Vacation Overview
Tour Details
Discover one of Iberian Europe's most authentic hiking experiences as you explore Portugal's timeless countryside and its remarkable network of ancient villages, including scenic parts of the country's official historic village trail. Wander along old Roman roads and age-worn footpaths that wind between medieval castles, stone hamlets, and sweeping rural vistas. Experience the old-world charm of Monsanto—where houses are wedged between giant boulders—and Sortelha, with its walled fortress. Head to the rugged Serra da Estrela Natural Park, where great hiking trails abound.
Highlights:- Marvel at stunning views from a mountaintop castle overlooking "the most Portuguese village in Portugal"
- Enjoy hikes through the Serra da Estrela National Park in the mountainous central massif
- Take a walking tour of Lisbon, with its Gothic cathedrals, majestic monasteries, and narrow lanes
Important Trip Details:Walks average about 6 miles per day, with approximately 1200 feet of elevation gain per day on average. The walks take you on old Roman roads, walking paths, through forests and up some steep rocky slopes. There are some stairs and cobblestones in the villages as well, so be prepared for a variety of terrain. Some trails involve navigating uneven terrain with large stones. Agility and good balance is required.
Minimum Age: 16
Daily Itinerary
MT Sobek: Portugal Historic Village Hiking
Day 1 Arrive in Lisbon
Arrive at Lisbon Portela Airport in the morning and meet your MT Sobek representative, who will transfer you to the hotel. Enjoy some time to check in and freshen up before lunch, then take a walking tour through the old town of Lisbon, and the Mouraria and Alfama neighborhoods. Finish the first day with a festive welcome dinner at a local restaurant.
Accommodation: Iberostar Selection Lisboa
(L, D)
Day 2 Journey to Salvaterra do Extremo & Hike to Monfortinho
3-hour private van transfer
4 hours/7.5 miles hiking with 954' elevation gain & 990' elevation loss
After a hearty breakfast, begin the journey inland to the small village of Salvaterra do Extremo, near the border of Spain, to begin today's hike on varied terrain along an ancient Roman road. Stroll around this charming place, a former stronghold used by the Romans and the Arabs, seeing traditional homes made of shale, the House of Sardoes (lizards), a moon-shaped well, the bell tower of Casa da Camara (complete with storks in the belfry!), and the cylindrical granite stiles. Continue on to Monfortinho, home for the next two nights.
Accommodation: Hotel Fonte Santa
(B, L, D)
Day 3 Hike to the Villages of Idanha-a-Velha, Monsanto & Penha Garcia
1-hour private van transfer
5.5 hours/7.5 miles hiking with 1,795' elevation gain & 495' elevation loss
Hike through a dazzling landscape today, from village to village. Begin in Idanha-a-Velha, a former Roman settlement dating back to 16 A.D. Hike up to ancient Monsanto, "the most Portuguese village in Portugal," perched against the face of a rocky cliff where houses sit wedged between giant boulders. Hike up to the castle above it, for a picnic lunch and stunning panoramas. En route back, take a brief side hike to the village of Penha Garcia, with its labyrinth of streets winding among small, flower-covered houses. Hike back to Monfortinho for dinner.
Accommodation: Hotel Fonte Santa
(B, L, D)
Day 4 Explore the Villages of Sortelha & Belmonte
2.5-hour private van transfer
Three historic village walking tours
Leave Monfortinho after breakfast and head to the medieval village of Sortelha, with its walled fortress high atop a rocky promontory at 2,500 feet. Continue to Belmonte village, dominated by a 13th-century castle and a labyrinth of ancient alleyways that make up the old Jewish quarter; Belmonte is still home to the largest Jewish community in Portugal. Today ends at Penhas Douradas on the central high plains of Estrela Mountain.
Accommodation: Casa das Penhas Douradas
(B, L, D)
Day 5 Hike in Serra da Estrela Natural Park
1-hour private van transfer
3 hours/5.5 miles hiking with 1,092' elevation gain & 1,046' elevation loss
Today hike through the diverse landscapes of Penhas Douradas, a region of Serra da Estrela Natural Park marked by rocky outcrops, boulders and crags, several of which resemble human forms. The destination today is the dam of the Vale do Rossim, a picturesque lake with a small beach perfect for resting, soaking your feet, and enjoying a nice picnic. Then head back to the hotel, arriving in the late afternoon.
Accommodation: Casa das Penhas Douradas
(B, L, D)
Day 6 Visit the Village of Piodao & Arrive in Lousa
2-hour private van transfer
Today leave Serra da Estrela behind, heading towards the small town of Lousa. En route, visit the photogenic village of Piodao, where cobblestone avenues lined with shale houses cascade down a gentle slope. With its white facades and cylindrical buttresses, a beautiful 19th-century church dedicated to Nossa Senhora da Conceicao stands out among the shale houses. Reach today's destination, the charming town of Lousa, in the late afternoon.
Accommodation: Octant Palacio da Lousa
(B, L, D)
Day 7 Leave Lousa & Enjoy Fado in Lisbon
2.5-hour private van transfer
3 hours/4 miles hiking with 1,607' elevation gain & loss
Start at the Castle of Arouce and hike on the magnificent Serra da Lousa trail, passing through villages seemingly lost in time. Wander through the winding alleyways of Talasnal and drink straight from the village's spring fountain. Continue across bridges and creeks and climb towards the village of Casal Novo, then catch amazing views of the valley and the castle. After lunch, return to Lisbon. Check in and head out for dinner in a casa de fado, a restaurant that features Portuguese fado music.
Accommodation: Lisbon Plaza Hotel
(B, L, D)
Day 8 Depart from Lisbon
Enjoy breakfast before your guide assists with your airport transfer.
Accommodation: Lisbon Plaza Hotel
(B)