Level: Beginner. Average walking time: 4 hours/day. Total climbing: 1749m/5738ft. Maximum climbing in one day: 465m/1525ft. Accommodations: Comfort (3-4 star inns) Day 1: Transfer to Castelo Novo Morning transfer from Lisboa to Castelo Novo. Guided visit to Castelo Novo. This village is classified as an Historical Village of Portugal. We will visit the castle as well as other monuments and the Museum of Archaeological Discoveries. Lodging: Hotel Príncipe da Beira. Day 2: Alcongosta | Castelo Novo Today we will walk from the village of Alcongosta to the Historical Village of Castelo Novo, passing via the highest point of the Serra da Gardunha. The Roman cobblestone road, the cherry trees and the landscapes of the Serra da Gardunha and the Serra da Estrela are undoubtedly the highlights of this trip, which finishes in Castelo Novo. Distance: 10,3 km/ 6,4 mi Approximate time: 3h15 Total climbing: 292 m/ 958 ft Lodging: Hotel Príncipe da Beira. Day 3: Schist Villages | Zêzere river Today’s hike passes through some of the most beautiful schist villages along the Zêzere river. We will walk surrounded by pine trees and trough the pyramids of the remains of “Lavaria do Cabeço do Pião”, that once belonged to the mines of Panasqueira. In Barroca (schist village) we will cross the footbridge to the other side of the Zêzere river to discover the stone carvings that our ancestors left engraved on the rock thousands of years ago. The Schist Villages heritage says more about Portuguese history than meets the eye, that its ancient traditions are reinvented at the wise hands of craftsmen. Today we will visit a weaver’s house, where a large variety of clothes are made using ancestral techniques. Distance: 15.7 km/ 9.8 mi Approximate time: 5h00 Total climbing: 465 m/ 1525 ft Lodging: Hotel Príncipe da Beira. Day 4: Idanha-a-Velha | Monsanto Transfer to the Historical Village of Idanha-a-Velha. Guided visit to Idanha-a-Velha. This picturesque village is also classified as a Historical Village of Portugal and hosts an interesting collection of archaeological remains from a Roman city established in the 1st Century B.C. We will walk to Monsanto, another Historical Village which was once considered the most Portuguese village of Portugal. From the top of its castle you can glimpse all the country surrounding Idanha and the large properties of the area. Distance: 8 km/ 5 mi Approximate time: 3h00 Total climbing: 454 m/ 1490 ft Lodging: Monsanto. Day 5: Sortelha and Belmonte Historical Villages Free morning in Monsanto or optional Penha Garcia walking trail. Penha Garcia walking trail is a small trail that goes down the Ponsul river valley, known for its water wheel mills and rare fossils. In the afternoon, guided visit to the Historical Villages of Sortelha and Belmonte. The Historical Village of Sortelha is an extraordinary example of medieval architecture fortified by granite walls and protected by its Castle (National Monument). Belmonte is the birthplace of Pedro Alvares Cabral, the discoverer of Brasil (1500). The town of Belmonte is indeed very much involved in the history of Portuguese Judaism, and it still shelters today the largest Jewish community in the country, whose origins go back to at least the 13th century. We will visit the local museums, observe the diverse existing heritage, and explore the quiet streets of this village. Distance: 3.2 km/ 2 mi Approximate time: 1h00 Total climbing: 140 m/ 460 ft Lodging: Estalagem de Monsanto. Day 6: International Tejo River Park | Salvaterra do Extremo walking trail Salvaterra do Extremo is a small village located inside the International Tejo River Park and where the Erges River defines the border between Portugal and Spain. The walking trail will take us to the border area were we can see the old Castel of Peñafiel on the Spanish side. This castle is on top of cliffs that shelter a large colony of griffon vultures (Gyps fulvus). Distance: 10.5 km/ 6.5 mi Approximate time: 4h00 Total climbing: 221 m/ 725 ft Lodging: Herdade da Poupa. Day 7: International Tejo River Park | Bird watching and Alares walking trail Today’s walk will takes us to the heart of the International Tejo River Park where the river defines the border between Portugal and Spain and where we can find a impressive diversity in fauna and flora. The walk goes to the ruins of the village of Alares and will take us to panoramic views of this river that flows all the way to Lisboa. Most likely we will see vultures and eagles flying around as well as dears running in the flower fields. Distance: 6.8 km/ 4.2 mi Approximate time: 3h00 Total climbing: 177 m/ 580 ft Lodging: Herdade da Poupa. Day 8: Transfer to Lisboa Morning transfer to Lisboa. Van transfer time: approx. 3 hours. Notes: Price includes: 
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Also see tour packages in: Europe Portugal Outdoor: Land Rambler Walking Tours Hiking & Trekking |
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