Description

ITINERARY

Day 1 PORTO

• • Arrival at Porto International Airport
  • Transfer to Hotel
  • Hotel Dom Henrique Porto Downtown Check-In
  • Leisure Time to Unwind by the Pool
  • In-Person Welcome Tour Briefing

Arrive in the vibrant city of Porto, famous for it’s production of port wine. With its medieval old town, baroque churches and plentiful restaurants this is a wonderful place to start your trip. Take a wander through the narrow cobbled streets of the Ribeira district before enjoying dinner and perhaps sampling some delicious vintage Port.

Day 2 PORTO » PINHÃO

• • Discover the Picturesque Wine Village of Pinhão
  • Douro River Boat Tour, offering panoramic views of  charming terraced vineyards
  • Visit to a Glamorus Wine Estate and Wine Museum, with Lunch and Tastings included
  • Sunset wine tasting at a local vineyard, accompanied by breathtaking views of the Douro River
  • Hotel Vila Galé Douro Vineyards or similar 4/5* hotel

Nestled at the meeting point of the Douro and Pinhão rivers, just 22 km (14 miles) upstream from Peso da Régua, the picturesque town of Pinhão is situated in the heart of northern Portugal’s renowned Port wine region.

The area’s soil and climate are perfect for grape growing, and its lovely riverside setting makes Pinhão an ideal place for a relaxing break, particularly for those who enjoy Portugal’s increasingly popular cuisine and wines.

Day 3 PINHÃO » PENEDONO » TRANCOSO » MARIALVA

• • Discover the Historical Village of Marialva
  • Discover the Heritage and Castle of  Penedono and Trancoso
  • Hotel Casa da Fidalga Marialva or similar 4/5* hotel

The greatest highlight of Penedono is its lofty 10th-century castle, unique in Portugal for its triangular shape. According to legend, this castle is the birthplace of Álvaro Gonçalves Coutinho, one of the Twelve of England, immortalized in “The Lusiads” by Luís de Camões.

Next Stop is Trancoso Village, due to its privileged location between the Douro, Côa, and Mondego rivers, it has been a site of disputes since ancient times. Begin your visit by crossing the admirable Porta d’El Rei, the perfect starting point to explore the walled historic center of Trancoso, which in the distant year of 1281 witnessed the wedding of King Dinis and Isabel of Aragao

Walking through the narrow alleys of Marialva village and visiting the ruins of the citadel inside the lofty castle – perched atop a granite boulder – will make you feel like you have almost instantly traveled back in time.

Visit the Church of Santiago, with its Manueline portal, the Church of São Pedro, the 16th-century cistern, the old Town Hall, and the Manor of the Marquises of Marialva.

Day 4 CASTELO RODRIGO » ALMEIDA » PINHEL

• • Discover the Historical Fortress of Almeida
  • Discover the Heritage and Castle of  Castelo Rodrigo and Pinhel
  • Hotel Encostas do Côa or similar 4/5* hotel

Castelo Rodrigo looks like it was cut from a medieval film. When its old walls, from which imposing turrets emerge, and the golden houses perched on the hill come into view from afar, it’s love at first sight. It’s very easy to see why it was considered one of the 7 Wonders of Portugal.

Almeida is one of the finest examples of a bastioned fortification in Portugal. When viewed from the air, the Fortress of Almeida resembles a 12-pointed star, corresponding to the number of bastions and ravelins that surround it. Almeida was the site of epic battles, one of the most famous being the “Siege of Almeida” in 1810, during the Third French Invasion.

In Pinhel, be sure to visit the Medieval Castle, the Keep and the Town Hall, the Távoras Manor, the Churches of Santa Maria do Castelo, Misericórdia, and the Mother Church, as well as the Clock Tower and the Pillory.

Day 5 CASTELO MENDO » BELMONTE » SORTELHA

• • Discover the Historical Village of Castelo Mendo
  • Discover the Sailing Heritage of Belmonte
  • Hotel Belmonte Sinai or similar 4/5* hotel

The devastating earthquake of 1755 may have brought down the 8 towers that protected the citadel and the walled village, but it did not diminish the charm of the lofty village of Castelo Mendo. Just pass through the arch of the Porta da Vila to see this for yourself. Walk along the beautiful straight street, admire the precious details of the Manueline houses, and be enchanted by the lovely square with the Pillory.

Belmonte has a strong connection with the Age of Discovery, birthplace of Pedro Alvares Cabral, portuguese sailor who discovered Brazil, Belmonte also has a significant link to the Portuguese Jewish community, being part of the Jewish Heritage Network of Portugal.

Sortelha is not only one of the best-preserved historic villages, but it also boasts a breathtaking landscape. From the tops of its towers and walls, you can enjoy stunning views of the rugged Beiran landscapes. As you pass through the centuries-old walls that have protected the village, you will feel as though you are in a true open-air museum. Walk slowly and savor the nostalgic medieval atmosphere of the village.

