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Almond trees in bloom
Itinerary: Castelo Rodrigo | Escalhão | Penedo-Durão | Freixo de Espada à Cinta | Torre de Moncorvo | Vila Nova de Foz Côa | Marialva | Trancoso
The Almond Blossom Route reveals the history, culture, and landscapes of this fascinating region of inland Portugal over 3 days full of discoveries. The route allows you to explore medieval towns and villages, admire viewpoints with breathtaking views over plateaus and valleys, and discover the architectural and cultural heritage of historical sites such as Trancoso, Marialva, Freixo de Espada à Cinta, and Castelo Rodrigo. Among castles, churches, pillories, and old manor houses, visitors will experience local traditions, regional gastronomy, and the natural beauty of the Upper Douro, living a unique experience that combines history, culture, and nature in a complete immersion in this singular part of Portugal.
PROGRAM:
Day 1: Castelo Rodrigo | Escalhão | Penedo - Durão
Morning: Journey from the starting points to Figueira de Castelo Rodrigo. Lunch at a local restaurant.
Afternoon: Visit to the Historic Village of Castelo Rodrigo. Guided tour of the walls , the Church of Our Lady of Rocamador , the pillory , the ruins of the Palace of Cristóvão de Moura , and the viewpoints overlooking the Serra da Marofa and the Águeda Valley. Afterwards, a stop in Escalhão to visit the beautiful Parish Church. Continuation of the route to Freixo de Espada à Cinta with a stop at the Penedo-Durão viewpoint .
It will include: Dinner and accommodation at the Hotel Freixo Douro Superior 4*.
Day 2: Freixo de Espada à Cinta | Torre de Moncorvo | V. N. de Foz Côa
Morning: Guided tour of Freixo de Espada à Cinta . Visit to the Parish Church , the Rooster Tower , and the Silk Museum . Descent to the S. Lourenço viewpoint overlooking the Sabor Lakes . Afterwards, continue to Torre de Moncorvo . Visit to the Parish Church and the Castle Museum . Stroll through the historic center. Lunch at a local restaurant.
Afternoon: Visit to the historic center of Vila Nova de Foz Côa, where its Manueline church stands out . Throughout the journey, we can admire the marvelous spectacle of the almond trees in bloom, only visible at this time of year.
The package includes: Dinner and accommodation at the Longroiva Hotel Rural & Spa 4* in Longroiva.
Day 3: Marialva | Trancoso
Morning: Visit to the Historic Village of Marialva, notable for its medieval citadel. Walk with stops at the Castle, the Keep, the Church of Santiago, and the old manor houses. Walking tour in Trancoso, passing by the Castle and the medieval walls, the Church of São Pedro and the Tomb of Bandarra , and the Porta d'El Rei , the entrance point to the old walled town. Lunch at a local restaurant.
Afternoon: Return to the places of origin.
DEPARTURE LOCATIONS:
Mafra | D. João V Square | 05:00 |
Oeiras | AERLIS | 06:00 |
Seven Rivers | Bus Corridor (Zoo) | 6:30 AM |
Coimbra | Coimbra Forum | 10:00 |
Extra stops are possible along the A1 route to Coimbra, subject to availability.
PRICE PER PERSON:
In a double room: 2 people, double bed | 465 € |
In a twin room: 2 people, separate beds. | 465 € |
In a single room: 1 person | 545 € |
Deposit: €100
Reservations accepted up to 30 days before departure.
The prices shown include:
Tour by tourist bus.
5 meals with a full menu (Starters or Soup, Main Course, Dessert, Coffee, Wine and Water with meals. Some restaurants offer juices and soft drinks as part of the menu).
Tour guide acting as a company representative.
Local guides for visits and activities.
All the entrances and visits mentioned in the program.
Accommodation at the Hotel Freixo Douro Superior 4* and Longroiva Hotel Rural & Spa with breakfast.
Liability and personal accident insurance.
PLACES ON THE BUS:
Seats on the bus are pre-assigned based on the order of boarding and the seniority of the sign.
PACE: Medium
To participate in this itinerary, you must:
Feel comfortable with several days of visits and an itinerary that alternates between bus journeys and short walks in the historical centers of the places visited.
To be able to keep up with a group at an average walking pace on sometimes uneven terrain and occasional stairs.
Being able to follow a moderate-paced program, which may involve getting up early for several days and only arriving at the hotel at the end of the day to have dinner and rest.
Feel comfortable following a guide and respecting all instructions given.
Tolerate some temperature changes and unstable weather.
ACCOMMODATION:
Accommodation is planned at the Hotel Freixo Douro Superior 4* and Longroiva Hotel Rural & Spa or similar.
If, for reasons beyond our control, accommodation is not possible at the indicated hotels, the alternative accommodation will always be of a similar category, although the services offered by each hotel may vary.
DON'T MISS:
🌿 Explore the historical heritage of Trancoso, Marialva and Freixo de Espada à Cinta — towns and villages full of charm and tradition.
🏰 Visit medieval castles, churches, and towers that tell centuries of history and hold memories of the Portuguese countryside.
🌸 Admire the landscapes covered in almond blossoms from the viewpoints of S. Lourenço, Sra. da Conceição and Penedo Durão — a spectacle of nature!
🍷 Savor the regional cuisine in local restaurants and discover the authentic flavors of the Upper Douro.
🧵 Discover the art and heritage of Freixo de Espada à Cinta by visiting the Silk Museum and the Guerra Junqueiro House.
