SCHIST VILLAGES, WALKING AND BIKING

Here you will find some of the best trails in Portugal for cycling and walking. Several signed routes allow you to pass through charming little villages lost in the mountains. MTB Centers offer cross country, downhill and freeride trails (more than 10), with four difficulty levels, appropriate for all kinds of users, from beginners to more demanding bikers.

DAY 1: FERRARIA DE S. JOÃO

Transfer from the airport to Ferraria de São João (optional). In this countryside village is still possible to be part of traditional activities that some of the 40 inhabitants keep doing. Like making the goat cheese, be a shepherd for one day with the communitarian goatherd, pick olives or grapes. If you have a car, you can visit several castles in the region, two Roman Villages or go to Fatima's Sanctuary, well known as a religious site. 
Lodging and dinner: Casa do Zé Sapateiro 
(http://www.casadozesapateiro.com/)

DAY 2: MTB OR WALKING IN FERRARIA DE SÃO JOÃO

MTB - Ferraria de São João MTB Center.
This centre has five trails available, with different difficult levels. The easiest trail, with only 3.8 km/ 2.4 mi, is ideal for a relaxed ride, contemplating the view over the village. The remaining ones are rather more technical and long, while passing through areas of great beauty, such as Ribeira das Ferrarias valley, Fragas da Lagoa, Campêlo ou São João do Deserto. The longest ride (75 km / 47 mi) is a whole-day challenge in a mountain setting, and part of its attraction is the section that takes you through the intricate streets of Gondramaz. Other highlights are the river beaches of Ana de Aviz and Fragas de São Simão, as well as the beautiful Casal de São Simão village.

Walking - Ferraria de São João | Casal de São Simão | Ferraria de São João
(11,5km/ 7,2mi | +340m/ +1115ft | 5h)
This walk takes you to Casal de São Simão village that thanks to the presence of new inhabitants recently moved in is rediscovering old traditions like popular and religious fairs. The track leads you along Ribeira das Ferrarias (Ferrarias stream), where you'll have the chance to see old water mills, until you arrive to the picturesque Casal de São João Village. And the best comes in the end. In a hot summer day, you will have the chance to refresh yourself at the fluvial beach of Fragas de S. Simão. After visiting the village you can have an optional transfer to Ferraria de São João.
Lodging and dinner: Casa do Zé Sapateiro
(http://www.casadozesapateiro.com/)

DAY 3: MTB OR WALKING IN LOUSÃ

Our proposal for today is a day of riding in Lousã MTB Center. [option]
Morning transfer to Lousã (approx. 45m).
The MTB trails in the Lousã area are a real journey in time through picturesque villages and ancient mountain shepherd routes. From the most accessible trail, ideal for a family journey, to the serious challenges that draw the line between experienced mountain bikers and beginners, Lousã has it all! The unique landscape of the Lousã mountain range is stimulating in every trail. Other rewards, especially in more demanding rides, are reaching the top and the downhill thrill that follows. It is guaranteed fun!

Walking - Lousã | Talasnal | Casal Novo Walking trail ( 7km / 4.4mi | 3h)
[option] Transfer to Lousã (approx. 45 min).
This walking trail is located mainly on the slopes of Serra da Lousã and connects the area of Lousã Castle and Chapel of Nossa Senhora da Piedade with the two most emblematic Schist Villages in this area - Talasnal and Casal Novo. This hiking route is also a journey through time, because you will be repeating the same steps that the ancient residents of these villages did to reach Lousã. Often framed by vegetation, the trail is relatively protected in all seasons. Due to the accumulated climbs and descents, it requires good physical condition, however, you can choose a signed shortcut (PR2.1) to make it shorter.
Lodging and dinner: Casa do Zé Sapateiro
(http://www.casadozesapateiro.com/)

DAY 4: MTB OR WALKING

MTB - Gondramaz MTB Center (Down Hill and Free Ride)* or Ferraria de São João MTB Center
[option] Early morning transfer to Gondramaz (approx. 45min). Those who ride through these mountains and valleys will feel plenty of adrenaline, combining the pure pleasure of relaxation and fun with recharging one's batteries and revitalizing the mind. Gondramaz offers 4 downhill trails of different difficulty levels and skill, starting in "Torre 9" and ending at the entrance of the village. You may also descend a thrilling freeride trail with more than 9km.
*Requires driver/car or transfer supplement option to ride up.

