Portugal Historic Village Hiking Tour

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Marvel at stunning views from a mountaintop castle overlooking "the most Portuguese village in Portugal"
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Enjoy hikes through the Serra da Estrela National Park in the mountainous central massif
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Take a walking tour of Lisbon, with its Gothic cathedrals, majestic monasteries, and narrow lanes
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            [Description] => villagers
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Your Guides

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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.

Carla H.

Carla’s passion for the great outdoors was ignited during her childhood travels across Portugal with family and friends. Her early enthusiasm and desire to learn more about the natural world led her to pursue studies at the prestigious Universidade Nova de Lisboa. She then traveled far and wide across the globe, but her heart remained in Portugal and its enchanting landscapes. Dedicated to share her deep-rooted love of her home country with travelers, join Carla for an unforgettable adventure to experience the wonder and beauty of Portugal's countryside.

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!

Francisco T.

Francisco believes in transformations! He experienced one of the most meaningful changes in his life when fueled by his passion for outdoor adventure, curiosity for travel, and joy in discovering our world, he shifted from eight years in the tech world to permanently adopting an out-of-office lifestyle! Instead of sitting at a desk, he spent his time exploring the landscapes around him and found his true calling. He is always inspired by the trips he takes, the ones he guides, and the people he meets along the way.

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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.
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                    [Headline] => Journey to Salvaterra do Extremo & Hike to Monfortinho
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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.
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                    [Headline] => Hike to the Villages of Idanha-a-Velha, Monsanto & Penha Garcia 
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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.
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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. Continue to Linhares da Beira, a Lusitanian hill fort on the western slopes of the Serra da Estrela Natural Park. Today ends at Penhas Douradas on the central high plains of Estrela Mountain.
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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.
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                    [Headline] => Visit the Village of Piodao & Arrive in Lousa
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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.
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                    [Headline] => Leave Lousa & Enjoy Fado in Lisbon
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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, take a dip in a river pool before returning to Lisbon. Check in and head out for dinner in a casa de fado, a restaurant that features Portuguese fado music.
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Enjoy breakfast before your guide assists with your airport transfer.
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    [ActivityHighlight] => Walks average about 6 miles per day, with approximately 1200 feet of elevation gain per day on average. The walks go from village to village, taking 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.
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Accommodations

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Boutique hotels exuding historical charm, restored palace hideaways, mountain resorts, and modern city hotels, all featuring upscale amenities.

Hotel Fonte Santa

Comfortable Hotel

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

Comfortable Hotel

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

Comfortable Hotel

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

Comfortable Hotel

Located close to the historic center of Lisbon, the charming Lisbon Plaza Hotel features decorated rooms infused with Portuguese style. Enjoy modern amenities that include a free safe, a satellite TV, air-conditioning, a hair dryer, and a complimentary set of cozy bathrobes. Start your day with a delectable breakfast buffet, sip on refreshing cocktails at the bar, indulge in a workout at their fitness center, or simply unwind on their rooftop terrace.

Hotel Quinta das Lagrimas

Comfortable Hotel

The historic Quinta das Lagrimas is said to be the site of a 14th-century prince's forbidden love affair. Surrounded by botanical gardens, the grand palace exterior is complemented by charming modern rooms with a nod to the site's history. The garden spa includes indoor and outdoor swimming pools, a Turkish bath and steam room. The restaurants focus on fresh ingredients, locally sourced, sometimes from the hotel's own garden.

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