Portugal

Cliffs & Countryside

Indulge in historic Lisbon, marvel at the Alentejo’s rural countryside, and soak in the Algarve’s Mediterranean glow, while we hike and slow-travel our way through the best of Portugal on this 9-day trip of a lifetime.

Get to know Portugal while hiking its most stunning trail

Dates:

Check back for 2025 dates!

Included in the trip: 

  • In-country transportation to all hosted destinations + airport transfer

  • All group activities, classes, & admission fees 

  • Lodging for the duration of the trip (double-occupancy)

  • Most meals, as laid out in the itinerary

  • Local guiding, connections, and expertise

  • Group photographer & post-trip gallery, allowing you to live in the moment

  • Built-in, unplanned time for rest and solo adventuring

*This trip is physically active. Each day, travelers may walk up to 4 miles for group activities. On the Rota Vicentina, travelers will be expected to hike about 10 miles per day, on potentially rocky, sometimes slippery, flat, uphill, and downhill natural terrain and cliffsides. Travelers will need to pack  appropriate shoes and hiking gear, and sun protection. Luggage will be transported between accommodations on the trail, but travelers will be expected to carry what they need for the hiking portions.

Our Itinerary

  • Get settled in at our hotel nestled in Lisbon’s city center, and join the group for a welcome dinner at one of Lisbon’s famous historic restaurants.

  • Experience Lisboa through a local’s eyes for the next two days. We’ll move around the city mostly by foot, visiting the sites, tasting local treats, indulging in the culture and history, and dinner with a view.

  • Dig deeper into the flavors of the city, tasting a local port and cheese and listening to live fado music.

  • Start the day with a couple of hours to explore on your own, or with your new group friends before we say farewell to Lisbon for now, and make our way South to the Alentejo region. Get acquainted with the countryside on a lunch stop at a winery, and then settle into our new hotel for the next 3 nights.

  • Our first full-day hike along the Rota Vicentina trail with a pack lunch, and the magic of some hearty Portuguese comfort food for dinner.

  • Connect with the community as we stop in at a family-owned ceramics workshop and, check out a quaint fishermen’s town to try the local’s favorite grilled fish lunch!

  • Spend another full day on the trail with a fresh view of the sunny Algarve. Walk along striking ocean cliff sides to what was known as, “the end of the world”

    …until North America was discovered by Europeans. Meet up with your luggage when we arrive in the Faro and settle in for the next 2 nights.

  • Wake up in the sunny Algarve! The ever-famous Southern tip of Portugal, neighboring Spain and Morocco. Enjoy a day out on the water via private chartered boat to relax, swim and island hop.

  • Drive back to Lisbon along country routes, taking in the small towns of the Alentejo. Share a final farewell group dinner.

  • Say your goodbyes to the group before we depart the hotel. Airport transfer included.

What our Travelers are Saying

Testimonials
– Rachel M.
Japan Traveler
– Rachel M.
Japan Traveler

"I just got back from an amazing Japan trip with Meridian Boutique Travel Co. and I'm still on cloud nine! The whole experience was, as I’ve been telling everyone I know, truly beyond my wildest dreams. This was my first ever group trip, but after this magical adventure, it certainly won’t be my last. Lizzy’s exceptional planning & guiding allowed me to focus exclusively on the experience instead of getting distracted by the need to stay on top of my own plans. From immersing ourselves in the diverse neighborhoods of Tokyo to being awestruck by the majestic mountaintops that brought tears to my eyes, and soaking in the historical charm of Kyoto–every moment was unforgettable.

– Rachel M.
Japan Traveler
– Bryan R.
Japan Traveler
– Bryan R.
Japan Traveler

"So grateful to MBT for putting together such a cool itinerary and providing some seriously unique and exclusive experiences. I sincerely appreciate all the work you put in to make this happen, to take care of me (treats, sweat rags, train tickets, etc.), and to shepherd me through foreign environs.”

– Bryan R.
Japan Traveler

Frequently Asked

  • Adults over the age of 21 are welcome on MBTC trips. We invite all conscious travelers to join us. We center women solo travelers, and do our best to seek out women artisans, guides and history. We also provide physically active experiences, but we don’t do “adventure travel.” You’ll walk several miles through cities, and hike on uneven terrain in various weather conditions. If you’re ready to take on the challenge with our support (and snacks!) you’re ready to join us. By signing up, travelers are consenting to, and assuming their own risk to navigate these experiences.

  • All travelers are responsible for their own documentation, and entry requirements for each destination. COVID-19 and destination-mandated vaccinations are required for every traveler.

    All travelers must also purchase and provide proof of comprehensive travel insurance.

    Finally, you can expect a trip packet approximately 30 days prior to the trip. Please read through thoroughly for important information, what to pack, and customary cultural information.

  • We aim to build connections on our group trips with travelers of shared values. That’s why we screen for conscious travelers, those who want to explore with empathy and openness. That means:

    You are a responsible visitor. You respect the history, the locals and the experience of our fellow travelers. You accept cultural differences with grace and gratitude.

    You embrace new experiences. You show up ready to explore, try new food, and attempt a phrase or two in a new language. You are ready for the unexpected.

    You’re a conscious traveler if you want to learn about the political scene from the locals while you taste a foreign flavor.

    You’re a conscious traveler if you want to reduce your single use plastics while you push yourself to make it to the summit.

  • MBT is committed to:

    Working with local businesses, from our tour guides to accommodations and activities.

    We challenge our travelers to create less waste, and conserve resources in hotels, and through responsible souvenirs.

    We educate our travelers about nature and local ecosystems, and inspire them to respect and protect the world’s natural beauties.

    We utilize public transportation or walking when possible to lower our group transportation emissions.

  • For group trips, a cancellation occurring up to 45 days before the trip start date may be partially refundable. The $1000 booking deposit is non-refundable. If a cancellation occurs within 45 days of the trip start date, payments will not be returned. See our terms for more details.

  • Our trips inspire women to connect with themselves, each other and the world around us. We bring together a keen attention to the practical details with special moments for indulgence, so you can enjoy the present. We create connections to people and places you’d otherwise never meet. And most of all, we’re here so you can embrace each new experience and live more boldly.

  • Travelers flying solo will be matched up with another traveler as their roommate for the trip. Each country’s customs vary, but we generally plan for 2 to a room, with minor exceptions. We work to put like-minded folks together, and will be there for you every step of the way if something comes up.

    For those who want a single supplement, please reach out for pricing and availability.