Guided walking and hiking holidays in stunning Central Portugal tailored to suit you. Portugal is an area of outstanding beauty on the edge of Europe. Central Portugal is one of the less tourist intensive areas of Portugal. Bordered by the beaches of the Atlantic coast with mountain ranges, national parks, castles and enchanting villages. Kind friendly people, wonderful local wines and delicious traditional food. With an annual average of 290 days of sunshine per year, it is the perfect place for a walking holiday.
Historical walks
|
Portuguese camino
|
Sanctuary of Fatima
|
We offer private guided tours with local guides living in the area. Delivering our tours at your pace.
We meet you at your accommodation each morning and take you to explore the regions secrets and history with a personal touch.
We meet you at your accommodation each morning and take you to explore the regions secrets and history with a personal touch.
How it works
Your base for your guided walking holiday begins in the enchanting, historic, Knights Templar city of Tomar, located 120km north of Lisbon. To get here, you'll arrange your own flights to and from Lisbon. We will take care of you from the moment you land until your departure.
Transport: We offer a hassle-free transfer service from Lisbon airport directly to your accommodation in Tomar. Or you can take a train direct from Lisbon to Tomar. The journey takes approximately one and a half hours by road or two hours by train. We can also provide transfers from Porto Airport.
Daily Guided Walks: Each morning , we will pick you up from your accommodation and drop you back after a day of walking. Your holiday is filled with guided walks that can be tailored to suit your preferences or those of your group. We are flexible and open to discussing any changes you would like to make to the schedule. We also offer one day guided walks from two persons upwards. Email us for details.
Accommodation Options: We offer a wide range of accommodation options, from two to five star hotels, hostels or self-catering.
Your base for your guided walking holiday begins in the enchanting, historic, Knights Templar city of Tomar, located 120km north of Lisbon. To get here, you'll arrange your own flights to and from Lisbon. We will take care of you from the moment you land until your departure.
Transport: We offer a hassle-free transfer service from Lisbon airport directly to your accommodation in Tomar. Or you can take a train direct from Lisbon to Tomar. The journey takes approximately one and a half hours by road or two hours by train. We can also provide transfers from Porto Airport.
Daily Guided Walks: Each morning , we will pick you up from your accommodation and drop you back after a day of walking. Your holiday is filled with guided walks that can be tailored to suit your preferences or those of your group. We are flexible and open to discussing any changes you would like to make to the schedule. We also offer one day guided walks from two persons upwards. Email us for details.
Accommodation Options: We offer a wide range of accommodation options, from two to five star hotels, hostels or self-catering.
Option one: Choose your own walking holiday.
1. Select the number of days you want to walk and the desired distances.
2. Let us know the number of people in your group.
3. Inform us of your arrival method ie. airport transfer, train, bus or self-drive.
4. We can arrange accommodation for you, or you're welcome to book your own preferred choice.
5. Provide us with your arrival and departure dates.
Option two: Avail of our 5 day walking week holiday.
Group tours: Our expertise lies in organizing bespoke group tours catering to walkers, hikers, trekkers, strollers, and ramblers.
Option two prices include: Accommodation with breakfast, bus transfers to and from Lisbon airport, transport and guide for five days walking, walking insurance and all local sales and tourist taxes.
Flights and private holiday insurances are not included.
Mix and match: Feel free to mix and match between longer and shorter walks to create your perfect walking holiday.
We have carefully created a set of walks that offer a unique way to experience the best of Central Portugal. Our selection includes mountain, beach, historical, camino and pilgrimage walks, each promising a new adventure every day. Our knowledgeable guides will accompany you on each walk, sharing their insights into the local flora and fauna and answering your questions. We are flexible, and if you wish to modify the length of walks, we are happy to accommodate your preferences. All our tours are conducted in English.
We are running some guided one week walking tours in Portugal in 2025 for singles, couples or smaller groups who wish to join up with other walkers. 5 days guided walking with 6 nights stay. The dates will be published shortly.
Get ready to explore the stunning landscapes and rich heritage of Central Portugal with us. Let us know your preferences, and we will make sure your walking holiday is an unforgettable experience.
1. Select the number of days you want to walk and the desired distances.
2. Let us know the number of people in your group.
3. Inform us of your arrival method ie. airport transfer, train, bus or self-drive.
4. We can arrange accommodation for you, or you're welcome to book your own preferred choice.
5. Provide us with your arrival and departure dates.
Option two: Avail of our 5 day walking week holiday.
Group tours: Our expertise lies in organizing bespoke group tours catering to walkers, hikers, trekkers, strollers, and ramblers.
