Walking Portugal's Wild Algarve

8 days
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Small Group Tour
Passing wild beaches, whitewashed villages and towering cliffs, the Rota Vicentina is one of the great hiking routes in Europe. We’ve handpicked the very best walks from this extensive network, visiting some of the few remaining undeveloped shores of the Algarve. The adventure starts in picturesque Monchique, where medicinal waters and a thermal spa make the ...
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Overview

Trip type
Small Group Tour
Lodging level
Standard - 3 star
Physical level
Moderate
Trip pace
Balanced schedule

Highlights

    • Walk the finest trails on the Rota Vicentina, one of Europe’s great hiking routes
    • Sip local wine with new-found friends during a vineyard tasting experience
    • Visit a family-run mill to sample premium olive oil, a speciality of Monchique
    • Take a scenic clifftop walk to Cabo de Sao Vicente, the most southwesterly point in Europe
    • Stay in three beautiful Algarve communities: Monchique, Aljezur and Sagres

What's this trip about?

    Passing wild beaches, whitewashed villages and towering cliffs, the Rota Vicentina is one of the great hiking routes in Europe. We’ve handpicked the very best walks from this extensive network, visiting some of the few remaining undeveloped shores of the Algarve. The adventure starts in picturesque Monchique, where medicinal waters and a thermal spa make the town an ideal place to ease into the trip. Transferring to the coast, we walk on quiet cliff trails (used by local people to access the beaches and best fishing spots) and end in the town of Sagres. The refreshing coastal breezes and inviting landscape make walking in this remote corner of Europe truly reinvigorating.Discover hidden wonders of the Algarve and the most pristine coastal trails in Portugal

Details

Itinerary focusClassic Highlights
Group sizeSmall Group - max of 16 people
Age range16 years and up
Flights and transportAll internal ground transport included
Start CityMonchique
End CitySagres

Travel Themes

  • Hiking & Walking

Destinations

Attractions

  • Algarve
  • Monchique

Activities

  • Hiking

Min Group Size

  • Min Group Size: 4

Max Group Size

  • Max Group Size: 16

Trip includes

    • All breakfasts, five picnic lunches and one wine tasting
    • All accommodation
    • Tour leader throughout
    • Group arrival and departure transfers available

Popular Trips

Itinerary

Day 1 Start in the thermal spa town of Monchique

This trip starts in Monchique in the heart of the Algarve, approximately a one-hour drive from Faro. This small town is a quiet, peaceful place but the central square has a welcoming atmosphere with fountains and flowers. We stay in the Caldas de Monchique area, home ...

Day 2 Alferce Loop walk and ceramics art gallery visit

We have a morning transfer (approximately 20 minutes) to São Romão Church, where we start with a relatively short hike of the Alferce Loop, which has superb views throughout. There’s an optional visit to the Moorish castle ruins of Castelo de Alferce, which stands on ...

Day 3 Walk the landscape surrounding Monchique; olive oil tasting

Monchique is in a region strongly marked by agricultural and forestry, which has resulted in a mosaic landscape of vegetable gardens, orchards and quercine tree groves. We hike the areas surrounding the town, giving us a chance to experience this fertile landscape. L...

Day 4 Coastal walk to Odeceixe; admire fascinating rock and cliff formations and some of the best beaches in Portugal; wine tasting in Vicentino wines; transfer to Vale da Telha

This morning, we transfer (approximately 35 minutes) to Carvalhal Beach, the start of today’s walk. The cliff face on this stretch of the walk is particularly interesting as it’s composed of schist and greywacke – the consolidation of sand, clay and volcanic ash which...

Day 5 Free day; enjoy an optional circular walk to Arrifana Beach or other activities such as surfing

Today is a free day to choose from the many optional activities available in the area. You may decide to go on a guided visit to Arrifana Beach, Ponta da Atalaia, Monte Clérigo and Aljezur (payable locally). Alternatively, you may book a surfing class in this popular ...

Day 6 Circular walk around Carrapateira; enjoy ocean views and the sandy beaches of Bordeira and Amado; transfer to Sagres

Today we travel further south and transfer (approximately 30 minutes) to the village of Carrapateira, the start of today’s short circular walk. Along the circuit, we come across various viewpoints with superb vistas of the sandy beaches of Bordeira and Amado plus the ...

Day 7 Final cliff walk to Cabo de Sao Vicente, the southwesternmost point in continental Europe; afternoon optional visit to Sagres Fort

Surrounded by foaming Atlantic breakers, Cabo de Sao Vicente marks the most southwesterly point of Europe. The final walk from Sagres out to the edge of the continent should prove to be one of the highlights of the week. Surrounded by coastal scenery, we follow a wild...

