DMC Services for Walking & Hiking Programmes in Portugal

Farol Discover is a licensed destination management company based in Portugal, specialising in ground handling for walking and hiking programmes across southern Portugal.

We work with tour operators in Germany, Austria, Switzerland, and beyond - providing guided group programmes, self-guided logistics, and custom itinerary design. Our role is to plan, coordinate, and deliver the full ground operation so you can sell with confidence.

What We Offer🔗

Guided Group Programmes🔗

Professional guiding for small groups - maximum 12 participants per guide. We handle pre-trip briefings, daily guiding, logistics coordination, and emergency support throughout. For larger groups, a second guide is added to maintain the same standard.

We operate guided programmes on the Rota Vicentina (Fishermen's Trail and Historical Way) and the Via Algarviana, with coastal and inland variations available.

Self-Guided Programme Logistics🔗

Full ground handling for self-guided itineraries - accommodation booking, daily luggage transfers, digital guidebook production (GPS tracks, day-by-day instructions, local information), and 24-hour emergency support for your clients throughout.

We coordinate the complete logistics chain so your clients walk independently with the confidence of professional support in the background.

Tailor-Made Itinerary Design🔗

Custom programmes built to your specifications. We design itineraries from scratch - combining trails, adjusting stages and daily distances, selecting accommodation to your grade requirements, and incorporating additional activities (cycling, cultural visits, gastronomic experiences) where relevant.

Proposals include detailed day-by-day breakdowns, accommodation options, and supplier confirmation status. Pricing is based on confirmed supplier quotes, not estimates. Programme proposals are priced on a per-person basis with a full cost breakdown provided for every quote.

Full Ground Handling🔗

Airport arrivals, welcome transfers, inter-stage transfers, end-of-programme transfers, and departure logistics - all coordinated through our established supplier network. We do not own vehicles; transfers are arranged through vetted regional partners.

Why Partner With Farol Discover🔗

Licensed walking tour operator. As a licensed walking tour operator in Portugal, we hold RNAVT 10982 (registered travel agency) and RNAAT 148/2024 (adventure activity and nature tourism certification). Both licences are current and verifiable with the Portuguese tourism authority.

Certified trail partner. Official certified partner of Rota Vicentina and Via Algarviana - the two principal long-distance walking networks in southern Portugal. Certification is granted directly by the trail associations to verified operators who meet their operational standards.

Registered with regional tourism boards. Visit Algarve (RTA Algarve) and Visit Alentejo (Turismo do Alentejo). Regional registration provides an additional layer of accountability and supports official destination marketing.

Small-group specialist. Maximum 12 participants per guide is our operational standard, not a marketing claim. Groups above 12 are split with a second guide. This is built into every programme we design.

Operating since 2019. Farol Discover has been operating walking programmes in southern Portugal since 2019, building supplier relationships, trail knowledge, and on-the-ground capability across all the routes we cover.

Established supplier network. Accommodation partners, transfer providers, and activity operators across the Algarve and Alentejo, selected for reliability and programme compatibility. Accommodation for groups is managed on allotment and reservation basis; self-guided individual accommodation is subject to availability at time of booking.

Portuguese-owned and locally operated. We are based in Portugal, operating in Portugal. Our guiding team are local professionals with deep knowledge of the trails, flora, fauna, and culture.

How It Works🔗

1. Send an enquiry. Use the form below or email info@faroldiscover.pt. Tell us about your programme concept - destination, duration, group type, season, and any specific requirements.

2. We discuss your needs. A brief call or email exchange to clarify details, confirm feasibility, and understand your clients' profile and expectations.

3. We propose a programme. Detailed day-by-day itinerary with accommodation options, pricing structure, and logistics overview. Proposals are sent within 5 working days for standard routes; custom itineraries may require additional time.

4. You sell. We operate. Once a programme is confirmed, we manage all ground operations. You receive a single point of contact for the full operation.