Portugal · Walking Tours

7-Hour Monsanto and Penha Garcia Tour with Idanha-a-Velha

7 Hours Round trip from 6000 Castelo Branco Moderate pace

The journey

Trip highlights
  • 01 Explore the ancient secrets of Idanha-a-Velha
  • 02 Experience the authenticity of Monsanto, known as the most Portuguese village in Portugal
  • 03 Discover Monsanto as a setting for "The House of the Dragon"
  • 04 Immerse yourself in the untouched nature of Penha Garcia
  • 05 Walk the Fossils Route past a waterfall, river beach, and ancient castle

Explore Monsanto, the most Portuguese village in Portugal and, more recently, the setting for the first prequel to the Game of Thrones series, "The House of the Dragon". Embark on a unique journey that reveals history and natural beauty as you discover ancient secrets in Idanha-a-Velha, experience the authenticity of Monsanto, and immerse yourself in the untouched nature of Penha Garcia. This adventure is filled with discoveries and unforgettable experiences.

Explore Monsanto, the most Portuguese village in Portugal and, more recently, the setting for the first prequel to the Game of Thrones series, "The House of the Dragon".

From the itinerary

At a glance

What this trip includes

Duration 7 Hours
Tour type Private
Activity level Moderate
Accommodation Not included
Transport Included
Wheelchair access No
Cities Castelo Branco, Penha Garcia
Languages English, Portuguese, Spanish

Day by day

The itinerary

1
Day 01

Idanha-a-Velha, Monsanto and Penha Garcia Discovery

Meeting point: Beira Tours, Castelo Branco, Portugal (or another location to be agreed).

Our adventure begins at our office, where a warm welcome awaits you. Hotel pickup is available on request, and a transfer from different locations can also be arranged.

  • Gather your fellow travellers as we embark on a memorable exploration of the region's hidden gems.

(45 min car drive)

  • Idanha-a-Velha: A Step Back in Time
  • Our first stop takes us to the historic village of Idanha-a-Velha, where time seems to stand still.
  • Stroll through ancient streets and immerse yourself in the rich history of the area. Visit the North Door, the Church, the Pillory, the Olive Mill, the Roman Bridge, and the intriguing Epigraphic File, each revealing tales of bygone eras.

(1 hour walking tour)

  • Monsanto: A Walk Among Giants
  • We make our way to the captivating village of Monsanto in Portugal.

(15 min car drive)

  • Perched atop a granite hill in Portugal, Monsanto Village epitomizes a harmonious blend of human ingenuity and natural landscape. Its stone houses, seamlessly integrated within colossal boulders, evoke a mesmerizing, almost surreal atmosphere, offering visitors a glimpse into centuries of history and cultural richness.
  • Walking through the Monsanto House of the Dragon feels like stepping into a realm where legends whisper from every weathered stone, weaving an enchanting narrative through its corridors.
  • When reaching the top of Monsanto Castle, you'll be rewarded with the most beautiful panoramic view you can imagine.
  • Each step is a revelation, each corner a glimpse into the past.

(2.5 hours walking tour)

  • Lunchtime: In a world filled with fast food and global chains, dining at a local restaurant is like savouring a piece of the town's heart, where flavours tell stories and every dish is a reminder of the community's unique identity (lunch is not included).

(1.5 hours)

  • Fossils Route in Penha Garcia: A Journey Through Time
  • Our path continues with a 1.5 km pedestrian walk along the Fossils Route.
  • This part of the tour offers an opportunity to connect with nature and the earth's history.
  • Marvel at the waterfall and river beach, where a cooling bath is allowed in summertime, witness the ancient castle, and experience the wonders hidden within the landscape.

(1.5 hours)

  • Return to Castelo Branco: Reliving the day's memories as the sun begins its descent, we return to Castelo Branco, our hearts and minds filled with the magic of the day. The memories of our explorations in these charming villages will stay with you long after the tour concludes.

(45 min car drive)

  • This tour promises to be a delightful blend of history, culture, and nature, and we can't wait to share this enchanting journey with you.
  • A destination you absolutely must visit during your vacation through Portugal.

Come with us and let's create memories together.

