PALACE OF THE MARQUESSES OF FRONTEIRA

The Fronteira Palace, also known as the Palace of the Marquesses of Fronteira, is the privately owned property, but parts of it are opened to visits, and only on a tight schedule. 

The palace was built in 1640 for the first Marquis of Fronteira, Dom Joao de Mascarenhas (bestowed with the title of Marquis of Fronteira for his allegiance to King Pedro II of Portugal), in order to serve as hunting pavilion. At present, the oldest part of the castle complex refers to a 16th century chapel, but inside the castle, visitors can admire the stunning Battle Room (which stands out by the splendid tile panels due to which the room has been dubbed the Sistine Chapel of Tile Panels), as well as the Dining Room (with highlights like the paintings signed by Domingos Antonio de Sequeira). Outside the castle, visitors can search out the carefully arranged garden, which fills a surface of some 5.5 hectares, offering the spectacular scenery of the ingeniously cut hedges, tile panels and a statuary where sculptural works rendering the Kings of Portugal (chiefly, busts) are displayed.

FORT FAIAL, MADEIRA ISLAND

The island of Madeira is constituted as a romantic spot for nature also being as perfect as destination for honeymoon.
Recently, the Spanish tour operator Condé Nast Traveler recognized a spot on the island as one of the 40 most beautiful sunsets in the world - the Fort Faial on Penha Eagle. 

This fort is located on the north coast, an unforgettable sunset spot, revealing that this should be assessed whenever possible, as there are sunsets that are worth more than thousand words.

DISCOVERING LISBON BY TRAM

It's perhaps Lisbon's most popular activity: A ride back in time over hills and medieval streets in vintage trams that are still part of the city's public transportation network.Line 28 of Lisbon's iconic trams was inaugurated in 1914 and today it has a 7km (4.5 miles) route between Martim Moniz Square and the neighborhood of Prazeres (between Graça and Estrela in a shorter journey).During your journey you'll will get up close to the tiles covering Alfama's façades, will admire views of the city's oldest monuments framed by the narrow streets, will pass by other trams going in the opposite direction, and will notice details that you'd otherwise overlook.

DISCOVERING OPORTO BY TRAM

Discover the city of Porto through a beautiful tram ride. 

The number 1 tram line runs along the waterfront into a tourist circuit that allows you to enjoy various points of interest - Tram Museum, Museum of Transport and Communications, Museum of Port Wine, Arrábida Bridge - the marginal Douro River combining the richness of program with the ability to travel to a means of transport centenary.

THE ÁGUAS LIVRES AQUEDUCT

The Águas Livres Aqueduct was born out of necessity to supply the city of Lisbon with a new aqueduct, and of the personal taste of the King By John V megalomaniac projects. The result, a great work of Portuguese engineering of the eighteenth century with 65 meters high at some points, which allowed cross the valley on a nice walk with beautiful views. However, the authorities had to shut down access to the aqueduct in 1853 to prevent the criminal Diogo Albes throw up their victims over the viaduct after steal them. Today, only private visits are allowed.

MONSANTO PARK

Stretching on a surface of about 10 square kilometers, theMonsanto Forest Park (Parque Florestal de Monsanto) is the largest green space in Lisbon, such that it can be easily deemed the green lung of the city and of the adjoining localities.
The spectacular side of the park does not reside exclusively in its being an ideal opportunity for nature lovers, since the park has been laid out with a solid leisure and sports infrastructure which gives visitors the opportunity to delight in practicing all sorts of outdoor activities, hiking included. Plenty of events (concerts, exhibitions, theater representations, and fairs) are organized here. On top of all that, the Monsanto Forest Park is an excellent lookout, occasioning visitors to contemplate the panoramic view of Lisbon, of the Tagus (Tejo) River, of the Atlantic Ocean and of the neighboring localities.

LISBON ORIENT STATION

Designed by the Spanish arquitect Santiago Calatrava to the Lisbon Expo ’98, the Lisbon Orient Station’s complex is covered by a structure similar to a fishing net, since the Expo’s main theme was the Portuguese Discoveries. It is one of the most important stations of the city, it’s connected to the subway and it even has a floor to temporary events.

