Alentejo Essence - Group Walking Tour

	Wide open spaces and verdant mountain
	Wild flowers in Spring, golden leaves in Autumn
	Medieval castles, historic towns, unspoilt villages
	Fine wines

Walking tours in Portugal, Madeira and Azores

The Alto Alentejo is a joy. Virtually unknown, its rich rolling landscape covered with groves of cork, chestnut and olive trees and carpeted in spring with wild flowers is a treat to walk through. Situated on the Portuguese - Spanish border in the Serra de Sao Mamede, the fortress towns of Castelo de Vide and Marvão remain almost unchanged since the Middle Ages, their castles are magnificent monuments to former bloody battles. This group walk will allow us time to explore the true beauty of the area before moving south to the tiny medieval village of Terena. We will visit also the spectacular walled town of Monsaraz with its famous bull ring. The countryside here is very different and we will spend two days walking coupled a visit to a Quinta that produces some very fine wines.

ITINERARY

Day 1

Day 2

Day 3

Day 4

Day 5

Day 6

Day 7

Day 8

Transfer from Faro to Castelo de Vide, overnight Castelo de Vide.
(this is a 4 hour journey but we will stop for a break and lunch)

A walk through the heart of the Serra de Mamede Natural Park, where peace reigns supreme to the medieval fortress town of Marvão; a serene medieval hamlet dramatically set on an escarpment. There will be plenty of time to explore the town and castle, 12.5km/ 8miles. Overnight Castelo de Vide.

A circular walk on the southern margins of the Natural Park where rolling farmland replaces rocky hill slopes. The walk passes through ancient forests of cork oaks before a brief interlude over the border into Spain to visit a local bar! On this walk we also visit the cave paintings of Lapa dos Gavoes dating back to 4,000B.C. 16km/10miles. Overnight Castelo de Vide.

A walk around Reguengo where the countryside is a mixture of ridges and peaks, escarpments and hills; very beautiful. After the walk we will visit a local family run winery for a private tasting 12.25km/7.8miles. Overnight Castelo de Vide.

A walk from Castelo de Vide following ancient cobbled mule tracks through the heart of this region passing the much revered Fonte de Carvoeiro to the old village of Carrierras, 10km/6.2miles. Then we transfer south to the village of Terena. Overnight Terena

Today we will walk from Terena through its traditional countryside to Hortinhas and then north to the Lucefecit river gorge and dam. On the hill tops we will discover ancient castles and in the valleys wild birds and flowers, 13km/8.1 miles. Overnight Terena

A walk to the west of Monsaraz through olive groves and ancient scenery before climbing gently up to visit this famous village. From here we will drive to the tiny village of Sao Pedro do Corval which has more than 20 pottery workshops and we will visit at least one, 12km /7.5miles. Overnight Terena.

Transfer back to the Algarve or to Evora to catch the bus to Lisbon

	INCLUDED
	7 nights accommodation in a twin –bedded room with en-suite facilities, 4 nights in Castelo de Vide and 3 nights close to the castle of Terena. We will stay in a beautiful town house and a very special luxury village house.
	All meals, lunches will be picnics which we will carry with us.
	Transport to and from Faro by minibus.
	Transfer to and from all the walks and movement of luggage during the week.
	Experienced walk leader
	Wine tastings.
	NOT INCLUDED Flights and travel insurance

Closest airport – Faro Airport or we can meet you in Evora (easily reached by bus from Lisbon)

Cost per person –790 euro

Departure dates – October 30 2010, April 10 & October 9 2011

(if you prefer you can also pay in GBP or USD at the current exchange rate at the time of booking)