Walking - Góis Schist Villages Walking trail (9.2km/ 5.7mi | 4h)
[option] Transfer to Aigra Nova (45 min).
This Schist Walking Trail loop runs through the four Schist Villages of the Góis County: Aigra Nova, Aigra Velha, Pena and Comareira. You can go directly from village to village or do the entire loop. If you want to hike the complete trail, we suggest you start in Aigra Nova, where you can visit Lousitânea NGO headquarters. The trail will take you through old shepherds path, water fountains where the shepherds still lead their herds to drink water and Pena stream with impressive views of Penedo de Góis cliffs and Penedo da Abelha (Bee Cliff) - famous for its beautiful rock climbing wall. If you are lucky you will be able to observe some otters and, weather allowing, see Serra da Estrela (Portugal's highest mountain - 2000 m/ 6562 ft).
Lodging and dinner: Casa do Zé Sapateiro (http://www.casadozesapateiro.com/)

DAY 5: RETURN

SCHIST VILLAGES FAMILY PROGRAM

A unique opportunity for you and your family to relax in intimate contact with nature (you can even bring your dog or cat). Learn firsthand the traditions of making bread or goat cheese and explore the woods and rivers in Serra da Lousã, Portugal. It will be a weekend to remember!

http://www.travel-tailors.com/detalhado.php?i=226

DAY 1: IRONWORK OF ST. JOHN

(Optional) Transfer from Lisbon or Porto to St. John Smithy reception in the village.
In this village, you can still take part in activities that some of the 40 people still continue to perform. You can make goat cheese, be the shepherd of the flock community for a day, picking olives or grapes.
If driving you can visit some castles in the region, two Roman villas or even go to the Shrine of Fatima.

Accommodation and dinner at the home of the Valley of the Nest or House Joe Shoemaker.

The Valley's Nest house, seated in the valley is named, overlooks the village overlooking Iron John and his comb quartz. It is a small cottage renovated with environmental concerns and energy efficiency, making the balance between modern and traditional architecture of the region. The result is a high level of comfort in a rural setting with 3 bedrooms with toilet, panoramic room and kitchen. The huge balcony to enjoy the relaxing landscape of the valley surrounded by gardens, woodland gardens and small farming from where many of the ingredients for meals in the house: www.vn-nature.com.

The House of Joe Shoemaker was rebuilt and prepared to receive up to 10 people in a familiar and comfortable. Sharing a kitchen, living room and a courtyard, guests can choose one of four double rooms or the suite, all with bathroom privativa.Na reception, an old piece to grind corn reminds us of the reality of other times: www.casadozesapateiro.com

DAY 2: VILLAGE TRADITIONS

Today you have the opportunity of meeting the locals, visiting them in their own homes and learning about their ancient traditions.

The day will be filled by two main activities. First, have the opportunity to prepare your own delicious fresh goat cheese, from the moment we express milk the herd community. Then you can still learn to make bread in a wood oven. It's all in the midst of many conversations, stories and folktales. The meal will undoubtedly have a different flavor, tasting prepared than during the day!

Accommodation in the Valley of the Nest House or at the home of Joe Shoemaker. (Optional dinner.)

DAY 3: RAIL FLOCK (2,5 TO 4,8 KM./1 - 2,5 HOURS)

Today we walk through the beautiful Valley of St. John. 
Between rocks and streams, bridges and passing through cork forests, you will discover a new world of tranquility.
The Way of the Schist (4.8 kms) gives us different perspectives around this village. We start at the center of mountain biking, then following the shores of Ribeira da Ferrara. Along the way, you will find small mills with several traditional wells to draw water.

If you choose the longer route, you can still spot old water mills, cooling pools in the canyons of Riverside and finally, as at the end when it comes back to Smithy, a lush forest of oaks and corrals community, ex-libris history life of this village.

We are sure going to love this tour, during which children (and adults) can still be fun with a treasure hunt (geocaching) using GPS (optional).

Lunch along the way, with a hearty picnic lunch.

Transfer (optional) to Lisbon or Porto.

Schist, Village to village 7 days

A new walking village to village proposal, a multi-day traverse of the Schist Villages of central Portugal. Surprise yourself discovering these schist paths, fluvial beaches and tiny mountain villages where you can experience some of the local traditional flavours and knowledge, like making woodoven bread or fresh goat cheese. Our lodgings are comfy stone houses renewed.

More information here