We will greet you at the Lisbon Airport and transport you to the fortified 14^th century medieval village of Óbidos. Óbidos, designated Creative City of Literature on the UNESCO creative cities network, is a hill town that was once a gift from a King, Dom Dinis to his Queen, Isabel in 1282. With white houses adorned with bougainvilleas and honeysuckle, Óbidos is one of the most perfect examples of a Portuguese medieval fortress. Óbidos overlooks the sweeping countryside of green valleys and traditional windmills and has seen the British battle the French in 1808; Napoleon lost and Wellington won and the British maintained their alliance with Portugal, which dated from 1373.

The castle at Óbidos was a royal palace in the 16^th century but now has been converted into an elegant hotel (Pousada de Portugal). Churches, museums, small shops, and Mom and Pop overnight accommodations dot the narrow streets.

Overnight in Óbidos Meals: Dinner

In the morning, we will visit the picturesque fishing village of Nazaré, a now-famous spot for world surfing competitions (the largest wave ever surfed was recorded at 80 feet here). The town also showcases amazing viewpoints that overlook the sea and plenty of delicious fresh fish. We will take a walk through town and then, after lunch in Nazaré, we will visit other nearby beaches such as São Martinho do Porto, Foz do Arelho, and Peniche, enjoying the breathtaking views and breezy salty air.

In the afternoon, we will take a stroll through delightful Óbidos. Filled with excellent restaurants where you can enjoy typical regional dishes and handicraft shops offering unique local products, Óbidos’ historic atmosphere will definitely take you back in time!

Overnight in Óbidos

Meals: Breakfast, Lunch in Nazaré

Walking Tour 1: Casal de São Simão loop (3.7mi/810.4 ft. elevation change)

Today’s walk takes place in the areas around Casal de São Simão, a village that has benefitted from the weekend helping hands of new blood. In the middle of a sensitive rehabilitation, the village is finding new life. Our walk today travels by the river beach near Fragas de São Simão and passes through the close by villages of Além da Ribeira, Ponte Brás Curado and Saonda. The abundant irrigation canals from the Alge and Fato streams contain old water channels and watermills that evidence the presence of humans for centuries.

We return to visit the village of Ferraria de São João, where ancient animal shelters in the community mark its history in this picturesque village.

Overnight in Ferraria de São João

Meals: Breakfast, Box lunch picnic, Dinner

Walking Tour 2: Ferraria São João Loop (7mi/1784.8 ft elevation change)/Short version: (3.1 mi /780.3 ft elevation change)

On our second walk, we will get to know this village and its surrounding area further. You will have the option to undertake the long trail or a shorter version, depending on how well you have acclimatized. Today, we will observe the geological combination of the native schist and quartz, merging in a harmonious way in the crests above the town. We will pace ourselves and drink plenty of water as the pleasant walk rises 1785 feet in elevation.

Overnight in Ferraria de São João

Meals: Breakfast, Box lunch picnic, Dinner

Workshop 1: Making Fresh Cheese Goat and Bread

In the morning, we will have the opportunity to learn some local traditions, while enjoying a fun demonstration of the bread-making process, using wood-fired ovens.

After lunch, learn how to make fresh Goat Cheese, which pairs beautifully with the morning bread. Overnight in Ferraria de São João

Meals: Breakfast, Box lunch picnic, Dinner

Walking Tour 3: Ferraria São João to Gondramaz Loop (12.4mi/2788.7 ft elevation change)

Today we will walk from the Gondramaz to the Talasnal village, passing by Chiqueiro and Casal Novo. You will notice in Gondramaz that the color of the schist in houses and in the surroundings has changed. This village is known for its artisans, whose work you will see all around you. Talasnal village features a fountain in its plaza and is known for Talasnicos, a popular dessert that a local family originated.

Religion is very important to the people of the Schist Villages and celebrations between villages occur still. With the neighboring villagers of Candal and Casal Nova, Chiqueiro celebrates the procession of Our Lady of Piedade to the chapel of Our Lady of Guia and the procession of Saint Antonio da Neve.

Casal Novo is working hard to conserve the historic authenticity of its village. Helping hands from beyond the village are actively renovating existing buildings and improving local infrastructure. The village has created the Association for the Recovery of Casal Novo, implementing improvements that are readily visible as we pass through the village. New life is being fed into these remote villages by individuals who appreciate Portugal’s cultural heritage!

These Schist Villages are part of the Serra da Lousã, a mountainous area with splendid vegetation and wildlife, some of which are rare and protected and that you may have a chance to encounter. You will discover the magical world of the Lousã Mountain, immersing you completely where Nature is King!

Overnight in Gondramaz

Meals: Breakfast, Box lunch picnic, Dinner

Walking Tour 4: Gondramaz Loop (3.5 mi/984 ft elevation change)

This morning, we will walk around the beautiful village of Gondramaz. This route will take us through the town itself, giving you the opportunity to see village life up close as we pass through the narrow and winding streets. As mentioned before, Gondramaz is known for its artisans and you will notice this as we get to know the village better. The enjoyable natural surroundings of Gondramaz, dominated by leafy patches of chestnut trees and oaks, will enhance our knowledge of the vicinity while we climb higher to observe the village from above.

Workshop 2: Building a Model Schist House

 After lunch, enjoy a workshop where you will construct a miniature schist house in wood and clay. This experience will help you understand the difficulties of building these stone structures. Just imagine carrying this stone uphill from quarry locations!

Overnight in Gondramaz

Meals: Breakfast, Box lunch picnic, Dinner

Walking Tour 5: Talasnal to Cerdeira (6.2 mi /3182.4 ft elevation change)

The schist villages of the Serra da Lousã are known not only for their charm and tiny size but also for the many details of their restored homes. The fountains, the water pots, and houses adorned with flowering vines will add a visual treat to our visit. The main path is rather steep but creates intrigue with off-shooting alleys that create a fun labyrinth for everyone to explore.

We will also pass by the villages of Vaqueirinho, Catarredor, and Candal. Candal is considered one of the most visited and developed of the Lousã Mountain Schist Villages due to access from the nearby National Road. We will conclude our walk-in Cerdeira, a fistful of houses that peek through the trees. Here you will encounter a plantation of medicinal and cooking herbs on steep terrain. And tomorrow we will dine on a fresh traditional meal!

Today, we have been following ancient trails used throughout the past by local inhabitants to reach Lousã. Our journey today has been their historic journey and it will surely increase your appreciation of village life in these mountains!

Overnight in Cerdeira

Meals: Breakfast, Box Lunch, Dinner

Workshop 3: Cooking Chanfana, Traditional Portuguese Recipe

In the morning, we will enjoy a Workshop where we will create a traditional meal of chanfana, a Portuguese dish. The dinner today will be the menu prepared this morning in the Traditional Portuguese Cuisine workshop.

Walking Tour 6: Cerdeira to Lousã (4.3 mi | 918.6 ft elevation change)

After the workshop, we will explore the Schist Village of Cerdeira and take a beautiful walk from Cerdeira down by the Levada (waterway) to the Lousã Castle and to the Sra. da Piedade river beach.

Overnight in Cerdeira

Meals: Breakfast, Box lunch picnic, Dinner

Meal: Breakfast

At the designated time, we’ll take you to the Lisbon airport by private car/van.