Joana Vasconcelos' Castles of Portugal

oana Vasconcelos is our most renowned plastic artist, currently holding an individual exhibition at the Guggenheim in Bilbao. She takes inspiration from arquitecture in general and especially Castles and Palaces. Her exhibitions are proof of that, since she often displays her giant and modern masterpieces in wonderful heritage buildings.

This is an adaptation of what she told the national newspaper Expresso, for a special Castles and Palaces' Guide Edition.

These buildings have not only the ability to reveal our story as people and society, but also have contributed to our dreams of a happy ending, through fairy tales of princes and princesses. It is from these stories that we have formed our romance concepts and behaviours. A great deal of childrens' tales are about a princess which is saved by prince charming. All this happening in a wonderful castle and palace, leading them to a rich and fulfilled life. So we, as a society, always long for something great. It's no wonder Joana Vasconcelos takes inspiration from Portugal's Castles and Palaces. And while some make the headlines, others are hidden gems. So we're going to explore these and bring our castles to you.

Photo by Francisco Antunes [2] - Flickr [1], CC BY 2.0, https://commons.wikimedia.org/w/index.php?curid=2283573

SINTRA, THE MOST ROMANTIC PLACE IN PORTUGAL

Immerse yourself in the beauty of Sintra, Portugal's most romantic town and a UNESCO World Heritage Site considered to be one of the world's most unique towns. Enjoy a visit to the picturesque town of Cascais.

Find out more in our complete programs: Sintra or The Mystic Ride.

The beautiful town of Sintra is entirely filled with magic and splendor: a romantic realm where majestic palaces, a fairytale castle, royal mansions and fascinating properties emerge in the midst of hills and lush forests.

Characterized by its unique charm and serenity, the village offers an amazing beauty of scenery, with its vast rocky mountains, dense vegetation and pristine beaches. Designated Mountain of the Moon by the Celts and Mons Lunae by the Romans, the mystical mountains of Sintra also cover a vast natural park that stretches to the coast of Cascais.

After tasting a sweet "travesseiro" of Sintra in the emblematic pastry shop Periquita, visit the most romantic monuments of Sintra, like the Pena Palace, the Moorish Castle, the Capuchos´Convent, the Regaleira and the Monserrate Palaces. We suggest you descend these forest surrounded streets in a horse carriage, all the way to the center.

WALKING HISTORICAL VILLAGES OF PORTUGAL

Get to know Portugal in a different way, exploring this charming, friendly country by foot, often walking on 

Roman paths. Do this immersive complete time travel starting in Marvão and touring through unique 12th 

Century Historical Villages, like Monsanto, Sortelha or Idanha-a-Velha, where you can find archaeological remains from the Roman time or Moorish conquered areas.

http://www.travel-tailors.com/detalhado.php?i=160

DAY 1: MARVÃO

Pick-up at the airport and van transfer to Marvão /approx. 2h45).
The medieval mountaintop village of Marvão is one of Portugal´s most spectacular fortified villages. Its greatest attraction is the unspoiled medieval atmosphere in its steep and narrow lanes with immaculately whitewashed houses, leading to a magnificent 13th century castle rising from the rock. Most rewarding of all is climbing onto the walls, battlements and towers for the impressive views, and staying for the stunning sunset and evening peace of the village. 
Afternoon - Marvão Roman path (3 km/ 1.9 mi | 1h30).
This short hiking trail will take us from the roman bridge of Portagem all the way up to the breathtaking village of 

Marvão trough the ancient Roman road. 

Lodging: Albergaria El Rei Dom Manuel.

DAY 2: INTERNATIONAL TEJO RIVER PARK | SALVATERRA DO EXTREMO TRAIL

Castel of Peñafiel

Salvaterra do Extremo is a small village located inside the International Tejo River Park and where the Erges River defines the border between Portugal and Spain.
The walking trail will take us to the border area were we can see the old Castel of Peñafiel on the Spanish side. This castle is on top of cliffs that shelter a large colony of griffon vultures (Gyps fulvus). Transfer from Salvaterra do Extremo to Monsanto.
Distance: 10,5 km/6,5 mi
Approximate time: 4 hours
Accumulated climbing: 221m/ 725 ft

Lodging: Casa do Chafariz

Monsanto

DAY 3: HISTORICAL VILLAGE OF MONSANTO | HISTORICAL VILLAGE OF IDANHA-A-VELHA TRAIL

Guided visit to Idanha-a-Velha. This picturesque village is also classified as a Historical Village of Portugal and hosts a interesting collection of archaeological remains from a Roman city established in the 1st Century B.C. We will walk to Monsanto, another Historical Village which was once considered the most Portuguese village of Portugal. From the top of its castle you can glimpse all the country surrounding Idanha and the large properties of the area. Free afternoon to visit Monsanto.
Distance: 10 km/6,5 mi
Approximate time: 3 hours
Accumulated climbing: 54 m
Lodging: Casa do Chafariz

DAY 4: SORTELHA AND BELMONTE HISTORICAL VILLAGES TOURS AND MUSEUMS

Sortelha Castle

Free morning in Monsanto or optional Penha Garcia walking trail. Penha Garcia walking trail is a small trail that goes down the Ponsul river valley, known for its water wheel mills and rare fossils. 
Afternoon: Guided visit the Historical Villages of Sortelha and Belmonte. The Historical Village of Sortelha is an extraordinary example of medieval architecture fortified by granite walls and protected by its Castle (National Monument).
Belmonte is the birthplace of Pedro Alvares Cabral, the discoverer of Brasil (1500). The town of Belmonte is indeed very much involved in the history of Portuguese Judaism, and it still shelters today the largest Jewish community in the country, whose origins go back to at least the 13th century. We will visit the local museums, observe the diverse existing heritage, and explore the quiet streets of this village.
Distance: 3,2 km/ 2 mi
Approximate time: 1 hours
Accumulated climbing: 140 m/ 460 ft
Lodging: Hotel Turismo de Trancoso

