!
Filipe A.
A native of Lisbon, Filipe trained to be a climbing and hiking guide in 2019. He first found his love of nature studying abroad in Slovenia. He has volunteered in Serbia, traveled by rail across Europe, ventured overseas, and lived on sailboats and in campervans exploring the globe. He holds a PhD in climate change and sustainable development and is committed to responsible travel. Share a fascinating adventure with Filipe.
Paulo F.
Paolo made the shift from traveler to guide after realizing the joy he gained from exploring the depth of history and special characteristics of each place he visited on his travels and sharing the discovery of local culture together with others. Holding a degree in statistics and operational research, unrevealed wonders called him to a different path. He delights in making each trip an enriching and memorable experience for his guests.
Activity Level
This trip is rated activity level 3. Walks average about 6 miles per day, with approximately 1200 feet of elevation gain per day on average. The walks take you on old Roman roads, walking paths, through forests and up some steep rocky slopes. There are some stairs and cobblestones in the villages as well, so be prepared for a variety of terrain. Some trails involve navigating uneven terrain with large stones. Agility and good balance is required.
Learn more about activity levels here.
Activity Snapshot
Day 2
4 hours/7.5 miles hiking with 954' elevation gain & 990' elevation loss
Day 3
5.5 hours/7.5 miles hiking with 1,795' elevation gain & 495' elevation loss
Day 4
Three historic village walking tours
Day 5
3 hours/5.5 miles hiking with 1,092' elevation gain & 1,046' elevation loss
Day 7
3 hours/4 miles hiking with 1,607' elevation gain & loss
*Mileage and elevation change information is approximate and may vary slightly depending on trail conditions, weather, and route adjustments, and the guide’s discretion.
Accommodations
Boutique hotels exuding historical charm, restored palace hideaways, mountain resorts, and modern city hotels, all featuring upscale amenities.
Hotel Fonte Santa
Recently renovated, the Fonte Santa is a charming, upscale hotel that was built in the early 1940s, surrounded by a wild natural landscape in the foothills of Penha Garcia. All rooms offer modern amenities such as flat-screen TVs, minibars and safes, and breathtaking views of the beautiful surroundings.
Casa das Penhas Douradas
A four-star boutique hotel nestled in the heart of the Serra da Estrela Natural Park, the Casa das Penhas Douradas showcases minimalist design that brings the natural surroundings to life. Rooms feature panoramic windows and a full spectrum of luxe amenities. The spa has a swimming pool and sauna, while the restaurant serves delicious gourmet fare.
Octant Palacio da Lousa
Inside an 18th-century palace in Lousa's historical center, Octant Palacio da Lousa has been reimagined as a boutique hotel that blends the charm of an historical setting with state-of-the-art technology. Guests can enjoy an excellent meal in the restaurant, a dip in the pool, or a cocktail outside on the patio with great mountain views.
Lisbon Plaza Hotel
Iberostar Selection Lisboa
Casa do Cedro
Originally a farmhouse, Casa do Cedro was once part of the dowry for the great-grandmother of the current owner. Passed down through the generations, it has been fully renovated yet retains its historic charm. A covered balcony, and one open to the stars, are the perfect places to soak in your surroundings. Thoughtfully designed modern rooms, warm hospitality, and a sunset-facing pool make your stay in the countryside relaxing.
Weather
Portugal boasts a warm, Mediterranean climate, with dry summers. There is often a sea-breeze that helps to keep the summer months bearable.
FAQs
No. The best footwear for this trip would be cross-training shoes or lightweight hiking boots.
You can expect a variety of wonderful fish dishes, particularly cod (bacalhau), shellfish, cheese, pork, salads, olive oil, and some incredible red and white wines as well.
You will want to wear comfortable shoes for walking, and bring a layer in case of light rain. In the evenings, you might prefer to dress smart casual for dinners.
No. U.S. citizens do not need a visa for tourist stays of 90 days or less.
Portuguese!
Yes! This trip supports the One Hiker - One Tree program, which started in 2003 after forest fires burned over 133,000 acres. One tree is donated to the Sao Mamede National Park for every hiker. Over 2,000 trees have been donated to date.