At a Glance
Indulge in the best Portugal has to offer on this inspiring 6-day hiking adventure traversing Lisbon, Porto, Sintra and the Douro River Valley. Embark on a voyage of discovery hiking its spectacular natural splednours from rolling green hills to the Atlantic Coast, from castles to old world architecture, countryside to ancient towns and savour the finest cuisine and wine. Embrace the light-filled haven of tranquility as you uncover the majesties of Portugal and its melodious culture.
Your adventure begins in the city of Lisbon on a thrilling hike, discovering Sintra's dreamy terrain and architecture of castles and palace. Set off on a trail to Cabo da Roca, an immaculate, desolate cape and the most westerly spot in mainland Europe. Be awed by the idyllic design of the Peña Palace on a ...
Trip Highlights
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What's Included
- All meals as specified in itinerary
- All luggage transfers
- Brief orientation in Lisbon on Day 1
- 5 nights accommodation in luxury hotels on a twin share basis
- Professional guiding: two support vans, 6:1 guest to leader ratio on average
- Hiking, sightseeing and activities as stated in the itinerary
- Park and other entry fees
- Comprehensive travel planner and detailed pre-trip information
- Expertise and services of our experienced Trip Leaders
- Snacks and beverages between meals
- Van shuttles to support a variety of route options
- All gratuities at hotels and restaurants
Itinerary
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THREE HIKING OPTIONS: Meet up with your tour leaders at 9 am in front of the Santa Apolonia train station in Lisbon, Portugal. Please, ensure to arrive dressed in hiking clothes and come along with a daypack containing your rain gear and anything else you may want for the day's hike, and your luggage (it will be transported to our first night's accommodations). Shuttle to explore Palácio de Monserrate where Moorish, Gothic, and South Asian influences meet to birth charming and remarkable botanical gardens and a splendid palace. Begin our morning hike through the pine forest, steadily making our way through the exceptional neighbourhoods of Sintra, encountering stunning historic mansions and farms. We take a short break to have lunch in Sintra's historic town centre which houses Portugal's National Palace. After lunch, explore and learn about the stunning palace on a guided tour. |
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This afternoon, you could choose to go on a short walk to our first night's accommodation and enjoy the pool, or you could continue hiking the rest of the way. Our hiking route takes us to Castelo dos Mouros, a primitive hilltop castle encompassed by forest. Take in awe-inspiring views of Sintra's flourishing landscape before going down off-the-beaten-path trails through the hills, to our cosy hideaway. We all meet at our home for the next two nights, Tivoli Palácio de Seteais, a lovely quaint 5-star hotel housed in a former palace, perfectly revitalising the elegance of the 18th century. Settle in your room, visit the pool or arrange for a massage with the free time on your hands. (Spa treatments at own expense). Come evening, gather for a welcome reception followed by a delightful dinner at the hotel's restaurant. Be delighted by the taste of traditional Portuguese specialties. |
Tivoli Palácio de Seteais, Sintra (5*) 
Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner |
THREE HIKING OPTIONS: Following breakfast at the hotel, we shuttle to our trailhead at Cabo de Roca, the westernmost cape of continental Europe. Up until the late 14th century, this stunning, desolate cape was considered by many Europeans to be the edge of the world. We begin today's hike at the Cabo da Roca lighthouse, one of very few developed structures on this landscape. Follow a trail along the rocky coastline, beholding charming ocean views and passing several sheltered bays and coves. Before going on to the stunning beach of Praia das Maçãs, we eat lunch at a favourite restaurant. At the beach, you can dip your toes in the freezing waters before returning to the hotel, or you could hold on to the scenic seaside village of Azenhas do Mar, where little white buildings cascade over an ocean cliff. |
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Later on, we go back to the hotel for a bit, before adventuring into town. Or, stay back and unwind by the pool, stroll its well manicured gardens and simply enjoy the exceptional amenities at the hotel. A special treat has been prepared for us at night: we get a private tour of the most famous site in Sintra, the Pena Palace. We return to the hotel after the tour. We enjoy a casual dinner, sparing enough time to allow you to pack up for our journey to the north of Portugal the next morning. |
Tivoli Palácio de Seteais, Sintra (5*)Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner |
Level 2, Approx. 6 km (4 miles), Elevation gain: 61 m (200 ft) We start our day by shuttling to the Douro River Valley. The Douro flows from Spain through Portugal and on to the Atlantic and has always brought prosperity to its shores, transporting port wine, watering crops and moving adventurers from city to city. Its winding river valley, which is a World Heritage site, is decorated with picturesque towns and varied landscapes, which makes it perfect for hiking. Leaving the rough and forested coast behind, the road ushers us into a sea of vineyards as we about a historic noble manor where we will have lunch and a tour of the house to see the aging barrels of port wine. After that, we hit the trail for a downhill walk through a jaw-dropping scene of terraced vines under a warm sun. |
