Compare Hike the Rota Vicentina in Portugal by Intrepid Travel vs Walking Madeira: Portugal’s Isle of Flowers By Foot by Road Scholar

Day 1 Lisbon

Welcome to Lisbon! Portugal’s lively capital city is brimming with fascinating historical sites and fantastic restaurants. Your adventure begins with a welcome meeting at 6pm, where you’ll meet your local leader and new travel companions. If you arrive early, perhaps take a stroll through the winding alleyways of the charming Alfama neighbourhood or pay a visit to Sao Jorge Castle. After your meeting, head out with your leader and group to get to know each other over dinner in a local restaurant, followed by a post-dinner walk around the city, which really comes to life in the evenings.

Day 2 Rota Vicentina (Malhao to Vila Nova de Milfontes)

Leave Lisbon behind and drive towards the start of the ancient Fisherman's Trail in the southwest of Portugal, made up of an amazing collection of hiking tracks down through Alentejo and the Algarve. Jump out of your vehicle in the coastal parish of Malhao and lace up your boots for your first day of walking. Making the most of your seaside setting, most of today’s walk is along sandy sweeps of beach, crossing the dunes of Aivados and Malhao. Each beach you pass offers something different, from freshwater springs to sharp cliffs and hidden coves. As you walk, your leader will introduce you the hardy plants that live along the coast, defying the odds to thrive against a landscape of poor soil, salty air and hot sun. Today’s walk wraps up in Vila Nova de Milfontes, where you may like to cool off with a refreshing dip in the ocean.

Day 3 Rota Vicentina (Vila Nova de Milfontes to Almograve)

Start the day with a boat ride from the mouth of the Mira River to Praia das Furnas, where you’ll disembark and begin your walk. On your journey to Almograve, follow the coast and pass by marshes that serve as breeding grounds for many species of fish. If travelling over summer you’ll most likely see swifts soaring overhead. Keep an eye out for small stone-age quarries tucked into the sand dunes, and you may pass a friendly local fisherman or two. Arrive in Almograve in time for lunch and head to a local restaurant with a menu brimming with fresh seafood, brought in from the fish market up the road. You may like to tuck into a tasty meal of shrimp, clams, hake or whelk. The rest of the day is for you to relax and immerse in beautiful surroundings of Almograve.

Day 4 Rota Vicentina (Almograve to Zambujeira do Mar)

Rise bright and early to hit the trail between Almograve and Zambujeira do Mar – the scenery you’ll come upon today is some of the most dramatic and beautiful on your journey. Walk past high, jagged cliffs which serve as the nesting place of over twenty bird species – look out for peregrine falcons, rock doves, jackdaws and kestrels. The area’s layered geological history will become apparent as you pass red sands and oxidised sandstone from previous tropical climates, and remains of cold climate animals from a cooler past. Later in the day, take a short walk to Capela de Nossa Senhora do Mar, a charming little chapel overlooking the sea. You’ll have the option to bring along a picnic and watch the sun go down from this privileged spot.

Day 5 Rota Vicentina (Zambujeira do Mar to Odeceixe) / Aljezur

Enjoy a slower start to the day before heading off for another fantastic walk, bursting with more stunning coastal scenery. Setting off from Zambujeira do Mar, walk along gentle clifftops past the beaches of Alteirinhos, Carvalhal, Machados and Amália before arriving at a natural fishing harbour in Azenha do Mar. The sand dunes on this stretch of your walk are alive with activity and home to many mammals, and while they are pretty hard to spot, you may be able to see evidence of burrows and footprints. Egyptian mongooses, beech martens, otters, weasels, genets and badgers all call this part of the country home. Finish your walk in Odeceixe and enjoy some downtime to relax on the beach or explore the village, then board a public bus and head to Aljezur, where you will spend the night.

Day 6 Aljezur

The day is yours to enjoy the abundance of activities available in the Aljezur area. If you want to keep the momentum going, there are plenty of scenic walking trails ranging from 5 to 15km. For those who want to make the most of the waves, head to Praia da Amoreira where you can hire a stand up paddleboard, surf gear or join in with a class, or you may prefer to rent a bicycle to explore the surrounding landscapes. Of course, if you’d prefer to give your legs a rest, there are plenty of peaceful beaches to stretch out on!

