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Serra da Estrela & 12 Historic Villages: A 6-Day Package

6 days – 8 days
Max 8 people
Commentary: Guide · en, fr, pt, es
Castelo Branco, Portugal

About this activity

Embark on a 6-day romantic escape through Portugal's Serra da Estrela and 12 Historic Villages. Enjoy regional cuisine, Tuk Tuk tours, and a couples' massage.

Highlights

  • Local Gastronomy: Enjoy meals featuring regional dishes and beverages in each village.
  • Tuk Tuk & Cheese Tour: Scenic Tuk Tuk ride in Covilhã with a visit to the Museu do Queijo.
  • Couples' Massage: End your journey with a relaxing couples' massage at the hotel spa.
  • Self-Drive Flexibility: Navigate the tour at your own pace with a self-drive itinerary.
  • Romantic 6-day escape in Portugal.
  • Explore Serra da Estrela & historic villages.
  • Panoramic views of rugged landscapes.
  • Local gastronomy with regional dishes.

Full description

Embark on a 6-day romantic escape through Portugal's Serra da Estrela and 12 Historic Villages. Starting in Covilhã, your gateway to the mountains, explore quaint villages like Marialva and Trancoso, each steeped in rich history and unique traditions. 
Enjoy curated experiences like a Tuk Tuk ride, a visit to the Cheese Museum, and kosher dining in Belmonte. 
The journey offers stunning panoramic views of the rugged mountain landscapes. Cap it off with a couples' massage for a truly unforgettable experience. 

Day 1: Arrival and Check-in in Covilhã
Arrive in Covilhã, the gateway to Serra da Estrela. Check into your hotel and prepare for the adventure ahead. Enjoy a delightful dinner at the hotel's restaurant, featuring regional flavors.

Day 2: Marialva | Trancoso | Linhares
Begin your day in Marialva, a village that takes you back to Portugal's deepest roots. Move on to Trancoso, a medieval village with a rich history. After lunch in Trancoso, head to Linhares da Beira, a 12th-century medieval village, to explore its unique architectural heritage.

Day 3: Covilhã | Belmonte | Sortelha
Start with a Tuk Tuk ride in Covilhã, leading to a visit to the Cheese Museum. Then, explore Belmonte's rich Jewish heritage and historical landmarks. After a kosher lunch, visit Sortelha, one of Portugal's oldest and most beautiful villages.

Day 4: Figueira de Castelo Rodrigo | Almeida | Castelo Mendo
Visit Figueira de Castelo Rodrigo, known for its medieval references. Then, explore Almeida, a fortified village with a unique 12-pointed star shape. After lunch, head to Castelo Mendo, a village with two fortified areas, the Citadel and the Barbican.

Day 5: Penha Garcia | Monsanto | Idanha-a-Velha | Castelo Novo
Discover Penha Garcia, a village rich in legends and traditions. Move on to Monsanto, considered the most Portuguese village in Portugal. After lunch, visit Idanha-a-Velha, an ancient Roman city, and end the day in Castelo Novo, a mystical village in the Serra da Gardunha.

Day 6: Relaxing Massage for Two | Check-out | Departure
After breakfast, indulge in a couples' massage to unwind and reflect on your journey. Check out from the hotel and prepare for your onward journey.

This itinerary offers a blend of historical exploration, culinary delights, and relaxation, all set against the backdrop of Portugal's stunning landscapes. Your stay will be at the Puralã - Wool Valley Hotel & SPA, offering a unique blend of traditional and modern amenities for a memorable experience.

Contact us and embark on this unforgettable journey to explore, discover, and fall in love with Portugal's historical villages.

Included / Excluded

  • 5 Nights Accommodation: Stay at a 4-star hotel with breakfast included each morning.
  • Special Dining: Experience kosher dining in Belmonte and a couples' massage at the hotel spa.
  • Experiences: Visit nine historical villages, a cheese museum, and take a scenic Tuk Tuk ride in Covilhã.
  • Meals: Enjoy 5 lunches and 5 dinners featuring regional cuisine and beverages.
  • Self-Drive Tour: Complete flexibility to explore at your own pace.
  • 24/7 Support: Round-the-clock travel assistance for a worry-free journey.
  • Transportation: Self-drive tour means car rental or fuel costs are not included.
  • Personal Expenses: Souvenirs, additional snacks, or optional activities.
  • Travel Insurance: Not included but highly recommended for peace of mind.
  • Entrance Fees: Some historical sites or museums may require separate admission fees.

Meeting point

Start Location

Serra da Estrela, Portugal

Important information

Know before you book

  • The tour includes walking through historic villages, often on uneven and hilly terrain. If you have mobility concerns or prefer a less physically demanding experience, consider whether this tour is right for you or contact us to discuss possible accommodations.
  • You will stay in locally-owned guesthouses that offer a charming and authentic experience. If you have specific needs or preferences, such as room configurations or particular amenities, please communicate them when booking to ensure your stay meets your expectations.
  • The tour features local Portuguese cuisine, with meals that reflect the traditions of each village. If you have any dietary restrictions or preferences, it’s essential to inform us at the time of booking so we can arrange suitable meal options for you.

Know before you go

  • Serra da Estrela can have diverse weather conditions, particularly due to the altitude. Be sure to pack layers, comfortable walking shoes, rain gear, and sun protection to stay comfortable throughout the tour.
  • Don’t forget to bring a camera to capture the stunning landscapes and historical sites. Additionally, carry essentials such as a reusable water bottle, a small daypack for personal items, and any necessary medications.
  • Ensure you’re in good health and ready for moderate physical activity. It’s also advisable to have travel insurance that covers any medical needs, especially if you plan to participate in all activities, including the more physically challenging ones.

Cancellation policy

Free cancellation up to 24 days before the activity starts

Generally, full refunds are available for cancellations made more than 30 days before departure. Cancellations made closer to the departure date may incur a fee or be non-refundable. Please review the specific terms during the booking process.

Accessibility

  • Infant Seats Available

Frequently asked questions

FAQs

Additional information

 Not wheelchair accessible. 
The tours are subject to local traffic, visit schedules and other external factors.
Specific nutritional or dietary food restrictions must be informed in advance.
Infant seats are available on request. Please advise in advance. 
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