Lisbon and South of Portugal

Hiking, Culture and Nature Program 9day/8 nights
Private Escorted Tour or Self-Drive Tour. Begin any day.

Day 1 -  Lisbon
Meet your guide at Lisbon Airport to begin a Lisbon sightseeing tour. Founded by Phoenicians and settled in turn by Greeks, Carthaginians, Romans, Moors and finally the Portuguese, Lisbon’s long history is evident in the cosmopolitan city of today. Visit some of the magnificent monuments built with the wealth of Portugal’s vast empire from its Age of Discoveries. Lisbon is a city of neighborhoods, best seen by walking. Your guide will take you to Bairro Alto, a typical residential area with local shops and then down hill to the Chiado, were early 20th century writers and philosophers used to gather. Climb another hill to the Alfama, the neighborhood, whose twisting, steep maze-like streets recall the days when it was the Moorish quarter. Visit the 12th century Lisbon Cathedral and then continue up the hill to the Castle of Sao Jorge for a panoramic view of the city. Fee time for lunch in the city before checking into your hotel for 2 nights. Evening free.

Accommodation in Lisbon at Sana Lisboa Hotel (4 stars)
or, near Sintra & Cascais, at Pestana Sintra Golf (4 stars)
(Your choice)

Day 2 -  Sintra and Coastal Hike
Begin today with a drive to Sintra, a UNESCO World Heritage Site. Sintra’s mountainous location near the ocean creates a densely forested landscape. Chalets and villas of wealthy Lisbon families from bygone eraa line the road as you drive to the crest of the Serra de Sintra to the Pena Palace. Visit this eclectic palace built in the middle of the 19th century in many architectural styles and painted in bright colors. Free time in Sintra for lunch. Handicraft shops, boutiques tea rooms and restaurants can be enjoyed in its charming small center.

After lunch, you’ll head to the coast and Adraga Beach to begin the walking trail along the coast. There are several pathways next to the shore or within the Natural Park of Sintra and Cascais. Dinosaur footprints can be seen near Praia Grande. Adraga Beach was considered by readers of England’s Sunday Times to be among the 20 best European beaches. Return to your hotel in the late afternoon. 6.2 mile hike of mostly flat terrain with some uphill climbs.

Day 3 -  Departure to Evora, Megalithic Trail and Marvao
Head east today through the Alentejo region, the agricultural heart of the country. Vast fields of grains, olive groves and vineyards alternate with cork oaks, from which cork is processed, is peeled away exposing the red inner layer. A unique hiking experience awaits: The Megalithic Trail. Dating back 4000 to 2000 BC, stone circles, menhirs, cromlechs and dolmens stand today among cork oaks and wheat fields. The cave paintings of Gruta do Escoural date from 18,000 to 13,000 BC. Rising from the Alentejo plains is Evora, UNESCO World Heritage Site, a walled city whose monuments date to Roman, Moorish, Medieval and Renaissance eras. A walking tour of the historical center will acquaint you with this unique city, considered one of Portugal’s treasures. Free time for lunch in a city known for its local cuisine. 5 mile hike of mostly flat terrain.

Continue your journey through the Alentejo to Marvao, an exquisite medieval village perched on a hilltop overlooking the Portuguese and Spanish border. Check in at the Pousada and then tour the Castle from which panoramic views are testament to the military importance of the town during the many border conflicts between the 2 countries sharing the Iberian Peninsula.

Accommodation at Pousada de Santa Maria in Marvao.

Day 4 -  Castelo de Vide, Hiking and Reguengos de Monsaraz
This morning, you’ll visit medieval Castelo de Vide for a walking tour. The town has been built at the foot of its castle which crowns a hill. The picturesque old Jewish quarter is a maze of winding alleyways and bright flowers. Then to Alegrete, the starting point of the hiking trail that is the transition between the Alentejo and Beira Baixa regions. Picnic lunch is included. After, arrive in Reguengos de Monsaraz, a typical countryside village. Your hotel for the next 2 nights is the charming Hotel Provincia (4 stars) built in the Alentejan architectural style.
5 mile hike of mostly flat terrain with some uphill climbs.

Accommodation at Hotel Provincia in Reguengos de Monsaraz

Day 5 -  Wine tasting, Monsaraz visit and boat ride
A morning visit to one of the best known wine estates in the country, Herdade do Esporao. The Alentejo produces some of the best wines of Portugal. Continue to the old fortified village of Monsaraz for a walking tour of this well preserved medieval village. Free time for lunch in Monsaraz. In the afternoon, enjoy a peaceful boat ride on Lake Alqueva, created by a dam on the Guadiana River. Return to Requengos de Monsaraz and your hotel.

Accommodation at Hotel Provincia in Reguengos de Monsaraz

Day 6 -  Guadiana River Hike
The hike today follows the Guadiana River, forming the natural border between Portugal and Spain.Walk among magnificent landscapes of almond, olive and orange groves. Picnic lunch included. 11 mile hike of mostly flat terrain with some uphill climbs.

In the middle of the afternoon you’ll depart for the Algarve and your charming resort, a Relais & Chateaux member, where you have the rest of the day at leisure.

Accommodation at Vila Monte in Moncarapacho

Day 7 -  Hiking in the Algarve
Morning hike through a rural landscape taking you through mountain villages, streams and water mills. Local activities of the people include cutting of cork, brandy production and farming. 7 mile hike with some uphill climbs. Return to your hotel in time to enjoy playing golf or going to the beach.
Note: If you wish to add more nights in the Algarve, please let us know.

Accommodation at Vila Monte in Moncarapacho

Day 8 -  Hiking on the Vicentine Coast and return to Lisbon
Before leaving the Algarve, you’ll enjoy the hiking trail in one of the nicest Natural Parks in Portugal: The Natural Park of Southern Alentejo and Vicentine Coast. This coastal area features, megalithic remains, almost-deserted beaches and spectacular cliffs. Picnic lunch is included. 10 mile hike of mostly flat terrain with some uphill climbs.
Return to Lisbon along the beautiful coastal route. Return to Lisbon in the late afternoon.

Accommodation at Sana Lisboa (4 stars)

Day 9 -  Hotel check out and transfer to the airport.

Note: We can customize this itinerary to your interests as well as re-organize the number of days and time you have available. Extra nights and accommodation substitutions are available as well.

Prices (based on a minimum of 4 people, sharing 2 double or twin rooms):

Includes:
8 nights accommodations in charming hotels
8 full breakfasts
4 picnic lunches
Baggage porterage
Wine tasting at Herdade do Esporao
All entrance fees to sites
Private arrival and departure transfers from/to Lisbon airport
Expert bilingual guide (English & Portuguese)
Expert nature guides for hikes
Transportation by luxury air-conditioned vehicle.
4 participants: Minivan with driver/guide
6 or more: Minibus with driver and guide

Not included:
Airfare
Meals other than breakfast and picnics included in itinerary
Gratuities
Trip Cancellation and Travel Insurance (ask us for a quote)