7-Nights Hiking Portugal's Historic Villages — CALL

MT Sobek

OFFER ID 1376633

Explore Iberian Europe's best-kept secret on this fascinating hiking tour through Portugal's picturesque countryside. Discover a land dotted with medieval castles and hilltop villages as you journey along Roman roads and ancient paths. Experience the old-world charm of Monsanto, where houses are wedged between giant boulders, and Sortelha with its walled fortress. Then head to the rugged Serra da Estrela Natural Park, where great hiking trails abound. End by taking in the haunting sounds of fado singers on a walking tour of Lisbon's old quarter.

Highlights:

  • Marvel at stunning views from a mountaintop castle overlooking "the most Portuguese village in Portugal"
  • Enjoy hikes through the Serra da Estrela National Park in the mountainous central massif
  • Take a walking tour of Lisbon, with its Gothic cathedrals, majestic monasteries, and narrow lanes

Important Trip Details:
Walks average about 6 miles per day, with approximately 1200 feet of elevation gain per day on average. The walks go from village to village, taking you on old Roman roads, walking paths, through forests and up some steep rocky slopes. There are some stairs and cobblestones in the villages as well, so be prepared for a variety of terrain.

Minimum Age: 16

7 nights | Call for pricing

Exclusive Amenity: $50 Donation Per Booking Will Be Made on Behalf of Your Clients to One of MT Sobek’s Partnered Foundations

Valid on new bookings deposited now – December 31, 2025 for travel anytime. 

Other restrictions may apply. Contact your travel advisor about this Signature Exclusive Amenity.

Itinerary

MT Sobek: Portugal Historic Village Hiking

Day 1 Arrive in Lisbon
Arrive at Lisbon Portela Airport in the morning and meet your MT Sobek representative, who will transfer you to the hotel. Enjoy some time to check in and freshen up before lunch, then take a walking tour through the old town of Lisbon, and the Mouraria and Alfama neighborhoods. Finish the first day with a festive welcome dinner at a local restaurant.
Accommodation: Lisbon Plaza Hotel
(L, D)

Day 2 Journey to Salvaterra do Extremo & Hike to Monfortinho
3-hour private van transfer
4 hours/7.5 miles hiking with 954' elevation gain & 990' elevation loss
After a hearty breakfast, begin the journey inland to the small village of Salvaterra do Extremo, near the border of Spain, to begin today's hike on varied terrain along an ancient Roman road. Stroll around this charming place, a former stronghold used by the Romans and the Arabs, seeing traditional homes made of shale, the House of Sardoes (lizards), a moon-shaped well, the bell tower of Casa da Camara (complete with storks in the belfry!), and the cylindrical granite stiles. Continue on to Monfortinho, home for the next two nights.
Accommodation: Hotel Fonte Santa
(B, L, D)

Day 3 Hike to the Villages of Idanha-a-Velha, Monsanto & Penha Garcia
1-hour private van transfer
5.5 hours/7.5 miles hiking with 1,795' elevation gain & 495' elevation loss
Hike through a dazzling landscape today, from village to village. Begin in Idanha-a-Velha, a former Roman settlement dating back to 16 A.D. Hike up to ancient Monsanto, "the most Portuguese village in Portugal," perched against the face of a rocky cliff where houses sit wedged between giant boulders. Hike up to the castle above it, for a picnic lunch and stunning panoramas. En route back, take a brief side hike to the village of Penha Garcia, with its labyrinth of streets winding among small, flower-covered houses. Hike back to Monfortinho for dinner.
Accommodation: Hotel Fonte Santa
(B, L, D)