Day 6 MONSANTO » PENHA GARCIA » IDANHA A VELHA

• • Discover the Historical Village of Monsanto
  • Discover the Cathedral of Idanha a Velha
  • Hotel Monsanto Geo Hotel 4/5* hotel

The village of Monsanto is divided into two distinct areas: the upper area, where the Castle built by the Templars is located, and the lower area where the houses are situated. In the lower part, highlights include the Mother Church, the Church of Misericórdia, the Lucano Tower (or Clock Tower), the Cruzeiro de São Salvador, the viewpoint at Praça dos Canhões, and the iconic Casa entre Penedos (which looks like a Flintstones house).

Deeply connected to the Knights Templar, to whom King Dinis donated his castle, Penha Garcia has a magical charm that captivates visitors. Wander through the alleys and winding streets that snake through the walled houses, climb up to the castle to enjoy the magnificent views of the valley carved by the Pônsul River.

Idanha a Velha is one of the most ancient villages in the network of historic villages in Portugal, with a history dating back to the distant 1st century BC. It started as a Roman villa, was incorporated into the kingdom of the Visigoths and Suevi after the barbarian invasions (at that time it was known as Egitânia), passed into Muslim hands, and was reconquered by the Christians in the 12th century. It was then given to the Knights Templar to be rebuilt.

Day 7 CASTELO NOVO » PIODÃO » LINHARES DA BEIRA

• • Discover the Historical Village of Marialva
  • Discover the Heritage and Castle of  Penedono and Trancoso
  • Hotel Inatel Linhares da Beira 4/5* hotel

The village of Castelo Novo is literally nestled on one of the slopes of the slender Serra da Gardunha, in a natural amphitheater landscape that uplifts the spirit. Among the places we enjoyed visiting most are the Castle and the Bell Tower (set upon an impressive granite massif), the Town Hall Square, the Mother Church, the Bica Fountain, and the Gamboas and D. Silvestre Manors.

Piódão, also known as the Nativity Village, is undoubtedly one of the most beautiful and idyllic villages in Portugal. Watching its black schist houses and slate roofs, with typical blue-painted doors and shutters, climbing up the hillside, is captivating for anyone.

Linhares da Beira is a medieval village, is a true open-air museum, and wandering through its streets and alleys, lined with granite houses, is like taking a journey back in time. Must-see locations include the majestic castle, the Diving Fountain and Medieval Forum, the Jewish House, the old Inn, the Mother Church, the Pillory, and the Old Town Hall and Prison.

Day 8 RETURN

• • Transfer to Porto International Airport

Note: This itinerary is customizable and subject to change based on your preferences and availability. Wine tastings and tours can be tailored to specific vineyards and preferences. Additionally, accommodations can be adjusted to suit individual preferences.

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Highlights

Authentic Historical Villages

• • Two Wine tastings in Douro Renowned wine estates

  •   7 Nights at  Charming Rural Hotels (3- 5 Stars)

  • Douro River cruise on a Rabelo Boat

  • Discover  Portuguese Mountains and Historical Villages

  •    All Dinners are included  in Authentic Portuguese Restaurants

  • Guided visits to Fortresses and Castles in Central Portugal

  • Engaging with local communities and villages

• Included

  • 7 nights accomodation in 3 to 4 * hotels (double room)
  • Airport Transfers: Pickup and Dropoff
  • All Dinners are Included  in Local Portuguese Restaurants
  • Private transportation in a Premium Mercedes Van or Premium Mercedes MiniBus
  • Professional guiding services in Portuguese, Spanish, French, and English
  • Passenger Insurance
  • Fees and Entrance
  • Bottled water
  • Free Wifi on board

• Not Included

  • • – Personal expenses
    • – Infant seats available upon request
    • – Not wheelchair accessible

• Additional Information

  • • – Reservations must be confirmed and paid 30 days  in advance
    • – Baggage transfers are included. Your bags will be transferred from your accommodation as per your itinerary and moved onto your next overnight accommodation. The maximum weight for a piece of luggage is 15kgs
    • – If any food allergies or veggie options, please mention at the checkout
    • – Inform the arrival and departure flights time at the checkout
    • – Wear comfortable hiking shoes

• Duration

  12 Days

• Meeting Point

  Pick-up and drop-off at Porto International Airport

Price Information Per Person in a Double Bed Room

ADULT

• 1.750 €

CHILDREN

• 0 to 3 years old – Free
• 3 to 12 years old – 50% Discount

PAYMENT TERMS AND CANCELATIONS

• After confirmation we will request a deposit of 50%. The remaining payment must be completed 30 days before date of arrival
• Any cancelation must be address by email to our agency. Depending on the cancelation date the fee will be applied. From 15-30 days-50% cancelation fee and less than 15 days 100%
• Payment Methods: Credit Card, Paypal, Bank Transfer

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Positive Travel

Since 2023, we have been implementing an ambitious carbon mitigation plan. To be certain that our sustainability initiatives are making impact, we are part of the action, supporting local community development projects in reforestation and wildlife preservation.

This tour  from Porto as a total car foot print of: 0.15 tonnes of CO2: 650 km in a EU specified Diesel van (Class II). By choosing us, you will be contributing for the carbon offset and you will be supporting the following projects:

Form more information kindly check the FAQs