Tour of Serra Da Estrela and Covão Da Metade

Nestled within Portugal’s stunning Serra da Estrela mountain range, the Covão da Metade region beckons adventurers to uncover its natural wonders. This guided tour offers an immersive experience, led by a knowledgeable local who will unveil the area’s unique glacial landscapes, including the highest point in mainland Portugal. Visitors can savor the renowned Serra da Estrela cheese, a delectable highlight of the journey. With personalized service and carefully curated experiences, this tour promises to leave a lasting impression on those seeking to explore the captivating beauty of this remarkable destination. What unforgettable moments await those who embark on this journey?

This experience made our list of the 8 Best Tours In Covilha.

Key Points

• This tour offers a guided exploration of the Serra da Estrela and Covão da Metade, lasting approximately 4 hours.
• Highlights include visiting the highest point in mainland Portugal, tasting Serra da Estrela cheese, and discovering the largest glacial valley in Europe.
• The tour includes pickup from accommodations in Covilhã and is guided by a live guide fluent in Spanish, Portuguese, and English.
• Visitors can enjoy personalized service and an immersive experience to discover the wonders of the Serra da Estrela region.
• The tour excludes lunch and entrance fees to any monuments and is not suitable for wheelchair users.

You can check availability for your dates here:

Overview of the Tour

This tour offers visitors an opportunity to explore the stunning Serra da Estrela and the Covão da Metade, providing a comprehensive experience lasting approximately 4 hours.

Led by a live guide fluent in Spanish, Portuguese, and English, the tour includes pickup from your accommodation in Covilhã.

Highlights include visiting the highest point in mainland Portugal, tasting the famous Serra da Estrela cheese, and discovering the largest glacial valley in Europe.

With scenic viewpoints, free time for shopping, and regional liqueur tastings, this tour provides an immersive glimpse into the natural wonders and cultural heritage of this remarkable region.

Itinerary Details

The tour begins with a pickup from your accommodation in Covilhã, where visitors will embark on a journey to discover the captivating landscapes of Serra da Estrela and Covão da Metade.

From there, the itinerary unfolds with a series of stops, each offering a unique perspective on the region’s natural wonders. First, you’ll visit the Miradouro da Varanda dos Carqueijais, followed by the Miradouro dos Piornos.

Then, you’ll explore the Covão da Metade, a glacial valley, and the Nossa Senhora da Boa Estrela.

The tour culminates with a visit to the highest point in mainland Portugal, Torre, Serra de Estrela, where you’ll have time for photos, free exploration, and shopping.

Highlights of the Experience

One of the highlights of the tour is the opportunity to taste the typical products of Serra da Estrela, including the renowned Serra da Estrela cheese, which is considered one of Portugal’s seven gastronomic wonders.

Visitors will also have the chance to explore the highest point in mainland Portugal, the Torre of the Serra de Estrela.

Plus, the tour takes guests through the Glaciar Vale, the largest glacial valley in Europe, offering breathtaking views of the region’s natural beauty.

These highlights, combined with the personalized service and knowledgeable local guide, make this tour a truly immersive and memorable experience for those wanting to discover the wonders of the Serra da Estrela.

Inclusions in the Tour

The tour includes permanent accompaniment with a local guide who can provide commentary in Portuguese, Spanish, and English. Transportation with a driver and guide, as well as personalized service, are also provided.

Pickup and drop-off at accommodations and hotels in Covilhã are included as well. The tour features a tasting of Serra da Estrela cheese and regional liqueurs.

However, the tour doesn’t include lunch or entrance fees to any monuments. It’s also not suitable for wheelchair users.

The tour provides a comprehensive experience to explore the highlights of Serra da Estrela and Covão da Metade, including the highest point in mainland Portugal and the largest glacial valley in Europe.

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Exclusions From the Tour

Notably, the tour doesn’t include lunch or entrance fees to any monuments. Plus, it isn’t suitable for wheelchair users.

