The Best of Portugal - Walking Holiday

Over 19 days we immerse ourselves in the best of nature, culture, regional food and wine that Portugal has to offer. We begin in romantic Porto, with its medieval Ribeira district, bustling plazas and Baroque churches. We take to the hills of Peneda Geres National Park to explore pilgrim trails through time-worn landscapes sculptured by geological forces, wind and water. In Douro Valley, we enjoy the comfort of luxury accommodation, being spoilt with gourmet meals, walks through vineyards and rural farms, and local train and boat trips. Following old stone walls and small villages we find ourselves in the beautiful 12th century historical village of Marialva, complete with a lofty castle, narrow cobbled streets and a cluster of granite-built houses. At Faia Brava Natural Reserve, we search for Griffon vulture and Bonelli’s eagle and visit the pilgrim village of Castelo Rodrigo. Dubbed the most ‘Portuguese town in Portugal’, we wander the cobbled streets of Monsanto. With granite houses squeezed between and under giant boulders – it looks like real life Bedrock. We follow ancient Roman roads, which transport us to the fortified village of Marvao. Through chestnut groves, along ancient pathways we visit Castelo de Vide. This impressive castle, surrounded by the town’s white houses, dominates the surrounding landscape. After explorative walks around the megalithic structures of Almendres Cromlech, we enter the enchanted town of Evora and delve into its dynamic esplanades, vibrant art scene and colourful handicraft stores. The sleepy seaside fishing village of Zambujeira do Mar is our base for three nights to explore dramatic cliff walks along the Alentejo and Vicentine Coast Natural Park. We finish in the capital and World Heritage listed centre, Lisbon.