Daily Itin­er­ary

Lisboa - Castelo Novo
Morning transfer from Lisboa to Castelo Novo (approx. 3 h). Visit to Castelo Novo which is classified as an Historical Village of Portugal. You can visit the castle as well as other monuments and the Museum of Archaeological Discoveries.
Lodging: Casa Petrus Guterri

Alcongosta | Castelo Novo (10 km / 6 mi | 292 m / 958 ft | 3h)
Today you will walk from the village of Alcongosta to the Historical Village of Castelo Novo, passing through the highest point of the Serra da Gardunha. The Roman cobblestone road, the cherry trees and the landscapes of the Serra da Gardunha and the Serra da Estrela are undoubtedly the highlights of this trip which ends in Castelo Novo.
Lodging: Casa Petrus Guterri

Schist Villages | Zêzere River (16 km / 10 mi | 465 m / 1525 ft | 5h)
Today's hike passes through some of the most beautiful schist villages along the Zêzere river. You will walk surrounded by pine trees and trough the pyramids of the remains of "Lavaria do Cabeço do Pião", that once belonged to the mines of Panasqueira. In Barroca (schist village) you will cross the footbridge to the other side of the Zêzere river to discover the stone carvings that our ancestors left engraved on the rock thousands of years ago. The Schist Villages heritage says a lot about Portuguese history and its ancient traditions that are reinvented by the wise hands of craftsmen. Today you will visit a weaver's house, where a large variety of clothes are made using ancestral techniques.
Lodging: Casa Petrus Guterri

Idanha-a-Velha | Monsanto ( 8 km / 5 mi | 454 m / 1490 ft | 3h)
Transfer to the Historical Village of Idanha-a-Velha. Visit to Idanha-a-Velha. This picturesque village is also classified as a Historical Village of Portugal and hosts an interesting collection of archaeological remains from a Roman city established in the 1st Century b.C. You will walk to Monsanto, another Historical Village which was once considered the most portuguese village of Portugal. From the top of its castle you can have a glimpse of all the country surrounding Idanha and the large properties around.
Lodging: Casa do Chafariz

Sortelha and Belmonte Historical Villages (3 km / 2 mi | 140 m / 460 ft | 1h)
Free morning in Monsanto. Optional Penha Garcia walking trail which is a small trail that goes down the Ponsul river valley, known for its water wheel mills and rare fossils. The Historical Village of Sortelha is an extraordinary example of medieval architecture fortified by granite walls and protected by its Castle (National Monument). Belmonte is the birthplace of Pedro Alvares Cabral, the discoverer of Brazil (1500). The town of Belmonte is indeed very much involved in the history of Portuguese Judaism, and it still shelters today the largest Jewish community in the country, whose origins go back to at least the 13th century. You will visit the local museums, observe the diverse existing heritage, and explore the quiet streets of this village.
Lodging: Casa do Chafariz

International Tejo River Park | Salvaterra do Extremo Walking Trail (11 km / 7 mi | 221 m / 725 ft | 4h)
Salvaterra do Extremo is a small village located inside the International Tejo River Park and where the Erges River defines the border between Portugal and Spain. The walking trail will take you to the border area were you can see the old Castel of Peñafiel on the Spanish side. This castle is on top of cliffs that shelter a large colony of griffon vultures (Gyps fulvus).
Lodging: Herdade da Poupa

International Tejo River Park | Bird Watching and Alares Walking Trail (7 km / 4 mi | 177 m / 580 ft | 3h)
Today's walk will take you to the heart of the International Tejo River Park where the river defines the border between Portugal and Spain and where you can find a impressive diversity in fauna and flora. The walk goes to the ruins of the village of Alares and will take you to panoramic views of this river that flows all the way to Lisboa. Most likely you will see vultures and eagles flying around as well as dears running in the flower fields.
Lodging: Herdade da Poupa

Departure
Morning transfer to Lisboa (approx. 3 h).