The tour of Serra da Estrela and Covão da Metade promises an unforgettable adventure in Portugal’s highest mountain range. Visitors can expect to enjoy the region’s stunning natural beauty, from the glacial valley to the panoramic viewpoints. But the true gem lies in the opportunity to savor the local culinary delights – a chance to truly connect with the essence of this captivating landscape. Whether you’re a nature enthusiast or simply seeking a unique travel experience, this tour offers a chance to uncover the hidden wonders that await.
Key Points
- A 4-hour tour that visits the highest point in mainland Portugal, the Glacial Valley, and other scenic viewpoints in the Serra da Estrela region.
- Includes tasting of typical Serra da Estrela products such as cheese and liqueurs.
- Pickup and drop-off service from Covilhã, the starting point.
- Reservation can be made in advance, with free cancellation up to 24 hours prior.
- Not suitable for wheelchair users, and lunch, entrance fees, and personal expenses are not included.
Tour Details
The tour lasts 4 hours and departs at various times throughout the day, depending on availability.
Visitors can reserve their spot now and pay later. Cancellations are free up to 24 hours in advance.
The tour includes pickup and drop-off, so travelers won’t have to worry about transportation.
Highlights include tasting typical Serra da Estrela products, visiting the highest point in mainland Portugal, and exploring the Glacial Valley, one of Portugal’s 7 wonders.
There’ll be photo stops at scenic miradouros (viewpoints) and Covão d’Ametade.
A local guide who speaks Portuguese, Spanish, and English will accompany the group throughout the tour.
Highlights
One highlight of this tour is the opportunity to taste typical Serra da Estrela products, including the region’s renowned cheese and local liqueurs.
You’ll also get to visit the highest point in mainland Portugal – Torre, Serra de Estrela.
Another highlight is exploring the Glacial Valley, one of Portugal’s 7 wonders.
Along the way, you’ll stop at scenic viewpoints like Miradouro da Varanda dos Carqueijais and Miradouro dos Piornos for breathtaking photo opportunities.
Finally, you’ll visit the iconic Nossa Senhora da Boa Estrela, taking in the serene atmosphere of this special place.
With a mix of culinary, natural, and cultural experiences, this tour provides an immersive glimpse into the wonders of the Serra da Estrela region.
Itinerary Breakdown
This tour kicks off with a pickup from Covilhã, the starting point for the day’s adventures. After the initial pickup, the group heads to the Miradouro da Varanda dos Carqueijais, where they’ll spend around 40 minutes taking in the stunning views. The journey then continues to the Miradouro dos Piornos for another 40-minute stop before visiting the breathtaking Covão d’Ametade for an additional 40 minutes. The next stop is Nossa Senhora da Boa Estrela, where the group will spend 40 minutes exploring. The tour culminates with a 1-hour visit to the Torre, the highest point in mainland Portugal, before returning to Covilhã.
| Stop | Duration |
|---|---|
| Miradouro da Varanda dos Carqueijais | 40 mins |
| Miradouro dos Piornos | 40 mins |
| Covão d’Ametade | 40 mins |
Pickup and Drop-off
The tour kicks off with a pickup from Covilhã, the starting point for the day’s adventures. The friendly local guide will greet you and whisk you away in a comfortable vehicle, ready to embark on an unforgettable journey through the stunning Serra da Estrela region.
The itinerary includes the following stops:
- Miradouro da Varanda dos Carqueijais, offering breathtaking vistas over the glacial valley.
- Miradouro dos Piornos, a prime spot for capturing the majestic Serra de Estrela peaks.
- Covão d’Ametade, one of Portugal’s natural wonders, where you’ll learn about the region’s rich geological history.
- Finally, the tour culminates with a visit to the Torre, the highest point on mainland Portugal, before returning to Covilhã for drop-off.
Included Experiences
Along the way, the tour includes several hands-on experiences that showcase the local culture and natural wonders of the region. Visitors will get to taste typical Serra da Estrela products, like the region’s famous cheese and regional liqueurs.
They’ll also explore the Glacial Valley, one of Portugal’s 7 wonders, and visit the highest point in mainland Portugal.
Throughout the tour, there will be photo stops at scenic viewpoints, including the Miradouro da Varanda dos Carqueijais and the Miradouro dos Piornos.
With a local guide providing commentary in Portuguese, Spanish, and English, guests will gain a deeper appreciation for the unique geology, flora, and traditions of this remarkable mountain landscape.
Excluded Experiences
While the tour includes a wealth of immersive experiences, there are a few exclusions to be aware of. Visitors won’t have the opportunity to enjoy a full meal during the tour, as lunch isn’t provided. Plus, entrance fees to any monuments or other ticketed attractions along the route aren’t covered in the tour price.
The tour is also not suitable for wheelchair users, as the terrain and accessibility may pose challenges.
The tour doesn’t include any personal expenses, such as souvenirs or additional snacks and beverages beyond the included tastings.
The exclusions ensure the tour maintains a focused itinerary and manageable cost for participants. However, visitors should plan accordingly to make the most of their Serra da Estrela experience.
Transportation
With pickup and drop-off included, travelers embark on this tour in the comfort of a chauffeured vehicle, accompanied by a knowledgeable local guide. The transportation service allows participants to sit back, relax, and take in the stunning scenery as the tour progresses. The guide provides insights and commentary throughout the journey, enhancing the overall experience.
| Service | Details |
|---|---|
| Vehicle | Comfortable, air-conditioned |
| Capacity | Up to 8 passengers |
| Driver | Experienced, knowledgeable |
| Accessibility | Suitable for most travelers |
| Safety | Adheres to local regulations |
Tour Logistics
The tour offers a four-hour exploration of Serra da Estrela and Covão da Metade, catering to travelers’ schedules with flexible start times.
Participants can reserve their spot and pay later, with free cancellation available up to 24 hours in advance.
The tour includes pickup and drop-off, a local guide proficient in Portuguese, Spanish, and English, and tastings of Serra da Estrela cheese and regional liqueurs.
Key features of the tour logistics include:
- Duration: 4 hours
- Availability: Check website for start times
- Reservation: Reserve now, pay later
- Cancellation: Free up to 24 hours in advance
Recap
The tour of Serra da Estrela and Covão da Metade offers an unforgettable experience to explore Portugal’s highest point.
Visitors can savor traditional products, marvel at the Glacial Valley, and enjoy breathtaking views.
With convenient pickup and drop-off, and flexible cancellation, this tour provides an immersive journey through the region’s stunning natural beauty, making it a must-do for most travelers.
