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Tours

Guided Walking Tour in Rota Vicentina

Duration 7 Days
dates 25 MARCH - 1 APRIL
Type Guided
distance 125 km
Lodging Comfort
|Guided Walking Tour in Rota Vicentina
Ref. Tour: tour018

A walking trip designed for a small group of 5-12 people, to share experience, energy and thoughts. Visits to some remote local realities are included, which will allow us to get to the heart of the destination and really get to know the region, its people and its traditions.
We will start from the 'historical path' in the rural heart of the Alentejo, and from here we will join the 'fishermen's path', which is characterised by the constant presence of the Atlantic Ocean. Its incessant gentle sound will accompany us for kilometres and kilometres, every day, regenerating our minds, and renewing energy and positive thoughts.

An intense journey, on foot, along the high Portuguese cliffs, of around 75 km, divided into 5 stages.

We begin in the authentic Cercal do Alentejo, a typical Alentejo town, and from here, passing through eucalyptus forests and cork oaks, we will reach the Atlantic coast, arriving in the pleasant little fishing town of Porto Covo, where life flows slowly. 
We will pass through the beautiful town of Vila Nova de Milfontes (called the princess of the Alentejo) crossed by the river Mira, with its fascinating fortress overlooking the river that flows into the ocean. Here we will also be able to carve out time for canoeing, sup, and yoga on the beach at sunset... and we will have time to wander and get lost in the narrow streets of the town.  In the following days' stages, we will walk to Almograve, Zambujeira do Mar and Odeceixe, Aljezur, and Vila do Bispo, visiting some local businesses including producers of organic wines and strawberry tree liquor (local brandies and liqueurs), which we will taste! 
Our journey will culminate at the most extreme western tip of southern Portugal: the mythical Cape de Sao Vincente, in Sagres, whose iconic site gives its name to the entire coastline!
An extraordinary experience, physically quite demanding but within the reach of any walker. You never exceed 20 kilometres a day; however, for many stretches, you are walking in the dunes, and the sand obviously makes the walk a little more strenuous.
The landscape around you is so scenic that it repays any physical effort, filling your heart with energy and your mind with indelible memories. IT IS WORTH IT.
 

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Lisbon Rota Vicentina Vicentine Coast
Daily Itinerary
Dates & Prices
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Daily Itinerary

