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Origins of Portugal
Itinerary: Bragança | Alcanizes | Zamora | Toro | Tordesilhas | Valladolid | Ciudad Rodrigo
"Between Borders and Treaties: The Origins of Portugal" is an itinerary that invites you to explore the deep historical connection between Portugal and Spain, visiting some of the most emblematic locations in the Iberian Peninsula. From Bragança, with its medieval castle and stories of resistance, to Alcanizes, the site of the treaty that defined Portugal's borders, passing through Zamora, Toro, and Tordesillas—cities marked by historical disputes and agreements—on to Valladolid and Ciudad Rodrigo, symbols of power and culture over the centuries. This journey offers an immersion into the origins and diplomatic, cultural, and military relationships that shaped Portugal's identity and its connections with neighboring kingdoms. Through walls, cathedrals, and historical landmarks, we travel through settings that witnessed crucial moments in Iberian history.
PROGRAMME:
Day 1: Bragança
Morning: Journey from the starting points to Bragança, with a lunch stop along the way.
Afternoon: Visit to Bragança Castle, including the Domus Municipalis and the church. Descend to the city center and visit the Sé Cathedral of Bragança. Free time to explore the historic center of Bragança and enjoy the city at your own pace.
Evening: Dinner and accommodation at Hotel Exe São Lázaro in Bragança or similar.
Day 2: Alcanizes | Zamora
Morning: Depart for Alcanizes, Spain. Visit the historic center, with a mention of the Alcanizes Treaty signed in 1297 by King D. Dinis of Portugal and Fernando IV of Castile. This document cemented peace between the kingdoms of Portugal, León, and Castile. Lunch at a local restaurant.
Afternoon: Head to Zamora for a city tour. Start with a visit to the Romanesque Cathedral, followed by the Church of La Magdalena, the Viriato and Mayor Squares, and the Troncoso viewpoint. End at the ruins of the castle, evoking the Treaty of Zamora, which in 1143 led to the emergence of Portugal as a sovereign country, in an act led by D. Afonso Henriques and Alfonso VII of Castile.
Evening: Dinner and accommodation at Hotel Alda Mercado Zamora 4* or similar.
Day 3: Toro | Tordesillas | Valladolid
Morning: Departure for Valladolid. Along the way, a brief stop to visit the historic center of Toro, passing by the Alcazar. Continue to Tordesillas. Visit the historic center, including the Treaty Museum and the Museum and Didactic Center of Lace of Castilla y León, a small museum dedicated to the art of lace. Lunch at a local restaurant.
Afternoon: Arrival in Valladolid, with a guided tour of the historic center and its most relevant monuments. Highlights include the House of Cervantes, the Cathedral, and the Church of Santa María la Antigua.
Evening: Return to Zamora for dinner and accommodation at Hotel Alda Mercado Zamora 4* or similar.
Day 4: Ciudad Rodrigo
Morning: Depart for Ciudad Rodrigo, a city whose history is deeply connected to Portugal, especially during periods of conflict between the two countries. Visit the Cathedral of Santa Maria, the Town Hall Square, and the Capilla de Cerralbo. Lunch at a local restaurant.
Afternoon: Return to the starting points.
PRICE PER PERSON:
In a double room (2 people, double bed) | 1135 € |
In a twin room (2 people, separate beds) | 1135 € |
In a single room (1 person) | 1415 € |
Deposit: 200 €
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.
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NOT TO BE MISSED
Visit Bragança Castle, with its Domus Municipalis and church, and explore the city’s medieval history.
Discover the historic center of Alcanizes and the significance of the Treaty of Alcanizes, a pivotal moment for peace between Portugal and Castile.
Admire the impressive architecture of Zamora Cathedral and the ruins of the castle, key markers in medieval history.
Uncover the story of the Treaty of Tordesillas and explore the Lace Museum in Tordesillas, dedicated to the art of embroidery.
Visit Santa Maria Cathedral and explore the Plaza Mayor, both witnesses to centuries of history.