Allen Lambert Galleria

The building is similar to Calatrava’s Allen Lambert Galleria, in Toronto, and has gothic traces as well. The Lisbon Orient Station is one of the the world’s largest stations, with 75 million passengers per year, almost as busy as the Grand Central Terminal in New York.

Discover the modern Lisbon http://www.travel-tailors.com/detalhado.php?i=325

SAINT GEORGE CASTLE, LISBON

 

The Castle of São Jorge was chosen along the city's history as a stronghold for several people who passed through here, the Phoenicians, Greeks, Romans and Arabs. The latter expelled by King Afonso Henriques, when he reconquered the city in 1147. After the fortress, which was known as the Moorish Castle became a royal residence until 1511, the year the King Manuel I decided to move to the Palace of Ribeira.

LER DEVAGAR, LISBON

Ler Devagar is a Lisbon bookshop which name means “read slowly”. It is located at the LX Factory, an old industrial area turned into a creative design zone. The bookshop encourages to read through its huge walls covered with books from the floor to the ceiling. To walk through the shop, you should go through the metal staircases of this old textile factory. Besides the Portuguese books, there are also English and French titles. In the bookstore there are also inaugurations, concerts, plays and exhibitions.

Discover Lisbon http://www.travel-tailors.com/detalhado.php?i=325

SÃO BENTO RAILWAY STATION

The vestibule of the São Bento Railway Station, at Oporto, has 20 thousand blue and white tiles (azulejos), one of Portugal’s greatest treasures. Made by Jorge Colaço, this tiles cover the walls of the city’s train station and portray historical moments, such as the entrance in Oporto by the king John I with his wife Philippa of Lancaster, or the conquest of Ceuta. A colorful frieze was also added to these walls, dedicated to the history of the transports in Portugal. The station’s name derived from a Benedictine monastery built on this place in the 16^th century named São Bento de Ave Maria.

Visit Oporto and get to know the Portuguese history http://www.travel-tailors.com/detalhado.php?i=170

LIVRARIA LELLO, OPORTO

The Livraria Lello at Oporto is a famous bookstore, considered as one of the world’s most beautiful by the newspaper “The Guardian” and the Lonely Planet travel guides.

In 1906 it was inaugurated the Livraria Lello complex, one of the most emblematic Gothic Revival buildings at Oporto, highlighted in the urban landscape. The architecture and the decorative elements show this beginning of the century dominant style. The façade has an enormous arch, with a central entrance and two shop windows at both sides. Above there are three rectangular windows with a figure at each side, representing “Art” and “Science”.

Inside the bookshop there are busts from famous Portuguese writers such as Antero de Quental, Eça de Queirós or Camilo Castelo Branco. In 1995 the bookshop was restored and it was created an area to an art gallery and another one to social gathering.

The complex most distinguished traces are the decorated ceilings, the great stained glass window with the inscription “Decus in Labore”, which means “Honor in Work”, and the enormous staircase that gives access to the first floor.

This bookstore was the scenery to some scenes of the Harry Potter movies, which is not unusual since J. K. Rowling lived for a few years in this Portuguese city.

Visit Oporto and lose yourself at the Livraria Lello http://www.travel-tailors.com/detalhado/lang_en

SLEEPING IN A YURT AT SERRA DA ESTRELA

The Serra da Estrela (Mountain Range of the Star) is the highest mountain range in Continental Portugal, with more than 6,500 feet high. There are many activities you can do at Serra da Estrela such as skiing, relaxing in natural pools, in the fluvial beach or go out to nightclubs. But one of the newest experiences is resting at a yurt in an EcoResort.

The Vale do Rossim offers you this experience by lodging you at yurts, inspired in the central Asia traditional ones. They’re similar to tents, but their structure resists to bad weather. Every yurt has a hydromassage bath and a salamandra - a heating system with firewood. The resort also has SPA services, a lounge bar and a restaurant where you can taste the typical Portuguese dishes. The Serra da Estrela cheese is an appetizer you should not miss!