Day 7 Rota Vicentina (Vila do Bispo to Sagres)

Transfer this morning from Aljezur to Vila do Bispo where you’ll pick up another walk, first heading towards the Cabo de São Vicente, the southwesternmost point of mainland Europe. Your leader will share stories of the cape’s maritime, Phoenician and Roman past as the finish line beckons. Today’s walk will reveal rare plant life only found in this corner of Portugal, so be sure to look down as well as at the scenery around you! Skirt along the coast before finishing up in Sagres, a popular spot for surfers and holiday makers. If the name sounds familiar, it may be because of Portugal’s iconic beer which is named after the town, so this evening why not grab a cool glass of cerveja and some dinner with your group.

Day 8 Sagres

With no walks or activities planned for today, your adventure comes to an end after breakfast this morning.

Day 1 In Transit to Program In Flight

Day 2 Arrive Lisbon, Check-in, Welcome Dinner Lisbon

Hotel check-in at 2:00 p.m.

Welcome drink at 6:00 p.m. The Group Leader will greet everyone, lead introductions, and answer any questions. Unless otherwise noted, dinners on this program are typically buffet style. Breakfasts will offer a typical European-style breakfast buffet with breads, cheeses, cold-cuts, yogurt, fruit, cereals, juice, milk, coffee, tea, and water. Please note that water is included in the program cost at all meals. Periods in the schedule designated as “Free time” and “At leisure” offer opportunities to do what you like and make your experience even more meaningful and memorable according to your personal preferences. The Group Leader will be happy to offer suggestions. Program activities, schedules, personnel, and indicated distances or times may change due to local circumstances/conditions. In the event of changes, we will alert you as quickly as possible. Thank you for your understanding.

At leisure.

We will enjoy a welcome dinner with water at the hotel.

Day 3 Funchal-Portugal, Introduction Funchal - Madeira

Please be advised that additional baggage fees for checked bags may apply and must be paid directly to the airline at check in.

We will transfer to the Lisbon airport by motorcoach for the flight to Funchal. Upon arrival in Funchal, a private motorcoach will transfer us to the hotel in Funchal, Madeira. The transfer is 12 miles and will take 30 minutes.

We will enjoy an orientation walk to the Lido area, where we will have a brief introduction to Madeira island. The Lido area is lined with hotels and bordered by splendid gardens, offering wonderful views of the sea and magnificent sunsets. Before dinner, the Group Leader will host the Orientation Meeting in which will review the program theme, the up-to-date Daily Schedule and any changes, discuss safety guidelines, emergency procedures, roles and responsibilities and answer any questions you may have.

At leisure.

Hotel buffet.

Explore local fare on your own.

Hotel buffet.

Day 4 Porto Moniz Funchal - Madeira

Getting on/off motorcoach, driving approximately 2 hours, 60 miles total. Approximately 3 hours of walking for approximately 5 miles on trails.

We will travel by motorcoach in the direction of Ribeira Brava, a seaside resort at the mouth of a steep valley. After crossing the island to the North coast, we will start the romantic walk through a wooded area. We will learn about the Lauissilva forest, designated as a World Heritage site by UNESCO in 1999 , during a field lecture from our Group Leader.

We will transfer to Porto Moniz to relax in its large natural bathing pool. We will then return to the hotel.

During dinner, we will be treated to live Fado singing. The rest of the evening is at leisure.

Hotel buffet.

We will enjoy a picnic lunch while on the trail.

We will enjoy a plated meal at a local restaurant.

Day 5 Market Day in Funchal, Free Time Funchal - Madeira

Approximately 3 hours of walking for approximately 4 miles through town, on uneven surfaces, and cobblestones.

Today, we will have a walking field trip to the city center. Along the way, we will have the chance to visit some gardens, the cathedral, the main street, and the colorful market of Funchal, where vendors selling fish, vegetables, and fruit can be found. After the market, we’ll walk along the old town area and enjoy some street art. During today's field lectures, we’ll learn about the lifestyle of Funchal's inhabitants, the economics of Funchal, and the history of the Funchal Cathedral.

Free time. Take this opportunity for personal independent exploration to see and do what interests you most. Please refer to the list of Free Time Opportunities. The Group Leader will be happy to offer suggestions.

At leisure.

Hotel buffet.

Explore local fare on your own in Funchal.

Explore local fare on your own.

Day 6 Southwest Coast Funchal - Madeira

Getting on/off motorcoach, driving1 hour, 40 miles total. Approximately 3 hours of walking for approximately 5 miles on trails.

