Kaylee Talks about Madeira
Kaylee Lin recently visited Madeira and shares her insights

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A traveler’s paradise with sun-kissed coasts, historic charm, and vibrant culture

A traveler’s paradise with sun-kissed coasts, historic charm, and vibrant culture

Blessed with sun-kissed beaches, vibrant fishing villages and scenic routes through pine forests and dunes, Portugal trips are fantastic for walkers and cyclists. While people have been flocking to the Algarve for decades, swathes of the rest of the country remain unexplored, although Lisbon has nudged its way onto savvy travelers must-visit lists over recent years.
✓ Adventures in Portugal offer huge diversity, with the landscape of each region creating a distinct identity: dive into the wild southwest corner – where world-class surf breaks await and meandering rivers beg to be explored by kayak – or take it easy in the lush, green setting of the north.
✓ Then there’s the Douro Valley, where the vast forest, almond groves and terraced vineyards are UNESCO protected. The area has evidence of wine production dating back some 2,000 years, and there are many opportunities to stop and sample as you go.
✓ And let’s not forget Madeira, an Atlantic island gem with a subtropical climate, and the Azores, a scenic archipelago featuring stunning landscapes.

Take a deep-dive into the premier wine region of Portugal, the UNESCO-listed Douro Valley
Led by one of our expert guides, Lina Ferreira or Ana Carla Moura Parente da Costa, immerse yourself in atmospheric Porto and indulge in a voyage of taste and discovery through the verdant Douro Valley, where port wines are produced. Venture into the region known as Terras de Basto, home of Portugal’s young wine, vinho verde, and stay in handpicked hotels including properties in the heart of the Douro Valley, which have exceptional views. The perfect combination of leisurely walks and authentic cultural visits provide a memorable introduction to this lush, captivating country, once a dominant trading power in the world.
HIGHLIGHTS
•Premium accommodation throughout the trip
•Discover ancient wine cellars and sample regional wines
•Enjoy walks through terraced vineyards and tranquil countryside
•Explore vibrant Porto with a guided walking tour
•Citizen Science departures available on this trip

Explore verdant landscapes on one of the most scenic islands in Portugal
Discover the wild and varied scenery of Madeira, from gentle strolls along flower-lined levadas (centuries-old waterways) and spectacular coastal footpaths, to more demanding forays among the jagged ridges and peaks of the volcanic interior. Relax by the sea in the village of Machico, see waves crashing close to shore in Porto Moniz and discover the historic importance of Funchal, an old trade centre famous for exporting sugar and wine to the Indies and New World.
HIGHLIGHTS
•Walk through the botanical paradise of Madeira
•Stroll alongside flower-lined levadas with stunning coastal views
•Discover spectacular mountain scenery, including Pico Ruivo, the highest peak on the island
•Visit UNESCO sites include the ancient Fanal Forest
•Enjoy a mild year-round climate, perfect for walking

Follow scenic forest and ocean-side paths as you cycle the Atlantic coast of Portugal
The Atlantic coast of Portugal offers fantastic cycling holiday opportunities past sun-kissed beaches and colorful fishing villages. This tour starts in Porto, a UNESCO World Heritage city, and the itinerary follows relatively easy flat or rolling cycling trails through a variety of landscapes and along the stunning coastline, with stops in different villages and towns for a full immersion in the relaxed Portuguese way of life. Highlights include a scenic ride through the dunes of the São Jacinto Natural Reserve and an overnight stay in the picture-perfect fortified village of Óbidos. After a week of cycling along some of the best coastline in Portugal, enjoy the delights of Lisbon, one of the most charming capital cities in the world.
HIGHLIGHTS
•Discover Porto and Lisbon, two of the most charming cities in Europe
•Cycle through pine forests and along coastal routes
•Explore the medieval white-washed town of Óbidos
KEY CYCLE INFORMATION
•Five days cycling with partial vehicle support (limited seats)
•90 percent paved roads and cycle paths, 10 percent unpaved trails
•A mix of flat riding and some hills throughout
•E-bikes available for an additional cost
•Easily combine this trip with Exodus' Lisbon to Algarve Ride
Pace:
Leisurely: 5mi-8mi (9km-13km) an hour
Terrain:
90 percent paved roads and cycle paths, 10 percent unpaved trails

Journey from Porto to Lisbon via the Douro Valley and cultural highlights of Portugal
Once a powerful kingdom that dominated the world sea routes, Portugal today is one of the most welcoming and peaceful countries in Europe, though the legacy of its former wealth can still be found in its historic cities. Starting from colorful Porto, the second city and a UNESCO site, this journey follows the lush green valleys and rolling hills of the Douro wine region, before heading to the lesser-known interior, where we visit Coimbra, the UNESCO Batalha monastery, medieval Óbidos and magnificent Sintra before reaching Lisbon, one of the most enchanting capital cities in the world.
HIGHLIGHTS
•Seven nights in four- and five-star hotels
•Visit Porto and the UNESCO-listed Douro wine region with included wine tasting
•Explore magnificent heritage in Lisbon
•Discover medieval Óbidos and elegant Coimbra

Hike a handpicked selection of the most beautiful walking trails from Porto to Santiago de Compostela
From Porto, the Portuguese Camino splits into two: the Central Route and the Coastal Route. While many pilgrims simply follow one path on their way to Santiago de Compostela, Spain, we hike the very best sections of both, while also taking an extra-special detour to navigate the lesser-trod Spiritual Variant, said to be the original route of Saint James. The result is an unforgettable week of walking through the most picturesque sections of northern Portugal and Spain, ending with a showstopping arrival in the holy town of Santiago de Compostela.
HIGHLIGHTS
•Explore the picturesque medieval city of Viana de Castelo
•Take the lesser-known Spiritual Variant, said to be the original way of St James
•Board a boat to follow the 17 crosses of the Translatio Route
•Discover the 51 ancient mills and waterfalls on the Stone and Water Route
•Complete your adventure with a visit to the cathedral in Santiago de Compostela
•Six days of point-to-point walking with luggage transferred
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Trek in the undiscovered volcanic archipelago of Europe
It is hard to believe the Azores are part of Europe. Born from the immensity of the Atlantic Ocean, this lush, green archipelago of volcanic islands is a far cry from continental Portugal. Each of the nine islands has its own characteristics, from steep craters to abundant wildlife to sites of historical interest. All, however, are best explored on foot. This itinerary visits three of the most interesting islands, walking through UNESCO-listed vineyards, lava plateaux (or fajãs) and sunken volcanoes to showcase the Azores at their best.
HIGHLIGHTS
•Visit and explore three unique islands
•Enjoy vineyards, volcanoes and coastal views
•Options to climb Mount Pico on Day 2
•Whale watching on Day 3
•Six days with guided walking; one free morning

Kaylee Lin recently visited Madeira and shares her insights
Kyra Rose gives her insights from recently visiting Portugal on a walking and wine holiday.



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