Portugal Historic Village Hiking Tour

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 Henriques

Meet Carla - an outdoor enthusiast with a deep-rooted love for nature. Her passion for the great outdoors was ignited during her childhood travels across Portugal with family and friends. Carla's eagerness to learn more about the natural world led her to pursue her studies at the prestigious Universidade Nova de Lisboa. Despite her successful career as an engineer, Carla felt unfulfilled, yearning for more adventure in her life. Driven by her desire to explore and experience different cultures, Carla embarked on a journey as a travel junkie, eventually landing in Kathmandu in 2013 with a one-way ticket in hand. Over the years, Carla has traversed through different corners of Asia, soaking in the local cultures, and uncovering hidden natural gems. However, it is the beauty of Portugal's outdoors that truly stole her heart. Today, Carla is delighted to share her passion for Portugal's mesmerizing landscapes with the world. Join her on an unforgettable adventure and experience the wonder and beauty of Portugal's great outdoors.

Pedro Lima

Pedro is from the south of Portugal and has a deep passion for the outdoors. He takes great pleasure in sharing his lovely country with visitors from around the globe and has done so ever since graduating from the Tourism and Hospitality school of Coimbra. He is an adventurous person that loves to travel in order to get to know other countries, people and cultures. His grandest journey so far was a six month backpacking trip through South America. Pedro is also a bird watching enthusiast with a wide knowledge of the birds that you are likely to spot while traveling in Portugal.

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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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                    [Headline] => Explore the Villages of Sortelha, Belmonte & Linhares da Beira 
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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 early afternoon to relax or explore.
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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 middle of the afternoon, with plenty of time to unwind or explore.
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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 (3 hours before your scheduled flight).
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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.

O Hotel Fonte Santa-Monfortinho, Portugal

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 Design Hotel & Spa-Manteigas, Portugal

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.

Hotel Melia Palacio da Lousa Lousa, Portugal

Comfortable Hotel

Inside an 18th-century palace in Lousa's historical center, Hotel Melia 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.

Hotel Avani Avenida da Liberdade

Comfortable Hotel

Located in the heart of Lisbon's main shopping district, Hotel Avani Avenida da Liberdade is an urban oasis of contemporary comfort. Each room offers modern amenities, including complimentary Wi-Fi, a coffee/tea maker, and LCD TV with views overlooking the cityscape. Spend your free time by dining on the culinary delights of acclaimed Mediterranean chef Olivia Avenida, lounging by the pool or sipping on cocktails at the rooftop bar.

Hotel Marques de Pombal

Comfortable Hotel

Guestrooms at Hotel Marques de Pombal are equipped with the luxuries of home with an added touch of Portugal. Comfortable and modern, each room is soundproofed and equipped with air conditioning, iHome, desk, safety deposit box, free Wi-Fi, minibar, HDTV, and a private bathroom with toiletries and a hairdryer.

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