The Wonderful Kingdom
Itinerary: Casa de Mateus | Vila Real | São Martinho da Anta | Alvão Natural Park | Peso da Régua
The themed tour Reino Maravilhoso invites you on a fascinating journey through the Trás-os-Montes region, in search of the landscapes, culture, and memories immortalized in the works of Miguel Torga. Over the course of three days, you will visit emblematic locations, explore preserved villages, historic monuments, and viewpoints such as the iconic São Leonardo da Galafura. This route immerses you in the essence of the Trás-os-Montes countryside, with its deep-rooted traditions, terraced vineyards, and natural heritage, while celebrating the writer’s bond with his land and people. A unique experience that combines history, literature, and nature, unveiling the genuine charm of this extraordinary territory.
INCLUDED VISITS:
Casa de Mateus | Casa do Arco | Pelourinho | Sé de Vila Real | Casa das Brocas | Capela da Misericórdia | Igreja de São Pedro | Igreja de São Paulo | Jardim da Carreira | Espaço Miguel Torga | Casa Natal de Miguel Torga | Igreja da Senhora da Azinheira | Parque Natural do Alvão | Fisgas de Ermelo | Lamas de Olo | Miradouro de São Leonardo da Galafura | Peso da Régua
PROGRAMME
Day 1: Casa de Mateus | Vila Real
Morning: Departure from the places of origin towards Trás-os-Montes. Lunch at a local restaurant.
Afternoon: Arrival at Casa de Mateus, where Miguel Torga received the Morgado de Mateus Award in 1980. Guided visit to the emblematic baroque palace and wine tasting of local varieties. Following this, a walking tour through Vila Real Antiga, with stops to admire the Casa do Arco, the Pelourinho, the Sé, the Casa das Brocas, the Capela da Misericórdia, the Churches of São Pedro and São Paulo, and the Jardim da Carreira.
Evening: Dinner at a local restaurant, accommodation at the hotel, and a reading and commentary session of Miguel Torga's texts.
Day 2: São Martinho da Anta | Parque Natural do Alvão
Morning: Visit to the Espaço Miguel Torga in the writer’s hometown, São Martinho da Anta. This includes a tour of the house where he was born, the school he attended, and the Igreja da Senhora da Azinheira. Lunch at a local restaurant.
Afternoon: Visit to the Parque Natural do Alvão, a landscape that inspired Miguel Torga’s reflections on the relationship between man and nature. Highlights include the Fisgas de Ermelo, one of the largest waterfalls in the Iberian Peninsula. The itinerary also features the village of Lamas de Olo, where rural lifestyles and agricultural traditions remain authentic.
Evening: Dinner at a local restaurant and accommodation at the hotel.
Day 3: Miradouro São Leonardo da Galafura | Peso da Régua
Morning: Descent to Peso da Régua, with time to admire the magnificent vineyard landscapes, including estates referenced in the novel Vindima. Ascent to the Miradouro de São Leonardo da Galafura, one of the most striking views of the Douro, described by Miguel Torga as "an excess of nature". Lunch at a local restaurant.
Afternoon: Final stop in Peso da Régua, with a brief walk along the Douro River before returning to the cities of origin.