Every Adventures in Good Company trip leaves its mark, not just in photos, but in shared moments, stories, and the quiet reflections that linger long after travelers return home. After guiding our Portugal: Hiking, Kayaking & Culture journey in June 2025, AGC guide Andre Mallinger put those memories into words. What follows is her personal reflection on the landscapes the group explored, the meals shared, and the connection that made this Portugal adventure so meaningful.
“I find myself reflecting often on the experiences we shared during our time together in Portugal — the connections, laughter, stories, and adventures.” -Andre M.
The Hiking That Defined Our Days
As always, the hiking stands out first. We began with a walking tour of Lisbon through the historic Alfama neighborhood (call it urban hiking!), followed by time meandering through the beautiful Parque da Pena with its winding paths, gardens, chapels, statues, and overlooks.
We also enjoyed cliff walking from Praia das Maças to Cabo da Roca, the western-most point of continental Europe, and a phenomenal loop hike around Cabo Espichel in Arrábida Natural Park. That day included steep ups and downs (which our group all ROCKED!), a destroyed fort over the ocean, cross-country trekking, two sets of dinosaur tracks, and a quiet church at the end.
History, Castles & Monuments of Portugal
This being Portugal, we visited several historic sites and monuments. Highlights included Castelo São Jorge in Lisbon; the Pena Palace, a fascinating 19th-century Romantic castle commissioned by King Ferdinand II; and Castelo dos Mouros in Sintra (just getting there was an adventure for some!).
We also explored another Moorish castle in the hills above Sesimbra, the Palacio Nacional in Sintra with its fascinating Heraldic Hall, and numerous monuments throughout Lisbon and Belém.
A Day on the Water: Kayaking the Coast
Of course, our day of kayaking will always shine in my memory! We had a beautiful day, with gentle waves and minimal wind. The calm weather let us explore tunnels and caves, experiencing the ocean's erosive power under our local guide Annabelle's clear direction. Once again, the group ROCKED in their 2-person sit-on-top kayaks!
Picnics, Prepared with Care
I loved our picnic lunches, creatively and beautifully prepared by Annabelle: delicious grain salads, fresh cheese, bread and fruit, sausage grilled over a clay asador, and even a wee toast of white port!
Our picnic spots were also perfect: a garden nook below the Pena Palace; fortress ruins overlooking the ocean; a quiet beach.
Food, Pastries & Portugal’s Flavors
And speaking of food, our restaurants did not disappoint! Many of us enjoyed sampling a variety of the day’s fresh catch as well as Portugal’s traditional salted and dried bacalhão. Others tried different types of rice dishes (i.e. arroz de mariscos) and fresh pastries (pastel de nata and pastel de bacalhão). We made many stops for gelato.
Wine, Naturally — This Is Portugal
A little out of the norm for AGC but, again, this being Portugal, we had to sample some local wines, including a variety of reds and whites (tinto o branco), vinho verde, port and moscatel. We even learned about wine production with a tour and tasting at one of the large Bacalhôa wineries.
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An Exceptional In-Country Guide
Annabelle Le Rohellec, our in-country guide, played a very key role in interpreting and guiding us through our days in Portugal. It’s hard to believe she’s not Portuguese, as she holds such knowledge of Portuguese history, dates and facts, and she’s also a stupendous guide.
Gratitude & Looking Ahead
This was a special trip, and I’m grateful for the kindness, flexibility, good humor, determination, patience, and curiosity that made it such a success.
If reading this reflection has sparked your own curiosity about Portugal, we invite you to join us on a future Portugal: Hiking, Kayaking & Culture adventure. It’s a journey shaped by dramatic coastlines, rich history, shared meals, and meaningful days outdoors — all experienced in good company.
— Andre Mallinger, AGC Guide
