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Walking - Schist Villages of Portugal
offered by supplier M14951 (view this supplier profile)
Key Information:
Tour Duration: 5
day(s)
Group Size: 2
- 16
people
Destination(s):
Portugal
Specialty Categories:
Walking Tours
Cultural Journey
Season: January - December
Airfare Included: No
Tour Customizable: Yes
Minimum Per Person Price: 300 Euro (EUR)
Maximum Per Person Price: 720 Euro (EUR)
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These gorgeous walks take place in the Lousã mountain range. This new Short Adventure (5 days) links in a very unique way the cultural and human aspects of the Schist Villages, with the nature and recreation possibilities that its landscape provides. Starting at only 300€! During this 5 day tour you will discover that 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 and that the flavor of traditional cooking still is what it used to be. Take your time to feel the comfort of superb accommodation and get to know the people while taking part in their traditions.
Tour Itinerary:
Day 1: Lisboa or Porto
Early morning pick-up - Lisboa or Porto. Transfer to the village of Casal de São Simão. Lunch in Casal de São Simão (not included in price). In the afternoon you can do an optional Walking Loop leaving from Casal de São Simão (5 km; 2h). This walk goes through Fragas de São Simão´s river beach and passes through the villages of Além da Ribeira, Ponte do Brascurado and Saonda. The water lines that abound in this area, like the Alge and Fato streams, are full of old water channels and watermills, evidence of a long human occupation of the area. We can also find some patches of the original flora of this region, characterized by the presence of Portuguese Laurel (Prunus lusitanica), Royal fern, Lady-fern, English Oak and others. Among the vegetation many mammals hide themselves, like the fox or the Egyptian mongoose. Dinner and Lodging - Casa do Zé Sapateiro.
Day 2: Ferraria de São João/Casal São Simão trail
Distance: 16km/10m
Approx. time: 5h30
Dinner and Lodging: Casa do Zé Sapateiro.
Today’s walk connects the villages of Ferraria de São João and Casal São Simão. Ferraria de São João is perched on a Quartz ridge on the extreme South of the Lousã mountain range. The village of Casal de São Simão is presently recovering very old traditions, like popular and religious fairs, thanks to the presence of new inhabitants that recently moved in. In Ferraria de São João, youll find how Schist and Quartz blend in so perfectly.
Day 3: Lousã -Talasnal/Casal Novo trail
Distance: 7km/4,4m
Approx. time: 3h
Dinner and Lodging: Casa do Zé Sapateiro.
Morning transfer to Lousã (approx. 45 min). This walking trail is located mainly on the slopes of Serra da Lousã and connects the area of Lousã Castle and of the Chapel of “Nossa Senhora da Piedade” with the two most emblematic Schist Villages in this area - Talasnal and Casal Novo. This hiking route is also a journey through time, because we will be repeating the same steps that the ancient residents of these villages did to reach the town of Lousã. Often framed by vegetation, the trail is relatively protected in all seasons. Due to the accumulated climbs and descents, it requires good physical condition, however, you can choose a signed shortcut (PR2.1) to make it shorter.
Day 4: Góis Schist Villages trail
Distance: 9km/5,6m
Approx. time: 4h
Dinner and Lodging: Casa do Zé Sapateiro.
Morning transfer to Aigra Nova (approx. 45 min). This Schist Walking Trail is a loop that runs through the four Schist Villages of the Góis county: Aigra Nova, Aigra Velha, Pena and Comareira. You can go directly from village to village or do the entire loop. If you want to hike the complete trail, we suggest you start in Aigra Nova, where you can visit Lousitânea NGO headquarters and the Schist Villages store and find all the information about the trail and the villages. Leaving Aigra Nova, counter-clockwise, and going up on the old shepherds path, you will pass by a water fountain (Fonte dos Bois) where the shepherds still lead their herds to drink water.
Aigra Velha is not far from here, and as you reach the top of the path you can already see its Schist houses. After passing through this village, continue descending towards the Pena Stream. Along the way you will have impressive views of Penedo de Góis cliffs. Once you reach the stream, try to be silent because with a little luck you may see some Otters. Following the stream, you will get to the Pena Schist Village, located next to Penedo da Abelha (“Bee Cliff”) - famous for its beautiful rock climbing wall. Leaving Pena by the path up the hill you will pass by some quite interesting rock formations. At the top of the hill, sometimes it is possible to see Serra da Estrela (Portugal´s highest mountain - 2000m) depending on the weather conditions. Walking now downhill through pines trees it won’t take long to get to Comareira. Relax now for a bit and enjoy the viewpoint landscape. Aigra Nova is just around the corner.
Day 5: Morning transfer to Lisboa or Porto.
Note: Tours starting every Sunday of the year.
Notes:
Airfare is not included in the tour price.
Price Includes:
- All accommodations with breakfast
- Maps, documentation
- GPS tracks, support phone line
- Taxes.
Price Excludes:
- Airport transfer and daily transfers: 70€
- Local Guide: 100€
- 4 dinners without alcoholic drinks: 90€
- 4 lunch boxes: 30€
- Single supplement: 100€
- Starting on other day (not Sunday: 30€.
Also see tour packages in:
Europe
Portugal
Outdoor: Land Rambler
Walking Tours
Cultural Journey
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, ext: 14951
