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Centuries of history and identity

Come and discover the “Historical Portugal” - following routes that we’ve prepared for you trough Solares de Portugal. Over the centuries, this zone - the cradle of Portuguese identity – has served as a vital cultural crossroads and the setting for key historical facts.

The itinerary includes 14 nights with accommodation, breakfast, and one welcome drink.

Includes one Experience of discovering the stories of each one of the solares.

Come and discover the “Historical Portugal” - following routes that we’ve prepared for you. Over the centuries, this zone - the cradle of Portuguese identity – has served as a vital cultural crossroads and the setting for key historical facts.

Our itinerary starts in Lisbon Region, with castles and monasteries, trace the history of Portuguese architecture and art.

The lands conquered from the Moors by the first king of Portugal, Afonso Henriques, retain their memories of those times. Take the castles still standing guard over Palmela and Setúbal.

Palmela Castle stands on the last outcrop of the Serra da Arrábida, from where you can look out over the vast plain from Sines to Sintra. Today it is the home of an extremely beautiful Pousada. All that now remains of the castle’s original Roman foundation is the circular towers; the square towers have been attributed to the Arabs, whereas the keep is attributed to the Master of Avis. The modern fortifications, which were used as defense for cannon fire, are the work of Dom Pedro II. Situated close to Setúbal, the Fortaleza de São Filipe enjoys a privileged position at the mouth of the River Sado.

Monasteries and convents, attributed World Heritage status, feature among the best examples of Portugal’s historic heritage.

Our Itinerary continues for North Alentejo. This is the 'land of marble', an authentic natural museum. You will realize why as soon as you see the impressive quarries and pass through these towns, where palaces and churches, manor houses and simple dwellings, and even taverns and pavements, are covered with marble.

Begin your tour in Estremoz, a town with delightful baroque features. Walk through the lanes of the medieval area around the castle and appreciate the craft of the stonemasons in their workshops. Then go on to Borba, where the pride of the area is the stylish Fonte das Bicas (fountain), and, after a walk through the marble-lined streets, sample some tasty appetizers and the good regional wine in one of the many typical taverns.

In Vila Viçosa, notice the marble on the façades of the churches, the imposing ducal palace, the Convento dos Agostinhos and the Convento das Chagas. Take the chance, too, to learn all there is to know about marble at the museum of marble, situated in a disused railway station.

Continue for the Centro of Portugal and to the land of “Aldeias Históricas”. Built from granite and schist, and located in the heart of the country, they have witnessed over 900 years of Portuguese history. But while the villages are amazingly peaceful places to visit, they have not always been so tranquil.

In the past these villages, perched high on hilltops, played a crucial role in protecting the surrounding lands. Their vantage point made it almost impossible for would-be invaders to approach undetected. It was a hugely effective form of defense. Over the centuries, Moors and Christians, Spaniards and Portuguese, have all tried to take the villages for themselves.

The Centro de Portugal was favored by the Romans for the purity of its waters and it was that here they built spas for the treatment of bodily and spiritual ailments.

The spas of São Pedro do Sul, are one of the most well known. Round off your health and beauty treatment with the peace and quiet offered by the green countryside and the mountains.

Viseu, Coimbra and the Serra do Buçaco hills are ideal for excursions by car if you have a free afternoon.

Give yourself all the rest you deserve, combining the healing power of water and the peace of mind provided by a stay in Solares de Portugal

Continue our journey to Douro, classified as a world heritage site by UNESCO, the wine-growing Upper Douro produces the famous port wine, known worldwide for its quality and taste. In this region - the first one in the world to be demarcated - the centuries-old tradition of wine growing has produced a cultural landscape of remarkable beauty. You can take in all these riches on a short five-day trip, and staying the night in a manor house with a unique atmosphere that is also part of the Port Wine Route.

After Douro, visit the capital of Trás-os-Montes in the far north-east of Portugal. Discover the strong personality of this city standing proud on the banks of the rivers Corgo and Cabril. The first things you’ll notice when you arrive in Vila Real are the attractive residences rising above the surrounding countryside. Between the 17th and 19th centuries, many noble families built homes here. To this day, stone coats of arms can still be spotted on the exteriors of these houses. Tour the city and its medieval centre where the first people to arrive here set up home. Head on through the oldest part of the city.

Travel along rivers and across rolling green hills and finish in Viana do Castelo, beautifully situated at the mouth of the river Lima. Explore the routes that lead down to the mouths of the rivers Minho, Lima and Cávado. Tour the hills and mountains before descending to beautiful towns by the sea. Viana do Castelo is one such place. The Santa Luzia hill is the symbol of this city. Climb it and enjoy the wonderful panoramic views over the Lima, the sea, the hills behind, and the rooftops of Viana below.

The hills of Soajo and Peneda are well worth a visit too. Discover their villages, agricultural traditions and rural ways. You can even spend the night in a converted village house.

And before you leave, be sure to spend some time admiring the north-easterly region of Portugal. The towns of Ponte de Lima, Caminha, Valença, Monção, Melgaço and Paredes de Coura are all wonderful.