Portugal, between Douro & Estrela

Breakfast included. Morning transfer to the rental agency (included in escorted package). Head for the Douro Valley, your guiding thread for the beginning of the trip. You’ll quickly get into the rhythm: plenty of twisties and superb views over the valley and its terraced vineyards. With one or two detours to reach a miradouro (viewpoint), such as São Silvestre de Cimo do Douro, perched at 530m.

After Peso da Régua, marking the start of the Upper Douro Valley, return to the southern bank for a beautiful climb to Lamego. Check-in at the hotel.

It was here that Afonso I was crowned King of Portugal in 1139. In the lower part of town you’ll find the cathedral and access to the majestic Sanctuary of Nossa Senhora dos Remédios—though you’ll need to climb 686 steps! Opposite the cathedral, the Lamego Museum features superb pieces, including remarkable azulejos.

Dinner and evening at leisure. Overnight in Lamego.

Breakfast (included). You’ll head to the little village of Covelinhas along some lovely winding roads. Just like in Corsica, here we count in hours rather than kilometres! Take a detour to the São Leonardo de Galafura viewpoint for a spectacular panorama of the Douro Valley. You’ll play hide-and-seek with the river, with beautiful ‘quintas’ (wine estates) appearing here and there.

Stop off at Provesende and then at Favaios, in the hills of the Alto Douro. Arrival in Pinhão. Don’t miss the 25 azulejo panels at the station, which depict the grape harvest. Check in at the hotel. Overnight stay in Pinhão (or nearby, at a beautiful ‘quinta’).

Breakfast (included). Head for the beautiful Douro Internacional border park. The River Douro, which you’ll encounter here, serves as a natural border between Portugal and Spain.

A detour into Castile (Spain), with stunning views of the river. After a loop around the Saucelle Dam, return to Portugal and head towards Castelo Rodrigo, classified as a ‘historic’ village, along with 11 other fortified hilltop villages. Today’s destination is Trancoso, another of these charming little villages! Check-in at the hotel. Overnight stay in Trancoso.

Breakfast (included). Head for the northern part of the Serra da Estrela, stopping off at the charming little village of Linhares da Beira, dominated by its castle fortifications, and then on to Gouveia. A superb scenic route takes you to Manteigas, with its white-fronted houses.

You’ll reach Belmonte on the eastern side of the park. This is where the great navigator Pedro Álvares Cabral was born; he is regarded as the ‘discoverer’ of Brazil, although this isn’t entirely accurate. Check-in at the hotel. Overnight stay in Belmonte, in a magnificent ‘Pousada’.

Breakfast (included). No need to pack or unpack. Set off to explore three magnificent ‘historic’ villages: Castelo Novo, with its walls and narrow streets, then Monsanto, a picture-postcard village perched on a hill, about ten kilometres from the Spanish border. Take in the granite houses nestled amongst the rocks, which sometimes serve as natural walls.

As for Sortelha, it’s our favourite! The place exudes an atmosphere of true serenity, barely disturbed by the wind farm on the surrounding hills. Climb up to the little bar, right at the top... Return to Belmonte. Overnight stay in Belmonte.

Breakfast (included). We’re on Mount Torre (1,993 m), in the heart of the Serra da Estrela, the country’s only real mountain range (you can even ski there...). The views are magnificent! After a delightful winding descent, you reach Piodão, a unique black village clinging to the hillside, with its schist stone houses and blue windows, in the heart of the Serra do Açor.

After passing the Moinhos da Serra da Atalhada, mills converted into accommodation (what a view!), you’ll follow the River Mondego before arriving in Coimbra, the former capital of Portugal. Check-in at the hotel. The old town is absolutely beautiful! Overnight stay in Coimbra.

Breakfast (included). Stroll through the narrow streets of Coimbra and make your way up to the prestigious university. Head for the spa town of Luso, before continuing on to Aveiro, on the coast. With its canals lined with pretty, colourful houses and the famous ‘moliceiros’ (traditional boats), it’s picture-postcard perfect.

A short ferry crossing before heading back up towards Porto, via the seaside resort of Furadouro. Return of the motorbikes (southern suburbs of Porto). Transfer to your hotel (not included). Check-in at your hotel. Overnight stay in Porto.

Breakfast included.
Transfer to the airport according to your flight schedule (included).

Return flight (not included: please contact us).

Please contact us for any stay extension / modification