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Historical Villages of Portugal

Castles, History, Traditions and much more...


Portugal is a country that has the oldest borders in Europe, with an exceptional range of different landscapes just a short distance away, lots of leisure activities and a unique cultural heritage, where tradition and modernity blend together in perfect harmony. Its superb cuisine, fine wines and hospitable people make this place a tourist paradise of the highest quality.

Made of granite and shale, the Historic Villages preserve stories of ancient conquests, traditions, heritage and the friendliness of the people who inhabit them. Set high in the hills, they are distinguished by the haughty towers of their medieval castles. That is why they are strategically aligned along the border. Kings and Lords of the land knew that they could sleep more peacefully staying on top of the mountains. Moors and Christians, Castilians and Portuguese, all tried to take them for themselves and so each has a very old story or a legend to tell.

ITINERARY

DAY 1: Arrival – Cruise in Douro

Arrival in Porto. There will be a transfer to the hotel or you can pick up a rental car for the rest of the week. Morning arrival: When you arrive to Régua you will do a small cruise on the Douro River, to Pinhão. You will have the opportunity to navigate though one of the most beautiful routes in the Region. After this cruise trip you will stay in a Rural Hotel in Douro, spend the night there and also have the opportunity to do a Tour around the property and also a wine tasting.

Afternoon arrival: Check in at the Rural House and leisure time. You will have the opportunity to do a Tour around the property and also a wine tasting session. Free time for dinner at the Hotel or at a restaurant in the area.

DAY 2: Trancoso and Marialva

Breakfast in the Hotel.
In the morning you will have the chance to visit the Douro Museum, one of the most emblematic buildings in the history of the Region. After this visit you will go straight to the Trancoso Village, wher eyou will have lunch at a typical local restaurant.

After lunch you can visit the village that was an extremely important strategic military location, in an unstable frontier region, where several conflicts and battles took place, you can go to the Cultural Centre, the Castle that offers amazing views, the Ducal Palace and many other places.

When you finish the Trancoso Village visit you will go to Marialva where you will spend the next two nigths. You will have some leisure time to explore the village. It is constituted by three distinct parts: the Citadel or Villa inside the Castle, the Arrabalde that prolongs a Village beyond the walled zone; and the Devesa, located south of the citadel, which stretches across the plain to the Marialva. You can have a walk and visit the historic monuments like, the Anjo da Guarda Gate, the 16th Century Cistern, the Senhor dos Passos Chapel and many others.

Afterwards you can have dinner at the hotel or a restaurant in the area.

DAY 3: Castelo Rodrigo and Almeida

After breakfast at the hotel you visit the Côa Museum where you will be able to see a large number of Paleolithic rock engravings. Next stop is the village of Castelo Rodrigo.

In this village you can visit the castle, the clock tower, the Cristovão de Moura Palece, among others. This area has been inhabited since ancient times, having paleolithic, megalithic vestiges of the culture of the Romans and the Arabs. The village offers plenty of options for lunch.

In the afternoon you will visit another amazing village, Almeida, protected by an imposing star-shaped wall. It is a perfect place for a history walk. You can see the Doble Ravelin– Blood Hospital, the clock tower, the castle, the Misericórdia Church and other import monuments.
Dinner is planned in Marialva, at a local restaurant.

DAY 4: Linhares da Beira, Castelo Mendo and Sortelha

Breakfast in the Hotel. In the morning you will have the change to explore the Linhares da Beira village, that is a great example of medieval settlement. Main highlights here are wall aroud the castle, the Former Town Hall and Prison, to mention but a few.
Next on today's agenda is the village is Castelo Mendo, where you will stop at a local restaurant for lunch first and then go for a tour of the monuments and historical sites of this village.
You will then go to Sortelha village, one of the oldest, most beautiful places in Portugal. You can vist the Castle Gate, the Arab House, the Bell Tower and other historic monuments.
Accommodation at a hotel in Covilhã, where you can have dinner or go for a local area restaurant.

DAY 5: Piodão

This day will be dedicated to one of the most beautiful villages, Piodão. This village is an architectural complex of rare beauty due to its natural setting and also for its antiquity. It's known for the shale houses with windows and doors painted in blue. The combination of the quiet and peaceful countryside, with the dark colors of the walls and blue contrasts of guides and door and window frames, create a unique atmosphere. It's like being in a movie. You can explore the river bank, Almas Chapel, a Parish Church that is dedicated to Our Lady of the Conception. You will have the chance to taste traditional food at lunch time.
After this day in Piodão you will stay in a Hotel in Covilhã. Free time for dinner at the hotel or a local restaurant.

DAY 6: Belmonte and Castelo Novo

After breakfast, we will spend the morning visiting Belmonte Village. It's a sunny place, with friendly people, endless views and centuries-old history. You can visit the Jewish Museum, the Medieval Cistern and other monuments. For lunch we will go to Castelo Novo. After lunch feel free to explore the small streets, the castle, the Archaeology Centre and other interesting monuments of this wonderful village.
Transfer to Fundão for dinner and overnight.

