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 explore the country’s past and marvel at the origins of its architecture in the historical town of Guimaraes. In Douro Valley, we enjoy the comfort of luxury accommodation, being spoilt with gourmet meals, walks through vineyards and rural farms, and taking the opportunity for local boat trips. Following old stone walls and small villages we find ourselves in the beautiful 12^th 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 a 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 dramatic cliff walks along the Alentejo and Vicentine Coast Natural Park. We finish in the capital of Lisbon, to learn more about this World Heritage listed centre and its cultural precincts.