Stay lodged at a yurt http://www.travel-tailors.com/contacte-nos

ROSSIO RAILWAY STATION

In the heart of Lisbon since 1889, the Rossio Railway Station connected the capital with the rest of the country. Nowadays, it connects Lisbon with its surroundings, and it’s the final station of the Sintra’s rail. In 1919, Rossio was one of the stations where the “ghost wagon” was used. The “ghost wagon” consisted on a security system which main goal was to avoid the strikers’ sabotage in the 20s.

In 1932, the first mystery train left Rossio. It was a train that left at the weekend in a previous settled hour, but the passengers didn’t know its final destination. In 1943, the Lusitania Express, a train that connected Lisbon to Madrid, made its first ride, making its last one in 1995. Nowadays it has been replaced by the Lusitania Train Hotel.

Discover Lisbon http://www.travel-tailors.com/detalhado.php?i=378

PALÁCIO DA BOLSA, OPORTO

The Palácio da Bolsa (Stock Exchange Palace) is a monument in Oporto, built in the 19^th century by the city’s Commercial Association in a neoclassical style with Palladian influences. It is located in the historical center of the city, which was declared World Heritage Site by the UNESCO.

St Francis Church

The palace is beside the St. Francis Church, which was part of the St. Francis Convent, from the 13^th century. But due to a fire in 1832, during the Portuguese Civil War, the cloisters of the convent were destroyed and the church was the only part of the complex that remained. In 1841, Queen Mary II, winner of the Civil War, donated the convent ruins to the merchants of the city, who used them to build the Commercial Association. By 1850 the palace was already finished, but the interior decoration was only completed in 1910.

The most well-known room of the palace is the Arab Room, built between 1862 and 1886, decorated in an exotic Moorish Revival style and used as a reception hall for heads of state visiting the city of Oporto.

Visit Oporto

HAPPY NEW YEAR

TravelTailors wishes you a happy new year from Madeira, and a 2014 full of trips!

BOLHÃO MARKET

The Bolhão Market is a famous market in the city of Oporto. It is a two-level complex with a neoclassic architecture built in 1914. It has four different areas divided by products: fish, butcher, garden and flowers. In its surroundings there are many other shops, such as clothes stores, coffee houses and perfume shops among many others. Its name is due to a rivulet that crossed through the area, and formed a water bubble in the place where the market is today, naming it “Bulhão”, that means a big bubble.

If you visit Oporto you should not miss this traditional Market http://www.travel-tailors.com/detalhado.php?i=170

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

MERRY CHRISTMAS

TravelTailors wishes you a Merry Christmas from Lisbon!

CHRISTMAS AT LISBON

By the beginning of December, Lisbon gets filled by Christmas lights and decorations which, along with the Christmas carols and activities, will make you feel the Christmas' spirit. This year at Terreiro do Paço, a square at Lisbon's historical center, there's a 3D projection in the facade arches. It is a 15 minutes-long projection called "Light Circus" with actors playing the leading roles and typical Portuguese music in the background. It shows a Christmas circus where the main characters are humans with animal heads. This is the third time that this initiative is made in the town center, and so far it has brought lots of people to the show. If you happen to be in Lisbon by this time of the year, you should not miss it!

There are projections during the weekdays until 25th of December at 7, 8, 9, 10 p.m and at the weekends at 6, 7, 8, 9, 10 p.m. On 24th of December there's only a single projection at 6 p.m.

More information here

Discover the Christmas at Lisbon http://www.travel-tailors.com/contacte-nos

SURF TRIP IN PORTUGAL

This TravelTailors program promotes a sport with strong international recognition in Portugal, benefiting from its privileged coast: surf. It promotes the practice of this sport, with initiation of perfecting classes (according to previous experience). It empathizes the quality accommodations and restaurants in the surrounding areas.

DAY 1: LISBON - AREIA BRANCA

Areia Branca

Arrival in Lisbon. 

Lisbon is one of the most fascinating cities in Europe! With blue skies almost all year round and a mild winter, Lisbon offers breathtaking panoramas of the city and the river, a picturesque setting where old trams take us from the narrow cobbled streets up to the excellent new hotels in broad boulevards, fabulous shopping opportunities of brand name and a fantastic nightlife. The old blends with the sophistication of the 21st century.