Day 01
Arrival at Lisbon airport and private transfer by van to Cercal do Alentejo.
Meeting with the guide, hotel check-in and initial briefing.  Free time to take a tour of the town; life here unfolds at a slow and stress-free pace, you will be immediately captivated; take the opportunity to try the local delicacies, in an exquisite central bakery, where all the products are home-made and artisanal! 
Free dinner. Overnight stay.
Day 02
The tour begins!
Stage 1: Cercal do Alentejo | Porto Covo (16.5 km)
Our first stop is the route that connects the Historical Path to the Fishermen's Path and will allow us to perceive the strong link of this region with the land and the sea as we approach the coast and Porto Covo, a picturesque fishing village.  Starting from Cercal, the first part of the route passes through small farms, vegetable gardens, orchards, and eucalyptus and strawberry tree forests. We are in the heart of the Alentejo rural landscape, which is characterised by a high degree of biodiversity. There are many different species of plants, many of which are endemic to the Iberian Peninsula and others that only exist on the southwest coast of Portugal. We will be able to smell aromatic plants, such as rosemary, thyme and marigold. As we walk, we will begin to see the ocean on the horizon in front of us. 
The first impact with the Rota Vicentina National Park occurs at the miradouro of Porto Covo.  From here we immediately perceive the jagged coastline where the Atlantic Ocean is constantly breaking. Once in Porto Covo, time to relax, have a drink in the various central bars and enjoy the town.
Transfer from Porto Covo to Vila Nova de Mil Fontes.
Overnight stay and free dinner in Vila Nova de Mil Fontes. (throughout the trip, luggage will be transferred from one stop to another... let's travel light!).
Day 03
Stage 2: Vila Nova de Milfontes | Almograve (12.5 km )
Today's stage is quite demanding because e often walk on sand dunes.
We start the day by crossing the Mira river by boat and enjoying a breathtaking view of the mouth of the Mira river, which meets the ocean here, and the beautiful Vila Nova de Milfontes, the princess of the Alentejo! Numerous small wild beaches follow one after the other; we can easily access them via steps or dirt paths. When the tide is low, it is possible to walk part of the way along the beaches, walking barefoot, to be punctually surprised by the cool ocean waves reaching the shore.  Today we familiarise ourselves with the environment of the Vicenza rota. It is a day's excursion that allows us to fill our souls with extraordinary panoramic views and store so much beauty in our hearts. We will pass fields where the grass is produced for football pitches, and walk along the steep coastline, which is coloured with Mediterranean flora. Many flowers, of various colours, paint the landscape...some endemic if they can only be seen in this area of Portugal. On the way, I will tell you some interesting facts about the area and show you the various plant species.
Once in Almograve, free time to relax on the beach; then by van we return to Vilanova de Milfontes. Free time to get to know this lively and picturesque town with its unique atmosphere, and enjoy its beach, where the river joins the ocean. Those who wish can end the day with a nice yoga class on the beach, take the canoe or sup, venture down the river, or simply relax in the hotel pool and have a foot massage!
Overnight stay in Vila Nova de Millfontes. Free dinner
Day 04
Stage 3: Cavaleiro | Zambujeira do Mar (14 km)
Transfer from Vila Nova de Mil Fontes to  Cavaleiro Village. We´ll start our hike and at km 1 we´ll arrive at the peculiar Farol do Cabo Sardão, whose door is built backwards!
Wild coastline, sea breeze and the blue of the ocean merging with the blue of the sky will be our travelling companions.  Be careful, sharpen your eyesight because, at this time of year, you can see a lot of storks! This is in fact the part of the coast with the highest cliffs, and it is here that several birds, including white storks, nest. We will see several storks and their nests. Birdwatchers prepare to rejoice! (better bring binoculars!).
The route is long but easy and almost all flat; we never stray far from the ocean, until we reach the characteristic fishing port Entrada das Barcas.  From here, we continue to the town of Zambujeira do Mar.  Free time for lunch and relaxation on the beach; then by van we visit one of the local farms where they produce excellent organic wines, carrots and fruit... a nice tasting, in a natural and typical Alentejo setting, will be the icing on the cake today!
Overnight stay in Zambujeira do Mar.  Free dinner (take the opportunity to eat seafood, which is excellent here)!
Day 05
Stage 4: Carvalhal Beach | Odeceixe (12 km)
Transfer from Zambujeira do Mar to Carvalhal beach. Today's route will remain in your heart.  
You will pass the most beautiful beaches of Carvalhal, Machados, and the spectacular beach of Amália, the famous fado singer, who had her home here and found her inspiration!
Along the trail, we will also encounter a place with zebras and antelopes... but I won't tell you more! We will arrive in Azenha do Mar, and continue to Ponta em Branco, where you will be amazed by the best view of the Vicentina rota!
Before arriving at Odeceixe beach, a nice adventure awaits us! In Odeceixe, we bid farewell to the Alentejo and officially enter the Algarve!  After enjoying the beach of Odeceixe, private transfer by van to get to know another rural and artisanal reality, where strawberry tree brandy is produced. After learning about the production process, we can taste the medronho, during a rich snack that awaits us in the heart of nature!
Transfer by van to Aljezur.  Free time to visit this wonderful Algarve town and its castle. 
Free dinner (possibility to dine at the hotel) and overnight in Aljezur.
Day 06
Stage 5: Pontal da Carrapateira (10.5 km) 
Transfer by van from Aljezur to Carrapateira, to begin our pedestrian route today.  This is one of the stops on the Fishermen's Path that offers the most beautiful images. Prepare to be amazed by the incredible rock formations and otherworldly beaches in Pontal da Carrapateira and Amado beach. Along the way, we will also see the remains of an ancient Islamic settlement, dating back to the 12th-13th centuries.  Today's route is easy and pleasant and allows us to recover a little energy, in view of tomorrow's last intense stage!
Transfer by van to Vila do Bispo; free dinner and overnight.
Day 07
Stage 6: Vila do Bispo | Sagres | Cabo São Vicente (20.5 km)
- possibility to shorten the route
The last stage of our breathtaking route gives us a grand finale!
Today, a long route awaits us, which will take us to our longed-for destination: the mythical cape de São Vicente, in Sagres! Along the way, we are brought closer to the culture, geology and biodiversity of this most south-westerly point of Europe, a unique and very special place. The particular rock formation of Telheiro beach is a valuable geological asset for research. Beneath these deposits are the Silves sandstones, of fantastic reddish colour, more than 200 million years old. Finally, at the base of the cliffs, schist and gravel are more than 300 million years old, very fractured and folded, the 'root' of an ancient mountain range, already eroded. Sagres is also the best place in Europe to observe migrating seabirds such as hawks, gannets, common gannets and terns. Upon arrival in Sagres, overnight stay in a hotel and free time to discover the town and its fortress. 
Finally, a fantastic view of the sunset over the ocean before dinner - it will be our way to end this unforgettable holiday on a high note!
Free dinner and overnight stay in Sagres. 
Day 8
End of services
Check-out and private transfer to Lisbon airport.
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Dates & Prices

Fixed date: 25th March - 1st April

From 5 to 12 pax

Prices:
Starting from 1390/pax
Single supplement: 295€

More Information

Included

Private group transfer to and from Lisbon airport
7 nights in selected accommodations with breakfast included.
Local luggage transfers throughout the trip
6 packed lunches included, on walking days
English speaking Guide
24-hour assistance
Personal Accident Insurance
Ticket for boat crossing of the Mira river
Guided tour with organic wine tasting
Guided tour with snacks and strawberry tree liquor tasting


Available additional experiences and activities

Surfing schools offer individual and group lessons for every level of preparation, from beginners to experts. It is possible to hire equipment on-site. 
SUP (stand-up paddle) can be done in the ocean or along the Mira River
Yoga and SUP yoga on the Mira River
Canoeing along the Mira River
Horseback riding
Relaxation massages
 
Not Included
Flights
Other personal expenses 
Possible extra activities not included in the basic programme
Anything not mentioned in 'included' 

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