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Between Castles and Wines: Historic Villages of Portugal tour
Medieval villages, castles and Beira Interior wines with a local guide: a full day with lunch, or a half day in the morning or afternoon. We pick you up at your accommodation and bring you back, no car needed.
- duration
- Full day (9am–6pm) or half day (5h)
- pick-up
- Guarda, Covilhã, Seia, Mêda and Vila Nova de Foz Côa
- group
- Up to 9 people, by van
- pace
- Relaxed, short walks
- languages
- Portuguese, English and Spanish
what you'll experience
Medieval walls, castles on granite, a local winery and lunch the way it is eaten in the Beira. No driving and nothing to plan: the guide takes care of the route, the bookings and the stories.
Historic Villages
Three stone villages on the full day, two on the half day, chosen from Sortelha, Castelo Mendo, Almeida, Castelo Rodrigo or Castelo Bom.
Beira Interior Wines
A visit to a local winery to understand the land, the climate and the wines produced in the interior.
Regional Gastronomy
A tasting of products such as honey, almonds, cheese or olive oil and, on the full day, a traditional lunch.
Interior Landscapes
Quiet roads, vineyards, olive groves, rolling hills and viewpoints over Beira Interior.
Stories and Traditions
Castles, ruins, old medieval gates and episodes told by those who know this land.
the day, hour by hour
09:00Pick-up at your accommodation
We pick you up at your accommodation in the Guarda municipality, Covilhã, Seia, Mêda or Vila Nova de Foz Côa. On the way the guide tells you what we will see.
10:00First village
Walls, a castle and granite streets, with time to climb the towers and viewpoints.
13:00Regional lunch
A traditional lunch with drinks at a local restaurant we know well.
14:30Winery and wine tasting
A visit to a Beira Interior winery, tasting wines and local products: honey, almonds, cheese or olive oil.
15:30Two more villages
Two more villages chosen on the day from Sortelha, Castelo Mendo, Almeida, Castelo Rodrigo or Castelo Bom.
18:00Back at your accommodation
The day ends where it began; the photos of the day are sent afterwards.
09:00Pick-up at your accommodation
We pick you up at your accommodation in the Guarda municipality, Covilhã, Seia, Mêda or Vila Nova de Foz Côa. On the way the guide tells you what we will see.
09:45First village
Walls, a castle and granite streets, with the guide telling the story of the place.
11:30Second village
The second village of the day, chosen according to your pick-up point and the season.
12:45Wine and regional product tasting
A tasting of Beira Interior wines and local products.
14:00Back at your accommodation
The tour ends where it began.
14:00Pick-up at your accommodation
We pick you up at your accommodation in the Guarda municipality, Covilhã, Seia, Mêda or Vila Nova de Foz Côa. On the way the guide tells you what we will see.
14:45First village
Walls, a castle and granite streets, with the guide telling the story of the place.
16:30Second village
The second village of the day, chosen according to your pick-up point and the season.
17:45Wine and regional product tasting
A tasting of Beira Interior wines and local products.
19:00Back at your accommodation
The tour ends where it began.
Times are approximate: the guide adjusts the pace to the group and the day.
choose your option
full day · 8h most complete
€130
per person, from 2 people
- 9am – 6pm
- Solo: €200
- Children up to 12: €85
includes
- 3 villages with a local guide
- Regional lunch with drinks
- Winery visit and wine tasting
- Local product tasting
- Digital photos and insurance
half day · 5h
€90
per person, from 2 people
- Morning 9am–2pm or afternoon 2pm–7pm
- Solo: €150
- Children up to 12: €60
includes
- 2 villages with a local guide
- Wine tasting
- Local product tasting
- Insurance
Both options include pick-up and drop-off at your accommodation (Guarda municipality, Covilhã, Seia, Mêda or Vila Nova de Foz Côa) and groups of up to 9 people.
the villages on the route
On the full day we visit three of these five medieval villages; on the half day, two. We choose according to your pick-up point, the season and the day. If you would like a particular one, tell us when you book.
Sortelha
A whole village inside its walls, in the Sabugal municipality, with the castle wedged into the boulders and granite houses almost untouched.
Castelo Mendo
In the Almeida municipality, you enter through the wall gate guarded by two stone boars. Narrow streets, a pillory and wide views over the plateau.
