Kings Day Hike and Cultural Experience

Sunday, Jan 5th – Witness an ancient tradition being kept alive during a Kings Day Celebration. A tradition that stands out for it’s true originality for not only singing from door to door but also painting with buckets of red and blue paint mixed with lime, and leaving on the facades of the houses, next to the doors,  designs of hearts and flower pots, stars, symbols of professions, such as a scale or a hammer and the acronym “BR”, which means “Bons Reis”. We will combine this event with 2 different hikes that allow us to explore the beauty and richness of the region.

The first hike on Sunday Jan 5th – Rota das Moinhos follows rural paths with sweeping views of the entire surrounding area. Dotted with windmills from the 18 & 19th century this route allows you to see relics of the artisanal heritage of the region. After the hike we will check into the accommodation and rest/explore on your own until the evening Kings Day celebration. From 22:00 – 05:00am we will accompany the Reiseiros, as the men who perform this ritual are called, who are divided into two groups, the painters and the singers as they go around to random houses in several villages painting and singing. Along the way we are invited into peoples homes for generous snacks, meals, wine and king cake. A Unique and memorable event not to be missed.

Distance/Duration: 14km/4-4.5hrs

Moderate Level 3 – Previous hiking experience is required for this walk and participants must be in good physical shape. The route may involve steep slopes and more difficult terrain in some areas.

Monday January 6th – Enjoying an easy morning at 11:30 we will do a second hike that will allow us to see some of the paintings from the night before as well as a basilica that is an example of neoclassical architecture from the second half of the 18th century. This route has a slight climb up to  Cabeço de Santa Quitéria (279 metres above sea level), where we can glimpse a crater or small lake that may have originated from a volcanic chimney (in ancient times) of the Lisbon volcanic complex. Also along the way we will stop at a local vineyard where we can taste wines grown in the volcanic soil.

Distance/Duration: 11km/3-4hrs

Moderate Level 2 –Accessible to those in good physical health and who are used to walking. On the route we may encounter some steeper differences in level and areas where the ground may be more difficult and uneven.

Must Take – 1.5L Water, Hat, Sunscreen, Lunch, Shoes with good grip for hiking, Clothing appropriate for the weather conditions.

Event will only take place if it receives a Minimum of 4 Participants 

Maximum Number of Participants: 10 (transportation available for a maximum of 6ppl)