Transmontano Carnival
Itinerary: Bragança | Azibo Reservoir | Podence | Montesinho Natural Park | Vila Real | Pinhão | Lamego | Lazarim | Salzedas | Ucanha | Tarouca
In the heart of Northeast Trás-os-Montes, the most genuine and colorful Carnival in Portugal is celebrated, recognized as Intangible Cultural Heritage by UNESCO in 2019. Celebrate with us this magical festivity, a living testimony to ancient customs, on a truly unique journey that combines local traditions, nature, gastronomy, and many stories told by our local guide.
NOT TO BE MISSED:
Participate in three Carnival festivities in Northern Portugal: Bragança, Podence, and Lazarim, and experience some of the most genuine traditions of our country.
Visit Montesinho Natural Park, one of the most remote in Portugal, and explore its charming villages.
Discover the traditions and cultural details of Terra Fria Transmontana through the stories told by our local guide.
Taste the traditional gastronomy of Trás-os-Montes.
Enjoy the breathtaking landscapes of the Upper Douro Wine Region at the end of winter.
PROGRAM
Day 1 (Saturday): Bragança
Departure by tourist bus from the departure cities to Bragança. Stop for lunch at a local restaurant along the way. Arrival in Bragança to attend the Caretos de Bragança parade. The main streets of Bragança come alive with tradition, color, music, and festivities during the Carnival of the Caretos, one of the most traditional in Portugal. The highlight of the parade will be the "Burning of the Devil," which takes place inside the castle. Dinner at a local restaurant. Accommodation at a 4-star hotel in Bragança.
Day 2 (Sunday): Bragança | Podence
In the morning, guided tour of the city of Bragança, including the castle, church, and historic center. Then, a visit to the Azibo Reservoir. Lunch at a local restaurant. Continue to Podence to participate in the celebrations of the Entrudo Chocalheiro, with the lively Caretos roaming freely. Return to Bragança for dinner and accommodation at a 4-star hotel.
Day 3 (Monday): Montesinho Natural Park | Vila Real
Departure towards Montesinho Natural Park, with visits to learn about the local communities in the villages of Montesinho and Rio de Onor, enriched by stories from our local guide. Interpretive visit to the village of Rio de Onor. Lunch at a local restaurant. Continue the journey to Vila Real. Free visit to the city center. Guided tour of Casa de Mateus, including its historic wine cellars with wine tasting. Dinner at a local restaurant. Accommodation at a 4-star hotel in Vila Real.
Day 4 (Tuesday): Pinhão | Lamego | Lazarim
Travel from Vila Real to Pinhão, located in the Douro Wine Region. Drive along the N-222 from Pinhão to Peso da Régua, one of the most beautiful roads in the country, offering stunning views of the Douro terraced vineyards. Visit Lamego, including the Sanctuary of Our Lady of Remedies and the Cathedral. Lunch at a local restaurant. In the afternoon, participate in the Entrudo festivities in Lazarim. Accommodation at a 4-star hotel in Vila Real.
Day 5 (Wednesday): Ucanha | Tarouca | Salzedas
In the morning, visits to the monasteries of Santa Maria de Salzedas and São João de Tarouca, with a stop in Ucanha. Lunch at a local restaurant. Return to the departure locations. End of the trip.
Note: Due to the specific nature of local festivities, this program may undergo changes to enhance participants' experience, which will be communicated in advance.