While the tour provides a comprehensive exploration of the Serra da Estrela region, including visits to the highest point in mainland Portugal and the largest glacial valley in Europe, as well as tastings of the renowned Serra da Estrela cheese and regional liqueurs, there are a few exclusions to be aware of.

Visitors will need to cover the cost of their own meals and any admission fees to historical or cultural sites. On top of that, the tour’s itinerary and terrain may pose challenges for those with mobility limitations.

Pickup and Drop-off Locations

The tour provides pickup and drop-off services from accommodations and hotels in Covilhã, making it convenient for participants to join and depart the excursion. Guests simply need to specify their pickup location, and the tour’s driver and guide will arrive to transport them to the starting point in Covilhã.

At the tour’s conclusion, the same personalized service will return them directly to their accommodations. This seamless door-to-door transportation ensures a hassle-free experience, allowing guests to fully enjoy the natural wonders of the Serra da Estrela region without worrying about logistics.

The included pickup and drop-off are a thoughtful addition that enhances the overall value of this guided tour.

Duration and Live Guide Availability

This captivating tour offers a duration of 4 hours, providing ample time for guests to fully experience the stunning natural landscapes of the Serra da Estrela region.

Complementing the thorough itinerary, the tour features the availability of a live guide who can expertly lead the excursion in Spanish, Portuguese, and English.

Travelers can look forward to an engaging and enlightening journey, with the guide offering insights and commentary to enhance the overall experience.

Whether you’re seeking to learn about the region’s natural beauty, learn about its rich history, or simply enjoy a leisurely day of exploration, this 4-hour tour is designed to cater to your interests and needs.

Suitability for Wheelchair Users

Unfortunately, this tour isn’t suitable for wheelchair users. The itinerary includes several locations with uneven terrain, steep inclines, and limited accessibility, making it challenging for those with mobility constraints to fully participate.

While the operator give you an inclusive experience, the nature of the Serra da Estrela landscape presents significant barriers for wheelchair users throughout the tour. The visit to the Covão d’Ametade, for instance, involves navigating rocky paths and unpaved trails, which would be extremely difficult for those in wheelchairs.

Similarly, the photo stop at Torre, the highest point in mainland Portugal, requires traversing rough, hilly ground. Regrettably, this tour isn’t accessible for wheelchair users.

Frequently Asked Questions

Are There Any Restrictions on the Amount of Luggage Allowed?

The tour doesn’t mention any restrictions on luggage. Travelers can likely bring a reasonable amount, as long as they can comfortably carry it themselves. It’s recommended to pack light for the best experience.

Can the Tour Be Customized to Include Additional Stops?

Yes, the tour can be customized to include additional stops, though this may incur extra costs. The tour operator can work with customers to adjust the itinerary based on their interests and needs.

Is There an Option to Extend the Tour Duration?

Yes, the tour duration can be extended. Customers can request a longer tour to explore additional stops and spend more time at each location. The tour operator is generally accommodating of such requests, subject to availability.

What Is the Cancellation Policy for the Tour?

The cancellation policy allows for a full refund if cancelled up to 24 hours in advance. Within 24 hours, no refund is provided. Changes to the booking can be made with advance notice, subject to availability.

Are There Any Discounts Available for Group Bookings?

The tour operator may offer group discounts for bookings of 4 or more people. Customers should inquire about group rates when making their reservation to see if any savings are available. Discounts are subject to the tour company’s policies.

Recap

The tour of Serra da Estrela and Covão da Metade offers a unique opportunity to explore the natural wonders of this remarkable region in Portugal.

Visitors can enjoy the stunning landscapes, taste the renowned local cheese, and discover the largest glacial valley in Europe, all while enjoying personalized service from a knowledgeable local guide.

This tour is an excellent choice for those seeking an engaging and unforgettable experience in the heart of the Serra da Estrela.

You can check availability for your dates here: