Who We Are And What We Do

Who We Are And What We Do Walk Hike Portugal is the result of the experience of four entrepreneurs with a long history in the organization and partic...
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Who We Are And What We Do Walk Hike Portugal is the result of the experience of four entrepreneurs with a long history in the organization and participation in outdoor activities, in and out of Portugal. We create themed walking trails in the Natural Park of Sintra-Cascais protected areas. The Sustainable Tourism is our habitat, and our goal is to make you aware of one of the most beautiful and enigmatic Portugal sierras, the Sintra sierra. We take our walks very seriously, and to keep our customers fully satisfied, we base our business on four principles:

Why Us •







We are in love by what we do - This passion is reflected in our attendance quality, and this is why we are keen on making each walk a two way sharing experience. “Think local act local” – We were born here, grew up here, and so we have a vast knowledge of the Sintra-Cascais Natural Park, its forest, its fauna, its people and its rich Cultural Park, in short, we are authentic. Participate and understanding – We try hard to our walks always contemplate the mix between Natural Park – Communities – Cultural Park. Thus, we provide enriching experiences for our clients feel closer and more integrated. Storytellers – Sintra is a sierra full of millenary secrets and mysteries, oasis of Romanticism and Esotericism. Here, have crossed kings and queens, sun, moon, serpent and antediluvian worshipers, pirates and corsairs, ancient civilizations such as the Romans and Celtics, religious and mystical. All these old stories and cultures are present in our walks, and we love sharing them.

Why Us •



We are a Certified Company – Walk Hike Portugal is certified by Portugal Tourism with the license number 175/2013. We also are Sintra City Hall , Monte da Lua Company (who manages the Sintra Natural and Cultural Park) and Cascais City Hall Partners. The Walk Hike Portugal have all it´s activities covered by the Portuguese legislation compulsory insurance. The insurance issuer is the Liberty insurance company. • Personal Insurance – Policy No. 027/00014657/001 – Death or permanent injury: € 20,000. Treatment costs and repatriation: 3.500 € • Liability Insurance – Policy No. 095/00233252/001 – Per accident: € 50,000. Per Year: 50.000 €

Sustainable Tourism The integration and participation of the tourist with local communities is a priority for us, so we strive to establish local partnerships, thus contributing to the culture and customs preservation of the communities integrated in the Natural Park Sintra / Cascais. The forest and coastline cleanliness is also a priority for us, and in that sense we not only pick up all the trash we find and that we can carry along our tours, as also, and together with our partners, we organize and participate in volunteering activities helping this way in minimizing the human pressure in all these habitats. Being in the field also enables us to alert the authorities to serious situations that require rapid intervention. The warning that we made to the Cascais City Hall about the “Espigão das Ruivas“ beach calamitous situation, is an example. As a result of our alert, the rapid and effective response of the Cascais City Hall allowed to withdraw nearly two tons of garbage from that beach.

Meet our Team Teresa Oliveira

“I was born in Lisbon, but spent most of my childhood on a farm in the north of Portugal. After studying Management at the University, I worked in several areas, but it was in education and teaching where I made career. Travel and trekking in Vietnam, Petra and Europe always relight the pleasure of the outdoors. The mountains sports, the summits, the climbing, became little by little as an escape and a true passion. My third child birth made me face differently the priorities in life. Thus was born the Walk Hike Portugal, part of my life story, first to family and friends and now to all those who would be seduced to know the Sintra-Cascais Natural Park one of the most beautiful and mysterious. "

Teresa is the mentor of this project, which reflects her passion for Walk and Hike activities. She has in its curriculum some of the summits of the Pyrenees, Sierra de Gredos, Alps, beyond the major mountains and national parks in Portugal, including the Azores Peak, the highest mountain of Portugal. Besides partner and professional guide, her knowledge of the history, secrets and mysteries of Sintra, turn every ride into a trip to the past.

Meet our Team Paulo Salgado

“I am a Cascais native, where I was born and lived ever since. Although my vocational training is the technical design, I´m partner and professional guide in Walk Hike in Portugal. I´ve walked the main mountain and national parks of Portugal. The Serra da Estrela, Alvão, Malcata and Peneda Geres, are some of these mountain / parks. The experience allowed me to have a high level of know-how in technical of progression in the harshest rails using the methods essential to field guidance. Internationally I´ve accomplished several ascents in the mountain ranges in Spain and Africa, more specifically in the peaks of Europe, the Sierra de Gredos, Pyrenees and High Atlas in Morocco. My whole life has been dedicated to Nature, adventure and sport, however, because I´ve always lived beside the Sintra-Cascais Natural Park, this is where I feel at home. It is in this magnificent habitat I´ve created my own mountain biking trails, running and mountain walks enjoying the natural conditions offered by this beautiful natural park. "

Paulo, besides partner is a professional guide in Walk Hike Portugal. Knows the Sintra-Cascais Natural Park as few, which allowed us to open up new paths and create unique walks.

