About “Discovering Together Tourism”

From the dynamic mission of ASTA – Associação Socio Terapêutica de Almeida – of transforming deficiencies into efficiencies, the project called “CONTIGO, HÁ DESCOBERTA”, was born. This translates as “Discovering Together Tourism”, which is a social business of inclusive and nature tourism integrated into the social services already offered by the institution. It is a project that we want to be sustainable, in which touristic services and activities are led and conducted by people with intellectual disabilities.

The project’s identity is reflected in our 5 “S” concept, as the five words start with “S” in Portuguese: 

We offer Silence; the calming feeling felt in this region, surrounded by still, pure nature. The silence speaks and challenges us in contemplative observation. 

Knowledge; shared by our companions, with the experiences provided and the practices in our craft workshops. Pottery, weaving, the cycle and transformation of wool, and agriculture are some examples; here, the days have a rhythm of their own.

Flavours; through the tasting of meals prepared in our S.Francisco’s Kitchen, with endogenous products. All items are grown in the village gardens featuring seasonal flavors with our bread cooked in the community oven. All jams, cheese, and honey are made locally.  Flavors are shared in their preparation and also with visitors. 

Our visitors can rest in the Simplicity and genuineness of the companions with whom they interact. This facilitates the transmission of our cultural, historical and geological heritage. Guided tours, in languages accessible to all, in historic villages nearby (such as Almeida e Castelo Mendo), and in our village of Cabreira, where we go discovering hidden treasures on the pedestrian trails, are a highlight of “Discovering Together Tourism”. 

The pursuit of cross cutting Sustainability  (turning social facilities profitable by sharing skills and techniques learned here at ASTA) creates social and economic wealth, for us and for the region. It protects and preserves ecosystems, in addition to creating more local jobs. This pursuit generates meaningful life projects that have an important impact on these people’s lives.

This unique program is for those tourists looking for a more natural and human experience. “Discovering Together Tourism”. 

Is perfect for travelers interested in sustainable tourism. At the same time, it promotes leisure, pleasurable learning, health and inclusion, with a pedagogical aspect.

“Discovering Together Tourism” is considered, by the Tourism of Portugal, as a tourist entertainment business, registered with the number 686/2022.

OUR ACTIVITIES

WALKING TRAILS:

• – Guided tours in the historic villages of Almeida and/or Castelo Mendo;

• – Discovering our pedagogical farm – the “3 Suns’farm”, with baking and fresh cheese workshops (bread cooked in the community oven and cheese made out of our goats’ milk)

• – “The Shepherdess’s trails”: walks in the village of Cabreira do Côa, accompanied by the legend that gave our village its name, and notions of foraging (collection of wild edible plants, in the perspective of the following concept: “From nature to the table”). We offer 4 route options: “Along the goats’ river ”, which is a circular route of 3 kilometers and is an easy/beginner level option (There is no big difference in elevation). the “Discovery of the old mills” route (linear route of 1.5 km) is also an easy/beginner level trail. Lastly , the “Discovery of the Shepherdess’s hut” route, (another circular walk of 2.5 km) is a difficult/advanced level trail with large differences in elevation ; and finally the “Exploration to the Roman Bridge” (a circular route of 4 km) is of medium difficulty and recommended for those who are used to walking regularly.

ARTS AND CRAFTS WORKSHOPS:

• – Pottery Workshop – “With our hands we create” (clay work);

• – Wool processing workshop, from our sheep’s wool ;

• – Beeswax candles Workshop (during winter);

• – Introduction to traditional weaving practices;

• – Forest Bath: relaxation activity to awaken our senses, with the aim of connecting with nature;

• – and Stand Up Paddle (SUP) baptism, between the months of April and September, in partnership with the certified monitor Tiago Alves from the Malcata Eco Experience.

Our activities take place in the protected area of Serra da Malcata. ASTA, as the entity that promotes the “ Discovering Together Tourism ” project, is one of the members of the CETS – Carta Europeia do Turismo Sustentável das Terras do Lince.

To contribute with us to preserving the natural heritage of this area, we invite you to consult here the code of conduct and good practices for visitors to protected areas (PT – ES).

OUR PACKAGES:

– “A day with you” is a journey of learning and discoveries, including: a day of activities (2 workshops in the handicraft studio / or a workshop and a walking trail / or guided visit in a historic village; and socio-therapeutic dynamics (circle dances, etc.), lunch in our S. Francisco’s Kitchen (in the village of Cabreira do Côa), morning and afternoon snacks and VAT. The value associated with this package – a day with you – is €55.00 per adult. Children between 5 and 11 years old benefit from a 50% discount; and children between 0 and 4 years old only pay €5.00 for lunch.

– “A weekend with you” is a unique weekend experience which includes: 2 days of activities, 2 lunches in our S. Francisco’s Kitchen (in the village of Cabreira do Côa), one night in a local accommodation with breakfast, morning and afternoon snacks and VAT / Excluding dinner, which is free. The value associated with this package is €145.00 per adult. Children between 5 and 11 years old benefit from a 50% discount; and children between 0 and 4 years old only pay €10.00 for lunch and cot.

– A seasonal week of “Discovering Together Tourism” included in ASTA’s rhythms, features 5 days of activities, 5 lunches in our S. Francisco’s Kitchen (in the village of Cabreira do Côa), 4 nights in a local accommodation with breakfast, morning and afternoon snacks and VAT / Excluding dinners which remain free. It can be considered, for example, as a summer camp, for children, or an unforgettable week of family vacation.

Important note: During the week, there is no minimum number of participants required, but on weekends, for internal logistics reasons, we work with groups of between 10 and 15 participants.

The partners of “With you, there is Discovery”:

The project “Discovering Together Tourism” already won several awards: