Culturália

Historical Villages of Beira Alta

21 - 23 Feb 25

Historical Villages of Beira Alta

The Historical Villages of Beira Alta itinerary takes travelers on a fascinating journey through the historical heart of Portugal. Starting in Linhares da Beira and passing through villages such as Trancoso, Mêda, and Marialva, the route unveils treasures like the Synagogue and Jewish Quarter of Castelo Rodrigo and the grand Almeida Fortress. This itinerary offers a unique opportunity to explore the cultural and historical heritage of Beira Alta, providing visitors with an in-depth understanding of the architectural, social, and religious influences that shaped this region throughout the centuries.

PROGRAMME:

Day 1: Linhares da Beira | Trancoso

Morning: Departure from the starting points. Lunch at a local restaurant.Afternoon: Visit the picturesque village of Linhares da Beira, located on the slopes of the Serra da Estrela. This historic village is known for its well-preserved Linhares Castle, a 12th-century medieval fortress offering stunning views over the Mondego valley and showcasing the strategic defensive importance of the area. Explore the narrow streets, granite houses, and the charming Matriz Church, which holds interesting religious architectural details. The route continues to Trancoso, another of Portugal’s Historic Villages, renowned for its medieval walls. A must-see is the Church of Santa Maria, home to the Tomb of Bandarra, the 16th-century poet and prophet famous for his mystical and enigmatic "Trovas" that left a mark on popular culture. Visit the historical center, including the Pillory, a symbol of municipal power, and the Church of São Pedro, another religious landmark. Stroll along the walls and explore the ancient streets full of history and tradition.

Evening: Dinner and overnight stay at Longroiva Hotel Rural & Spa 4*.

Day 2: Mêda | Marialva | Freixo de Numão

Morning: The second day starts in Mêda, where the historical center features beautiful noble houses, many with coats of arms sculpted into their facades, reflecting the noble families that shaped the region's history. Among the notable constructions is the Solar dos Condes de Marialva, a testament to the region's architectural and historical richness. The next stop is the historic village of Marialva, a well-preserved medieval village. Its stone houses and castle ruins, dating from the Roman and medieval periods, tell the long history of the region and transport visitors to ancient times. Walk along the walls and narrow streets, admiring the granite buildings that reflect the area's timeless beauty and resilience. Lunch at a local restaurant.

Afternoon: Continue to Freixo de Numão for a visit to the Casa Grande Museum and Archaeological Circuit, exploring the ancient past of the region. The tour includes a visit to the impressive Ruínas do Prazo, an archaeological site with remains from different eras, including Roman, offering a glimpse into the ancient settlement and life in the Douro area.

Evening: Dinner and overnight stay at Longroiva Hotel Rural & Spa 4*.

Day 3: Castelo Rodrigo | Almeida

Morning: On the third day, the route starts in Castelo Rodrigo, a village of great historical importance due to its strategic position near the border. Castelo Rodrigo Castle, which tells stories of battles and conquests, offers a privileged view of the region. The tour includes the Synagogue, a symbol of the former Jewish community that enriched the village culturally, the Church of Nossa Senhora de Rocamador, and the ruins of Cristóvão de Moura’s Palace, an emblematic building recalling the Spanish occupation and the conflicts between Portugal and Spain. The route continues to Almeida, famous for its impressive star-shaped fortress, one of the best-preserved in Europe. This fortification, with twelve points, played a crucial role in defending Portugal during the Peninsular Wars. The Almeida Military History Museum offers a detailed exhibition on Portugal’s military history and the pivotal role of Almeida in defending the territory. Time to explore the walls, stroll through the main square, and appreciate the historical atmosphere of this fortress village. Lunch at a local restaurant.

Afternoon: Return to the starting points. End of the tour.

INDIVIDUAL BOOKINGS

The booking process begins by filling out the booking form, indicating the desired itinerary and dates. You can access the booking form by clicking here.
Wait for our confirmation email with the program and details for the deposit payment.
Make the deposit payment within 5 days as per the amount specified for each itinerary in order to confirm your booking. If there is no contact or deposit payment, the reservation will be canceled.
The remaining balance must be paid no later than 30 days before the departure date.

Cancellation Conditions:

Deposit Refund

The deposit paid can be fully refunded up to 30 days before departure

.From 30 to 15 days before departure, 50% of the deposit will be retained

.From 14 to 0 days before departure, 100% of the deposit will be retained.

Full Payment Refund

If the full trip has been paid, the cancellation conditions are as follows:

• Up to 30 days before departure – Full refund of the amount paid.

• From 29 to 15 days before departure – 50% of the amount paid will be retained.

• From 14 to 0 days before departure – 100% of the amount paid will be retained.

GROUP BOOKINGS | AGENCIES | ORGANIZATIONS

The booking process starts with filling out our booking form, indicating the desired circuit, dates, and number of participants. Be sure to clearly indicate the name and full contact information of the group representative. Participant details will be provided later.You can access the booking form by clicking here.
Wait for the confirmation of your booking via email, along with the necessary documents.
Meeting for itinerary customization (if required).
Send all necessary documents and files to Culturália for the booking (including full contact details of participants) within the specified deadlines.
Your group booking will only be confirmed after the deposit payment for the chosen circuit.
The full payment for the booking and submission of all required information must be completed 30 days before the departure date.

PRICE PER PERSON:

In a double room (2 people, double bed)	415 €
In a twin room (2 people, separate beds)	415 €
In a single room (1 person)	505 €

Deposit: 100 €

Bookings up to 30 days before departure

The prices quoted include:

Tour by coach.

7 meals with a full menu (starters or soup, main course, dessert, coffee, wine and water at mealtimes. Some restaurants offer juices and soft drinks on the menu.

Accompanying guide representing the company.

Local guides for visits and activities.

All entrances and visits mentioned in the programme.

Accommodation in a 4* or 3* hotel with breakfast.

Civil liability and personal accident insurance.

SEATS ON THE BUS:

Seats on the bus are pre-allocated in order of where you get on the bus and date of deposit payment.

RYTHM: Medium

To take part in this route, you should:

Feel comfortable with several days of visits and an itinerary that alternates bus journeys and short walks in the places visited.
Be able to accompany a group at an average walking pace on sometimes uneven ground and with occasional stairs.
Being able to follow a medium-paced programme, which may involve getting up early on several days and only arriving at the hotel at the end of the day for dinner and a rest.
Feel comfortable accompanying a guide and respect all the instructions given.
Tolerate some temperature changes and unstable weather.

ACCOMMODATION:

Accommodation is planned at Longroiva Hotel Rural & Termal Spa 4* or similar with breakfast included.

If, for reasons beyond our control, accommodation at the indicated hotels is not possible, an alternative accommodation of a similar category will always be provided, although the services offered by each hotel may vary.

NOT TO DE MISSED

Explore the Castle of Linhares da Beira, a 12th-century medieval fortress with breathtaking views over the Mondego Valley.
Discover the Church of Santa Maria in Trancoso, where you can find the tomb of Bandarra, the 16th-century mystical poet.
Marvel at the ruins of the medieval Marialva Castle and its narrow streets that reveal the history of the past.
Visit the Museu da Casa Grande and the Archaeological Circuit in Freixo de Numão for an immersive journey into the millennia-old history of the Douro region.
Walk along the walls of Almeida Fortress, one of the best-preserved in Europe, and explore its rich historical heritage.ore o Museu Histórico Militar de Almeida.