We will enjoy a walking field trip along the Levada do Norte through one of the most fertile regions of the island where vineyards alternate with vegetable gardens. We’ll learn about the wine of the region and how the fertile land is cultivated during today's field lecture as we enjoy breathtaking views from the Cabo Girão viewpoint (1902 feet), the second highest sea cliff in Europe. Below this point, there are small vineyards and vegetable patches that can only be reached by boat. For natives, every bit of land is precious.

We will then explore the Calheta sugar cane mill and learn about the history of the sugar trade on Madeira. Learn about how the factory transforms sugar cane into sugar products like rum, molasses, and traditional honey cakes.

At leisure.

Hotel buffet.

We will enjoy a plated meal at a local restaurant.

Explore local fare on your own.

Day 7 North Coast Funchal - Madeira

Getting on/off motorcoach, driving under 3 hour, 40 miles. Approximately 2 hours of walking for approximately 3 miles on trails and through villages.

We will ride by private motorcoach through the mountains to visit Pico do Arieiro to experience the magnificent views. Afterwards, we will descend to Ribeiro Frio where a hike along the Levada Balcões will take place. This path is surrounded by the lush vegetation of the pristine forest and has a breathtaking view. We’ll continue to the next stop, Santana, known for its triangular thatched cottages that have become an island icon. We will hear field lectures on the geological and botanical aspects of all of these places you see.

We will hike on an old footpath along the coast seizing the beautiful coastline views and getting to know the coastal flora and local livelihood. Afterwards, return to the hotel.

At leisure.

Hotel buffet.

We will enjoy a plated meal at a local restaurant.

Explore local fare on your own.

Day 8 Botanical Garden, Levada da Serra do Faial Funchal - Madeira

Getting on/off motorcoach, driving about 1 hour. Approximately 2 hours of walking for approximately 4 miles on trails and paved roads through villages.

We will set out by motorcoach to Camacha (2300 feet), where we will have a walking field trip along the Levada da Serra do Faial. Upon approaching the village, we will notice bundles of long canes. This area is known as basket country, where wicker working is a traditional industry. Today's field lectures will educate you on the area's indigenous plants and basket weaving.

We will drive to the Botanical Gardens, created in 1960 on the grounds of the Quinta do Bom Sucesso, overlooking the town of Funchal. Most of the displayed plants are from around the world, with a section for indigenous flora. We’ll then make a short transfer to Monte, where we will visit the gardens and church. The twin towers of the church are visible from all over the town of Funchal. The afternoon will end with a fun toboggan run sitting on baskets! We’ll then return to the hotel.

At leisure.

Hotel buffet.

We will enjoy a plated meal at a local restaurant.

Hotel buffet.

Day 9 Ponta de São Lourenço, Madeiran Beef Kebab, Free Time Funchal - Madeira

Getting on/off motorcoach, driving about 2 hours, 50 miles. Approximately 2 hours of walking for approximately 2 miles on trails with some stairs and gravel.

After driving by Machico, the spot where humans first set foot on the island, we will continue on to Ponta de São Lourenço, where the landscape is drier and looks almost lunar. We will hear about the biodiversity and geology of the region during the hike along the serrated line of cliffs tapering into jagged rocky islets.

Free Time. Take this opportunity for personal independent exploration to see and do what interests you most. Please refer to the list of Free Time Opportunities, which can be found in the first Information Packet. The Group Leader will be happy to offer suggestions and give directions.

At leisure.

Hotel buffet.

Grilled fresh fish will be served at a local restaurant.

We will enjoy a farewell dinner where the unique Madeiran beef kabob is served at a local restaurant.

Day 10 Transfer to Lisbon, Free Time Lisbon

Getting on/off motorcoach, airplane. Driving 1/2 hour, around 12 miles. Flight is under 2 hours.

We will transfer by motorcoach to the Funchal airport for our flight to Lisbon.

Free Time. The remainder of the day is on your own to see and do what interests you most. Your Group Leader will be able to suggest ideas of what to do and see in Lisbon.

At leisure.

Hotel buffet.

Explore local fare on your own in Lisbon.

Explore local fare on your own.

Day 11 Program Concludes In Flight

Hotel check-out by 11:00 a.m.

If you are returning home, safe travels. If you are staying on independently, have a wonderful time. If you are transferring to another Road Scholar program, detailed instructions are included in your Information Packet for that program. We hope you enjoy Road Scholar learning adventures and look forward to having you on another rewarding program in the future. Don’t forget to join our Facebook page and follow us on Instagram. Best wishes for all your journeys!

Hotel buffet. This concludes our program.