Meet our Team Francisco Mendonça

“Advertising and marketing are the foundation of all my professional training. I started climbing mountains at 19, more precisely the Serra da Estrela, and since then I´ve stopped no more . Well, I have to admit that since my daughter was born 4 years ago, I slowed down the pace of mountain activities. Throughout this time I´ve collected some peaks in 3 continents, including the Mont Blanc and Cursed in the Alps, the Posets, Lost and Aneto in the Pyrenees, Sierra de Gredos in Spain, the Elbrus in Caucasus, Kilimanjaro, M 'goun and Toubkal, in Africa. In Portugal I traveled by the major parks and mountains of Portugal, and the Pico in the Azores. Because the outdoor is part of my DNA, I decided to embrace this project and what began as a prank has become a serious one. Thanks to Walk Hike Portugal I´ve met the real Sintra sierra, its people, secular histories and deep mysteries, and fell in love with this little sierra but undoubtedly one of the most beautiful I know. Come and meet it with us. "

Francisco besides partner in Walk Hike Portugal is our marketing man, but is also one of our most experienced guides and its availability is a plus for the walks in which he participates.

Meet our Team António Arbues

“With a background in automotive engineering and after more than 20 years in the frenzy of the sactor, I surrendered entirely to this project! Yes, I always loved nature but the click occurred in the first walk. More than a partner, I became a "walker". Follow me! "

António is partner in Walk Hike Portugal and is responsible for the entire commercial area. He´s also part of our team guides. Its permanent good mood is an asset in all walks in which he participates, beyond its technical capacity, of course.

Our Walks

Where the Land Ends and the Sea Begins Our tour begins at the continental Europe westernmost point, “Cabo da Roca”, where “the land ends and the sea begins”. This ancient fishers way leads us to discover the beauty in the raw state of wild “Ursa” beach, considered by Michelin Guide as one of the most beautiful beaches in the world. Going forward we go back in time, about 115 million years and know the dinosaur footprints, made during the Lower Cretaceous. This tour ends with a delicious grilled fresh fish at “Adraga” restaurant, considered by Sergi Arola (2 Michelin stars), one of the most mediatic Chefs in the world, as “the best beach fish restaurant in the world”, located on the beautiful “Adraga” beach, considered by the Sunday Times one of the 20 best beaches in Europe.

7 Reasons • • • • • • •

The westernmost point of Europe Some of the most beautiful and wild beaches in Europe The tracks where the dinosaurs walked and their footprints The clipping of one of the most beautiful coasts in the world The wild vegetation that hugs the cliffs The fantastic sunset The incomparable fresh fish jumping from the sea to your plate at “Adraga” restaurant, with 96% of recommendations by “Trip Advisor”.

Where the Land Ends and the Sea Begins Includes • •

• •

Water and traditional pastry WHP Menu – couvert + grilled fish+ desert + drink (wineglass/beer/soda/botle of water) + cofee – in the “Adraga” restaurant Track guide Obligatory insurance

Calendar: Every Thursdays

For other dates please contact us to check availability. Note: The customers hotel pick-up time depends on the number of hotels we have to go. Duration: 4 hours + Dinner The beginning: Cabo da Roca - 01h00 pm (winter time) Not suitable activity for children under 12 years

Advised Equipment (depending on weather) • Comfortable rigid sole shoes/boots, preferably suitable for trekking • Hat for sun or umbrella • Waterproof / wind stopper jacket • Sun glasses • Sunscreen • Comfortable clothes and pants suitable for trekking, preferably (avoid jeans) • Fruit and energy bars

Western Europe Beaches This ancient way of fisherman leads us to discover some of the Europe Atlantic coastline most beautiful beaches, highlighting the beauty in the raw state of wild “Ursa” beach, considered by the Michelin Guide as one of the most beautiful beaches in the world. It is here that we will do our picnic and where the more daring can dive in the clear waters. Dare to look at the 90m depth “Fojo”, a natural well that connects to the sea, and find if the Romans had reason to believe that deep down there was a triton playing music in a conch. Before, we go back in time, about 115 million years to know the dinosaur footprints, made during the Lower Cretaceous. Always with the Lighthouse Roca to tell us our fate, be impressed by the mighty Atlantic waves power and how it shaped the coast in impossible ways to man.

