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Tours Walking Center of Portugal

Historical & Schist Villages Off-the-Beaten Path Portugal

Why Book With Us? We are Portuguese and know the hidden corners of our land, we care and we take care of your special trip.
from 1,850€
  • Difficulty
  • Duration
    8
    Days
  • Self-guided

The centre of Portugal is synonym for small and typical villages fulfilled with authenticity and uniqueness.

The Experience

Each village preserves its traditions and habits of its people, which on a quiet and peaceful daily life, bring you the feeling that time deliberately stopped in these places so that you could be able to get to know the true nature of this region.

The stage for this delightful program is the Centre of Portugal, where you’ll discover some of Portugal’s most authentic places, filled with charm and charisma, that in perfect harmony with the surrounding region, provide you with the warmest of welcomes. Being Portuguese ourselves, and knowing the ground very well, we chose all the steps in this program so that you can bring the best possible souvenir back with you: the experience of the destination.
From Douro region and its wines to Serra da Estrela Mountain and its cheeses, passing by the Historical Villages, this tour offers you the best of Portugal: nature, adventure, history and gastronomy.

Reasons To Love It
  • The possibility to relax in nature, go on an adventure and taste the typical gastronomy
  • The authenticity and uniqueness of the Historical Villages
  • The unique small hotels to stay

Experience Itinerary

Your first day will be dedicated to Douro.

Explore the region while doing a guided Douro Walk Tour in the morning and in the afternoon, visit a winery and sip a glass of Port Wine on a wine tasting experience.

After this, Casas do Côro will welcome you to stay the night.

After breakfast, it's time to return to the past and explore the Vila Nova de Foz Côa engravings. 

In Vale do Côa you will find a rare concentration of rock art composed of stone engravings dated from the Upper Paleolithic lying along the banks of the Coa River. Considered world heritage by UNESCO, this site is the largest finding of known outdoor Paleolithic rock art to this day.

The day will not be finished until you visit Marialva historic village, one of Portugal's 12 Historic Villages, known for its medieval citadel dating back to the 12th century. This picturesque village is filled with history, featuring a well-preserved castle and charming cobblestone streets.

Sleep at Casas do Côro.

On this day you will be visiting the historical villages of Portugal, places where centuries of history, culture and tradition come to life.

Nestled in the rugged landscapes of central Portugal, these charming villages offer a glimpse into medieval architecture and rural life. Stone houses, narrow cobbled streets and ancient castles evoke the spirit of the past. Each village has its unique character, with local crafts, traditional cuisine and breathtaking views.

Sleep at Chão do Rio.

It's time to visit Portugal's highest mountain range in the mainland: Serra da Estrela.

If you are a nature lover or an adventure seeker, you will have a breathtaking experience. Known for its stunning landscapes, this region offers a mix of rugged peaks, glacial valleys and crystal-clear creeks and lagoons. The area is also famous for the traditional Serra da Estrela cheese.

Serra da Estrela is a perfect escape into nature.

Sleep at Chão do Rio.

Today you will be doing an aquatic walk by the bed of river Ceira. It begins at the reservoir of the Hydroelectric Central of Mount Redondo and the path includes the passage and transposition of some weirs and rocks. Next to the Central, there is a spectacular waterfall.

In the middle of the way, we have a water slide and the possibility of a "Tarzan" rope on the river bank. The final part of the route can be made by swim or on foot by the margin. This river sector is undoubtedly the most spectacular as it has a very lush engaging landscape.

The walk ends in the Casa de Campo Vale do Ceira, the location of the meeting place.

Sleep at Octant Lousã.

On this tour, you’ll visit the lovely village of Talasnal, a recovered slate village that charms for the details on the recovered houses, garnished with vineyard branches, and the richness of its gastronomy.

Following, “Casal Novo”, a small village that despite being difficult to see, since it’s hidden between the luxurious green of the mountain, breeds authenticity and whose main street takes you up to Our Lady of Piedade sanctuary.

Octant Lousã, also known as Lousã Palace, an 18th-century building, will be waiting for you.

Enjoy a full day in Coimbra.

Coimbra is a city full of charm, marked by the academic cult you will find the University of Coimbra and the Joanina Library. Visit the ruins of Coninbriga and be dazzled by the river Mondego that crosses the city. Do not forget to listen to the fado of Coimbra.

Sleep at Sapientia Boutique Hotel.

After the breakfast, it will be hard to say goodbye, but we hope to see you again soon. We’re certain that you’ll feel the same way too. A tranfer will leave you at the airport.

Itinerary Map

GOOGLE MAPS

Important Information

This tour is self guided so it is up to you to decide your date of departure, we will be here!

PRICE

The price of the program is from €1850 per person on a double room basis. Special seasons, single and solo traveller supplements applies.

INCLUDES

- 7 nights’ accommodation with breakfast; 
- Rent a car;
- Guided Douro Walk Tour with picnic for the walk;
- Visit a winery and port wine tasting;
- Guided Walk Tour at Schist Villages with picnic for the walk;
- Aquatic Walk Experience.

Couldn't find what you were looking for? Contact us because we would ♥ to reduce, increase, modify, change, finally, we can ride the tour depending on your interests and availability info@welovesmallhotels.com.