An Active Discovery of Portugal

Sitting right at the foot of the country, the Algarve is one of Portugal's most popular coastal destinations and home to some of its loveliest beaches. West of Faro you'll find golden sands and hidden coves, with the coastline getting wilder the further west you head. This is the perfect place to unwind and enjoy life by the sea.

Portugal is blessed with a rugged coastline along the wild Atlantic, making it one of the most sought after surf destinations in the world. Depending on where you paddle out, you will find different breaks and swells as the Portuguese coast provides ideal conditions for everyone from first-time surfers to the most seasoned veterans.

Enjoy a private class with one of the oldest and more experienced surf schools in the Algarve. Go over your goals for the morning on the sand before venturing out into the surf to learn the tricks of the trade. Whether you are just learning to get up on the board, or you glide through barrels with ease, the jaw-dropping views and knowledgeable company promise a truly extraordinary experience on the water.

Enjoy a hiking trail at one of the most well preserved coastlines in Europe, the Vincentian Coast. Start this tour with a 9km (5.6 mile) hiking trail along the magnificent Atlantic Ocean and colored cliffs through the Sagres Biogenetic Reserve.

After a picnic with your hiking guide, continue your visit of the area with a guided tour to the Museum of Cape St. Vincent, the Lighthouse and the Fishermen Harbor. Discover unusual characteristics of this lighthouse guarding one of the world’s busiest shipping lanes, the traditional lands’ end of Europe and an essential landfall for sailors returning from Africa and the Americas.

Europe’s second oldest capital, Lisbon is an effortlessly elegant city, full of old-world charm. Winding your way through the city, you’ll pass rows of houses in warm shades of orange, yellow and rust red. Washing is strung from wrought iron balconies and window boxes overflow with flowers. Weaving their way through this pretty patchwork are the city’s trams, the favoured mode of transport of Lisbonites and a great way to hop between the different districts.

Lisbon has plenty to offer, with a plethora of museums and galleries as well as beautiful buildings covered in iconic azelujo tiles. The city is built on seven hills, each one offering spectacular views over the city and the River Tajo. It is also known for its lively restaurant scene and there are plenty of places to stop, sip a coffee and savour a Portuguese custard tart while watching the world go by

This tour allows you to discover Portugal's capital, colonised by many civilizations through the centuries including the Phoenicians, Greeks, Carthaginians, Romans, Moors and finally the Portuguese after 1147. You will visit the Castle of Saint Jorge and the surrounding area of Alfama, Lisbon's oldest quarter.

This city is linked with the heroic deeds of the Portuguese maritime exploration in the 15th and 16th centuries. This was the Age of Discoveries and the Golden Era of Portugal, transforming Lisbon into the opulent center of a vast empire. Part of the wealth from these expeditions was used to build magnificent monuments in the extravagant Manueline style. Some of these monuments can still be seen, especially in the area of Belem. You will visit also the traditional commerce zones of the city, with their 18th-century buildings as well as the Baixa and Chiado neighborhoods.

The Arrabida Natural Park is a beautiful protected area south of Lisbon. Overlooking the Atlantic Ocean, the slopes of the Arrabida Chain are covered with the most characteristic vegetation of the region, Mediterranean maquis, a product of its particular mild coastal climate.

Hike the Chã dos Navegantes path around Cape Espichel, the most western part of Setúbal, and the west of Sesimbra village. The route leads to the top of a hill from where you can see the bay of Lagosteiros. It is from this place that the Pedra Mua can be seen, which consists of marks left by dinosaurs. Over the bay of Baleeira, visit the Forte de São Domingos da Baralha, which is now abandoned and in ruins.

This is a unique opportunity to get acquainted with Portuguese traditional cuisine. Petiscos are the Portuguese cousin of Spanish tapas, small portions of different dishes, served at the centre of the table. 'Having petiscos' or eating 'petiscos style' is one of the most enjoyable ways of having dinner, and it is so popular there is even a verb, 'petiscare', whose approximate translation means to nibble on a few little bites with a glass of wine. Petiscos are meant to be simple, eaten with your hands or with a toothpick or a slice of bread to mop up the sauces. As well as getting to enjoy this traditional gastronomical experience, you will have the opportunity to chat with your Portuguese host and learn more about Portuguese traditions, history, family life, sports and economics.

Portugal's second city is one of Europe's most charming. Built on a steep riverbank, a jumble of colourful medieval houses hug the calm waters of the Douro River where wooden boats bob on the surface and people spill out of its cafes and bars, more often than not with a glass of the wine that gave the city its name.

Hop on a bicycle and explore Porto's historic downtown, discovering among other important sites the Church of Carmelitas, the Church and Tower of Clérigos, São Bento railway station, Majestic Café, Square of Ribeira, Square of Batalha, the Mercado Ferreira Borges, the Church of Congregados and the famous Lello Bookstore.

Venture east out of Porto into the Alto Douro Wine Region, a UNESCO world heritage site, to begin your hike. The 7km (4.3 mile) trail is flanked by vineyards and follows the Douro River valley. This is the oldest demarcated wine region in the world - dating from 1756 - and viticulture stretches back to the Romans.

Next visit the Quinta da Pacheca estate, a historic property that has been bottling under its own name since 1738. Before indulging in a tasting, take a full tour of the scenic family-owned winery and enjoy a gourmet picnic lunch with your hiking guide.

One of the best ways to get to know Portugal’s breathtaking countryside is on foot. Just two hours from Porto sits Romeu, a charming rural village and the start of a fantastic hiking trail. The trail forms a 13km (8 mile) circle around the area, which you will trek with your guide, taking in the gorgeous landscape, trickling streams, vineyards and typical Portuguese homes.

At the trail’s midway point, climb to the village of Vila Verdinho along a path of remarkable granite blocks. Once you reach the village, you will be able to explore all of its gems, such as the Chapel of São Gens, the town square, the parish house and the Quinta do Cabeço overlook. On the second half of the hike, stop in an old cork factory and dam where your guide will explain their former uses and importance to the surrounding villages. Back in Romeu, you will be invited to check out the shops where you may pick up some regional products, visit the Museum of Curiosities, the beautiful garden and church. Finally reward yourself with delicious meal at the famous Maria Rita restaurant.