7 Reasons • • • • • • •

The 3 beautiful beaches that are part of this walk The profound and mysterious pit “Fojo” digging down almost 100m rock to the ace rushing waters of the ocean The tracks where the dinosaurs walked and their footprints The clipping of one of the most beautiful coasts in the world The picnic in the wild “Ursa” beach with its stately rock that gives it the name The imposing “Roca” lighthouse, the last light sailors see before going to sea The westernmost point of Europe

Western Europe Beaches Includes • • •

Water and traditional pastry Track guide Obligatory insurance

Calendar: Every Mondays

For other dates please contact us to check availability. Note: The customers hotel pick-up time depends on the number of hotels we have to go. Duration: 4 hours The beginning: Praia Grande - 10h00 am (winter time) Not suitable activity for children under 12 years

Advised Equipment (depending on weather) • Comfortable rigid sole shoes/boots, preferably suitable for trekking • Hat for sun or umbrella • Waterproof / wind stopper jacket • Sun glasses • Sunscreen • Comfortable clothes and pants suitable for trekking, preferably (avoid jeans) • Light lunch + Fruit and energy bars

Sintra, Sierra of Secular Mysteries Come with us to meet a more mystical and occult “Sintra” sierra side, Humanity Universal Heritage. On this tour we will know its people and customs. Come and feel what is considered the most beautiful Portugal sierra, but also the most mystical. We take you to its highest points, as the “Peninha” shrine and marvel with the infinite views. Meet its secrets and mysteries, as the “Capuchos” convent, where even today it is said that “those who wish to penetrate the mystery of the convent must first die.” Have lunch at a rural tavern and sample the genuine flavor of this land.

7 Reasons • • • • • • •

Discover the “Capuchos” convent, built in 1560, dug around in pure rock and hidden by lush vegetation and inhabited by the Franciscan Order Come to a major route botanist, for its rarity and value Walk through the interior of the Moon Hill, classified as a Nature Reserve Visit the megalithic monument Marvel the endless views of one of the highest points, the “Peninha” shrine Meet one of the sierra villages, their fields and grazing Have lunch at a rural tavern

Sintra, Sierra of Secular Mysteries Includes • • • • •

Water and traditional pastry “Capuchos” convent entrance ticket + certified guide Rural tavern lunch Track guide Obligatory insurance

Calendar: Every Tuesdays

For other dates please contact us to check availability. Note: The customers hotel pick-up time depends on the number of hotels we have to go. Duration: 6 hours The beginning: Convento dos Capuchos – 10h00 am (winter time) Not suitable activity for children under 8 years.

Advised Equipment (depending on weather) • Comfortable rigid sole shoes/boots, preferably suitable for trekking • Hat for sun or umbrella • Waterproof / wind stopper jacket • Sun glasses • Sunscreen • Comfortable clothes and pants suitable for trekking, preferably (avoid jeans) • Fruit and energy bars

Western Europe Coves Always with the Atlantic company, this walk takes you to experience one of the most beautiful and wild coastlines in Europe. Sandwiched between rocky headlands, and nurtured by the sea restless, we find a protected ecosystem of great beauty, the “Bay of Hedgehogs” (the visit to this bay is dependent on tides). After a break for lunch in one of the most beautiful and least known beaches of our coast, ancient Roman port and sacred place for sun and moon worship, followed by hills and valleys, we keep going until we encounter our goal, the impressive “Cabo da Roca” , led by its powerful lighthouse, a sweeping view.

7 Reasons • • • • • • •

Discover some of the most beautiful coves on the Europe west side Surprise yourself with the beautiful of the “Bay of Hedgehogs” (the visit to this bay is dependent on tides) Enjoy the lunch in the unknown and intimate “Espigão das Ruivas“ beach Enjoy the beauty of the rough deserted beaches in permanent conflict with the Atlantic Observe the fauna/flora perfectly adapted to this harsh landscape Enjoy the intense kaleidoscope of colors, either blue or green, the choppy waters offer when soaked by the Portuguese coast sun Meet the westernmost point of Europe, “Where the land ends and the sea begins”

Western Europe Coves Includes • • •

Water and traditional pastry Track guide Obligatory insurance

Calendar: Every Sundays

For other dates please contact us to check availability. Note: The customers hotel pick-up time depends on the number of hotels we have to go. Duration: 6 hours The beginning: Praia do Abano – 10h00 am (winter time) Not suitable activity for children under 12 years.

