2019 Wilderness Travel Catalog of Adventures

Experience the beauty of Portugal through port wine tastings, great hikes, and wonderful accommodations in the countryside. ALL PHOTOS: BRIAN MCGILLOWAY

Hiker’s Journey to Portugal PILGRIM TRAILS, SLATE VILLAGES, CASTLE TOWNS, AND DOURO VALLEY VINEYARDS

In Portugal’s gorgeous rural landscapes, our trails take us across the rock-built Aldeias de Gois villages, through the vineyards of the Douro, into the forests of Peneda-Gerês National Park, and along medieval pilgrim routes. We balance our hiking with wonderful cultural experiences along the way, tasting

walking village to village to soak up views of the deep green valleys spread below. In the Serra da Estrela, our trails contour below the rock towers of the glacier-carved Zêzere Valley. Days 5-7 Belmonte / Douro Wine Tasting / Pinhão / Peneda-Gerês Castle-topped Belmonte’s medieval Jewish Quarter is a delight to explore, and we view the Paleolithic paintings in the Côa Valley. A rail journey along the tranquil Douro River brings us to lovely Pinhão, and we hike across a dreamscape of Douro Valley vineyards to the family-owned Quinto do Crasto wine estate. In Peneda-Gerês National Park, with its craggy peaks and wild horses, we may encounter goat herders and their trusty castro laboreiro sheepdogs. Days 8-12 The Pilgrimage Route / Ponte de Lima / Porto An ancient pilgrim trail leads us to the revered sanctuary at Peneda, with its staircase adorned with statues representing faith, love, and charity, and we visit charming Ponte de Lima. Our last hike is across the Camino Portugués, which once brought medieval pilgrims to Santiago de Compostela. We end our journey in Porto, exploring the historic quarter and listening to soulful fado songs. Depart on Day 12.

HIGHLIGHTS • Explore from Lisbon to Porto, sampling local cuisine and tasting port wines and vinhos verdes • Hike among the slate villages of the Serra da Lousã and along medieval pilgrim routes, including the Camino Portugués • Meet a Douro Valley vintner, ride the Linha do Douro (Portugal’s loveliest train), discover castle-topped towns • Enjoy unique lodgings, including a traditional spa hotel, a converted pilgrimage hostel, and a 17th century manor house DETAILS • 12-day trip begins in Lisbon and ends in Porto • 11 nights charming accommodations • All meals included except 2 lunches and 2 dinners

wine in a family-owned quinta , exploring 13th century castle towns, and sampling farm- to-table regional cuisine and velvety port wines. We end our journey in Porto, a World Heritage Site of centuries-old lanes and port wine cellars.

“One of the best designed WT trips I have ever taken—a great balance of hiking and cultural experiences.” Kitty L., Chicago IL

DATES Apr 22-May 3, 2019 Sep 2-13 May 15-26 Oct 7-18

Our lodging includes a former wine warehouse in picturesque Pinhão and the 17th century Paço de Calheiros, where we are welcomed by the Count of Calheiros himself. Days 1-4 Serra da Lousã / Serra da Estrela From Lisbon, we head into the Serra da Lousã mountains and the slate villages known as Aldeias de Gois, stopping in at a local home for tea and

TRIP COST $5595 (10-15 members) $6095 (4-9 members) Single supplement: $820

TRIP LEVEL 1 2 3 + 4 5 6 7 9 hiking days on moderate to strenuous trails (some steep sections), 3-6 hours a day with two longer days, van support

FOR MORE DETAILS ON OUR EUROPEAN TRIPS, VISIT WILDERNESSTRAVEL.COM/TRIPS/EUROPE 56