Tour Description
Groups accepted with a minimum of 6 pax.
In northern Portugal, perhaps the most magnificent of all the mountain ranges is the Serra do Gerês.
It comprises half of Portugal’s biggest Natural Reserve and varies from lush lowland lakes and rivers to dramatic high mountain granite ridges separating Portugal from Spain.
Group walking in Geres, explore authentic Portugal, away from the crowds, and walking through stunning landscapes.
The Peneda Gerês National Park is one of the greatest natural attractions in Portugal due to the rare and impressive beauty of its landscape, its ecological value, and the variety of its fauna and flora.
Quietly meander along the intricate shorelines of lakes bordered by ancient fields teeming with wildflowers and lined with vines and olives. In the lower hills, we explore ancient villages which seem to still exist in an age long since past and whose people still live in close harmony with nature and their surroundings.
There are wooded valleys carved by rivers cascading down into wonderful pools of sparkling clean cool water. Then ancient granite trails take us over the mountains into high hidden valleys where one will still encounter herds of goats on their daily circuit and cowherds protecting their cattle as they slowly move from one pasture to the next, deep within the mountains, until they are ready to come down in the autumn.
GERÊS NATIONAL PARK crystal clear waters. Explore the most popular walking trails in Parque Nacional da Peneda-Gerês
Here, wild Garrano horses, whose ancestors inhabited these hills even before the Celts arrived, still roam free.
Wolves and wild boars range the most remote parts of these mountains while eagles and other birds of prey soar above.
This is truly one of Europe’s last wildernesses.
At the end of our day, down in the sheltered valley, our hotel provides a haven of comfort with its bar and terrace and its locally renowned restaurant.
This holiday has been designed by our Portuguese experts who live close to the park; you can’t get a higher recommendation than that.
Itinerary
Day 1 – Arrival
Transfer by road from Porto airport to Gerês.
Peneda valley, The perfect place for walking holidays away from the big cities.
Day 2 – Monte Walk
A scenic and varied walk. A series of fascinating villages and their field systems to walk through.
The high villages are some of the few in the north where animals can be seen wandering free, in and around the villages.
Our descent through wooded slopes in the afternoon gives tremendous views over the mountains and lakes stretching out in front of us.
Distance: 19.5km/12.11mi; Ascent/descent – 300m/600m
Mata Albergaria Geres, admire the breathtaking landscape and visit the local lagoons.
Day 3 – Caniçada
Relatively easy walk in contrast to the mountains. Today is a gentle stroll meandering around the Shore of Caniçada Lake. Shaded by the mixed woodland sheltering innumerable smallholdings where people tend immaculate plots of vines, fruit trees & vegetables.
Distance: 16.5km/10.25mi; Ascent/descent: 150m/300m
Day 4 – Ermida
Spectacular walk, over varying terrain and through ever-changing scenery.
An ancient trail used by the goats from the village of Ermida leads us to dramatic boulders & outcrops.
We visit Cascata do Arado, one of the most iconic waterfalls in the National Park, and winding wooded trails lead us to Pedra Bela a high rocky viewpoint towering above the valley of Gerês and our hotel far below.
Distance: 16.6km/10.3mi; Ascent/descent: 500m/700m
Group walking in Geres
Day 5 – Calcedonia (Option: free day)
Attractive walk through the village of Campo do Gerês then tremendous open rocky scenery.
Our mountain trail visits the ancient and evocative settlement of Calcedonia going back to Celtic times and before. The oldest signs of human habitation in the park date back to 6000 years bc. We then return to civilization with a welcoming café in the village.
Distance: 16km/10mi; Ascent/descent: 350m/470m
Peneda-Gerês National Park outstanding beauty
Day 6 – Vilarinho Walk
A walk through the lush Mata da Albergaria, the richest area of the park for trees and vegetation.
We crisscross the cascading Rio Homen and then enjoy the views as we stroll above the lake of Vilarinho das Furnas. If weather permits we can enjoy a swim in the crystal clear waters.
Distance: 15.4km/9.5mi; Ascent/descent: 250m/300m
Geres cascata arado
Day 7 – Hidden Valley
A big walk-in every way, one of the classics of the Gerês. Bleak and dramatic high mountain scenery.
An ancient trail leads us up into the mountains and the high Hidden Valley within, passing through timeless mountain pastures set amongst the harsh mountain terrain.
Distance:13.3km/8.26mi; Ascent/descent: 415m/900m
Geres
Day 8 – Departure
After breakfast transfer to Porto airport.
Insurance
You must be adequately insured to join our Guided holidays and 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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