2
Day 02

Monsanto Village and Castle Walk

Monsanto: A Walk Among Giants

We make our way to the captivating village of Monsanto in Portugal.

(15 min car drive)

  • Perched atop a granite hill in Portugal, Monsanto Village epitomizes a harmonious blend of human ingenuity and natural landscape.
  • Its stone houses, seamlessly integrated within colossal boulders, evoke a mesmerizing, almost surreal atmosphere, offering visitors a glimpse into centuries of history and cultural richness.
  • Walking through the Monsanto House of the Dragon feels like stepping into a realm where legends whisper from every weathered stone, weaving an enchanting narrative through its corridors.
  • When reaching the top of Monsanto Castle, you'll be rewarded with the most beautiful panoramic view you can imagine.

Each step is a revelation, each corner a glimpse into the past.

(2.5 hours walking tour)

3
Day 03

Traditional Lunch Break

  • Lunchtime: In a world filled with fast food and global chains, dining at a local restaurant is like savouring a piece of the town's heart, where flavours tell stories and every dish is a reminder of the community's unique identity (lunch is not included).

(1.5 hours)

4
Day 04

Penha Garcia Fossils Route

Fossils Route in Penha Garcia: A Journey Through Time

  • Our path continues with a 1.5 km pedestrian walk along the Fossils Route.
  • This part of the tour offers an opportunity to connect with nature and the earth's history.
  • Marvel at the waterfall and river beach, where a cooling bath is allowed in summertime, witness the ancient castle, and experience the wonders hidden within the landscape.

(1.5 hours)

Idanha-a-Velha ancient streets, Monsanto House of the Dragon, Fossils Route

Where this trip takes you

Idanha-a-Velha ancient streets, Monsanto House of the Dragon, Fossils Route

The route

Where you'll travel

Tour route map
Round trip from 6000 Castelo Branco 2 cities · 7 Hours

The fine print

Trip details

What's Included

  • Local guide
  • Transport

What's Not Included

  • Lunch (picnic, with your own delicacies, or at a local restaurant - you can decide on the day)

What to bring

  • Snacks and water
  • Comfortable backpack
  • Comfortable clothes and shoes
  • Rainy season: waterproof coat
  • Summer season: hat, sunscreen, and bathing suit

Know before you go

Throughout this tour, you will need to walk. The difficulty level is hard, so it is not recommended for people with reduced mobility or young children.

No pets allowed.

The first stopping point takes us to the peaceful Historical Village of Idanha-a-Velha.

Through a walking tour, stroll through the ancient streets and delve into the rich history of the region. Visit the Porta do Norte, the Church, the Pelourinho, the old Lagar de Varas, and the majestic Roman Bridge, while also discovering the intriguing Epigraphic Archive among other beauties hidden in time.

Built on top of a granite hill, the village of Monsanto embodies a harmonious fusion between human ingenuity and the natural landscape. Its stone houses integrated into the colossal rocks evoke a fascinating, almost surreal atmosphere, offering visitors a glimpse of centuries of history and cultural richness.

Walking through the setting of "The House of the Dragon" is like entering an enchanted kingdom, where legends whisper with every worn stone and history continues to be written.

Through a walking trail of approximately 4.5 km, discover the charms of Largo do Baluarte, the beauty of the Church and Chapels, the grandeur of the Torre de Lucano, and the grandiosity of the Castle.

When you reach the top of Monsanto Castle, you will be presented with the most beautiful panoramic view imaginable. Every step is a revelation, every corner a glimpse into the past.

Our journey continues with a walking tour of approximately 1.5 km along the Fossil Route in Penha Garcia.

This part of the tour offers an opportunity to connect with nature and Earth's history. Marvel at the waterfall and the river beach, where you can take a refreshing swim in the summer, walk along the imposing cliffs that reveal their astonishing wealth of fossils, climb up to the ancient castle, and enjoy the wonders hidden in the landscapes.

Logistics

Meeting & route

Meeting point
BEIRA TOURS, Centro Comercial Nuno Alvares, Avenida Nuno Álvares, Castelo Branco, Portugal
Tour start
6000 Castelo Branco, Portugal
Tour ends at the same location as the start point.
End of the journey

Your 7 hours finish where they began, in 6000 Castelo Branco.

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