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Historical Villages
Itinerary: Linhares da Beira | Trancoso | Mêda | Marialva | Castelo Rodrigo | Almeida | Belmonte | Sortelha | Sabugal | Idanha-a-Velha | Monsanto | Penha Garcia
The Historical Villages itinerary uncovers the ancient fortified villages of interior Portugal and their stories. Over the course of four days, we will travel through a route that spans time, from impressive medieval castles to places of worship and preserved streets full of history. We will visit villages like Linhares da Beira, Trancoso, Marialva, and Monsanto, exploring their rich cultural traditions, military heritage, and striking natural beauty.
PROGRAMME:
Day 1: Linhares da Beira | Trancoso
Morning: Departure from the starting locations. Lunch at a local restaurant.
Afternoon: Visit to Linhares da Beira, located at the foot of the Serra da Estrela, known for its 12th-century Castle. Visit to the historic center and the Main Church. Continue to Trancoso, one of the Historic Villages of Portugal. Visit the Church of Santa Maria and the Tomb of Bandarra, a poet from Trancoso who authored the "Trovas". Discover the historic center, the Pillory, and the Church of São Pedro.
Evening: Dinner and overnight at a hotel.
Day 2: Mêda | Marialva | Castelo Rodrigo | Almeida
Morning: Visit Mêda to explore its historic center. Continue to Marialva to visit the ruins dating back to Roman and medieval times. Lunch at a local restaurant.
Afternoon: Visit Castelo Rodrigo, with a focus on the Castle. Visit the Synagogue, the Church of Nossa Senhora de Rocamador, and the Palace of Cristóvão de Moura. Continue to Almeida, known for its star-shaped fortress.
Evening: Dinner and overnight at a hotel.
Day 3: Belmonte | Sortelha | Sabugal | Idanha-a-Velha
Morning: Visit the Belmonte Castle, the former fortress of the Pedro Álvares Cabral family, followed by a visit to the Synagogue and the Jewish Museum. Continue to Sortelha to visit the Castle and the Pillory.
Afternoon: In Sabugal, visit the Castle and the Clock Tower. Finally, visit Idanha-a-Velha, including the Cathedral and Roman Walls.
Evening: Regional dinner and overnight at a hotel.
Day 4: Monsanto | Penha Garcia
Morning: Visit Monsanto, known as the "Most Portuguese Village", where granite houses are sculpted between giant rocks. Hike to the Castle, located at the mountain's summit, and visit the Chapel of São Miguel, with panoramic views of the region. Continue to Penha Garcia to visit the Fossil Route, complemented by the ancient Water Mills. Lunch at a typical regional restaurant.
Afternoon: Return to the starting locations.
PRICE PER PERSON:
In a double room (2 people, double bed) | 535 € |
In a twin room (2 people, separate beds) | 535 € |
In a single room (1 person) | 670 € |
Deposit: 150 €
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:
Planned accommodation at 4* and 3* hotels.
Other tours you might be interested in
NOT TO BE MISSED:
Explore the medieval Linhares da Beira Castle and enjoy the views of the Serra da Estrela.
Visit the tomb of Bandarra, the Trancoso poet, author of the famous Trovas.
Discover the charming streets of Mêda, with its historic center full of traditions.
Walk the Fossil Route and explore the watermills in the stunning Penha Garcia.
Visit the famous "Most Portuguese Village," with houses carved into giant rocks and panoramic views of the region.