Portugal Coastal Hiking - FULL|AGC

OUR ITINERARY

Below is the proposed itinerary for the trip. As is true on any adventure travel trip, plans for any specific day may be modified due to weather considerations, unforeseen circumstances, new opportunities, and group interests.

DAY 1 APRIL 6, SATURDAY

A group transfer from the airport will be offered at 10 AM and our first meeting as a group will be at noon at our hotel in Lisbon. After greetings, introducing ourselves, and having a brief orientation to the trip we will set out on a walking tour of the older and more interesting neighborhoods in Lisbon. Get ready for the stairs and hills. Starting in the Bairro Alto we will walk down to Baixa-Chiado and visit the heart of the city center where we will stop for lunch before continuing to Alfama, the oldest neighborhood in Lisbon known for its warren of small winding streets. Next, we visit the Castelo de Sao Jorge. This ancient castle has recently been restored to its former glory. We will return to our hotel in time to clean up and relax before sharing our first dinner together. Walking approximately 5 miles.

DAY 2 APRIL 7, SUNDAY

After breakfast we head to Sintra, name of both the town and the Natural Park, and our home for the next three nights. It is one of Portugal's best known and most beloved sites, past and present, as evidenced by the castles and palaces built here over the centuries. We will start from the middle of town and wind our way up to the Castelo Dos Mouros (Castle of the Moors), originally built as a defensive outlook when Portugal was part of the Moorish Empire. From here we walk through gardens that were inspired by the Romantic poets. We will walk through the lovely grounds of Pena Palace to the palace itself, a multihued castle full of both quirks and history. We will tour the castle before descending the hill to the town of Sintra where there will be time to wander through the town on your own before dinner. Overnight, and the next two nights, at the Nova Sintra. Walking and hiking, approx 9 miles.

DAY 3 APRIL 8, MONDAY

We will drive to the west coast of Sintra to Magoito beach where we will start our hike on top of the cliffs. We will discover the village of Azenhas do Mar which has the shape of a crib with several ledges up the hill. We will reach Praia das Maçãs a beach known for its white sand and great waves for surfing. In the distance we will see our destination the lighthouse of Cabo da Roca (Cape Roca), the westernmost point of mainland Europe, once thought to be the edge of the world. Along the way we descend to Adraga beach, where we can enjoy a picnic on the beach or a bowl of fish soup (depending on the weather) at Ursa Beach, a much wilder and less visited beach with striking rock formations and crashing surf. There are several endemic species of plants here found nowhere else in Portugal. From here we take a 30-minute ride back to Sintra for our second night there. Hiking approx. 9 miles.

DAY 4 APRIL 9, TUESDAY

We will start from Peninha, a former sanctuary and pilgrimage site with amazing views of the Nature Park and surrounding area. We begin our descent to the coast by walking deep in the forest until we reach the coast. We will be amazed to watch the ground change from a deep orange to red tinged when we get closer to Guincho Beach. We will cross small villages on our way to Guincho, one of the most famous beaches for surfing, windsurfing, and kitesurfing due to the steady and strong northern winds. Hiking approx. 5 miles. In the afternoon, we will head south to the lovely town of Milfontes. Our home for the next two nights.

DAY 5 APRIL 10, WEDNESDAY

Today will be our first introduction to the Fisherman's trail or Rota Vicentina. We will discover the trail's charm by walking on the sand dunes with a vast array of amazing colors, aromas, and shapes. We will be treated to wild beaches, towering cliffs and spectacular wildflowers. We will be able to see many Swifts (similar to a swallow) as Alpine, Pallid and Common Swift all nest along the coast. We should also see storks which love to make their nests in high remote spots along the trail. We will have time to enjoy the beach and take a dive if you feel like it. Hiking approx. 11 miles

DAY 6 APRIL 11, THURSDAY

We will hike on top of high cliffs that are the nesting site for over twenty species of birds, admire small fishing harbors, reddish sand dunes and smell the scent of pine tree forests. At times large agricultural fields stretch right down to the ocean. We will also see plenty of recreational fishermen and small Stone Age quarries amongst the dunes, a reminder that humans have been shaping this coastline since time immemorial. We will leave Milfontes and hike to our accommodations in Touril. Hiking approx: 11 miles

DAY 7 APRIL 12, FRIDAY

Our hike will start in Zambujeira do Mar near the Chapel of Nossa Senhora do Mar, a white-washed simple nave temple dedicated to Our Lady of the Sea. We will walk on the beaches of Alteirinho, Carvalhal, Machados, and Amalia, named after the most famous Portuguese Fado Singer Amalia Rodrigues who used to spend her holidays there. We will continue towards the natural fishing harbor of Azenha and enjoy outstanding views at Ponta em Branco, the border between the regions of Algarve and Alentejo until we cross the shallow Seixe River (we will need our water shoes) and reach the beach of Odeceixe. Hiking approx. 9 miles

DAY 8 APRIL 13, SATURDAY

After breakfast and loading the vans we will make the 2 1/2 drive to Belém. Belém is a district of Lisbon, located on the Tagus River, where historically Lisbon's elite resided. It is famous for many things, including its historic role as the departing point of the great Navigators, and its current role as home of a unique pastry, Pastéis de Belém. We will walk through the Jerónimos Monastery and all its architectural splendor. It is also the burying place of Vasco da Gama and the poet Luis de Camões . We will have lunch and walk to visit the Monument to the Discoverers and the Tower Belem. The remainder of the day can be spent visiting one of the many museums in Lisbon, walking around Alfama, walking along the river, shopping or relaxing. We will get together for one last dinner. Overnight Lisbon. Walking 3-4 miles.