Alfama and the Castle give you a historic trip to the Arab and medieval times. In the areas of Chiado, Bairro Alto and Príncipe Real, you can find some of the trendiest restaurants and bars in Lisbon. During the day, the streets are filled with animated crowds strolling around the museums, the shops, the art galleries, the cafes or grocery stores that sell gourmet products. From the Baixa to the Marquês de Pombal Square, there are theaters, train stations, esplanades and alleys to take a walk in. In Belém, lies the majestic Jerónimos Monastery, the famous Tower of Belém, the Cultural Centre and the many museums and gardens that surround them. It is imperative to sample the delicious Pastéis de Belém!

Journey to Areia Branca. 

Around 20h30: Suggestion for dinner in Areia Branca. 
A magical place less than na hour from Lisbon: here you can fully breathe in nature. The pinetrees, dunes and the sea tell you their secrets. Feel the originality, the comfort and sophistication. Each one of the rooms confides in you a different story. In the restaurant, a trip filled with smells, flavors and colors awaits you, taking advantage of what the earth naturally gives us. 

Accommodation at hotel of the selected category.

DAY 2: AREIA BRANCA - PENICHE - ERICEIRA - GUINCHO

Peniche

Journey to Peniche. 
Before entering the town of Peniche, take a walk by the coast and let yourself be immersed in the wonderful spectacle of the sea. Coloring itself in tones of intense blue or deep green, either calm or with ferocious waves breaking in the rocks, this sea has molded sculptures in the rocks that have formed strange and dramatic forms, reminiscent of huge collapsed monuments. Take a walk in the Baleal beach, stretched out between two seas as if it were an island (and it has been one), highly sought after, along with the Consolação beach (south), for its excellent surf and bodyboard conditions. In Peniche, the fortress built by D. João IV in the 17th century formed, along with the Consolação and São João Baptista's beaches' forts, in Berlengas, an important military complex for protection again seaborne invasions.

Surf class in Peniche. 
Due to its geographic location, Peniche offers good waves all year round, being known worldwide as one of the best and most consistent spots for the practices of surf and bodyboard. There are several places with varied types of waves: from tubular waves, to ones less vertical and easier to surf, provided by the ideal sand bottoms for a safe initiation to these sports.

Journey to Ribeira d´Ilhas. 
This is a beautiful and cosy beach in Ericeira, in which the rock bottom (point-break) develops straight waves, either in the North part (that has the name Pontinha), or in the central part. It's a full beach: it's good for either an initiate or someone with much experience being also the chosen spot for carrying out one of the stages of the World Surf Championship.

Around 13h00: Suggestion for lunch in fresh fish restaurant, in Ericeira. 
Famous restaurant located next to the rocky cavities, it has a spectacular esplanade with a sea view, presenting a charcoal grilled fresh fish based menu. 

Journey to Guincho. 
In the Cascais área, the long sandy beach of Guincho is very sought after by everyone during Summer and all year round by surf and windsurf practitioners, sports for which this beach offers excellent conditions, with one of the World Surf Championship's stages being held here, in August.

Suggestion: bike ride in Guincho's bicycle path. 
By the sea, there is an 8km bicycle path, ideal to relax and enjoy the scenery. The bike rental is free. 

Around 20h30: suggestion for dinner in Guincho. 
Between the forest and Guincho's beach, we find a restaurante that shows a good mood and a lot of charm. A space with rustic and elegant décor, offering a pleasant sea view, its meny suggests fish dishes, such as the mixed sea grill or, if you prefer meat, a lamb chop with rosemary.

Accommodation at hotel of the selected category.

DAY 3: GUINCHO - SAGRES

Sagres

Journey to Milfontes. 

With a well preserved coast, the Alentejo littoral gathers busy beaches with wild ones, between River Sado's mouth and Algarve. If from Tróia to Sines you can enjoy a continuous stretch of sand, with such pleasant beaches such as Galé, Melides or Santo André, from the Sines' Port this natural paradise of sand and sea moves forward through Porto Covo, Milfontes, Almograve and Zambujeira do Mar, either in smoother openings or more rugged.

