Follow the Appalachian Trail in Portugal

Supercontinent Pangea formed about 250 million years ago gave rise to the “Appalachian” reliefs crossing several current countries. The longest continuous trail of human footprints in the world (3.500 km across Canada and USA, visited annually by 4 million people) was found to connect geologically to Portuguese and Spanish central massif mountain range. Following this Portuguese Appalachian trail, you’ll cross millions of years of Earth history along 450 km of natural and ancient traditional trails extending from the Spanish border to Sintra, mainly through rural landscapes and traditional and historical villages. Alternative start and endpoints for the activities and routes along the way give you the flexibility to choose which duration and difficulty fit you best. Day 1 – Welcome briefing at the SPA hotel in Monfortinho. Free time to have a SPA massage and walk around the border with Spain. Dinner at the hotel. Day 2 – Hiking from Monfortinho to the Templar village of Penha Garcia following the geological relief. Free lunch and resume hiking along the valley heading to the ancient village of Monsanto (Total approx 27 km). Take time to visit Monsanto, nominated, the most typical village of Portugal. Lunch and dinner not included. Day 3 – Transfer to start point at Penha Garcia to visit the paleontological heritage site and keep following the ridge. Descent to the valley, visiting and lunch at typical rural villages and ascent to the Castle of Penamacor. (Total approx 25 km). Check-in at the hotel, and time to visit Penamacor. Lunch and dinner not included. Day 4 – Hiking from Penamacor, along soft slopes but a long and solitary trail (about 35 km) alternating forests and rural landscapes, till the mountain village of Alcaide. Transfer to the Hotel at Fundão, where you can look for a traditional meal. Lunch-Box included; Dinner not included. Day 5 – Return to the mountain summits, hiking across Gardunha range to Janeiro de Cima, along a challenging stage. (Total approx. 35 Km). Check-in at a local rural House. Visit the typical village and refresh at the river beach. Lunch-Box and Dinner included. Day 6 – Hike on SIAAT Appalachian Trail (1st part) passing by the rural villages of Orvalho and Estreito (Total approx. 20Km). Arrival and lunch at Restaurant Adega dos Apalaches, at the village of Roqueiro. Transfer and check-in at the Hotel at Oleiros. Dinner not included. Day 7 – SIAAT Appalachian Trail (2nd part) hike on the mountains around Oleiros (approx. 15 km) Free lunch at Oleiros. In the afternoon, time to rest or have optional visits. Dinner at Oleiros Hotel. Day 8 – End of activities and departure. The Portuguese Appalachians will await for your return to follow the pathways till the most western point of Europe, at Cabo da Roca, Sintra!