Day 4 Explore the Villages of Sortelha, Belmonte & Linhares da Beira
2.5-hour private van transfer
Three historic village walking tours
Leave Monfortinho after breakfast and head to the medieval village of Sortelha, with its walled fortress high atop a rocky promontory at 2,500 feet. Continue to Belmonte village, dominated by a 13th-century castle and a labyrinth of ancient alleyways that make up the old Jewish quarter; Belmonte is still home to the largest Jewish community in Portugal. Continue to Linhares da Beira, a Lusitanian hill fort on the western slopes of the Serra da Estrela Natural Park. Today ends at Penhas Douradas on the central high plains of Estrela Mountain.
Accommodation: Casa das Penhas Douradas
(B, L, D)

Day 5 Hike in Serra da Estrela Natural Park
1-hour private van transfer
3 hours/5.5 miles hiking with 1,092' elevation gain & 1,046' elevation loss
Today hike through the diverse landscapes of Penhas Douradas, a region of Serra da Estrela Natural Park marked by rocky outcrops, boulders and crags, several of which resemble human forms. The destination today is the dam of the Vale do Rossim, a picturesque lake with a small beach perfect for resting, soaking your feet, and enjoying a nice picnic. Then head back to the hotel, arriving in the late afternoon.
Accommodation: Casa das Penhas Douradas
(B, L, D)

Day 6 Visit the Village of Piodao & Arrive in Lousa
2-hour private van transfer
Today leave Serra da Estrela behind, heading towards the small town of Lousa. En route, visit the photogenic village of Piodao, where cobblestone avenues lined with shale houses cascade down a gentle slope. With its white facades and cylindrical buttresses, a beautiful 19th-century church dedicated to Nossa Senhora da Conceicao stands out among the shale houses. Reach today's destination, the charming town of Lousa, in the late afternoon.
Accommodation: Octant Palacio da Lousa
(B, L, D)

Day 7 Leave Lousa & Enjoy Fado in Lisbon
2.5-hour private van transfer
3 hours/4 miles hiking with 1,607' elevation gain & loss
Start at the Castle of Arouce and hike on the magnificent Serra da Lousa trail, passing through villages seemingly lost in time. Wander through the winding alleyways of Talasnal and drink straight from the village's spring fountain. Continue across bridges and creeks and climb towards the village of Casal Novo, then catch amazing views of the valley and the castle. After lunch, take a dip in a river pool before returning to Lisbon. Check in and head out for dinner in a casa de fado, a restaurant that features Portuguese fado music.
Accommodation: Lisbon Plaza Hotel
(B, L, D)

Day 8 Depart from Lisbon
Enjoy breakfast before your guide assists with your airport transfer.
Accommodation: Lisbon Plaza Hotel
(B)

Featured Destinations
Lisbon
Monfortinho
Penhas Dourdas
Lousa

Vacation Details

Valid Date Ranges
03/22/2025 - 03/29/2025
from $999,999,999 per person
04/05/2025 - 04/12/2025
from $999,999,999 per person
05/23/2025 - 05/30/2025
from $999,999,999 per person
09/06/2025 - 09/13/2025
from $999,999,999 per person
09/20/2025 - 09/27/2025
from $999,999,999 per person
10/18/2025 - 10/25/2025
from $999,999,999 per person


* This departure has been designated a guaranteed departure by the operator, meaning that the minimum number of guests has been met, although still subject to weather and other conditions.
Prices Start At
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Length
7 Nights
Air City
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Vacation Rating
Deluxe
Fine dining, on-site bars or lounges and room service with extended hours are characteristic of deluxe establishments. Guest services usually include valet parking, concierge services, baggage assistance and laundry services. Other on-site facilities often include shops and boutiques, full service spas, full fitness facilities with pools and tennis courts. Business amenities may include available up-to-date technology and support staffs available for services. Attention to detail is apparent in the guestrooms which typically have stylish furnishings, quality bedding and bath products and often provide an evening turn down service.
Remarks
Prices subject to availability and change without notice. Some restrictions may apply.

All fares are quoted in US Dollars.

OFFER ID
1376633

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Rio Grande Travel Centers, Inc.

6500 Holly Ave. NE Suite A-2
Albuquerque, NM 87113
USA

(505) 292-7044
(877) 768-7913