Option two prices include: Accommodation with breakfast, bus transfers to and from Lisbon airport, transport and guide for five days walking, walking insurance and all local sales and tourist taxes.
Flights and private holiday insurances are not included.
Mix and match: Feel free to mix and match between longer and shorter walks to create your perfect walking holiday.
We have carefully created a set of walks that offer a unique way to experience the best of Central Portugal. Our selection includes mountain, beach, historical, camino and pilgrimage walks, each promising a new adventure every day. Our knowledgeable guides will accompany you on each walk, sharing their insights into the local flora and fauna and answering your questions. We are flexible, and if you wish to modify the length of walks, we are happy to accommodate your preferences. All our tours are conducted in English.
We are running some guided one week walking tours in Portugal in 2025 for singles, couples or smaller groups who wish to join up with other walkers. 5 days guided walking with 6 nights stay. The dates will be published shortly.
Get ready to explore the stunning landscapes and rich heritage of Central Portugal with us. Let us know your preferences, and we will make sure your walking holiday is an unforgettable experience.
Longer walks
Walking the old railway line
|
Porto de Mós - 13 km. 3.5 hours approx. Altitude 400m.This walk begins along the tracks of an old railway line that was used for transporting coal from the Bezerra mines to Porto de Mós. There is a wide variety of flora and fauna along the way. The first half of the route is high, overlooking the valley up to the point where it meets the foot of a range of hills that make up the Central National Park. At the end of the upper line you emerge from the tunnel into the sunlight where wind mills mark the summit. A picnic area invites you to take a break before starting down the lower line where the scenery changes completely.
|
Walking the Portuguese Camino
|
Caminho Portugues - 30km. 7 hours approx. Altitude 200mThis walk is part of Camino de Santiago – a route that eventually takes the traveler to Northwest Spain to the tomb of St James at Santiago de Compostella. The Road of St James (one of the oldest pilgrimage routes in the world), from Lisbon, has been walked over many centuries by hundreds of thousands of pilgrims. The Caminho Portuguese is less well known than the routes to Santiago de Compostella through France and Spain. But it is becoming increasingly popular, as it is much quieter than the French and Spanish routes. This walk starts at the town of Golega, the horse capital of Portugal and passes through some spectacular Knights Templar regions.
|
Mountain top views
|
Serra D'Aire - 14 km. 4 hours approx. Altitude 650m.
This walk is in a National Park, in an area formed during the Middle and Lower Jurassic periods. We follow mountain paths and trails on a route of great scenery and natural interests. This route is filled with vegetation and plant species characteristic to this area with panoramic views at the highest point. Limestone rock formations cover this mountainous region and underground salt pans.
|
Visit Fatima
|
Fatima - 30 km. 6-7 hours approx. Altitude 400m.
This walk links Tomar to Fátima, the largest pilgrimage center in Portugal. It is called the "Rising Path" because it heads eastwards when the sun is rising. This route crosses mountains (with some physical difficulty) and is very rich in flora and fauna. It goes through towns and villages with a long history and tradition associated with pilgrims. This route is mainly alongside fields and farmlands and brings you into contact with the real Portugal. A place where there is still time to stop and reflect. Visit the sanctuary of Fatima at the end of the walk. *We also provide private 1-3 hrs guided tours of Fatima.
|
Coastal walking
|
Peniche - 14 km. 4 hours approx. Altitude 90m.
This walk starts at the Fortress of Peniche, a National Museum of Resistance and Freedom. From there we will walk along the cliffs to a lighthouse and viewing point. We continue along a coastal path, observing the local fishermen and on to a promontory with spectacular views of Berlinga Island, a nature reserve. Next we go down to the sandy beach, easy walking, and time for a dip in the sea. We finish in a surfing and wind surfing resort which has a number of places where you can have a drink, lunch or snack and watch the world go by.
|
Shorter leisurely walks
Some people prefer shorter walks or hikes at a more leisurely pace. Shamrock Walking Tours have designed shorter guided walks that still take in the wonderful countryside and history of Central Portugal. Ensuring you have great walking and hiking with a little more time to relax and enjoy the delights of this beautiful region. In addition to the walks below, we also have 10km a day options. Contact us for details.
What people say...
"Thanks to Shamrock Walking Tours for a wonderful three days of walking and personalised service. Of our five weeks away this was a major highlight of our holiday. Can't recommend these short day tours enough. They were at the perfect pace for us, not overrun with tourists. Tomar is historical and in a beautiful setting, a real gem." Stephen and Fiona, Australia.