Around 12h30: suggestion for lunch in traditional portuguese cuisine restaurante, in Milfontes. 
Situated at the top of a cliff, this restaurant has a magnificent view to the ocean. The environment is very pleasant and relaxed, with tables and long wooden benches. It has a small esplanade, extremely inviting, for the warmer days. The cuisine offered is of great quality, with emphasis on the fish and seafood dishes. 

Journey to Sagres. 
With an origin previous to the roman conquest, it was in the 15th century that Sagres gained great importance. The frequent presence of the prince D. Henrique, during the beginning of the Atlantic navigation, associated forever this simple fishing port to the Portuguese Discoveries. Nearby, in the southeastern end of the European continent, lays the Cape of S. Vicente (Romans' Promotorium Sacrum), where a vast horizon of sea and sky opens itself before us.

Surf class in Sagres. 
According to your level of learning, we'll book a class in one of the most famous spots of the country. Sagres is an ideal place for surfing. The natural conditions of a great part of the atlantic beaches are excellent for the practice of this sport, with plenty of waves that gather the specific conditions for a lot of the lovers of this sport. In Martinhal, there's a school of this specialty.

Around 20h30: suggestion for dinner in restaurant, in Sagres. 
This restaurante opened its doors in 1995. Delight yourself with the Thermidor sauce scallops, pork medallions with mango sauce and end it with a cinnamon parfait with stewed apple; all of this accompanied by a good wine! 

Accommodation at hotel of the selected category.

DAY 4: SAGRES - CITY OF DESTINATION

Journey to city of destination.

UNIVERSITY OF COIMBRA

The University of Coimbra was established in 1290, and is one of the oldest in the world. It has 8 faculties and approximately 20 000 students. On 2013 it was added to UNESCO's World Heritage List.

The University has a teaching hospital, which is known as a center of research with a broad range of clinical services and medical specialties; a huge central library, botanical gardens, stadiums and other sports facilities, an astronomical observatory, a publishing house, a private chapel, a theater, and many support facilities. It also has museums and other cultural organizations. 

The General Library of the University is divided in two buildings: The Joanina Library, which has books before 1800, and the New Building, with more than a million books. The Joanina Library was built in the 18th century in the Baroque style by the Portuguese King João V, and named after him. It is a National Monument and has a priceless historical value, being one of the main tourist attractions among the older monuments belonging to the university.

Joanina Library

The Botanical Garden of the University of Coimbra was founded between 1772-1774 and nowadays it has 13 hectares and shelters several species of birds and squirrels. It is considered one of the most beautiful gardens of Europe. 

Botanical Garden

The university's academic traditions and institutions give life to the city. The students are usually lodged at the old "Republics" (student's residences), and celebrate some traditional festivities, such as "Queima das Fitas" (a celebration of the graduation's end, symbolized by the burning of the ribbons with the colors of each of the 8 faculties), the "Festa das Latas" (a homecoming), and they are usually accompanied by the Coimbra's Fado, which was traditionally sung in street serenades. 

Queima das Fitas

Come to know the University of Coimbra and its traditions!

TRIP TO PORTUGAL

Porto

"A number of people asked us - Why Portugal? and we said Why not?… it’s a beautiful country, great people, excellent food and the wine…oh the wine is just great! We loved Porto and it was a great thing that the airline planned a strike for the first few days. The changes to our itinerary were just right since we got to see a bit more of this beautiful country. Travel Tailors put together a great itinerary for us and went out of their way to make sure our vacation was perfect. They stayed in contact even when we were in Portugal, from meeting us at the airport and sending us off. Our vacation was effortless and we thank Paula and Travel Tailors for this!!!"

Read more testimonials!

BUDDHA EDEN GARDEN, BOMBARRAL, LEIRIA

The Budda Eden Garden has an area of about 35 hectares, and it was designed and conceived by a famous Portuguese Comendador in response to the destruction of the Giant Bamyan Buddhas, sculpted in the rocks of the valley of Bamyan in central Afghanistan and which had for centuries been a cultural and spiritual reference. This oriental garden was started in 2001 and it is seen as a place of reconciliation. It opens its doors to people of all religion, ethnicity, nationality, sex, age and socio-cultural background, inviting everyone to come together, to communicate and mediate, to rest and rediscover happiness.

