dossier
Heart of Portugal Walk
Day 1: Arrive in Belmonte
We meet you at Porto airport and take you to your 4-star hotel in Belmonte (3 1 /2 hrs including comfort stops) in time for dinner.
Day 2: Medieval Beira 12km/7mi/4hr
A gentle Roman road leads us across the River Coa, then on through cherry and walnut orchards to the C10 Sequeiros Romanesque bridge. We enjoy a lovely home-cooked lunch in atmospheric Bedamalos before setting off towards Vilar Maior. Lots of lovely butterflies flitting among the flowers and a high chance of spotting different kinds of birds of prey: eagles, buzzards and the rare cyanopica-cyano - a blue magpie found only in this corner of Portugal.
Day 3: Loriga Valley 13km/8.5mi/4.5hr
The “Vale de Loriga” was originally a glacial trough that has naturally been transformed into a ravine. Man-made levadas (irrigation channels) and terraces criss-cross the hillsides. Our levada walk takes us through laurels, holly oaks and English holly trees. We watch out for eagles and buzzards and may spot a rare Cyanopica Cyano (a blue magpie found only on the Serra da Estrela). We return via the lovely fortified village of Sortelha. Time to visit the ancient Centrum Cellas - an extraordinary watchtower, probably Inca, and unique in Europe - and a drink in Marco's bar before taking the minibus back to Belmonte.
Day 4: Zézčre Valley 9km/6mi/4hr
Our path follows the line of traditional tiny faming communities strung out along the magnificent glacial valley, in the shadow of Portugal’s highest mountain, the Torre (1993m). En route are typical stone casias (tiny farmhouses with straw roofs) and all around are dizzily steep, terraced hillsides and meadows carpeted in bright mountain flowers. Up to the picturesque white village of Manteigas where there has been a settlement since Moorish times – lovely views down to the River Zézčre - then lunch is at Jose’s bar (all local produce: sheep’s cheeses, black pudding, mountain wines).
Day 5: Free Day
It'sjust a 30 minute stroll into Belmonte so we've left today free for youto explore it's castel, Jewish Quarter (you'll fine the only synagoguein Portugal outside of Lisbon here), museums, Romanesque-Gothic churchof Santiago, Lots of restaurants for lunch. In the afternoon eitherlaze by the pool or follow one of the independent circular walkingroutes provided.
Day 6: Three Villages Walk 15km/9mi/4hr
A lovely gorge walk taking in three of the most beautiful and interesting villages in the region. First stop is the folkloric village of Penha Garcia, then up to the stunning mediaeval fortress of Monsanto. Officially awarded “Most traditional village”, this is mediaeval Portugal at its most authentic, where life continues as it has for centuries. Superb 360 o views from the C11 castle, ruined Renaissance church and bell tower. Finally on to Idanha-a-Velha, once a major Roman city with wonderful collections of columns, statues and tombs.
Day 7: The Serra da Estrela 14km/8mi/6hr
The highest walking in Portugal: sparkling clear blue mountain lakes (prefect paddling!), rugged peaks and surprisingly easy walking. Beautiful alpine flowers are carpeted across vast areas and striking chalk rock formations rise eerily from the lakes. Dunnocks, Dartford warblers and eagle owls inhabit the forests, and kestrels and goshawks circle and soar above the highest peaks. Peace reigns and there is not a soul in sight.
Day 8: Return Home
Transfer to Oporto for your flight home, or perhaps stay for a few extra nights to explore the city - inquire for details and prices.