Marialva Castle

DAY 5: MÊDA TO HISTORICAL VILLAGE OF MARIALVA TRAIL

Short transfer from Trancoso to Mêda. We will begin our walk in the village of Mêda. We will walk through an ancient trail still used by the local people that connect this village to Marialva. The Historical Village of Marialva is a medieval walled village that will take you back in time, to when its brave inhabitants fought against the Spanish invaders. Its origins go back to the 6th Century b.c. Guided visit to Marialva. Free afternoon to visit Trancoso.
Distance: 8.4 km/ 5.2 mi
Approximate time: 2h30
Total climbing: 177 m/ 580 ft
Lodging: Hotel Turismo de Trancoso.


DAY 6: HISTORICAL VILLAGE OF CASTELO MENDO TRAIL | ALMEIDA HISTORICAL VILLAGE

Côa River

Transfer from Trancoso to Castelo Mendo. The Historical Village of Castelo Mendo was named after the first commander of the fort, D. Mendo Mendes, appointed by the King D. Dinis in the 14th century. This is a very authentic village, surrounded by a landscape of wide valleys, whose narrow lanes are lined with simple stone houses. It is so peaceful that it is difficult to imagine that in former times the medieval castle and walls were military bastions. The hiking trail will take us to the Côa River valley located at East of Castelo Mendo. The final stop will be the Historical Village of Almeida. Almeida is one of the crown jewels of Portuguese military architecture - the hexagonal shaped walls of Almeida´s fortress were built in the XVII century. Because of its location, very close to the Spanish border (only 7 km), Almeida played a very important role from Medieval ages to the XIX century. The main square in Almeida (XVII/XVIII centuries) is a perfect example of military baroque style.
Distance: 8.4 km/ 5.2 mi
Approximate time: 2h30
Total climbing: 288 m/ 944 ft
Lodging: Residencial Muralha.

DAY 7: HISTORICAL VILLAGE OF CASTELO RODRIGO TOUR | CALÇADA DE ALPAJARES TRAIL

Castelo Rodrigo

A short transfer will take us to the Historical Village of Castelo Rodrigo for a guided visit. This village used to be an important place for pilgrims who were going to Santiago de Compostela.
The Castle, dated from the 13th Century, was the stage for many battles, whether with Spanish troops, whether with the British ones. Outside Castelo Rodrigo we can see the Santa Maria de Aguiar Convent dated from the 12th Century, (founded between 1165 and 1170), probably as a benign monastery. After a guided visit a short transfer will take us to Barca d´Alva which is located
in a natural and protected area, known as International Natural Park of Douro, which is the habitat of several birds of prey. Our hike will be in the famous "Calçada de Alpajares". The path of Alpajares or Devil´s Path (Calçada do Diabo), as known locally, was part of a Roman road that crossed the Douro river and the Mosteiro stream.
Distance: 6.7 km/ 4.2 mi
Approximate time: 2h30
Accumulated climbing: 392 m / 1286 ft
Lodging: Residencial Muralha.

DAY 8: TRANSFER TO LISBOA

Transfer from Almeida to Lisboa (approx. 4h).

Testimunial: "Chuck and Diane Reers, Journey to Portugal, May 2013"

"PORTUGAL, a diamond in the rough. At least that was my last recollection from 8th grade geography & history classes. We quickly saw this beautiful country transformed into a highly polished gem, which resembled the Hope Diamond.
A last minute change of plans found us looking for a break after a med cruise out of Barcelona. We contacted Paula of Travel Tailors, and she instantly crafted a private tour that captured our interest and satisfied our travel budget.
Paula's custom tailor skills put together an interesting itinerary, covering the highlights of each place of interest. Professional guides, Marco Noivo and Susana Bras, blended in by contributed their expert historical knowledge and background. I can say, I never had such an interesting and exciting lecture in history! I remember Vasco da Gama, but I actually touched his tomb!
Sleeping and eating accommodations also exceeded my expectations. The local restaurants were cozy and provided the ambiance for a relaxing meal and light conversation..and the roasted suckling pig made each step of the way a memorable experience.
Paula, you and your expert staff are to be commended. Your team has made our trip to Portugal an interesting and memorable event that it will certainly bring us back in the future. I have already recommended friends to contact you, and will continue to do so in the future.
Please feel free to share our vacation success with whomever you wish, and should your travel plans bring you to Denver Colorado USA, please plan to spend some time together. Perhaps we can even plan for our next trip to Portugal.
Thanks again!"

Testemunial: "António Ottani, Journey to Portugal and Paris, January 2013"

"All the trip planning was excellent, which made it pleasant. It was all very well prepared and divided, which made us enjoy traveling from city to city. The New Year's Eve, that we spent at the Hard Rock Café was excellent!
The participation of the guides was essential, with special mention to Carlos, who accompanied us in Oporto, by his historical knowledge and professionalism. Since we traveled as a family and all together, we didn't have any problem entering or exiting Europe. The required documentation was only the passports and the interview was quick and calm.
The journey exceeded our expectations and we just have to thank you for your commitment and participation in all the planning and all the details."

Douro and Historical Villages

Hike through Port Wine vineyards and visit Portugal's Historical Villages, with its castles and stone wall houses that have kept the same appearance for centuries. The hike down of the famous Calçada de Alpajares, also 

named the Devil's Trail, is a must of the trip. It will take you to Barca de Alva, with breathtaking views of vineyards.

More information here