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Approaching the riverbank, we arrive at our home for the night, the 5-star Vintage House Hotel, a pictured hotel located in the heart of the Douro Valley offering breathtaking views of the river. After settling in, feed your eyes with the wonderful scenery, take a stroll on the well-groomed grounds or relax by the pool. At night, we gather for a sensational dinner at a local winery, getting a glimpse into the century-old winemaking process, followed by a tasting Portuguese meal with a modern twist. |
Vintage House Hotel, Pinhão (5*)Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner |
THREE HIKING OPTIONS: Today, we're opportune to discover some of Portugal's most historic and well-kept watermills, a typical feature of the country's northern regions. Along our route, we pass through granite valleys and small old-time beautiful villages. We make a stop at one of the oldest traditional Portuguese taverns in the region. You could try the area's tasty specialty, alheira, a dish made of meat, bread, garlic and some other ingredients. After lunch, you could choose to shuttle to the hotel or continue hiking out of the valley on a dirt path with stunning vistas. Regardless of where your hike ends, we all get a lift to our home for the next two nights, the magnificent Monverde Wine Experience Hotel, located in a historic 32-hectare vineyard. Take your time to tour the extensive property, seeing for yourself what this accommodation has to offer. Enjoy rejuvenating massages at the spa, indulge in exquisite wine tasting and enjoy the hotel's serene atmosphere. Enjoy dinner at your leisure in the hotel's main restaurant tonight. Amuse your palates with exquisite gourmet cuisine accompanied by the perfect pairing of wines. |
Monverde Wine Experience Hotel, TelõesBreakfast, Lunch, Dinner |
THREE HIKING OPTIONS: We shuttle to our trailhead just beyond a charming Victorian-style train station in Chapa. After touring, we set off on a trail along a former railway that takes us through the breathtaking Vinho Verde region of Portugal. We make a brief stop along the route to eat lunch at Casa de Pascoaes, the home of Nobel-Prize nominated Portuguese poet, Teixeira de Pascoaes. Tour the house, and enjoy a delightful lunch on the property before you are presented with the option of returning to the hotel by shuttle for some quality spa time, or going on to get a feel of the legendary Camino de Santiago hiking back to the hotel along the Camino Torres, part of the pilgrimage path that ends at the famed Santiago de Compostela cathedral. Tonight, we toast to a thrilling week in the country of Portugal, before sitting down to enjoy a mouthwatering farewell dinner at the hotel. |
Monverde Wine Experience Hotel, TelõesBreakfast, Lunch, Dinner |
Level 1, Approx 6 km (4 miles), Elevation Gain: 183 m (600 ft) Enjoy breakfast at the hotel before joining the shuttle for a ride to Porto where we get a special guided tour of this spectacular city, ending at a special restaurant in the heart of town. For our last lunch together, we enjoy some of the region's mouth-watering cuisines. After lunch, we shuttle to the Sheraton Porto Hotel & Spa, where we bid our hearty farewells and head our separate ways. NOTE: This itinerary is provided as an example only – prevailing conditions and local arrangements may cause variation. |
NoneBreakfast, LunchDates & Prices
Please contact us for private departures and group bookings. Single Supplement is available on request.
More Info
- The departure point is Lisbon
- The finish point is Porto
- Major commercial flights provide convenient access to Lisbon. The closest major airport to Lisbon, Portugal is Lisbon international Airport, located 7km (4 miles) north of Portugal's capital and is a pleasant introduction to this historic city. With daily flights to Lisbon International Airport from all over the world, it is one of the largest airports in Southern Europe and acts as the main gateway to Portugal's many attractions.
Portugal is famous for its typical Mediterranean climate with warm days and year-round sunshine, although Lisbon can be quite cool with breezes off the coast. Be prepared for high temperatures and dry heat from late June through early September and more mild temperatures later in fall. Summer temperatures near sea level may average up to 76 °F (24 °C) but are rather lower at exposed higher elevations. Winter temperatures average 37 to 40 °F (3 to 4 °C) but tend to be milder south of the Douro. Annual rainfall averages more than 40 inches (1,000 mm).
The routes on this trip are rated Levels 1-3.
Level 1, 2-5 hours, 3-8km (2-5 miles), Maximum Elevation Gain 244m (800 ft)
Level 2, 2-4 hours, 6-11km (4-7 miles), Maximum Elevation Gain 396m (1300 ft)
Level 3, 3-5 hours, 8-14km (5-9 miles), Maximum Elevation Gain 610m (2000 ft)
Level 4, 4-6 hours, 10-18km(6-11 miles), Maximum Elevation Gain 914m (3000 ft)
Level 5, 5-7 hours, 11-21+ km (7-13+ miles), Maximum Elevation Gain 1219m (4000+ ft)
Onlyluxe Travel acts as travel agency and work with different tour operators.
Payment Detail
All pricing is in Australian dollars and are quoted on a per person twin share basis. A supplementary price is available (see below). Bookings are not confirmed until full payment and the signed Booking Form has been received by Onlyluxe Travel.
