Wild Portugal a Hiking Adventure

Wild Portugal a Hiking Adventure! We now invite you to “go wild”! Cross mainland Portugal discovering hidden and magical natural sites, multi-millennial pre and historical places and castles, timeless rustic villages, and traditional ways of living of pleasant and welcoming people. This is an 8-day holiday in search of the paths of Nature and the stories left behind by a “puzzle” of northern settlers, until the invasion of Moorish tribes, most of them following the steps of the Roman trade routes. Each season will enhance different regions in a particular way, allowing us to offer diverse combinations of some of Portugal’s richest and most contrasting habitats. Come live Nature! Day 1 | Arrival in Fundão Welcome briefing and distribution of the Road-Books and equipment. Check-in at the hotel. Dinner at suggested location (not incl.) Day 2 | Route of the Zêzere Glacier Valley (11 km) Hike at central plateau of Serra da Estrela. An inhospitable setting, marked by an altitude landscape and vegetation, where the alpine juniper, the granites shaped by the erosive action of snow, water & ice, and the lagoons of glacial origin stand out. Descend by the Zêzere Glacier Valley arriving at the typical village of Manteigas, the GPS registering a 25 km total course for the day. The immense valleys of Serra da Estrela comprise not only a singular scenic beauty but also reveal the best symbiosis between Man and Nature in a privileged setting. Transfer back to the hotel. Day 3 Travel to Faia Brava, one of the biggest private reserves of Europe, to explore this re-wilding and conservation project in Portugal around Foz Côa Valley, famous for its prehistoric rock engravings. We’ll be in a position to watch several endangered species of raptors. This wild area is also diverse in mammal species and although very difficult to see, Genet, Wild Cat, Otter and even Wolfs are present in the Park. Time permitting we shall further drive to the engravings sites. Transfer back to the hotel. Day 4 Riverside trail that follows the winding Zêzere River along 18km of the “Great Zêzere Route” passing by schist villages and spots with river beaches, in an environment marked by dense pine and pure rurality. Passing by the schist village of Janeiro de Cima we suggest visiting a traditional artisan workshop where carpets are woven on old looms and a dip in the beautiful river beach at the end of the day. Transfer back to the hotel. Day 5 From Idanha-a-Nova we travel on the “Transeurope-an Pedestrian Trail” that connects Lisbon to the Romanian city of Constanza on the shores of the Black Sea. We will pass millennial sanctuaries, through the Roman city of Egitânia and ascend to the historical village of Monsanto. We then head to the quartzite cliffs of the Appalachian peninsula of Penha Garcia, on the way to the Monfortinho SPA, where we can relax after a 25 km long journey. Transfer back to the hotel Day 6 Starting at Belmonte we’ll enter the “Great Historical Villages Route”, along 18 km of trails and rural paths. Climb through “canadas” (rock ditches), Roman and medieval sidewalks, reaching the west gate of the Castle of the historical village of Sortelha. Visit a sheep farm where local experiences close the day. Transfer back to the hotel. Day 7 The Templar village of Castelo Novo is our entrance door to ascend and cross Serra da Gardunha through shepherds’ paths, mysterious sites and deep valleys. Going around the mountains we’ll return back to the ancient village of Alpedrinha, ending our 20 km jour-ney at a scenic terrace tasting the local products made of cherries and cheese. Transfer back to the hotel. Day 8 | Return day We gave you an idea of the richness of the natural and cultural diversity of the interior of Portugal. Come for another season to guide you to new and interesting discoveries!