Walking in Portugal: An Active Journey along the Coast, the Camino, and the Douro Valley

Fly overnight to Lisbon and transfer to your hotel in the city center upon arrival. This afternoon, enjoy time at leisure to explore the city center. In the evening, meet your fellow travelers and trip leader for a welcome briefing and dinner. (D)

After breakfast, travel to Cabo da Roca, the westernmost point of continental Europe and the starting point for the day’s hike. The dramatic headland, blanketed in brightly colored ice plants, rises some 460 feet above the Atlantic, and its lighthouse is one of the oldest in Portugal. Hike past the iconic beacon on a path that traces the coastal cliffs, pausing at viewpoints that overlook wild rock formations at the water’s edge. Weather permitting, descend to Praia da Adraga beach, a secluded cove framed by natural stone arches and caves. Alternatively, enjoy a gentle hike around the bluffs of Cabo da Roca. After lunch at a local restaurant, visit the Palácio de Monserrate, an exquisitely detailed 19th-century palace that combines romanticist and neo-Moorish architecture.  With a local guide, explore the grounds and discover exotic plant species in its remarkable gardens. Return to Lisbon for dinner at leisure. (B,L)

Hiking: 3 miles (2.5 hours) on dirt and gravel paths with minimal elevation gain and elevation loss of 165 feet. Travelers can choose to take part in a shorter 1.2 mile hike on the Cabo da Roca segment

Drive north to the World Heritage site of Coimbra, Portugal’s capital during the 12th century. Founded by the Romans, the city became a medieval center of culture and thought, and the University of Coimbra, established in 1290, counts among Europe’s oldest academic institutions. Enjoy lunch together before heading out for a guided walk through the university campus. In the Palace of Schools, see the ornate Joanina library, considered one of the most beautiful baroque libraries in Europe. Step into Chapel of São Miguel; and tour the Royal Palace, which served as a fortress during Moorish rule in the 10th century and later became the residence of the king of Portugal. Continue your walk through Coimbra's old town, passing the medieval gates into the cobbled lanes of the Cidade Alta (Upper Town) and visiting the Sé Velha and New Cathedrals. Later, soak up the wistful strains of fado at a performance of traditional Portuguese folk music. (B,L)

Walking: 2-3 miles (3 hours) on paved city streets. The terrain will involve a mix of flat areas, cobbled streets, and some steep inclines, especially in the upper parts of Coimbra

A morning drive brings you north into the Alto Minho region to Ponte de Lima, once an important stop along the Camino de Santiago pilgrimage trail. On an orientation walk, stop by the arched bridge that crosses the Lima river, built by Romans around the first century. In the afternoon, trek a portion of the Camino de Santiago's Portuguese Way, crossing landscapes blanketed with centuries-old vineyards. Alternatively, take a shorter hike and meet the group back at your accommodations, a historic manor house. Tonight, enjoy an evening of wine tasting and Portuguese cuisine, as well as a guided tour of the 700-year-old home, and hear about the property’s history, perhaps from the Count of Calheiros himself. (B,D)

Hiking: 5 miles (3.5 hours) along a mix of paved, cobbled, and dirt paths, with approx. elevation gain of 800-980 feet and elevation loss of 100-200 feet. Travelers can choose to take part in a shorter 3 mile hike that returns to the hotel

Begin the day with a visit to the Basílica de Santa Luzia, set on a hilltop high above the town of Viana do Castelo. Admire panoramic views of the town and the Atlantic coast beyond, then transfer to the castle ruins of Forte da Areosa, the starting point of today's hike along the Camino de Santiago's Portuguese Way. This portion of the Camino traces the rugged coast, passing age-old windmills and other historic landmarks. Arrive at Praia de Carreço, and see impressive natural rock formations nearby. Continue by vehicle to Caminha, another historic stop on the coastal Portuguese Way, and enjoy free time to get lunch and explore the town. Back at the manor house tonight, attend a cooking demonstration with the chef and learn about the local specialties prepared for dinner. (B, D)

Hiking: 5 miles (2.5 hours) on a mix of sand, rocky and paved trails over mostly flat terrain. As parts of the trail are exposed to the ocean, travelers may experience coastal winds along sections of the hike

Travel to the banks of the Corgo River, a tributary of the Douro River. Today’s hike follows an old railway line along the natural contours of the river valley, offering views of the terraced vineyards that flank the trail. After lunch on your own, visit Casa de Mateus, a beautiful 16th-century manor classified as a National Monument of Portugal and learn about the Mateus Foundation's work in preserving the region’s arts and culture. Settle into your hotel and enjoy dinner together. (B,D)

Walking: 3-4 miles (2-3 hours) on paved roads and trails with occasional inclines and declines, approx. elevation change of 200-400 feet.

Immerse yourself in the stunning Alto Douro Wine Region today, discovering this World Heritage site on foot. Travel to the village of Pinhão and hike a loop trail along picturesque lanes and through terraced vineyards stacked up the hillsides. Learn about the region's 2,000-year-old viticulture traditions as you ascend to a lookout with panoramic views of the valley. After lunch, head to a nearby quinta (country estate) where fine port wines are produced. Take a guided tour of its olive orchards and vineyards, and discover how port is produced, bottled, and aged in the heart of the Douro Valley. Then enjoy a wine tasting, sampling a curated selection of vintage ports. Head back to your accommodations and gather for dinner with the group. (B,D)

Hiking: 5 miles (3-4 hours) on gravel or paved trails over hilly terrain with some moderately steep ascents and descents, approx. elevation change 1,310 feet.

Travel west to Porto, one of Europe's oldest centers for wine production and trade, poised near the mouth of the Douro River. Settle into your hotel and enjoy free time for lunch. Meet up for an afternoon walking tour, visiting many of the city’s architectural marvels. Admire the Igreja do Carmo church, Clerigos Tower, and the Rectory at the University of Porto, and take in views of Porto from lovely overlooks. See the azulejo tiles at the São Bento Railway Station and Porto Cathedral, and end your walk at the Dom Luis I Bridge, designed by a disciple of Gustav Eiffel. Tonight, celebrate your journey at a farewell dinner. (B,D)

Walking: 2 miles (3 hours) on paved and cobblestoned roads with some hills

After breakfast at the hotel, transfer to the airport for your flight home. (B)