A non-refundable 30% deposit is payable within 7 days of your booking, with the final balance due 120 days prior to departure. If a booking is made 120 days or less before departure, the full payment is payable immediately. Last minute bookings are payable before arrival. Failure to pay on time may result in automatic cancellation of a booking with cancellation penalties payable to Onlyluxe Travel. If you pay by credit card or PayPal a surcharge will be added to the total price.
Single Supplement
All accommodation is twin share. Single guests will share with someone of the same gender. If a single room is demanded, a supplementary price of will apply. The supplementary price refers to our quotation and needs to be stipulated at the time of booking.
General Cancellation Policies
- Outside of 120 days monies will be refunded less 30% of full fee
- Within 120 days prior to arrival all monies will be forfeited
- No refunds will be given in the event of non-arrival, any unused services or unused nights due to flight or weather disruption
- We strongly recommend guests protect themselves with travel insurance and medical insurance
Please Note: Cancellations must be advised in email and will take effect from the date they are received.
Liability
The participant agrees to indemnify Onlyluxe Travel, and its servant, tour operator and agents, in relation to any liability, loss and damage which the tour operator, or its servants and/or agents may incur as a result of the participants, negligence or misconduct during the tour.
Smoking is not permitted on the bus, or in tents or in other accommodation being used by tour operator at the time that a trip is being conducted.
Child Policy
Please consult travel consultant on age limit.
Changes to Itineraries
Local conditions may necessitate changes to sightseeing, walking and driving routes, camping and accommodation locations. While every effort will be made to provide the services and experiences as offered in our brochure, on our website, and in our trip letters, we reserve the right to vary your itinerary. In the event that we are forced to change your arrangements, substitute arrangements of a similar standard will be provided. The tour operator will not be liable where interruptions to itineraries are caused by weather conditions, technical problems to transport used by the tour operator, industrial action, political or civil commotion or other circumstances beyond our control. We refer you to the conditions regarding travel insurance.
Changes in Prices
While we will do its utmost to honour its pricing unforeseen circumstances may mean that prices may be subject to change without notice.
Pre-Existing Medical Conditions and Age Limits
You need to advise Onlyluxe travel and the tour operator on any pre-existing medical condition, mobility impairment and/or disability that might reasonably be expected to increase the risk of your requiring medical attention, or that might affect the normal conduct of a trip and the enjoyment of other trip members. Onlyluxe Travel and the tour operator may require an assessment of your medical condition from a qualified medical practitioner. If you fail to adequately notify the tour operator of any pre-existing medical conditions and/or disability, the tour operator reserves the right, at its reasonable discretion, to cancel your participation in a trip at any time, including after the commencement of your trip, with no right of refund if your medical condition, mobility impairment and/or disability could be reasonably expected to affect the normal conduct of the trip and the enjoyment of other trip members.
Cancellation by The Tour Operator
The tour operator is at the mercy of nature in all her beauty and all her fury. The tour operator will under no circumstance knowingly place at risk the health and well-being of our guests and guides. In the case of natural threats, acts of God and the like (e.g. bushfires, impassable snow, etc) the tour operator may need to cancel a tour with very little notice. In some cases, this can occur after the tour has commenced. The tour operator reserves the right to cancel any tour up to 60 days prior to departure if the minimum number requirement is unable to meet for a tour. If the tour operator needs to cancel for any reason, the cost of the tour or any other costs associated with travel to the designated pick up point, overnight accommodation, meals, etc will not be covered by the Onlyluxe Travel and therefore we strongly recommend travel insurance be taken out prior to travel.
Force Majeure
'Force Majeure' means (without restriction) any event which Onlyluxe Travel or its third party providers could not, even with due care, foresee or avoid. Force Majeure covers events such as, but not limited to, adverse weather conditions, fire and all similar events beyond our control. In the case of Force Majeure Onlyluxe Travel will not accept liability, and reserves the right to change and cancel trips.
Evacuations
In rare circumstances, due to injury or unforeseen illness, the tour operator may need to evacuate you from a remote part of the walk. Helicopter evacuations are expensive and in most cases will be at a cost to the customer.
For Australian residents, under the Australian Government Medicare Act, it is prohibited for any domestic travel insurance product to provide any financial reimbursement with regard to ambulance or air ambulance services. We therefore strongly advise our customers to take specific ambulance cover through their health insurance provider. Evacuation cost will not be covered by the Onlyluxe Travel and therefore it is also strongly recommended that our customers take out travel insurance to cover (amongst other things) the costs associated with evacuation.
Travel Insurance
In view of the heavy cancellation penalties applied to cancelled reservations in certain circumstances, we strongly recommends suitable travel insurance be purchased at the time the holding deposit is paid. We recommend insurance cover that covers any loss which may be suffered due to cancellation. We also strongly recommend comprehensive travel insurance against loss of baggage and medical expenses.
