The Alto Alentejo is a wonderful place. Virtually unknown, its rich rolling landscape is covered with groves of cork, chestnut and olive trees and is carpeted in spring with wild flowers.
The Alto Alentejo is a wonderful place. Virtually unknown, its rich rolling landscape is covered with groves of cork, chestnut and olive trees and is carpeted in spring with wild flowers. Situated on the Portuguese – Spanish border, where the fortress towns, with their magnificent castles, remain almost unchanged since the Middle Ages, the first four nights are spent in the luxury Convento da Provenca. We then move south to the tiny medieval village of Terena in order to experience the various facets of this unique landscape.
Price:
£869.00 per person. Single supplement £149.00.
Included:
7 nights accommodation in a twin/double room with all facilities – 4 nights in Castelo de Vide and 3 nights in comfortable Casa de Terena besides the Castle of Terena. Dinners in local restaurants. All meals (lunches will be picnics which we will carry with us). Transport to and from Faro by minibus. All luggage transfers and transfers as needed for the programme, experienced walk leader and wine tasting.
Not Included:
Flights, insurance, gratuities
Departure Dates:
2016
18th April.
24th October.
Day 1 – Transfer from Faro to Castelo de Vide. If you come from Lisbon we will pick you up from Evora which is easily reach by bus from Lisbon. Overnight Castelo de Vide.
Day 2 – 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 the castle. 12.5 kms/8 miles. Overnight Castelo de Vide
Day 3 – 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 4000 B.C. Overnight Castelo de Vide
Day 4 – A beautiful walk around Reguengo where the countryside is a mixture of ridges and peaks, escarpments and hills. After the walk we will visit Portalegre for a short walk around the historical centre with time to visit the famous tapestry museum. 12.25 kms/7.8 miles. Overnight Castelo de Vide
Day 5 – We follow ancient cobbled mule tracks from Castelo de Vide through the heart of this region passing the much revered Fonte de Carvoeiro to the old village of Carrierras. Transfer southwards to the village of Terena. 10 kms/6.2 miles. Overnight Terena
Day 6 – Walk from Terena through the countryside to Hortinhas and then on to the Lucifecit river gorge and damn. Ancient fortresses and wild birds and flowers. 13 kms/8.1 miles. Overnight Terena
Day 7 – A walk to the west of Monsaraz through olive groves and timeless scenery before a gentle climb to this distinguished walled town. From here drive to the tiny village of Sao Pedro do Corval, with more than twenty pottery workshops – we will visit at least one. 12 kms/7.5 miles. Overnight Terena
Day 8 – Transfer back to the Evora (if you arrived from Lisbon) or Faro Airport.