Some people prefer shorter walks or hikes at a more leisurely pace. Shamrock Walking Tours have designed shorter guided walks that still take in the wonderful countryside and history of Central Portugal. Ensuring you have great walking and hiking with a little more time to relax and enjoy the delights of this beautiful region. In addition to the walks below, we also have 10km a day options. Contact us for details.
What people say...
"Thanks to Shamrock Walking Tours for a wonderful three days of walking and personalised service. Of our five weeks away this was a major highlight of our holiday. Can't recommend these short day tours enough. They were at the perfect pace for us, not overrun with tourists. Tomar is historical and in a beautiful setting, a real gem." Stephen and Fiona, Australia.
Tomar Camino North
|
Tomar Camino Santiago Walk – 6km, 2 hrs A lovely walk heading north along the official Caminho de Santiago route from Tomar. It takes you along the Nabao riverbank, with its many bird species, through large woodlands and ancient olive groves. Can be extended to 12km. |
Park walking
|
Mata Park Walk – 5km, 2 hrs
In the city of Tomar, this national forest park has a landscape, heritage and history all of its own. Lots of birds, wildlife and flora on this route and great views of Tomar and the Convento de Cristo. There is also and option to visit the 12th century Knights Templar castle overlooking Tomar, with an additional 2hr tour. |
Historical Tomar
|
Tomar Historic Walk – 6km, 3 hours An educational historical walk in the Knights Templar city of Tomar. Learn it's fascinating history from The Knights Templar to the discoveries with Henry the Navigator and the Order of Christ. Discover traditional festivals, hidden treasures, secrets of the Templar church of Santa Maria dos Olivais and a 15c Synagogue. |
Countryside stroll
|
Caminho de Santiago Walk – 9km, 4hrs A section of the Portuguese Caminho route into Tomar, alongside a railway line and into the countryside with views of the city. Lots of wildlife, farmyards and historic points of interest and a description of the flora and fauna of the area on route. |
The Aqueduct of Pegoes
|
Pilgrimage Looped walk – 6km, 2 hrs Take the Fatima pilgrimage route walk out of Tomar and on to the famous 16th century Auqeduct of Pegoes. Loop back overlooking Tomar with stunning views over the city. Learn the local history and culture of the area on route. We can also include a two hour tour of the Knights Templar Castle and Convent of Christ as an extra. (4 hrs total) |
How to Book
Choose the dates for your guided walking tour, travel arrangements, your preference of Accommodation, and the size of your group.
Email us with the details and we will do our best to get you the most competitive price we can. Our prices are all inclusive.
A deposit of 20% is payable to secure your booking.
Please read our Terms & Conditions for our deposit policies.
The remaining 80% must be paid in full 56 days before departure.
There are no hidden extras in our prices.
Transfers are from Lisbon Airport. You must arrange your own flights and travel insurance.
Ryanair, Aer Lingus and Tap Portugal all have several flights daily from Dublin to Lisbon.
Flights are 2hrs and 20mins approximately.
We can also provide bus transfers from Porto and Faro.
Clients from countries other than Ireland will need to see which airlines fly to Portugal from their country of residence.
Our guided walks take place from January to November excluding July and August as temperatures are too high at that time of year.
We aim to be as flexible as possible. So please feel free to email us with any enquiries regarding length of trip, length of walks, group size, etc.
We will do our best to accommodate you on your walking and hiking adventure holiday with us.
See our Terms & Conditions.
[email protected]
or contact us on WhatsApp for instant bookings +353876803537
Choose the dates for your guided walking tour, travel arrangements, your preference of Accommodation, and the size of your group.
Email us with the details and we will do our best to get you the most competitive price we can. Our prices are all inclusive.
A deposit of 20% is payable to secure your booking.
Please read our Terms & Conditions for our deposit policies.
The remaining 80% must be paid in full 56 days before departure.
There are no hidden extras in our prices.
Transfers are from Lisbon Airport. You must arrange your own flights and travel insurance.
Ryanair, Aer Lingus and Tap Portugal all have several flights daily from Dublin to Lisbon.
Flights are 2hrs and 20mins approximately.
We can also provide bus transfers from Porto and Faro.
Clients from countries other than Ireland will need to see which airlines fly to Portugal from their country of residence.
Our guided walks take place from January to November excluding July and August as temperatures are too high at that time of year.
We aim to be as flexible as possible. So please feel free to email us with any enquiries regarding length of trip, length of walks, group size, etc.
We will do our best to accommodate you on your walking and hiking adventure holiday with us.
See our Terms & Conditions.
[email protected]
or contact us on WhatsApp for instant bookings +353876803537
All our service providers in Portugal have obtained the Covid-19 'Clean & Safe' Tourismo de Portugal seal of approval.
What to bring..
|
Group walking holidays
|
