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Wide open spaces and verdant mountain |
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Wild flowers in Spring, golden leaves in Autumn |
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Medieval castles, historic towns, unspoilt villages |
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Fine wines | |
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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. | |
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ITINERARY |
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Day 1
Day 2
Day 3
Day 4
Day 5
Day 6
Day 7
Day 8 |
Transfer from Faro or Evora to Castelo de Vide (Evora is easily reached by bus from Lisbon. 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 13km/8miles. 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 Portagem up to the famous hilltop village of Marvao, where we have time to visit the castle and the famous walls. We eat lunch in the gardens before walking down through oak forests 12km / 7.5miles. Overnight Castelo de Vide
A leisurely day as we drive to Terena, stopping for lunch in the historical town of Estremoz. 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
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INCLUDED |
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7 nights accommodation in a twin –bedded room with en-suite facilities, 4 nights with the Guimaraes family in Castelo de Vide and 3 nights at the comfortable Casa de Terena by the side of the castle of Terena. |
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All meals, lunches will be picnics which we will carry with us. |
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Transport to and from Faro by minibus. |
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Transfer to and from all the walks and movement of luggage during the week. |
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Experienced walk leader |
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Wine tastings. |
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NOT INCLUDED
Flights and travel insurance | |
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Closest airport – Faro Airport or we can meet you in Evora (easily reached by bus from Lisbon)
Cost per person –790 euro (single supplement 90 euro)
Departure dates – April 14 & September 22 2012
(if you prefer you can also pay in GBP or USD at the current exchange rate at the time of booking)
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