Serra de São Mamede - A Quiet Unknown Corner

	Some of Portugal's prettiest villages and medieval fortress towns
	The magnificent castles of Marvão and Castelo de Vide
	Farms growing vines, almonds, oranges and much more
	Wild flowers in abundance

Walking tours in Portugal, Madeira and Azores

At the heart of the Alto Alentejo lies the Parque Natural of the Serra de São Mamede whose diverse geology and capricious climate, caught between the Atlantic and Mediterranean, encourage a fascinating range of flora and fauna; griffon vultures and Bonellis eagle circle over head while deer and boar live among the chestnut and oak trees. On the green slopes of the Serra are the towns of Castelo de Vide with its famous castle and medieval Jewish quarter with the oldest synagogue in Europe and Marvão with its narrow streets of whitewashed houses and arguably the best-preserved castle in Portugal.

ITINERARY

Day 1

Day 2

Day 3

Day 4

Day 5

Day 6

Arrival

A circular walk from Castelo de Vide following ancient mule tracks through the heart of this region passing the much revered Fonte de Carvoeiro and the old village of Carrierras, 14km/8.5miles.

A circular walk to the Spanish frontier from the village of Gallegos passing the Marmitas de Gigante caves through picturesque countryside and river valleys, 16km/10miles.

Marvão (known as the eagles nest) and its spectacular panoramic setting are the main features of today's circular walk, which does involve a climb up the beautiful medieval cobbled path 8.5km/5.1miles.

A very beautiful walk from the medieval village of Reguengo up through vineyards then into the woods and out again where you have breathtaking views over the countryside, 13km/7.5miles.

Departure.

Your accommodation in Castelo da Vide will be the 4* Casa Amarela, a beautifully restored townhouse in the centre of the town.

IMPORTANT NOTE:
Public transport to the Alto Alentejo is difficult but not impossible; this holiday is better suited to those that have a hire car. However if you prefer to use public transport we can arrange taxi transfers to and from the local train station.

	INCLUDED
	5 night's accommodation in a twin room with en-suite facilities and breakfast at a 17th century restored town house on the edge of Castelo de Vide
	4 picnics
	Comprehensive walking notes
	NOT INCLUDED 5 dinners transport to and from the area and to and from the walks travel insurance

Closest airports – Lisbon (2.5 hour drive) or Faro (4 hour drive)

Cost per person:

October to March: 414 euro

April to September: 474 euro

Single room supplement may apply

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