DAY 7: Monsanto and Idanha-a-velha

Breakfast.
The day will start by visiting Monsanto village, is one of the region's main tourist attractions and offers visitors a unique experience. You can take a walk and get to know the several historical monuments, from the castle to the Holy Spirit and St Sebastian's Gate. After discovering the secrets of the village, lunch is at a local restautant.
In the afternoon we will explore Idanha-a-velha, the last historic village. Its picturesque environment invites visitors to learn about the history of Portugal; you can see the Roman bridge, visit the village oven, the templar tower and many other important spots.
Dinner at the Hotel in Viseu or in a restaurant in the area.

DAY 8: Last day - departure

Breakfast and check-out. Depending on your flight schedule you will have a transfer to the airport or you can drive to the airport rent-a-car station.



ACCOMMODATION

During these 8 days, you will be accommodated in 2 farms or country houses as a local with all facilities. Due to force majeure or lack of availability, these options can be subject to change


Quinta da Pacheca


The Wine House Hotel is one of the bestknown 'tourist attractions' of the Douro and has been the target of several international awards. Having in the vineyard and in the wine its inspiration and environments, it is geared towards gastronomic and oenological tourism, combining the modern and avant-garde image with sobriety and elegance.

Casa do Redondo


Located in Meda, a region of rare beauty and rich in architectural and archaeological heritage, Casa do Redondo can be a great starting point to visit a wide area, such as the Côa Valley and Douro Superior. It is in the heart of a vast property of approximately 27 Hectares and provides to its guests the tranquility of a Portuguese rural house.

Casa com História


Sitting on the slopes of Serra da Estrela, in the heart of Covilhã, the building that was built at the beginning of the 20th century, was the residence of a multifaceted personality, a Municipal Administrator, industrialist, agricultural owner and teacher. It is a house with unique characteristics. Full of history and style, this house will make you feel at home.

Casa do Balcão


Casa do Balcão it's 15 km from Castelo Branco, in Póvoa de Rio de Moinhos, is this building with farmhouse characteristics, buit in the century XIX. Was recently adapted to Rural Tourism. It has four bedrooms, two double and two doubles with toilet and air conditioning, sitting area, breakfast room, use of kitchen if requested, attached garden, Wi-Fi and free parking.

Pousada de Viseu


The magnificent Pousada de Viseu is an exclusive historical Hotel that offers excellent accommodation and services for the most demanding guests. Built in the building of the Hospital of São Teotónio, the hostel was designed and converted by the renowned architect Gonçalo Byrne. Its unique features that include a beautiful lobby surrounded by cloisters and a luxurious spa.

Standard package
from 490 /pp
STANDARD PACKAGE*

(net rates – starting from)
all tours included except transportation

Included in package price:

  • Day 1 - Douro Cruise from Régua to Pinhão, Tour to Quinta da Pacheca with wine tasting, 1x night at Quinta da Pacheca Wine Hotel including breakfast in double/ twin room standard
  • Day 2 – Visit to Douro Museum in Régua, 1x lunch in a traditional restaurant in Trancoso, Entrance ticket to Marialva Castle, 2x nights at Casa do Redondo includ. breakfast in double/twin room standard
  • Day 3 – Visit to Museu do Côa, Entrance tickets to Castelo Rodrigo Ruins and Almeida Castle, 1x dinner in a traditional restaurant in Marialva
  • Day 4 – 1x lunch in a traditional restaurant in Castelo Mendo, 2x nights at Casa com História incl. breakfast in double/twin room standard
  • Day 5 – Entrance ticket to Piódão Castle, 1x lunch in a traditional restaurant in Piódão
  • Day 6 – Tour ticket in Belmonte, 1x lunch in a traditional restaurant in Castelo Novo, 1x night at Casa do Balcão including breakfast in double/twin room standard
  • Day 7 – Free tour in Monsanto, 1x lunch in a traditional restaurant in Monsanto, Free tour in Idanha-a-Velha, 1x night at Pousada de Viseu includ. breakfast in double/twin room standard
  • All Days – 12x gifts given at arrival in each of the 12 historical villages

Rent-a-Car Service *
from 135 /car/week
Rent-a-Car Service*

(net rates per car per week)

€ 135,00 => Jan-Feb-Mar Nov-Dec
€ 170,00 => Apr-May-Jun Sep-Oct
€ 270,00 => Jul Aug
Included in the car rent:

  • Car Small Category VW Up or similar + Air-Cond. and additional driver
  • 'All Inclusive' Insurance: fully comprehensive insurance, refund of the excess, increased liability cover of 7.5 million euros, local taxes, airport fees, theft protection with refund of excess, country's standard liability cover, unlimited mileage
  • Pick Up at Porto Airport at 3pm and deliver on same spot/same hour
  • Fuel policy Full-Full

Guide & Transportation Services
from 510 /car/week
Guide & Transportation Services

net rates – starting from

Included:

  • Transfers and excursions in air conditioned van according to program itinerary, with a max. capacity of 8 pax, including English speaking driver
  • MaxInco private English language guide tour and assistant from arrival day to departure

REMARKS

  • The rates are per person/net. All rates are only indicative, can be subject to availability and/or any changes until moment of confirmation
  • At this moment no options have been taken
  • Changes in number of guests, program itself, VAT (included) will result in a revision of rates
  • All prices does not include personal expenses (minibar, laundry, etc)
  • The prices do not include cancellation costs
  • No Travel Insurance was included. If you wish to know our insurances budget, please contact us
  • Flight Tickets are not included, as well as the local hotel taxes (when applicable)
  • Handling Fee – 10,00 € per file

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