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The Elephant's Journey
Itinerary: Constância | Castelo Novo | Fundão | Belmonte | Sortelha | Sabugal | Pinhel | Mêda | Castelo Rodrigo | Almeida
In the 16th century, King João III gifted Archduke Maximilian II an Asian elephant named Salomão, who embarked on an epic journey from Belém, Lisbon, to Vienna. José Saramago narrates this story in The Elephant's Journey, a work that reflects the human condition through the adversities and encounters of this crossing. In this 4-day itinerary, we recreate the journey within Portugal, visiting iconic locations such as Castelo Rodrigo, Belmonte, Sortelha, and Guarda, in an experience rich in history, culture, and a tribute to the writer’s work.
NOT TO BE MISSED
Admire the unique view from the top of Castelo Novo Castle, on a journey through history.
Explore Belmonte, with its Castle and Centum Celas Tower, while uncovering the legacy of Pedro Álvares Cabral.
Wander the streets of Sortelha, one of the most picturesque villages in Portugal, surrounded by rocky outcrops.
Walk along the Ronda de Pinhel, with breathtaking views of the castle and the surrounding landscape.
Discover Almeida, a fortress village with a unique star-shaped layout.
PROGRAMME:
Day 1: Constância | Castelo Novo | Fundão
Morning: Departure from the starting point to Constância, the poetic village, located at the confluence of the Zêzere and Tejo rivers. Stroll through its picturesque streets, visiting the Casa dos Arcos and the Casa-Memória de Camões, spaces that evoke the literary legacy of Portugal's greatest poet. Continue to the historic village of Castelo Novo, a gem of the Serra da Gardunha.
Afternoon: Lunch at a typical restaurant, offering flavors of Beira Baixa. Explore the historic center of Castelo Novo, with highlights such as the D. João V fountain, the pillory, and a climb to the Castle, where panoramic views provide a glimpse of the mountainous landscape. Departure for Fundão, the land of cherry trees and urban art. Visit the 18th-century mansions, 16th-century houses, and the chapels and churches that dot the historic center.
Evening: Regional dinner and overnight stay in Covilhã.
Day 2: Belmonte | Sortelha | Sabugal
Morning: Departure for Belmonte, the birthplace of navigator Pedro Álvares Cabral and an important hub of the Jewish community in Portugal. Visit the Belmonte Castle, steeped in legends, the Church of Santiago, and the Panteão dos Cabrais, followed by a stop at the enigmatic Torre de Centum Celas, a Roman monument shrouded in mystery. Lunch at a local restaurant, featuring regional delicacies.
Afternoon: Continue to Sortelha, one of the best-preserved villages in Portugal. Wander through its stone streets, with highlights such as the Castle and the medieval walls that crown the rocky outcrop. Head to Sabugal, known for its monumental Castle of the Five Quinas, a rarity in national military architecture. Visit the castle and the Municipal Museum, which holds cultural heritage artifacts from the region.
Evening: Dinner and overnight stay in Guarda.
Day 3: Guarda | Pinhel | Mêda
Morning: Visit Guarda, the highest city in Portugal, famous for its harsh climate and strong historical presence. Walk through the streets of the historic center, with a mandatory stop at the imposing Gothic Manueline Cathedral and the Tower of Menagem, a symbol of the fortified city.
Afternoon: Continue to Pinhel, also known as the Falcon City. Stroll along the Caminho de Ronda, with stunning views over the Douro slopes and farmlands. Explore the historic center, including the castle and historic buildings. Head to Mêda, a historic village with granite streets and rich cultural heritage, where highlights include the Solar dos Marqueses da Mêda and other traditional architectural landmarks.
Evening: Dinner and overnight stay in Guarda.
Day 4: Castelo Rodrigo | Almeida
Morning: Explore Castelo Rodrigo, one of the Historic Villages of Portugal. Stroll through its streets lined with Manueline houses, with highlights such as the Palácio Cristóvão de Moura, the pillory, and the medieval cistern. During February and March, the almond trees in bloom frame the landscape, adding a unique charm. Continue to Almeida, a historic village in the shape of a star, a prime example of the bastioned fortresses in Portugal. Walk through the walls of Almeida, visiting the Casa da História Judaica and the Military Museum, which reveals the fortress's strategic past.
Afternoon: Lunch at a local restaurant. Return to the starting point, with your spirit enriched by the experiences and discoveries of this historical and cultural itinerary.
