Ryder-Walker’s first foray into Portugal explores the Southwestern coastal region of Portugal where the Portuguese young wine, Vinho Verde, is produced, with coastal paths that have been traveled by pilgrims for hundreds of years. The Southwestern Scenic Coastal Trek, which we offer as both a guided and self guided tour, follows a historic fisherman’s trail from the Iberian jewel of Porto Corvo to the wild beaches of Odeceixe. As you explore the winding coastal paths most days will also offer the unique experience to finish a long hiking day relaxing in the cobalt ocean water.

Portugal represents a cultural fusion that is a product of the country’s post-colonial history. While traveling throughout Portugal you will notice multiple regal relics to Portugal’s colonial era where the exploration of the Americas brought a stream of gold and international recognition to the maritime nation. Subsequently, the colonization of China would bring an infusion of shared culture which is most noticeable with the Portuguese language: to a layman, Portuguese looks quite a bit like anglicized Chinese, because the Portuguese were among the first to begin translating Chinese characters to Western script. The connection with Latin America results in a similar shared cultural influence. Often when exploring the most remote stretches of Portugal it feels almost as though you were visiting the European equivalent of Central America. Today, Portugal boasts a truly amazing food culture, which draws inspiration from Spanish tapas and French cooking techniques, with a special focus on the unique Portuguese pastry and cafe culture. Beyond this, Portugal offers one of the most lively urban environments on the continent, with the main cities of Lisbon and Porto offering vibrant art scenes, student centers, and dozens of museums filled with treasures from around the world. .

Whether you are looking for a truly different European experience or a luxurious romp along the glittering Iberian Coast, The Southwestern Scenic Coastal Trek offers something truly unique to Ryder-Walker’s roster of tours. Portugal enchanted us from the moment we stepped foot on its sandy shores, and we are confident that anyone who has overlooked Portugal as a destination up to this point will be amazed at the time they have missed exploring a region with as much heart as Portugal.