Advised Equipment (depending on weather) • Comfortable rigid sole shoes/boots, preferably suitable for trekking • Hat for sun or umbrella • Waterproof / wind stopper jacket • Sun glasses • Sunscreen • Comfortable clothes and pants suitable for trekking, preferably (avoid jeans) • Light lunch + Fruit and energy bars

The Unexpected Gardens, Capuchos - Monserrate This tour takes you to visit two wonderful gardens and its monuments. “Capuchos”, probably the most important testimony of the Sintra primeval forest, preserved by the brotherhood of “Franciscan” friars and their austere monument carved in stone. “Montserrate”, which is one of the most beautiful creations of the Romanticism landscape, as well as it´s very beautiful palace. Immortalized by Lord Byron, Monserrate is one of the most famous and exotic Europe “Victorian” gardens. Before the picnic in the “Monserrate“ gardens we will go through the startling forest corridor with about 7km linking these two wonderful gardens and monuments.

7 Reasons • • • • • • •

Discover the very austere “Capuchos” Convent, excavated and built on pure rock in 1560 and inhabited by the Franciscan Order Meet the botanical legacy of this Order, as austere and authentic as its creators Let yourself be fascinated by the very beautiful Monserrate Palace (1856). Marvel at one of the most important English landscape gardens, immortalized by Lord Byron, and 2013 European Garden Awards winner In the heart of “Moon Hill”, come to see the forest corridor that connects both gardens, as well as its flora and fauna Lose yourself in one of the most striking features of the Sintra sierra, the dichotomy between the beauty and mystique of its immense native vegetation, and one of the most beautiful creations of the Romanticism landscape Enjoy the picnic with one of the most exclusive frameworks we could offer.

The Unexpected Gardens, Capuchos - Monserrate Includes • • • • •

Water and traditional pastry “Capuchos” convent entrance ticket + certified guide “Monserrate” Palace and Gardens entrance ticket + certified guide* Track guide Obligatory insurance

* The Monserrate Palace visit with a certified guide requires a minimum of 5 participants. Between 2 and 4 participants the guided tour is done through an audio guide.

Calendar: Every Saturdays

For other dates please contact us to check availability. Note: The customers hotel pick-up time depends on the number of hotels we have to go. Duration: 6 hours The beginning: Convento dos Capuchos – 10h00 am (winter time) Not suitable activity for children under 8 years.

Advised Equipment (depending on weather) • Comfortable rigid sole shoes/boots, preferably suitable for trekking • Hat for sun or umbrella • Waterproof / wind stopper jacket • Sun glasses • Sunscreen • Comfortable clothes and pants suitable for trekking, preferably (avoid jeans) • Light lunch + Fruit and energy bars

The Route of Romanticism Our Romanticism route will take you into the hart of the “Cultural Landscape of Sintra – UNESCO World Heritage Centre” and its fabulous architectural monuments. We begin in the “Parque da Pena”, and it is from there that we begin this journey into the amazing 19th century . Drink a thousand years of history in the visit to the renovated “Moorish Castle”. Step back further in time, and see the remains of villages from the Neolithic period to about five thousand years ago. Indulge with the intimacy of the gardens of the “Parque da Pena” and his large Victorian lakes. Marvel with the gorgeous architecture of the Pena Palace, the most important center of the Sintra Cultural Landscape, as well as with its romantic botanical gardens. Be amazed with the originality of the “Chalet of Countess D'Edla” and meet the woods which are a tribute to the Romanticism movement.

