PORTUGAL
![Image]() Dates: June 20-30, 2010
Land Cost: $3395 (U.S. Funds)
Single Supplement: $425. (U.S. Funds)
Lodging: Hotels
Difficulty: MODERATE
Trip Begins: Lisbon, Portugal 10:00AM
Trip Ends: Lisbon, Portugal
TRIP DESCRIPTION: The SERRA DA ESTRELA and LISBON
Walking in Portugal, to the majority of British and American visitors, is limited to a brief wander along the seaside in the Algarve. Over 70% of tourists head for the beach and miss the spectacular scenery, rich history and welcoming people that make Portugal the magical country it is. Our days will be spent walking Portugal’s beautiful and peaceful countryside and special, out-of-the-way corners, few people know exist.
ITINERARY: (May be changed at the discretion of the trip leader.)
Pre-Trip. We recommend that you plan to arrive at least one day in advance. Not only will you be ready and well rested, this allows you to explore Lisbon on your own. We have made hotel arrangements for the night of June 7th. If you would like to take advantage of this reservation, please contact us. For those would like to arrive even earlier, contact information for the hotel will be included with your confirmation packet so you can make any necessary additions to your reservation.
Day 1 Our Portugal adventure begins at 10:00 a.m. After meeting the other members of our group, and our outstanding guide Stefano Spinetti, we’ll drive North to the Serra da Estrela. Our journey takes us across a spectacular landscape of oleander shrubs, vineyards, and olive groves, with the Tagus River our constant companion for most of the drive. Arriving in Manteigas, the biggest “little” village in the Serra da Estrela, we’ll head to Casa de Sao Roque, an elegant old house with large rooms containing stylish wooden furniture, spotless en-suite bathrooms, and finished in ancient brilliant blue and white tiles. Breakfast each morning will find us enjoying the elegance of their old-world dining room or under the sun on a pleasant patio overlooking a courtyard of roses in various colors.
Day 2 Sao Lourenzo Mount and Cruz da Jogadas; 5.4 miles, 1100 ft elevation gain. Our first walk today is to the east ridge of the Serra, where we’ll enjoy panoramic views of the Serra da Estrela and the surrounding agricultural landscape. Along the way, kind farmers and shepherds welcome us with fresh water and interesting conversation. At the top of the mountain, the little church of Sao Lourenzo offers breathtaking views over the valley.
Day 3 Penhas Douradas Valle do Rossim; 8.4 miles, 2,400 ft elevation gain. Today we’ll walk to the highest part of the Serra, a unique botanical environment, where, because of the mild climate, species of trees from both alpine and sea level environments thrive. During the day, we’ll pass ancient houses whose roofs and walls have been built from curiously enormous rocks. Enjoy a picnic lunch on the banks of Lake Valle do Rossim.
Day 4 Poço do Inferno (the Hell’s well) – 7.2 miles, 1145 ft. elevation gain. Today’s walk includes a wonderful, relaxing trek inside the protected forest of Buçaco to one of the most spectacular waterfalls in Portugal. Breaks in the forest will treat us to spectacular views of distant valleys
Day 5 Tour of the ancient cities of Belmonte and Guarda. A relaxing walk around the picturesque streets and castles of the ancient city of Guarda, a former Roman settlement of some political and regional importance. Our trek will lead us to Colliner Da Beria where we will climb ancient roads to the oldest castle in Portugal.
Day 6 Arctic Plateau and Currial dos Martins – 8.4 miles, 1245 ft. elevation gain. Probably the finest walk in this part of Portugal. We’ll hike to the top of the huge plateau of Currial dos Martins where enormous granite rocks dot the landscape in patterns only a wizard could have designed. Enchanting flowers – so tiny and perfect in color and form – grace the landscape. This extreme environment is home to many small animals, eagles, and wild boar.
Day 7 Poio do Negro to Sabugueiro. 5.6 miles and 1000’ descent. Today we’ll enjoy an easy downhill walk from Lake Rossim to the small village of Sabugueiro. The walk extends along the alpine ridge and is trimmed with the beauty of wild orchids, broom, heather and many other treasures. A panorama of carefully tended gardens greets our entry into this quaint, old mountain village.
Day 8 Folgosinho to Linhares. 6.8 miles and 800’ elevation gain. Starting in Folgosinho, we’ll walk to Linhares Castle, probably the best preserved of all Portugal’s castles. This is a wonderful, scenic walk.
Day 9 Manteigas – Lisbon. After a hearty breakfast, we’ll drive to Lisbon, arriving late in the afternoon. Evening dinner and walk in the central section of Portugal’s capitol, stopping at local pastilarias to sample a variety of sweet delicacies.
Day 10 Lisbon - Cabo da Rocha – Sintra. We’ll begin our day with a scenic drive to Cascais, a picturesque coastal town, and Cabo da Rocha (Stone Cape), the most western point of Europe. In the afternoon, we’ll visit the magnificent Royal Palaces of Sintra: Palacio Nacional and Palacio da Pena, former summer residences of Portuguese Royalty. Tonight we gather for good stories and remembrances of our time together, all accompanied by some of Lisbon’s finest cuisine.
Day 11 Transfer to the Lisbon airport. You may book your flight at any time.
WHAT WE PROVIDE:
Walking The World Guide
Expert Local Guide
10 nights lodging (double occupancy)
All transportation while on tour
All admission fees to scheduled stops
All meals except 3 lunches and 2 dinners
Unique and original Journal of your trip
Walking The World T-shirt or hat
Good fun, humor and companionship
WALKING THE WORLD® PO Box 1186, Fort Collins, CO 80522
PH: 970-498-0500 E-MAIL: info@walkingtheworld.com
Website: www.walkingtheworld.com
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