Almeida
A star-shaped fortress with bastioned walls, moats and monumental gates. It was a stage of the French Invasions.
Castelo Rodrigo
On a hilltop in Figueira de Castelo Rodrigo, with the ruins of Cristóvão de Moura's palace and views all the way to Spain. In February and March, almond trees in blossom all around.
Castelo Bom
On a hilltop above the Côa river, in the Almeida municipality. Taken by King Dinis in 1282, it keeps its tower, the town gate and remains of its two rings of walls.
Want to know more about each village? Read our guide to the 12 Historic Villages of Portugal.
the villages, the table and the wine
people who've been
Verified reviews · 5.0★ across 99 reviews
Sérgio was extremely friendly, with the children too, telling us stories and details about the mountain that he clearly knows very well. Without him we would never have found the hidden places, with the most stunning views, always safely. He took us on trails reserved for accredited guides, where an ordinary car would struggle to get through.
Sergio is not only a phenomenal guide, passionate about history, geography, art, and literature — he's also a truly exceptional person who goes above and beyond expectations. His thorough explanations, his ability to connect personal stories to the tour experience, and his wonderful sense of humor and warmth make the entire trip deeply enjoyable.
We loved this tour. Sérgio was an excellent guide. Beyond how friendly he is, he showed us unique landscapes and places in Serra da Estrela. I recommend this experience.
booking with no strings
Secure payment
Card, MB WAY or Multibanco on Stripe's secure page — 30% deposit or full payment.
Personal confirmation
We reply by WhatsApp or email in under 1 hour.
Cancellation up to 48h before
Full refund or free rescheduling.
Local guides for 5 years 100 Montanhas · 5.0 from 99 reviews
book
Pick your date and tell us how many you are. We'll get in touch to confirm everything and send the secure payment link.
choose your option
pick a date
Greyed-out days already have another activity booked — talk to us and we'll find an alternative.
Cancellation policy: Free cancellation up to 48 hours before the activity, with a full refund. With less than 48 hours' notice no refund applies. You can cancel or reschedule by email to geral@100montanhas.pt or via WhatsApp. Rescheduling to any future date is subject to availability.
Frequently Asked Questions
Where is the pick-up point?
We pick you up at your accommodation in the Guarda municipality, Covilhã, Seia, Mêda or Vila Nova de Foz Côa, and take you back at the end of the day. We confirm the exact time after booking.
What's included in the price?
Transport by car/van, specialised local guide, visit to three Historic Villages, Beira Interior wine tasting, regional lunch with drinks, tasting of regional products, personal accident insurance and digital photos of the experience.
How much does it cost?
Full day: €130 per person from 2 people, €200 solo and €85 per child up to 12. Half day: €90 per person from 2, €150 solo and €60 per child. Transport from your accommodation, guide and tastings are always included.
What is the difference between the full day and the half day?
The full day (9am–6pm) visits three villages and includes a regional lunch with drinks and a winery visit with tasting. The half day lasts 5 hours, morning (9am–2pm) or afternoon (2pm–7pm), visits two villages and includes the wine and regional product tasting, without lunch.
Can I book for groups larger than 9 people?
Yes. For groups of more than 9 people, talk to us on WhatsApp (+351 922 011 911) and we will plan the day around your group.
What is the cancellation policy?
Free cancellation up to 48h before the experience, with full refund if a deposit was paid. After that period, the full amount applies to cover logistics costs.
Is this experience suitable for children and elderly?
Yes. The pace is relaxed and walks are short, through the village streets. Children up to 12 pay €85 on the full day and €60 on the half day.
Which villages will we visit?
Three on the full day and two on the half day, chosen from Sortelha, Castelo Mendo, Almeida, Castelo Rodrigo and Castelo Bom according to your pick-up point, the season and the day. If you would like a particular one, tell us when you book.
Is online payment secure?
Yes. You pay by card, MB WAY or Multibanco on Stripe's secure page, with a 30% deposit or in full. You can also request the booking without paying and pay once we confirm.
What happens if the weather is bad on the booked day?
In case of adverse weather, we contact you to reschedule at no extra cost for a date of your choice.
When is the best time to do this tour?
It runs all year. Spring and autumn bring the best light and temperatures for walking the villages; in February and March almond trees blossom around Castelo Rodrigo; in summer we start early to avoid the afternoon heat.
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