ALENTEJO – STEPS BACK IN TIME

	Historically rich Elvas - gateway to Portugal
	Finest traditions and the warmest of welcomes
	Unspoilt and uncommonly beautiful countryside
	Monsaraz & the Guadiana river
	Archaeology in abundance
	Evora – a world heritage town

Walking tours in Portugal, Madeira and Azores

This is your opportunity to discover a hidden gem; a land steeped in history with its own natural beauty. An area that remains undiscovered except by those willing to go that extra step to find a landscape scattered with architectural treasures – the fortified town of Elvas, the castles of Alandroal & Terena and the magnificent walled village of Monsaraz all within an environment that remains unspoilt and full of tradition. You walk along the Guadiana River, through gorges and hillsides before we take you to Evora where you see a medley of Portuguese architecture dating from Roman times to the present day.

Your will stay at a country house and two small hotels where the resident owners will share their passion for the area with you.

ITINERARY

Day 1

Day 2

Day 3

Day 4

Day 5

Day 6

Day 7

Day 8

Arrival at Elvas where you will be met and transferred to the Quinta (Elvas is 3 hours by bus from Lisbon and there is a good daily service).

A walk along the Guadiana river passing old watermills to Pont Ajuda (Portugal’s answer to the Pont d’ Avignon) and a chance to see the very best countryside in this area,12km/7.5miles. Overnight Elvas

Historical Elvas - a wonderful day walking to the north of the town visiting the magnificent Aqueduct of Amoreira and the Fort of Graca. You also have chance to visit the plummery where the famous Elvas plums are packed by hand - ymmm!10km/6.3miles.
Overninght Elvas

Transfer after breakfast to Terena and your walk through ancient countryside to the Lucefit dam and Terena Castle, 14km/8.7miles. Overnight Terena

Transfer to the start of a fantastic walk to the amazing walled town of Monsaraz perched high above the Alqueva Lake, you will have time to explore before being transferred back to Terena, 12km/7.5miles Overnight Terena

A walk to the iron age castle Castelo Velho perched high above the Lucefit gorge where you might spot black storks, 15km/9.4miles. Overnight Terena

Transfer to Evora late morning where you are free to explore this UNESCO heritage town. Overnight Evora

Depart (Lisbon is 1½ hours by bus from Evora) and there is a regular service

	INCLUDED
	7 night’s accommodation in a twin / double room with en-suite facilities
	7 breakfasts, 3 dinners at Terena
	Transfer of luggage during the week and to the start of walks where stated
	Transfer from Elvas to Terena & Terena to Evora
	Comprehensive walking notes & maps
	NOT INCLUDED Flights, 4 dinners, 6 lunches and travel insurance

Closest airport - Lisbon

Cost per person:

October to March - 710 euro

April to June and September 740 euro

Single room supplement: 140 euro

Single transport supplement if only one walking: 80 euro

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