7 Reasons • • • • • • •

Meet the renovated “Moorish Castle” and the remains of the ancient cultures who lived here. Let yourself be amazed by the unique architecture of the “Chalet of Countess D'Edla” and its magnificent garden Meet the “Quinta da Pena” and accompany us in a curious and beautiful botanical route within the gardens of the Palace Allure yourself by the imposing “Pena Palace”, maximum exponent of the Romanticism movement of the 19th century – Heritage of Humanity since 1995 Meet the beautiful lakes of the “Parque da Pena” Walk through the woods which are a tribute to the Romanticism movement Immerse yourself in all this ambience, and go back until the end of the 19th century

The Route of Romanticism Includes • • • • • •

Water and traditional pastry Park and Palace of Pena entrance ticket + certified guide Mourish Castle entrance ticket + certified guide Chalet of the countess of Edla entrance ticket + certified guide Track guide Obligatory insurance

Calendar: Every Fridays

For other dates please contact us to check availability. Note: The customers hotel pick-up time depends on the number of hotels we have to go. Duration: 6 hours (lunch period included) The beginning: Pena Lakes entrance – 10h00 am (winter time) Not suitable activity for children under 8 years.

Advised Equipment (depending on weather) • Comfortable rigid sole shoes/boots, preferably suitable for trekking • Hat for sun or umbrella • Waterproof / wind stopper jacket • Sun glasses • Sunscreen • Comfortable clothes and pants suitable for trekking, preferably (avoid jeans) • Fruit and energy bars • 10€ to lunch inside de Pena Palace

The Route of Fisherman This walk starts in one of the most beautiful and least known beaches of our coast, ancient Roman port and sacred place for sun and moon worship. We will pass by the impressive “Roca” promontory, the westernmost point of Europe, and where is the lighthouse with the same name. It is in the wild beach “Ursa”, considered by the Michelin Guide as one of the most beautiful beaches in the world that we will do our picnic. Dare to look at the 90m depth “Fojo”, a natural well that connects to the sea, and finds if the Romans had reason to believe that deep down there was a triton playing music in a conch. This walk will finish with the real taste of the sea taking a sea snack in the “Adraga” restaurant, considered by Sergi Arola (2 Michelin stars), one of the most mediatic Chefs in the world, as “the best restaurant beach fish in the world”. All this in front of the Atlantic in the “Adraga” beach, considered by the “Sunday Times” one of the 20 best beaches in Europe.

7 Reasons

• • • • • • •

Three of the most wild beaches in Europe that are part of this walk The picnic in the wild “Ursa” beach with its stately rock that gives it the name The profound and mysterious pit “Fojo” digging down almost 100m rock to the ace rushing waters of the ocean The clipping of one of the most beautiful coasts in the world The wild vegetation that hugs the cliffs The imposing Roca lighthouse, the last light sailors see before going to sea The sea snack and a glass of wine in the “Adraga” restaurant just in front of the Atlantic

The Route of Fisherman Includes • • •

Water and traditional pastry Track guide Obligatory insurance

Calendar: Every Wednesdays

For other dates please contact us to check availability. Note: The customers hotel pick-up time depends on the number of hotels we have to go. Duration: 6 hours The beginning – “Espigão das Ruivas“ beach - 10h00 am (winter time) Not suitable activity for children under 12 years.

Advised Equipment (depending on weather) • Comfortable rigid sole shoes/boots, preferably suitable for trekking • Hat for sun or umbrella • Waterproof / wind stopper jacket • Sun glasses • Sunscreen • Comfortable clothes and pants suitable for trekking, preferably (avoid jeans) • Light lunch + fruit and energy bars

) Fee Schedule

Fee Schedule p/ Person

2 Clients

3 Clients

4 Clients

6 Clients

12 Clients

Where the Land Ends and the Sea Begins

115€

106€

102€

96€

92€

Sintra, Sierra of Secular Mysteries

86€

86€

82€

76€

72€

Western European Coves

72€

60€

56€

48€

44€

The Unexpected Gardens, Capuchos and Monserrate

96€

88€

84€

78€

74€

The Romanticism Route

96€

96€

94€

90€

86€

Western Europe Beaches

70€

60€

55€

50€

45€

Fisherman Route

80€

75€

70€

65€

60€

Tailor Made If you do not find in our solutions menu one that corresponds to what they want, we will be glad to create a tailored one. All our activities are modular, so we can easily build one that suits him. However, if what you really want is something disruptive with what we have, we would love the challenge of building an activity that fulfill your expectations. For being a customized service is impossible for us to anticipate a value. What we can guarantee is our ability and expertise to create a tailor activity at the best possible price.

Report Video Service For our tours will endure in the memory of all your customers and they can share it with their family and friends, we offer a complimentary service with a vídeo with about four minutes. In 48h we commit ourselves to deliver in your hotel/guest house five customized CDs (logo + walk name and date) 5 CD is the minimum quantity …………125€ Each more CD…………………………………….20€