Day 8 End Sagres

This trip ends in Sagres today. If you’d like to spend a little more time in this beautiful part of Europe, speak to your sales representative about extending your stay.

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Dates & Availability

Price From $2,625
Price per day$328
Last Updated: 5/22/2024
Departure Date
Finish Date
Shared Room
Single Room
Availability
08 Mar 2025
15 Mar 2025
$2,850
$3,285
19 Apr 2025
26 Apr 2025
$2,925
$3,360
10 May 2025
17 May 2025
$2,925
$3,360
14 Jun 2025
21 Jun 2025
$3,300
$3,825
27 Sep 2025
04 Oct 2025
$2,925
$3,450
11 Oct 2025
18 Oct 2025
$2,925
$3,360
01 Nov 2025
08 Nov 2025
$2,850
$3,285

Check current availability, prices, specials & more.

The total tour cost includes the tour price (regular or promotional) and the compulsory local payment. The promotional price is subject to change. Check directly with the operator for the latest price offer. The tour operator requires you to pay only the tour price to purchase your travel. The compulsory local payment will be paid when you join the trip. All prices are based on double, twin or triple share occupancy. Solo passengers will be accommodated in a double, twin or triple room according to availability with a passenger(s) of the same gender. Single supplement only needs to be paid if the passenger does not want to share and requests their own room. Discounts can only be applied at the time of booking and cannot be added at a later date, regardless of any changes made to the original booking.

Prices may vary due to local taxes and trip seasonality. Click "Request Info" to inquire directly with the tour operator for the final trip price.

Exodus Travels Reviews & Ratings

4.7/5  Excellent
Excellent
13,310
Great
3,258
Average
609
Disappointing
146
Terrible
187
A

Anonymous

Jan 2018

Provided byExodus Travels

Great week - stunning scenery!

Another great Exodus trip. Breathtaking scenery, pleasant walks & good company made it a very enjoyable week. The rugged coastline with fantastic beaches - I pa...

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Other Exodus Travels Reviews

A

Annie O'Reilly Hughes

Nov 2024

Written on

Patient and knowledgeable operative

Rick was really helpful and patient. He explained things clearly, was happy to answer questions. It is a long time since I last travelled solo but I felt confident t...

T

Trevor Butler

Nov 2024

Written on

Very professional organisation

Very professional organisation, trip leaders and guides. Good cultural ethics and a genuine interest in sustainable tourism, hence Exodus values are aligned to my o...

S

Sarah R

Nov 2024

Written on

India, the Tropical South

An excellent trip, we really enjoyed it and would highly recommend. Our guide Biju deserves a special thank you for being brilliant, he really adds to the experience...

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Tour Operator

Exodus Travels

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It is all about adventure. That is what Exodus was founded upon and what the company is still all about. Discovering countries, cultures, environments, cities, mountain ranges, deserts, coasts and jungles; exploring this amazing planet we all live on.

At Exodus, we know what makes you tick when it comes to holidays. It’s a desire shared by so many others. A yearning to visit new places and come home with a real sense of what they’re all about. This means delving into local traditions, cultures, cuisine, lifestyles – anything that contributes to its unique identity. At the same time, we always remember that we are only guests. So we travel courteously and respectfully, in smaller groups to minimise our impact, to ensure that every Exodus holiday is a beneficial experience for everyone involved.

This is a philosophy we take with us around the world, helping you reach some incredible destinations on 500 itineraries across over 90 separate countries. We also strive to provide as much flexibility and choice as we possibly can, making it simple for you to experience a very different holiday.

Exodus started life on 4 February 1974 when two friends got together to provide an overland truck to travel to the Minaret of Jam, deep in the heart of the Hindu Kush, the most inaccessible of the world’s great monuments.

All our office staff have a passion for travel and adventure, and between us we’ve notched up experience that spans 171 different countries. That’s not all. In their former lives, our team members have been professional archaeologists, wildlife guides, overland drivers, mountain leaders, diving and ski specialists and mountain bike gurus – so no-one is better placed to create tours that appeal to a wide range of specialist interests.

