This tour combines breathtaking natural scenery and rich history as we explore Belmonte, Castelo Novo, and Serra da Estrela. We'll marvel at ancient castles and ascend to the highest point in mainland Portugal.
Day Trip to Belmonte, Castelo Novo, & Sierra de la Estrella
We'll meet up on Nuno Álvares Avenue at the scheduled time and depart from Castelo Branco towards Belmonte, a historic village that we'll reach after a 50-minute minibus ride.
In Belmonte, we'll go on a guided tour and marvel at the facades of its iconic monuments, such as the castle, the old City Hall, and the statue of Pedro Álvares Cabral, the first Portuguese person to set foot in Brazil. We'll also delve into the village's history and learn about its reputation as the "land of tolerance" during the Middle Ages. Additionally, we'll visit the tower of Centum Cellas, which dates back to the 1st century and is located in the outskirts of Belmonte.
Next, we'll travel by minibus to Serra da Estrela, a breathtaking natural site that boasts the highest peak in continental Portugal. We'll ascend in the minibus to 1993 meters (6,538 feet) to visit the Tower and stop at various viewpoints. Additionally, we'll visit a trout farm and marvel at the Poço do Inferno waterfalls.
We'll take a brief break for a self-catered picnic and then continue the tour in the village of Castelo Novo. We'll stroll along its narrow cobblestone streets and admire the old manor houses, an 18th-century baroque fountain, and the keep.
After eight hours of adventure, we'll end the tour at the starting point in Castelo Branco.
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