Central Portugal in 3 Days: Nature, History, and Flavors of the Region

Transfer from Lisbon

Your experience begins with pickup at the airport or your hotel in Lisbon, aboard a premium electric vehicle. As you leave Portugal's capital behind, the pace slows and the landscape invites contemplation.

Solar-powered boat journey on the Tagus River

The first moment of the trip is magical: a solar-powered boat journey on the tranquil waters of the Tagus, including a visit to the emblematic Almourol Castle – built on a small island, it is one of the most iconic legacies of the Knights Templar in Portugal. The silent crossing of the river and the arrival at the fortification evoke medieval legends and tales of knights, in a setting of stunning natural beauty. With luck, you may even discover the mythical Treasure of the Knights Templar!

Slow-food meal at Linhal das Meias

At lunchtime, you will be welcomed at the family-run restaurant Linhal das Meias, where the slow food philosophy translates into a meal prepared with local, seasonal ingredients full of identity. Each dish invites you to pause and savor, accompanied by views of the Ribatejo countryside.

Côa Honeycomb Country House Hotel

In the late afternoon, head to Côa Honeycomb accommodation, a sustainable retreat surrounded by nature. Located in Beira Interior, this agrotourism establishment embodies sustainability with its hexagonal wooden bungalows that resemble honeycombs. Tranquility, eco-consciousness, and contact with nature are hallmarks of the Côa Honeycomb experience. For dinner, we suggest a local restaurant where you can continue exploring the flavors of the region with sophistication and authenticity.

Walk tour in Rewilding Park

Ermo das Águias spans approximately 1,000 hectares, where Rewilding Portugal manages conservation activities. With a long history of recurring fires and intensive grazing, a small herd of the rare Sorraia horse breed was introduced here to promote sustainable grazing, restore natural vegetation patterns, and support small herbivore populations. In this ecologically regenerating territory, you will explore little-traveled trails, imposing cliffs, and habitats where silence is broken only by the sounds of nature and the majestic flight of griffon vultures and golden eagles.

Picnic on the riverside

At midday, by the river and surrounded by the magnificent landscape, you will enjoy a picnic prepared with local products, part of the region's environmental and community enhancement project. This moment is not just a meal. It’s a celebration of the land, biodiversity, and meaningful simplicity.

Historic village of Almeida

The afternoon takes you to the Historic Village of Almeida, an impressive fortified town with star-shaped walls. During the guided tour, you will explore its streets, bastions, and ravelins, learning about its strategic importance throughout Portuguese military history. Stone and time tell stories of resistance and ingenuity, especially from the era of the French invasions. At the end of the day, we suggest dinner at a renowned regional restaurant, where authentic and comforting dishes celebrate another day of profound discoveries in Central Portugal.

Visit noble house and storic gardens

On the final day of the trip, after checking out, you will head to the Dão wine region to conclude the experience with elegance and flavor. The morning includes a visit to the Palace of the Counts of Anadia, in Mangualde – one of the finest examples of Portuguese stately architecture. Accompanied by a certified guide, you will explore the historic rooms, art collections, and formal gardens surrounding this noble house, where the past remains alive.

Visit and wine-themed lunch prepared by Chef Miguel

Next, visit the Caminhos Cruzados winery, a benchmark for a new generation of Dão producers combining innovation, tradition, and landscape. The tour includes a wine-themed lunch prepared by Chef Miguel, paired with some of the house’s finest wines, a complete gastronomic experience where terroir and creativity meet at the table.

Return to Lisbon

In the late afternoon, you will return comfortably to Lisbon. The trip ends here, but you will carry with you a piece of Central Portugal, made up of castles, nature, flavors, and encounters with authenticity. Note: If any of the accommodations mentioned in the itinerary are unavailable, an alternative of the same quality and refinement will be provided, in keeping with the standards of Immersive Journeys.