Their care in putting all the details in place really shines through too. Extensive planning, research, fact-finding and training are a sign of our commitment to providing a holiday where your enjoyment, value for money and safety come first. It’s a telling reason why we remain one of the leading worldwide adventure tour companies. It is no exaggeration to say that our tour leaders can make a world of difference to the enjoyment of your holiday – so we choose them carefully. The result is that, in 2013, 93% of our clients stated that their leader exceeded their expectations. Where possible, we train and employ local leaders because they can provide invaluable insights that enrich the trip. What’s more, this investment in local staff really helps us benefit both them and their community.

Why we love this operator
With a wide range of trip styles, Exodus caters to every type of traveler out there- even those with specific interests from cycling to winter hiking.
What they’re known for
Global trips to a wide array of destinations with a focus on themed adventures, exciting physical activities and learning about local cultures.

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Logistics

What's excluded

    • Travel insurance
    • Visa and vaccinations
    • Single accommodation (available on request)

Accommodation

We use three unique hotels, all with a swimming pool and two with spa facilities. The hotels we normally use are: Monchique: Hotel Villa Termal Caldas de Monchique – Pure (nights 1-2) This 22-room boutique property with mountain and valley views sits within the Villa Termal Caldas de Monchique Spa Resort. That provides easy access to plenty of excellent amenities, including an outside pool, several green areas and the Thermal spa. There’s also a restaurant serving a mix of traditional Portuguese and contemporary cuisines plus a selection of bars. Aljezur: Hotel Vale da Telha (nights 3-5) Modest but well suited for our adventures, Hotel Vale da Telha has a relaxed atmosphere and modern rooms with balconies. When it’s time to relax, head to the pool area, where you’ll find shaded loungers on a spacious wooden sundeck. Sagres: Memmo Baleeira Hotel (nights 6-7) Enjoy magnificent vistas of the Atlantic Ocean with a stay at this four-star design hotel. The 144 rooms and suites have views over the sea or Baleeira Harbour, while the property also has an outdoor pool, plus a spa, heated indoor pool, Turkish bath and sauna.
Cancellation policy

The cancellation policies of this trip when booked through Travelstride are determined by the stated policies of the tour operator - Exodus Travels.

If you or any other member of your party decides to cancel a confirmed booking you must notify Travelstride in writing. Your notice of cancellation will only take effect when it is received in writing by Travelstride and will be effective from the date on which we receive it.

If You Cancel Your Holiday
You, or any member of your party, may cancel your travel arrangements at any time. Written notification from the lead name or your travel agent must be received at our offices. 

Since we incur costs in canceling your travel arrangements, you will have to pay cancellation charges as follows (see also the exceptions below): 

  • More than 42 days - No cancellation fee. Deposit can be transferred to a new booking departing within 2 years of date of travel of original booking. Any remaining balance will be refundedThis excludes all non-refundable costs as set out in clause 4 above (for example international and domestic flights and local services).
  • Between 41 and 21 days (inclusive) - No cancellation fee. Balance and deposit can be transferred to a new booking departing within 2 years of date of travel of original bookingThis excludes all non-refundable costs as further explained in clause 4 above (for example international and domestic flights and local services).
  • Between 20 and 15 days (inclusive) - 80% of the holiday cost
  • 14 days or less; or failure to join the holiday (inclusive) - 100% of the holiday cost

Certain trips may involve different cancellation charges; you will be advised if this is applicable to your holiday during the booking process.For Polar holidays, the following cancellation charges will be made for all Polar holidays. Period before departure in which you notify us: 

Cancelation charge

  • More than 133 days - Deposit only
  • 133 days or less (or failure to join the holiday) (inclusive) - 100% of the holiday cost

Notes (i) Your deposit is non-refundable, even if the cancellation charge calculated is lower than the deposit amount paid; (ii) If the reason for your cancellation is covered under the terms of your insurance policy, you may be able to reclaim these charges; (iii) certain travel arrangements may be subject to higher cancellation charges and could incur a cancellation charge of up to 100% of that part of the arrangements from the moment the booking is confirmed.

If You Change Your Booking

If, after our Booking Confirmation has been issued, you wish to change your travel arrangements in any way, for example your chosen departure date or accommodation, we will do our utmost to make these changes but it may not always be possible. Any request for changes to be made must be in writing from the lead name or your travel agent. You will be asked to pay an administration charge of $60, and any further cost we incur in making this alteration (including those charged by third party suppliers who provide the component parts of your booking).  You should be aware that these costs could increase the closer to the departure date that changes are made and you should contact us as soon as possible. Note: Certain travel arrangements may not be changeable after a reservation has been made and any alteration request could incur a cancellation charge of up to 100% of that part of the arrangements.

