Serra Da Estrela: Mountain of the Stars

Small Group Walking

0.00

This holiday is in the Serra da Estrela Natural Park, the “mountains of the stars”, the highest mountain range in mainland Portugal rising to 1993m.

The Serra’s landscapes of chestnut, beech, and pine forests, lakes, and glacial valleys all enjoy clean, crisp, mountain air.

The Natural Park is also the source of the Mondego, Zêzere, and Alva rivers.

Dramatic crags and ravines make this region stunningly beautiful and a pleasure to explore. It is an acknowledged center for rock climbing but our walks enable us to access all this beauty on more conventional paths.

  • Groups accepted with a minimum of 6 pax

Tour Description

Groups accepted with a minimum of 6 pax.

 

Portugal is a country of astonishing beauty and amazing contrasts. Besides its famous coastline, the majority of its mountains and forests are relatively unknown and therefore offer huge rewards to the walker in search of something special.

This holiday is in the Serra da Estrela Natural Park, the “mountains of the stars”, the highest mountain range in mainland Portugal rising to 1993m.

Serra da Estrela walking routes

Serra da Estrela walking routes

The Serra’s landscapes of chestnut, beech, and pine forests, lakes, and glacial valleys all enjoy clean, crisp, mountain air.

The Natural Park is also the source of the Mondego, Zêzere, and Alva rivers.

Dramatic crags and ravines make this region stunningly beautiful and a pleasure to explore. It is an acknowledged center for rock climbing but our
walks enable us to access all this beauty on more conventional paths.

Sheep and goats play a traditional role in the manufacture of the famous Serra da Estrela cheese. Sausages and wine are also important to the local economy as are the smoked produce and embroidered cotton. Craftsman uses their skills in basket work using wicker and chestnut. The Serra da Estrela also has its own ancient breed of mountain sheepdog.

Valley Nave Mestra - walking in serra da Estrela

Valley Nave Mestra – walking in serra da Estrela

The villages of the Serra da Estrela date back to medieval times and beyond. Evidence of Roman presence and Arab influence can be seen in the area. This is truly a walker’s paradise not only for the amazing walking but also for the beauty that graces so much of this stimulating part of Portugal.

Our tour is centered in Manteigas, a picturesque town in the very heart of a glacial valley.

It will be our base for great walking amongst the beautiful scenery that nature has bestowed on the Serra da Estrela Natural Park. There are good paths which cover the park giving the opportunity to discover more of this stunning region.

If you like good walking and magnificent scenery, this holiday is a perfect choice.

Itinerary

Day 1 – Arrival in Porto

Arrival in Porto. Transfer to Manteigas.

Day 2 – Torre to Manteigas Walk

Our walk begins at Torre the highest point in mainland Portugal.
We walk back to Manteigas following a dramatic path along the Espinhaço de Cão and then walking down the glacial valley from Nave de Santo António back to Manteigas.

Serra da Estrela walking group

Espinhaco de Cao – Serra da Estrela

Day 3 – Nave da Mestra Walk

A glorious and iconic high mountain walk from Penhas Douradas to Nave da Mestra, a historic refuge in the heart of the mountains and returning down the ancient “charcoal” route to Manteigas.

Poço do Inferno

Poço do Inferno

Day 4 – Poço do Inferno Walk

A beautiful walk through one of the more wooded areas of the Park.
We visit ancient villages high in the hills and the cascade of Poço do Inferno before descending through chestnut forests into Manteigas.

Walking in the forest

Walking in the forest

Day 5 – The Beech Route Walk

This trail is the same one shepherds use to take their animals to the pastures through the magnificent beech forests. We can enjoy splendid landscapes, panoramic views over the mountains, and the wonderful scents of wild herbs.

Serra da Estrela walking routes

Serra da Estrela walking routes

Day 6 – Vale Rossim Walk

Our walk begins by visiting one of the high mountain lakes, Vale de Rossim. We walk through the mountain settlement of Penhas Douradas where we can visit one of the most dramatic viewpoints over the Manteigas Valley before descending the wooded slopes into Manteigas.

Walking in Serra da Estrela Nature Park

Walking Serra da Estrela Nature Park

Day 7 – Mondego Valley Walk

A walk to visit the valley where the Rio Mondego, Portugal’s longest river, begins its journey to the sea.
This high fertile valley is home to sheep from whose milk the famous Queijo da Serra is made.
In summer golden fields of rye line the river banks hiding isolated farms and tiny chapels.
We descend from this high valley to the attractive village of Sameiro where we can enjoy a break in the local café.

View from Poço do Inferno

View from Poço do Inferno

Day 8 – Departure

After breakfast transfer to the airport.

What's included

Accommodation

  • 7 nights in a twin standard room for two pax
  • Shared ensuite room with a traveling companion of the same sex
  • Single supplement available with a surcharge
  • Extra nights available on request

Meals

  • 7 buffet breakfasts at the Hotel
  • 7 Dinners with drinks included

Transport

  • Meet & Greet Airport Transfer to the hotel on the first day – group transfer
  • Transfer from the hotel to the airport on last day – group transfer
  • All transports to walks and activities (as outlined) with dedicated driver and vehicle
  • Additional transfers are available on request at an extra cost

Tour Leaders

  • Dedicated English speaking local tour leader
    The tour leader will assist and guide the group throughout the holidays, handle all the arrangements and other needs that might arise, making sure that you don’t have to worry about planning your days and you can enjoy your holiday
    Each evening, your tour leader will discuss the details and program for the following day

Walks and Activities

  • Walks according to program

Exclusions

Any services not listed as included

  • Flights to and from Portugal
  • Meals, tips/gratuities, baggage, or personal insurance (except as outlined)
  • Admission fees to castles & attractions or events (except as outlined)
  • Personal expenses
  • Supplements
  • Guide services inside monuments

Insurance

You must be adequately insured to join our Portugal walking holidays Guided and Portugal walking Self-Guided holidays. We do not insist that you insure with us but we require that you are adequately insured for the nature of your holiday.

BeCool Travel has partnered with WorldNomads.com to keep you traveling safely. WorldNomads.com Travel Insurance is designed for independent and adventurous travelers, with coverage for overseas medical expenses, cancellation, baggage, and other expenses.

Please consult our Travel Insurance page, where you’ll be able to get more detailed info about insurance requirements and an immediate quote for your trip.

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