EVENT: Walking in the Carnival of Lazarim, Castro Daire and Serra de Montemuro

DATE OF REALISATION: 14 to 17 February 2026

ENROLMENT DEADLINE : 31 December 2025

EVENT DESCRIPTION: “Walking Carnival in Lazarim, Castro Daire and Serra de Montemuro”

In this activity proposal, we'll explore some of the most beautiful landscapes in the Serra de Montemuro, walk some trails in Castro Daire, along the River Paiva and have fun at the most genuine and traditional Carnival in Portugal, the Lazarim Carnival! There's also time to visit two Portuguese villages, Mezio and Campo Benfeito. Come with us and you won't regret it! Limited places.

The Lazarim Carnival:

Carnival is a global celebration known for its lively parties, extravagant parades and distinct cultural traditions. Carnival is a festival rooted in culture, with various regions of the country celebrating in their own unique way.

O Carnival in Lazarim is a tradition that takes place in the village of Lazarim, in the municipality of Lamego, located in the Douro region. It is known for the wooden masks that, together with the costumes, are the highlight of the celebration. The tradition of carving wooden masks in Lazarim goes back generations and these sculptures are the result of skills passed down from father to son. The masks are mainly carved from alder, a wood that is abundant in the region. The masks, works of art with varied shapes and impressive details that make each one unique, represent figures from local mythology, animals or folkloric characters. The artisans who carve the masks often create creative designs that reflect the mood of the festival, incorporating humorous and satirical elements.

Lazarim's Entrudo culminates in a big parade, where the Caretos walk through the streets of the village to the sound of drums. Masks are used to hide the identity of the participants, allowing them to play and have fun without revealing their true identity.

These are some of the most important places we'll be visiting during this event: 

• Walk in Castro Daire
• Pombeira Trail in Castro Daire - 10kms
• Lazarim Carnival (caretos, parade, entertainment, dancing, taverns, etc)
• Paiva River Trail - 6kms
• Visit to the Iberian Mask Interpretive Centre
• Tour of 2 Portuguese Villages: Mezio and Campo Benfeito
• Walk in the Serra de Montemuro: Gralheira Trail, Villages and Panchorra Bridge
• Villages of Serra de Montemuro: Alhões and Bustelo
• Pombeira Viewpoint
• Natural landscapes

TIME: Departure from Lisbon at 7am
RETURN: Arrival in Lisbon at 7.30pm

Saturday 14th February

7h00 - Departure from Lisbon

11h00 - Walking: “Pombeira Trail”

Points of interest: Place of Codeçais, Pombeira Waterfall, Church of Our Lady of Remedies, Vidoeiro River, Place of Pombeira, Pombeiro River, etc.

The route starts in the village of Lamelas, passes through the villages of Pombeira and Codeçais and offers views over the River Vidoeiro and River Pombeiro, with fabulous landscapes in the rocky valley that leads to the Pombeira waterfall.

Level of difficulty of the route: 3.5 (Scale of 1 to 5)

Route length: 10 kilometres

Estimated time: 4 hours

13h - We suggest the picnic option, which is the responsibility of each participant

16h30 - Tour of Castro Daire: Pillory, Mother Church, Chapel of Carrancas, Chapel of Our Lady of Solitude, Calvary, etc.

17h45 - Check-in at the Hotel in Termas do Carvalhal

19h30 - Group Dinner Suggestion

15th February (Sunday)

9h30 - Walking: “Paiva River Trail”

Points of interest: Village of Reriz, Paiva River, natural landscapes

The route starts in the village of Reriz and takes you along the banks of the River Paiva and all the surrounding countryside, where you can breathe in the rurality and tradition of the surrounding mountains, with beautiful natural landscapes.

Level of difficulty of the route: 2 (Scale of 1 to 5)

Route length: 6 kilometres

Estimated time: 2 hours

12h - Visit to the Iberian Mask Interpretive Centre in Lazarim

13h00 - Suggested lunch in the festive atmosphere of the Lazarim Carnival

17h30 - Return to the hotel in Termas do Carvalhal

19h30 - Group Dinner Suggestion

16th February (Monday)

9h - Departure from the hotel to the village of Alhões

9h30 - Walking: “Montemuro Mountain Villages Trail”

Points of interest: Village of Alhões, Bustelo, Serra de Montemuro, natural landscapes

The route allows us to get to know the central area of the Serra de Montemuro and some of its typical villages, where you can breathe in the rurality, tranquillity and tradition of the surrounding mountains, with beautiful natural landscapes.

Level of difficulty of the route: 3 (Scale of 1 to 5)

Route length: 12 kilometres

Estimated duration: 3h30

13h00 - Lunch stop to be decided

14h45 - Short Visit to the Village of Campo Benfeito and the Village of Mezio

17h00 - Return to Termas do Carvalhal

19h30 - Group Dinner Suggestion

17th February (Tuesday)

9h - Departure from the Hotel to Aldeia da Gralheira

9h45 -Walking: “Gralheira Trail and Panchorra Bridge”

Points of interest: Gralheira village, Panchorra village, Roman bridge, Montemuro mountain range and natural landscapes

The route starts in the village of Gralheira, follows country lanes to the village of Panchorra and on the way back passes the spectacular Panchorra Bridge. The route is characterised by sweeping views in the heart of the Serra de Montemuro and its beautiful natural landscapes.

Level of difficulty of the route: 3 (Scale of 1 to 5)

Route length: 6 kilometres

Estimated time: 2h30

12h30 - Lunch suggestion in a typical local restaurant

14h30 - End of activity and return to Lisbon

Equipment: Suitable footwear and clothing for hiking/walking

Registration fee:

Price includes:

- Transport by coach/bus/tourist van from Lisbon to each of the places described above
- 4 Walks and the route described above
- Accommodation in a 4-star hotel, breakfast included
- The proposed accommodation option includes various room types
- Guided Walks
- Compulsory insurance

Prices with transport

Price in double room: 440€
Price in single room: 540€

Values without transport

Price in double room: 355€
Price in single room: 455€

Seat reservation fee: 50€

IMPORTANT NOTE: There is the possibility of adding the Carnival Dinner and entertainment at the hotel where we will be staying to the programme. As soon as the group is formed, we'll put this possibility and the extra amount to be paid up to you, if you're interested..

THE POSSIBILITY OF CAR-POOLING AMONG PARTICIPANTS IF THEY WISH, FOR THOSE WHO DON'T WANT TO USE OUR TRANSPORT AND DON'T MIND SHARING OR HITCHHIKING WITH OTHER PARTICIPANTS.

Prices valid until 25th December. From that date onwards the prices are 465€ and 565€ respectively (option with transport).

Notes: 

a) Registrations are limited and accommodation options are limited to availability at the time of booking.

b) If you have a group interested in this trip, contact us, we have personalised solutions.