Overview
In Portugal’s gorgeous rural landscapes, our trails take us across the rock-built Aldeias de Gois villages, through the vineyards of the Douro, into the forests of Peneda-Gerês National Park, and along medieval pilgrim routes. We balance our hiking with wonderful cultural experiences along the way, tasting wine in a family-owned quinta, exploring 13th century castle towns, and sampling farm-to-table regional cuisine and velvety port wines. We end our journey in Porto, a World Heritage Site of centuries-old lanes and port wine cellars. Our lodging includes a former wine warehouse in picturesque Pinhão and the 17th century Paço de Calheiros, where we are welcomed by the Count of Calheiros himself.
It was a very satisfying blend of substantive hiking in interesting, off-beat locales and cultural activities that provided a glimpse into the people and life of the country.
— Ellen R., New York, NY
Days 1-4
Serra da Lousã / Serra da Estrela
From Lisbon, we head into the Serra da Lousã mountains and the slate villages known as Aldeias de Gois, stopping in at a local home for tea and walking village to village to soak up views of the deep green valleys spread below. In the Serra da Estrela, our trails contour below the rock towers of the glacier-carved Zêzere Valley.
Serra da Lousã / Serra da Estrela - Days 1-4
Melia Palacio da Lousã
Days 1 to 2 (2 nights), Lousã, PortugalBuilt in the 18th century, this former palace-turned-comfortable-hotel sits in the center of the small village of Lousã. As the first boutique hotel in the country, it’s full of character and has delightful gardens and a swimming pool. Be sure to enjoy some Licor Beirao that the hotel offers while soaking in the serene views from their lounge.
Hotel Berne
Days 3 to 4 (2 nights), Manteigas, PortugalLocated at the foot of the Serra da Estrela mountain range, this small, family-run hotel overlooks the quiet town center in the pretty village of Manteigas. The staff is welcoming and the hotel’s restaurant is the top place to eat in town. For cooling down after a day of hiking, there is a large outdoor swimming pool.
Days 5-7
Belmonte / Douro Wine Tasting / Pinhão / Peneda-Gerês
Castle-topped Belmonte’s medieval Jewish Quarter is a delight to explore, and we view the Paleolithic paintings in the Côa Valley. A rail journey along the tranquil Douro River brings us to lovely Pinhão, and we hike across a dreamscape of Douro Valley vineyards to the family-owned Quinto do Crasto wine estate. In Peneda-Gerês National Park, with its craggy peaks and wild horses, we may encounter goat herders and their trusty castro laboreiro sheepdogs.
Belmonte / Douro Wine Tasting / Pinhão / Peneda-Gerês - Days 5-7
The Vintage House
Days 5 to 6 (2 nights), Pinhão, PortugalOriginally a wine warehouse, the Vintage Hotel is located right on the river in the tiny town of Pinhão. Each guestroom has its own private balcony with views of the river while the rest of the property offers beautiful public spaces both inside and out and a lovely breakfast terrace along the river. Find time to enjoy a wine tasting at their Wine Academy and peruse their wine shop for gifts.
Aguas do Geres
Day 7 (1 night), Caldas do Gerês, PortugalThe newly renovated Águas do Gerês spa hotel is in the center of the small village of Caldas do Gerês, surrounded by Peneda-Gerês National Park. The town of Caldas do Gerês has been known for its thermal springs since the 19th century and the hotel takes prides in its focus on spa treatments, including relaxing massages. If you have time, book a treatment or simply enjoy the hotel’s sauna and swimming pool.
Days 8-12
The Pilgrimage Route / Ponte de Lima / Porto
An ancient pilgrim trail leads us to the revered sanctuary at Peneda, with its staircase adorned with statues representing faith, love, and charity, and we visit charming Ponte de Lima. Our last hike is across the Camino Portugués, which once brought medieval pilgrims to Santiago de Compostela. We end our journey in Porto, exploring the historic quarter and listening to soulful fado songs. Depart on Day 12.
The Pilgrimage Route / Ponte de Lima / Porto - Days 8-12
Peneda Hotel
Day 8 (1 night), Gavieira, PortugalSurrounded by the tranquil beauty of Peneda-Gerês National Park and set near a cascading waterfall, the Peneda Hotel is a renovated former pilgrims’ rest house in a magnificent rural location. We love this place because every guestroom overlooks the quiet main square and is flanked by outstanding granite cliffs, creating a peaceful respite for travelers.
Paco de Calheiros
Day 9 (1 night), Ponte de Lima, PortugalThe Count of Calheiros will welcome us at this gem of a 17th century palace that he is pleased to call home. Each room in the palace is unique, with antique furnishings, and we can wander anywhere in the house. A must-see is the vast stone-floored kitchen where dinner is prepared. Fresh vegetables are provided from the garden below. There is a terrace overlooking the Count’s vineyards as well as an outdoor pool and sauna.
Pestana Vintage Porto
Days 10 to 11 (2 nights), Porto, PortugalThe Pestana Porto, set in the heart of Porto’s Old Town, occupies part of a block of 16th, 17th, and 18th century former wine warehouses that is recognized as a World Heritage Site. Spacious guestrooms have French-style windows and doors with views across the waterfront to the Port wine warehouses. Be sure to take a stroll along the riverfront or enjoy a glass of port in their chic lounge.
Hiker's Journey to Portugal
Highlights
Highlights
Details
9 hiking days on moderate to strenuous trails (some steep sections), 3-6 hours a day with two longer days, van support (for luggage or if you wish to skip a day’s hike)