Take a walk on the nature in this garden!

GERÊS, THE SHEPHERD'S WAY

Discover the only Portuguese National Park Peneda-Gerês. In this beautiful and remote region, you will follow ancient trails used for centuries by local shepherds. You will visit one of the most typical villages, Pitões de Júnias, where you can find a 12th Century convent. In Fojo do Lobo, be surprised by an ancient wolf hunting technique. Hiking in Gerês is a unique experience!

DAY 1: PORTO

Hotel Rural Nossa Senhora dos Remédios

Pick-up at Porto's airport and transfer to Mourilhe (Montalegre). Montalegre is one of the most picturesque villages in the "Trás-os-Montes" area, known for its pretty castle and also for its "Night of the Witches".
Lodging: Hotel Rural Nossa Senhora dos Remédios

Cávado River

DAY 2: ALTO CÁVADO VILLAGES

Today's walk will take us to the Cávado river valley, where we will be surrounded by beautiful oak trees. The Cávado is one the most well preserved rivers in Portugal - in its banks you can find several rare animal species. Our itinerary will takes through ancient trails used by local Shepherds, connecting small villages.
Lodging: Hotel Rural Nossa Senhora dos Remédios

Stª Maria das Júnias Monastery

DAY 3: PITÕES WATERFALLS AND VILLAGES AND STª MARIA DAS JÚNIAS MONASTERY

Pitões de Júnias is a typical village of the Peneda-Gerês Park: lost in the middle of nowhere, hard to reach and known for its tough climate. Here we will visit the 12th century convent, the S. Rosendo church, the communal granite oven and the waterfall. In Pitões you can still see artisans making wool socks and the traditional "croças", waterproof coats made out of leaves from a local plant. We will walk by Pitões stream, through gorgeous oak tree groves, with the ever present massive granite boulders as background.
Lodging: Quinta do Negral

Peneda-Gerês Natural Park

DAY 4: SHEPHERD'S TRAIL - PORTELA LEONTE

Our walk starts in Portela de Leonte. From here we will climb until we reach the first of many fields where local shepherds take their animals. All around us will be huge granite formations, some of them with very particular shapes. Along the way, we will find several "mariolas", piles of stones used for guiding by the shepherds... and us. Today's hike we will show us the best of Peneda-Gerês Natural Park. After this very special day, you can advantage of the Gerês Spa, treating yourself with a relaxing massage!
Lodging: Quinta do Negral.

Abadia Sanctuary

DAY 5: THE SANCTUARY TRAIL

Today's hike will take us through fields surrounding Santa Isabel do Monte, in Terras de Bouro area. The views of the Gerês valley and the Caniçada dam are magnificent. We will pass by a granite formation called the "castle", a point once used by local people to look out for Spanish invaders. We will also visit the Abadia Sanctuary, the oldest sanctuary in Portugal, built in 1148 to protect the abbeys against the Moorish invasions.
Lodging: Peneda's hotel.

DAY 6: PENEDA'S TRAIL 

Our hike starts in Senhora da Peneda sanctuary and will connect two villages: Peneda and Branda da Bouça dos Homens. The first part of the hike will take us through a very old trail, where people from both villages used to ride their ox carts. On the way back we will take the pilgrimage path to Senhora da Penedas sanctuary.
Lodging: Hotel da Peneda.

DAY 7: FOJO DO LOBO TRAIL

Another day of hiking in the Peneda mountain range in close contact with the shepherd's way of living. We will start walking from the tiny village of Rouças and climb all the way to the village of Branda de Gorbelas. At the top we will find another land once used by shepherds and their animals. Here you can see some interesting small huts that were built to protect shepherds and animals against the cold and the wolves. Our final destination, before walking back down to where we started, is Fojo do Lobo. The "Fojo" is a very interesting construction created by shepherds to hunt wolves. Of course it's no longer in use since wolves are now a protected in Portugal.
Lodging: Hotel da Peneda

DAY 8: PORTO 

Early morning transfer to the airport in Porto.