Welcome to Lisbon, Portugal's vibrant capital full of history, charm and culinary highlights. Your adventure starts at 6 pm with a welcome meeting where you get to know your local guide and fellow travellers. If you arrive earlier, there is time to stroll through the winding lanes of the picturesque Alfama district or explore the imposing São Jorge Castle, which offers a wide view over the city. After the meeting, you set off with your group and guide for dinner at a local restaurant. Afterwards you explore Lisbon on a walk through its streets and squares, when the city unfolds its very special evening atmosphere and really comes to life.

You leave Lisbon behind and drive to south-western Portugal to the start of the historic Fishermen's Trail, an impressive network of hiking paths through the Alentejo and the Algarve. In the small coastal community of Malhão you get out and lace up your hiking boots for the first day of hiking. Today's stage mostly leads along wide sandy beaches and through the dune landscapes of Aivados and Malhão. Each beach surprises with its own character – from freshwater springs to towering cliffs and hidden coves. Along the way, your hiking guide introduces you to the hardy plants that hold their own on this rugged coast despite poor soils, salty air and intense sun. Your hike ends in Vila Nova de Milfontes, where you can end the day with a refreshing swim in the sea. Special information: Walking on hard sand exposed to direct sun is often more strenuous than expected. Please read the packing list carefully so that you are well prepared and can enjoy the hike comfortably and safely.

You start the day with a boat trip from the mouth of the Mira River to Praia das Furnas. There you go ashore and begin your hike along the coast towards Almograve. On the way you pass marshy landscapes that serve as important breeding grounds for numerous fish species. If you're travelling in summer, with a bit of luck you can watch swifts gliding high above you. Your hiking guide introduces you to the diverse native vegetation and also shows you places where invasive acacias have displaced the original plant life. Keep an eye out for small Stone Age quarries hidden in the sand dunes, and perhaps you'll meet a friendly fisherman or two along the way. You reach Almograve in time for lunch and stop at a local restaurant that tempts with fresh fish and seafood from the nearby fish market. Whether prawns, mussels, hake or whelks – the choice isn't easy here. You spend the rest of the day at a relaxed pace, enjoying the calm atmosphere and beautiful surroundings of Almograve. Included activities: – Boat trip on the Mira River – Guided hike from Vila Nova de Milfontes to Almograve – Typical seafood lunch in Almograve

You get up early and set off between Almograve and Zambujeira do Mar – a stage that is among the most dramatic and at the same time most beautiful landscapes of your trip. Your hike takes you past high, rugged cliffs that serve as nesting sites for more than twenty bird species. With a bit of luck you'll spot peregrine falcons, rock doves, jackdaws or kestrels circling above the coast. The region's complex geological history becomes visible along the way: you hike past red sands and oxidised sandstone dating from earlier tropical climates, and at the same time come across traces of animal species from much colder times. In the late afternoon you have the option of a short walk to the Capela de Nossa Senhora do Mar. The small, charming chapel sits high above the sea and offers an impressive view. If you like, bring a picnic and enjoy an unforgettable sunset from this special spot. Included activities: – Guided hike from Almograve to Zambujeira do Mar – Evening walk to the Capela de Nossa Senhora do Mar

Today you take things a little easier before another impressive coastal hike awaits you. From Zambujeira do Mar you follow gentle cliffs and hike past the beaches of Alteirinhos, Carvalhal, Machados and Amália until you finally reach the natural fishing harbour of Azenha do Mar. The sand dunes along this section are surprisingly full of life and provide a habitat for numerous mammals. Even though the animals themselves rarely show themselves, if you pay attention you can spot traces such as burrows or footprints in the sand. Species native to this region include Egyptian mongooses, stone martens, otters, weasels, genets and badgers. At the end of the hike you reach Odeceixe, where you have time to relax on the beach or stroll through the charming village. Then you continue by public bus to Aljezur, where you spend the night. Included activities: – Guided hike from Zambujeira do Mar to Odeceixe

Today is all yours and offers plenty of opportunities to discover the area around Aljezur just as you like. If you want to stay active, there are numerous scenic hiking routes between 5 and 15 kilometres long to choose from. If the waves are calling, Praia da Amoreira is an ideal spot to rent a stand-up paddleboard or surf equipment or to take a lesson. Alternatively, you can rent a bike and explore the varied landscape around Aljezur. If you'd rather give your legs a rest, there are also many quiet beaches in the area where you can relax and unwind.

In the morning you drive from Aljezur to Vila do Bispo, where another impressive hike awaits you. First you head to Cabo de São Vicente, the south-westernmost point of mainland Europe. Along the way, your hiking guide tells you fascinating stories about the maritime, Phoenician and Roman past of this special place. On today's stage you discover rare plant species found only in this region of Portugal. You then follow the coast on to Sagres, a popular meeting place for surfers and those seeking peace and quiet. If the name sounds familiar, it may be because of Portugal's famous beer, which bears the town's name. So why not end the day with a cool glass of cerveja and have dinner together with your fellow travellers? Included activities: – Guided hike from Vila do Bispo to Sagres

As no hikes or activities are planned for today, your hiking adventure ends after breakfast. You then begin your individual journey home or start a personal follow-on programme.