Discover the Heart of Portugal Easy Walking Tour

Our trip begins in Lisbon, Portugal with an 8:30 am group rendezvous. We transfer north to visit the peaceful spa town of Caldas da Rainha which translates to “The Queen’s Hotsprings”. It was named after Queen Leonor who was a fan of the medicinal properties of the local thermal waters. We’ll meander through town along a route dotted with sculptures by Rafael Bordalo Pinheiro, the local 19th century ceramicist known for his sarcastic political commentary and his cabbage leaf and other pottery.  Along the way we’ll stop to visit the colorful local farmers market. After lunch we’ll take a short hike along the coast and enjoy sweeping views over the rugged Atlantic coast and Óbidos Lagoon. Option to hike all the way to our hotel or take a short transfer.

We will have time to freshen up at our hotel overlooking the Óbidos lagoon in Foz do Arelho before a short walk to a restaurant for our first delicious dinner together. Lunch and dinner included.

Hiking: 2.5 miles, Elevation gain/loss: +474’/-682′; Transfers: 1.25 hours, 15 min.

We transfer a little north to the famous fishing village of Nazaré, in the heart of Portugal. Set on a long beach facing the powerful Atlantic Ocean, Nazaré gives us a glimpse of life in a unique Portuguese fishing village, where some local women still dress in traditional seven layered skirts and colorful fishing boats dot the coastline. Our hike begins in a coastal pine forest planted by King D. Dinis in the 14th century and continues along the cliffs with dramatic views of the ocean. We’ll pass by the lighthouse famous for its viewpoint of Nazaré’s world-renowned giant waves and end our hike with lunch at Nazaré beach. We’ll return to our hotel for a rest before heading to the medieval UNESCO castle town of Óbidos for a sunset walk through the narrow cobbled streets lined with whitewashed cottages and bougainvillea vines before we enjoy a group dinner. Breakfast and dinner included.

Hiking:  4.5 miles; Elevation gain / loss 810′ / -1141′; Walking tour: 1 mile; Transfers: 35 min, 20 min.

We transfer to Alcobaça wherein lies one of the most emblematic monasteries, Mosteiro de Alcobaça, a foundational stone of our nation during the reconquest.  After our monastery visit we walk towards the Museu do Vinho (the wine museum) for a tour including light lunch and wine tasting.

After lunch we transfer to Serra de Aire mountains for our afternoon hike in Fornea de Alcaria where we’ll have the opportunity to view the valley that leads to a plateau consisting of several horizontal layers that end abruptly at the bottom of a limestone amphitheater, an extraordinary geological phenomenon. 

We then transfer to Tomar where we spend the following two nights – one of central Portugal’s most charming riverside towns with a rich history and founded by the Knights Templar in the 12th c. We’ll walk to dinner on the pedestrian streets of the cross-shaped medieval neighborhood. All meals included.

Hiking: 2.5 miles; Elevation gain / loss: 450′ /-544′; Transfers: 35 min, 35 min, 45 min.

We start our day with a short transfer to the historical village of Constância, a beautiful riverside village where the greatest Portuguese poet, Luís Vaz de Camoes, spent his last days. June 10th – the day of his death – is Portugal Day, a national holiday. Our hike starts at the main church,  the highest point in the village which overlooks two of the most important Portuguese rivers. We pass picturesque houses and streets and descend to the river bank on a riparian zone trail.

Before stopping for lunch, we visit the medieval castle of Almourol perched on a small island in the middle of the Tagus River. Afterwards we visit the Convent of Christ, an impressive UNESCO World Heritage site. The Convent, built by the Knights Templar in 1160, is a unique Portuguese monastic fortress that was built over five centuries. A short walk takes us back to our hotel to enjoy a free night in Tomar. Breakfast and picnic included. Dinner is on your own tonight.

Hiking: 3.1 miles, Elevation gain/loss: +651’/-700′; Transfers: 30 min, 30 min.

Today’s first hike is alongside the Zêzere River near the schist village of Pedrógão Pequeno. Our hike rewards us with extraordinary panoramic views over the still river waters amongst the lush vegetation and a 2000 year old Roman bridge. After a picnic lunch we transfer to a very special place in the heart of Portugal: Casal de S.Simão. Grand houses built mostly from quartzite with timber balconies and colorful flower beds line the only street in the village. We’ll hike through pristine forest nestled in a valley filled with native species then through farm land leading to the Alge River. Highlights include views of stony crags, river pools and water wheels along the way. We overnight in the hilly town of Coimbra which is full of rich history, beautiful architecture and home to one of the world’s oldest universities. Dinner is on your own tonight. Breakfast and picnic lunch included. 

Hiking: 2.5 miles; Elevation gain / loss: 436’/-1203′; 1.5 miles; Elevation gain / loss: 741′ /-470′; Transfers: 50 min, 20 min.

Today we transfer to Buçaco National Forest for a magical meander in the woods. The forest dates back to the 6th century when it belonged to a Benedictine monastery. The virgin forest was conceded to the Barefoot Carmelites in the 17th century as a spiritual hermitage, where they could completely withdraw from the outside world.  On our hike we’ll marvel at the magnificent Buçaco Royal Palace, the last royal palace, built between 1988 and 1907; the art and details of this amazing building mix Gothic, Renaissance, Baroque and Manueline styles.  Then we’ll continue on the trail past natural springs and streams through forest with both ancient and exotic tree species including an section with primitive forest that most likely existed in the mountains of central Portugal before human occupation. This makes it highly relevant ecologically, both for its rarity and uniqueness at national level and for its biodiversity. Other areas of the forest contain exotic species that the Portuguese mariners brought back from their travels exploring various continents. We have lunch in the spa town of Luso, known throughout Portugal for its soft, delicious water. 

Upon our return to Coimbra we take you on a guided walk through historical Coimbra. We start at the top at Santa Cruz Monastery, the resting place of D. Afonso Henriques, the founder and first king of Portugal, then we traverse the University of Coimbra grounds, finally meandering down through the medieval streets full towards downtown, back across the Mondego River and to our hotel.  Tonight we have a delicious farewell dinner at our hotel. All meals included.

Hiking:  3 miles; Elev gain/ loss: 700’ /-1313’; Walkabout Coimbra: 2 miles

This morning we say goodbye to our guides and each other, making a final transfer to Porto or Lisbon. Drop-off available at Porto airport (OPO) and a designated downtown hotel. You are welcome to schedule your homeward flight for any time after 2:30pm or stay on and explore this vibrant city. We also have the option to return to Lisbon with our guides. Breakfast included.

Transfer: Coimbra to Porto: 75 miles; duration: 1:30 hrs.; departure: 9:30 am; arrival: ca. 11 am; Coimbra to Lisbon: 2.5 hrs.; departure: 9:30 am; arrival: ca. 12 noon

Although we do our very best to adhere to the schedule above, the itinerary is subject to change for numerous reasons beyond our control, including weather and terrain conditions.

Prices are per person, based on double occupancy.