• University of Coimbra - Count Raczinski praised this library in “Les Arts au Portugal,” describing it as “the most beautiful, most richly decorated library that I have ever seen.” Indeed, the exquisite and grand interior of this magnificent space, constructed between 1717 and 1728, reflects the generous spirit of its founding patron. Visitors are greeted by the king’s coat of arms above the grand portico at the entrance.

Here, students and researchers can access over 300,000 volumes dating from the 16th to the late 18th century, housed in archives spanning three floors of the building.

Inside the library, the walls are adorned with solid bookshelves made of exotic woods, consisting of two sections, separated by a small balcony supported by columns. The painting and gilding of this wood was crafted by Manuel da Silva. The main floor is divided into three rooms separated by arches identical to the one in the outer doorway, displaying the insignia of the old University faculties. The ceilings were painted with a trompe l’oeil effect by António Simões Ribeiro and Vicente Nunes, creating a false perspective and giving the illusion of greater height. On one of the walls at the back of the room, there is a large portrait of the founder, Dom João V, dated 1730.

• Pelourinho de Seia - Seia, a city at the foot of the Serra da Estrela, is a perfect stop before ascending to the mountain’s peak.
• Sabugueiro - Sabugueiro, the highest inhabited place in Portugal, is known for the famous dogs of the region, named after it: Dogs Serra Da Estrela.

Here, visitors can also enjoy the region’s sausages and, above all, the cheese, considered by many to be the best in the world: Serra da Estrela Cheese.

• Lagoa Comprida - A dam located at the top of Serra da Estrela.
• Torre - The highest point of continental Portugal and home to the only ski resort in the country.
• Serra da Estrela - The highest point of continental Portugal and home to the only ski resort in the country.

In both summer and winter, mainland Portugal’s highest mountain offers the perfect setting for a few relaxing days in nature.

At 1,993 meters at its highest point in Torre, Serra da Estrela is an area of rare landscape beauty, with dramatic mountain drops, where one can deeply experience the silence of the heights. Take advantage of these moments of communion with nature to observe it, discovering the diversity of plants and birds and the flocks of sheep herded by Estrela dogs, a breed named after the Mountain.

You can also follow the course of some major Portuguese rivers from their sources: the Mondego at Mondeguinho, the Zêzere at Covão de Ametade, and the Alva at the Rossim Valley are breathtaking places. Or admire glacier valleys at Loriga, Manteigas, or Covão do Urso and Covão Grande. In the warmer months, the 25 Lagoon Itinerary is a great suggestion, leading you to some refreshing locations.

In colder weather, Serra da Estrela is the only place in Portugal where you can try skiing, sledging, snowboarding, or riding a snowmobile. There are several pistes with support infrastructure, as well as synthetic snow pistes for skiing at any time of the year.

This natural park is excellent for trekking, horse-riding, or mountain biking. It boasts around 375km of marked trails of varying difficulty levels, so you’ll surely find one that suits your physical condition. And who hasn’t dreamed of flying like a bird? Experience the sensation of paragliding in Linhares da Beira, soaring over this historical village - which you shouldn’t miss exploring on foot either.

• Covilha - Covilhã, the city where the descent of Serra da Estrela concludes on the opposite side of Seia, and where the return to Lisbon begins.

Nestled among rivers and mountains, the city of Covilhã serves as one of the gateways to the Serra da Estrela.

The original inhabitants were Lusitanian shepherds. Covilhã was reclaimed from the Moors by King Dom Sancho I, who constructed city walls for its protection. It became a strategic point in the Middle Ages, especially during the reign of Dom Dinis, who reinforced the territory’s defenses.

The town was granted royal status by Dom Manuel, who issued a new charter in 1510, and it was also a land of explorers. Prince Henry the Navigator was titled Lord of Covilhã by his father, King Dom João I, after the conquest of Ceuta in 1415.

It was the birthplace of Pêro da Covilhã, the explorer sent to the Orient by King Dom João II, whose information aided Vasco da Gama in discovering the sea route to India.

Covilhã is renowned for its woollen goods. This craft began during the time of Dom Sancho I and was developed by the Jewish community that settled here, remaining until the 15th century. The textile industry, which produced all the uniforms for the Portuguese army during the reign of Dom João V, was revitalized when the Marquis of Pombal established the Royal Cloth Factory here, making it the country’s largest center for woollen goods production. Due to the economic growth that followed, Covilhã was elevated to city status in 1870.

A visit to Covilhã’s historic heritage should include the old Judiaria (Jewish Quarter), with its narrow streets and Manueline windows, the Chapel of São Martinho, the Chapel of Santa Cruz, and the Wool Museum.

In Covilhã and its surroundings, explore the Land of Castles and Historical Villages, the Wool Route, the Old Judiarias Route, and the Serra da Estrela Nature Reserve by taking one of the itineraries showcasing the region’s natural and cultural heritage. Visit the Covilhã Council website for more information.

• Hotel pickup and drop-off
• Private tour
• Bottled water
• Driver/escort
• Transport by private vehicle

• Food and drinks
• Lunch
• Gratuities

Join us on a full-day exploration of Portugal’s grandest mountain range, the Serra da Estrela. We’ll journey to the base of the Serra da Estrela, presenting you with awe-inspiring views and stunning landscapes. We’ll observe large groups of sheep grazing at pasture - the same sheep that provide milk for the renowned Queijo da Serra cheese, hailed by many as the world’s finest. Goat herds are a common sight too, these creatures play a crucial role in our local cuisine. You may also spot the stalwart Serra da Estrela shepherd dogs, recognized for their strength, beauty, and adaptation to the challenging weather at Serra da Estrela. We also plan to visit Portugal’s highest residential area, the quaint village of Sabugueiro. Following this, we’ll ascend Portugal’s mainland pinnacle, ‘the Tower’. Our descent includes a pitstop at ‘Santa’, a statuesque figure crafted from natural rock on an elevated mountain crag. Finally, we’ll travel down to Covilhã and begin our journey back to Lisbon.

• Children must be accompanied by an adult
• Operates in all weather conditions, please dress appropriately

For a full refund, cancel at least 24 hours before the scheduled departure time.