This walking and sightseeing tour is based in Ericeira, a quaint fishing village with amazing beaches and spectacular ocean vistas. Located just 50km away from Lisbon, it was once a holiday resort for the aristocracy and the royal family.
From here, we designed a varied itinerary to explore the region, with walks along the Portugal’s dramatic Atlantic west coast; on the green hills of Serra de Sintra; a trip to the vibrant capital, Lisbon; to the Palace of Mafra, and to its former Royal Hunting Park.
Walks along Portugal’s dramatic Atlantic West coast
Situated on Portugal’s dramatic Atlantic coast less than 50 km away from Lisbon, Ericeira is a quaint fishing village, where you will find traditional cobbled streets, fountains and white-washed houses.
Atlantic Coast – Ericeira
Portugal’s West Atlantic coastline is defined by rocky cliffs dotted with beautiful little bays and secluded beaches. The ancient population of Ericeira was called ‘Jagoz’, and they lived almost exclusively from the sea. The village is renowned for its exquisite seafood restaurants.
The amazing beaches and spectacular ocean vistas attracted the aristocracy and the royal family, giving to Ericeira a charming resort allure.
From here, we designed an itinerary to explore the region, with excursions along the coast and on the green hills of Serra de Sintra, and the beautiful town on the foot of the mountain range, a UNESCO world heritage site.
A trip to the vibrant capital, Lisbon, is also included on a 1 day trip, to explore the historic quarters and must-see spots.
The cultural highlights of this tour include the Royal Building of Mafra – Palace, Basilica and Convent (a world heritage site) and a walk on the former Hunting Park, Tapada de Mafra.
Itinerary
DAY 1
Arrival to Ericeira
DAY 2
Ribeira d’Ilhas coastal walk
After a short coach journey, we will walk back to the hotel along the coast on cliff paths with dramatic views of the wild Atlantic Ocean. We will stop for coffee in Ribeira d’Ilhas beach, the most popular beach of the world surfing reserve.
Distance: 12km
DAY 3
Tapada de Mafra and Palace-Covent
After a short coach journey, we will walk on Tapada de Mafra, the former royal hunting grounds, a protected reserve with a chance to observe boar and deer.
After lunch we will visit Mafra town and the royal palace, the most important Baroque monument in Portugal.
The vast multifunctional, baroque complex was meant for pleasure, study and religious life; it also served as a Franciscan friary.
Distance: 8km
DAY 4
Sintra Hills and Moorish Castle
After a 30 min coach journey we will arrive to Sintra. We will have time to visit the beautiful streets in the old town after our hike to the Moorish castle along the national Park.
Hans Christian Andersen described Sintra has “Where nature and art are magnificently combined”.
Distance: 12 to 16 km (walk the distance preferred, transport available)
DAY 5
Free Day
Opportunity to relax around the hotel, walk independently or visit local places of interest.
DAY 6
Lisbon
We’ll explore Mouraria and Alfama, the oldest quarters in Lisbon. We head to the Castelo de Sao Jorge, a Moorish castle, which was the seat of power for Portugal for over 400 years and holds a commanding hilltop position overlooking the historic centre of Lisbon. We visit the castle and descend the hill, seeing various monuments including the cathedral along the way and visit the Cloister of S. Vicente de Fora, a monastery famous for its beautiful tile panels.
We’ll visit Bairro Alto, walking through the historic quarter and enjoying the views over the city and River Tagus, and down to the large square of Praça do Comércio. The small streets and colourful buildings are fun to explore!
DAY 7
River Lizandro, S.Juliăo and Pobral
From our hotel, we walk the section of the E9 route (The longest coastal trail in the world) from Praia do Sul to S. Julião beach, where we will find a lovely café. Our walk finishes in Pobral village.
Distance: from 12 to 14 km (walk the distance preferred, transport available)
Day 8
Departure
Info
Vila Galé Ericeira
Located in the picturesque town of Ericeira, just over the beach, this hotel filled with history and tradition results from the rehabilitation of the unforgettable Ericeira Tourism Hotel, and it is set against the backdrop of the Atlantic Ocean.
Only 30 minutes from Lisbon, with direct access by motorway, the hotel Vila Galé Ericeira offers a restaurant, two bars, and a modern Satsanga Spa with massage rooms, indoor pool, sauna, Turkish bath and gym.
During your stay, make sure you dive in the two swimming pools for adults, one of them with saltwater.
What's included
Dedicated driver and tour leader to make sure everything runs smoothly
Local touristic tax included
7 nights accommodation in Half-board regime
All walks, visits and transports as outlined in the program
Exclusions:
Flights
Airport Transfers (except when explicitly laid out in the program)
Admission fees to castles & attractions or events (except when explicitly laid out in the program)
Guide services inside monuments
Meals, beverages or food (except when explicitly laid out in the program)
Tips/ gratuities
Baggage or personal insurance
Any other purchases of a personal nature
Any activity/ service not included in the selected program
Single supplement (available with a surcharge)
Extra nights (available on request at an extra cost)
Room upgrade (available on request at an extra cost)
Insurance
You must be adequately insured to join our Guided holidays walking and Self-Guided holidays in Portugal. We do not insist that you insure with us but we require that you are adequately insured for the nature of your holiday.
