the aliveness project
For women who aren't done being curious about the world.
Small-group walking adventures in Portugal. No fitness goals. No itinerary anxiety. Just good routes, good people, and the feeling of doing something entirely for yourself. Based in Portugal. Led by Samantha.
you belong here
You're not looking for a tour. But you are curious and like to explore. Lately, you've been craving a unique and fun experience.You want to step out of your everyday life, and into an adventure with women who are genuinely good company. You're comfortable not knowing exactly what that looks like. Deep down, maybe that's the part you're most excited about.Oh AND! You don't want to handle a single detail. You do enough organizing at home. You're excited to let someone else handle the planning and tell you where to be.
upcoming walks
Alentejo Region, Portugal
October 2026
Travel: by bus from Lisbon to a town in the Alentejo region.Walks include: the historic areas of the village and an 8km portion of the Portuguese Caminho that goes through the town.Cultural activities, pricing, and exact dates revealed on itinerary.
Portuguese Caminho de Santiago
October 2027
Travel: by train to Porto and beyond.Walk: moderate to advance due to duration each day.Do the final 100km of the Portuguese Caminho but in a way that doesn't break your back or make your toes fall off!Slower paced and enjoyable.
7 days, max 15-20km each day
Why Samantha?
Samantha is an American immigrant, based in Lisbon for four years.Former travel writer, partnering with tourism destinations all over the world, she curates trips for women who are genuinely good company -- curious, easy, up for whatever the day brings.She hand-picks every path, every stop, every group. The trips are small on purpose. The people selected matter as much as the places she chooses.
Testimonials
Real women. Real trips. They showed up. Here's what happened."A very belated huge thank you for a most pleasant walking, learning and social two days! You are a professional leader full of interesting knowledge and great organisation skills. I loved every minute, even with the rain and laughing about!! I would love to go on another walking adventure with you!!"
- Nancy
retreats
Normally, our walking adventures are between 1-3 days.If you are interested in a longer experience paired with slower pacing and rejuvenation, add your name to the waitlist to receive the itinerary to our upcoming weeklong retreat experience.
Join to receive letters from The Aliveness Project
Maybe you aren't ready to book a walk just yet, but you want to keep in touch.Join to get access to letters from The Aliveness Project.I'll be sharing walking guides, upcoming adventures, and the occasional amazing thing worth knowing for curious women like us.