DAY 9 APRIL 14, SUNDAY

Sadly, we have to say good bye today. You can plan to leave anytime today

ADDITIONAL TRIP INFORMATION GETTING THERE

We will be flying into the Lisbon Portela Airport (LIS). We will offer a group transfer to the hotel at approximately 10AM on April 6th. If you come the day before or arrive earlier or do not want to wait, we will be providing details on how to get to the trip hotel. The hotel will be located within easy access of the subway or the airport bus. Lisbon has a great public transportation system. There are also taxis available to and from the airport.

The trip will officially start in the lobby of our hotel at 12:00 noon.

Price:

$3195

Single supplement (only required if you want a room to yourself) is $425.

ACCOMMODATIONS All accommodations are quality inns or guest houses.

Day 1, Lisbon Hotel

Day 2-4, the Nova Sintra in Sintra.

Day 5-7 the Herdade do Touril in the countryside near Zambujeira do Mar

. Day 8, Lisbon Hotel.

Vegetarian (and vegan) options for this trip are available but are more limited than you are used to. If you are concerned about having enough protein during your trip, please bring some plant-based protein sources such as nut butter, instant dried hummus, or high-protein energy bars. If you cannot eat gluten or if you have other dietary restrictions, you will need to bring some supplemental food with you. Please contact the office if this is a potential concern for you.

WEATHER

The western portion of Portugal where we will be visiting has a Mediterranean climate with dry hot summers and mild winters. Average highs during the month of April will fall between the high 60s and low 70s, with the average lows falling in the low 50s.

TRAVEL INSURANCE

WE STRONGLY RECOMMEND TRIP CANCELLATION/TRIP INTERRUPTION INSURANCE, WHICH COVERS YOUR COST IF YOU NEED TO CANCEL OR INTERRUPT YOUR TRIP for medical reasons, trip delay, lost baggage, and other unforeseen emergencies. Adventures in Good Company will send you information about travel insurance with your registration information, or you may purchase coverage through your own insurance company. In order to avoid disappointment and expense in the event that you must cancel your trip we strongly urge you to purchase some type of insurance coverage. You can also sign up for it online at Travelex Insurance. To get the best rates, use 20-0016 as your location number on the Get A Quote page.

PACKING LIST FOOTWEAR __ 1 pair of lightweight hiking (boots or shoes) __ 1 pair of comfortable shoes for general use __ 1 pair of water shoes for crossing the river __ 2-3 pairs of hiking socks (wool or synthetic equivalent: Smartwool, Thorlo, Darn Tough)

CLOTHING __ 1-2 pair of comfortable synthetic long pants for hiking - zip-offs work __ 1-2 pairs of shorts or ¾ pants (lightweight and quick drying) __ 3 synthetic or lightweight merino wool T-shirts or short-sleeved shirts __ 1 lightweight, long-sleeved shirt for hiking - button up front is the best __ 1 lightweight fleece jacket __ 1 rain jacket and rain pants – waterproof/breathable fabric like Gore-tex __ Underwear/nightwear __ 1 wide brimmed or baseball style hat for protection from the sun/rain __ 1 swimsuit __ 2 – 3 changes of casual clothes to wear at end of day

TOILETRIES (small everything) __ Toothbrush, toothpaste, dental floss, hand sanitizer, shampoo, contact lens paraphernalia, sanitary supplies __ Sunscreen and lip protection with sunblock of at least SPF 15 __ Personal first aid/patch kit - Band-Aids, 1 safety pin, moleskin, Compeed (or blister bandages), ibuprofen, any personal medications

Please note: Individuals who have had or have the potential for a severe allergic reaction to insect stings, specific foods or medications must bring an epi-pen. Please consult your physician and tell your guide.

EQUIPMENT/ESSENTIALS __ Passport and a photocopy of your passport (when applicable) __ 1 pair Trekking poles (strongly recommended) __ 1 daypack (see notes on packing list for recommended capacity) __ Capability to ‘waterproof’ your backpack. Either a rain cover or a heavy-duty plastic bag to line your pack. __ Capacity to carry 2 liters of water (Please see Notes on Packing List) __ Sunglasses (100% UV protection) w/retention strap __ 220V 3-tier converter __ Small headlamp or flashlight __ 1 bandanas/buff __ Ear plugs (for a good night’s sleep!) __ Wristwatch/travel alarm clock __ Tupperware-like container for sandwich/lunch

OPTIONAL (personal preference, not required) __ Camera (extra battery) and film/memory card __ Book, notebook, journal, pencil/pen __ Compact binoculars __ Your favorite snack (snacks will also be provided) __ Wash cloth (typically European linens do not include a wash cloth) __ Short Leg Gaiters (to keep sand and dirt out of hiking shoes – highly recommended by previous travelers)

Trip Includes

A local guide and an AGC guide (If there are fewer than 7 on the trip, there will not be an AGC guide)

8 nights double occupancy lodging

All meals from lunch on the first day through breakfast on the day of departure

Airport transfer to hotel at 10AM for those arriving on the first day of trip, 4/6

All transportation within Portugal

All entrance fees and activities as described in the itinerary

Not included: Airfare to and from the Lisbon Portela Airport (LIS), transfers to and from the trip hotel except for the day the trip begins, trip insurance, alcoholic beverages and gratuities.