You can transfer your booking to another person, who satisfies all the conditions that apply to this booking, by giving us notice in writing at least 7 days before departure provided that the new lead passenger accepts the transfer and these Terms and Conditions. Both you and the new traveler are responsible for paying all costs we incur in making the transfer. Please bear in mind that certain airlines and other transport providers treat changes as a cancellation and charge accordingly, up to 100% of the cost for that part of the arrangement. Where applicable these charges will be passed on to you.

If We Cancel Your Booking

Exodus reserves the right to cancel an itinerary before departure for any reason whatsoever, including too few participants ,logistical problems, a Force Majeure Event (as defined in Section 8), or any other circumstances that may make operation of the trip inadvisable. All trip payments received will be promptly refunded, and this refund will be the limit of Exodus’s liability without any further obligation on Exodus’s part. Exodus is not responsible for any expenses incurred by trip members in preparing for the trip, including non-refundable or penalty-carrying airline tickets, special clothing, visa or passport fees, or other trip-related expenses.

If We Change Your Booking

  1. Changes to the price. We can change your holiday price after you’ve booked, only in certain circumstances. Changes in the price of the carriage of passengers resulting from changes to the cost of fuel or other power sources, the level of taxes or fees imposed by third parties including tourist taxes, landing taxes or embarkation or disembarkation fees at ports and airports, or exchange rates mean that the price of your travel arrangements may change after you have booked.

  2. Changes other than the price. It is a term of your booking that we are able to make changes to any aspect of your booking. If the change is insignificant, we will ensure that you are notified about it. Examples of insignificant changes include alteration of your accommodation to another of the same or higher standard. If we are forced by circumstances beyond our control to alter significantly any of the main characteristics of the travel services that make up your package you will have the rights set out below.

    2.1 - We will contact you and you will have the choice of accepting the change or having a refund of all monies paid. You can also accept an alternative holiday, where we offer one (we will refund any price difference if the alternative is of a lower value). We will tell you the procedure for making your choice. Please read any notification of changes carefully and respond promptly as if you do not respond to us within the timescale given your booking may be canceled.

    2.2 - If you choose to accept a refund then that is the only liability we have and we will not be liable for any further sums, compensation or otherwise and you are advised to adequately insure yourselves against cancellation for any reason

Please note that insurance premiums and amendments charges are not refundable in any circumstances. 

Once you have put down a deposit for a tour, you are unable to cancel and re-book within a promotional period and we reserve the right to amend the pricing on any new booking you make within that time. If you cancel a tour and book the same tour under a promotional code, we reserve the right to decline the booking.

Important Note: Certain arrangements may not be amended after they have been confirmed and any alteration or cancellation could incur a cancellation charge of up to 100% of that part of the arrangements in addition to the charge above.

If the reason for your cancellation is covered under the terms of your insurance policy, you may be able to reclaim these charges.

Where possible, we will deduct the cancellation charge(s) from any monies you have already paid to us.

For more additional details, see the booking conditions of TruTravels at the following web address: https://www.exodustravels.com/us/about-exodus/exodus-booking-conditions.

Travel Insurance
We strongly recommend purchasing travel insurance alongside your travel package to safeguard against unforeseen circumstances such as medical expenses, trip cancellations, and other contingencies. It offers you peace of mind and ensures you are prepared for unexpected events that may occur before or during your journey
Visa requirements
Visa requirements vary depending on your country of origin and your country of destination. It is your responsibility to familiarize yourself with the relevant requirements. For a handy tool that can help you quickly find the requirements, please visit this link .
Meals Included
All breakfasts and five picnic lunches are included. The picnic lunches will include a mix of sandwiches, cheeses, cured meats and fruit. During the week, we get the opportunity to sample delicacies and traditional dishes from this region, including fresh seafood and fish. The local speciality from the sea is gooseneck barnacles (also known as perceves); taken from the bottom of submerged cliffs, they are harvested by hand using a dangerous and traditional method, which involves one of the two collectors dangling from a rope attached to the clifftops! Away from the sea, the dried hams, salamis and cheeses are excellent. Good quality meat is also always on the menu. Vegetables are plentiful but, although vegetarian dishes are available in traditional restaurants, the choice may be limited.
Age Requirements
16 years and up
Additional Information
  • Accommodation: 4 Superior nights (hotels), 3 Classic nights (hotels)
  • Five days of guided walking and one free day
  • Group normally 4 to 16, plus leader. Minimum age: 16
  • All transport by private cars or minibus
  • Option to travel by train to your adventure
Trip ID
exodus-TSV

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