ALENTAJO 2007 Delightful Hiking in Portugal’s best kept secret region - 7 Nights
THE REGION
The Alentajo is a very beautiful, unspoilt and relatively undiscovered
region of Portugal, located to the east and southeast of Lisbon. It
has many architectural gems, such as the lovely city of Evora, many
Roman remains and delightful hilltop villages, many of which have romantic
ruined castles. The countryside is generally rolling with low mountains,
pastureland, oak and beech woods, rivers and lakes and vineyards producing
some wonderful local wines.
THE HOLIDAY
On this holiday you will spend 7 nights in and around the ancient town
of Castelo de Vide. This is a pleasant town, with winding, cobbled hilly
streets, a thermal spa, a medieval castle and old Jewish quarter (15th
century synagogue), the Visigothic chapel of São Salvador do
Mundo, two Paços do Concelho (medieval and 18th century), and
an ancient church.
You will enjoy 5 days of hiking from your hotel base, much of it in
the Sao Mamede Mountain Nature Reserve. You will also hike to the delightful
fortified hill top village of Mervao, which has one of the best preserved
13th century castles.
THE HOTEL OPTIONS
Our group holiday is based at the 3 star Hotel Sol e Serra in Castelo
de Vide but other options include the lovely old manor houses of Quinta
da Bela Vista, and Monte da Corte Ligeira, both close to Castelo de
Vide. Both are a Country House Hotels on agricultural estates.
The Sol e Serra lies in the centre of the town and has 84 bedrooms, all en suite, with air conditioning, direct dial telephone, satellite TV, video and radio. The hotel also has views of the surrounding area, an excellent restaurant, lounge, cocktail bar, gardens, an outdoor swimming pool and a golf course.
THE HIKING PROGRAMME
The programme is designed to offer superb hiking at Grades 3 and 4,
as described overleaf but the actual hikes are always tailored to suit
each individual group. With one experienced Footloose Leader and a local
Guide, we offer a choice of two hikes on each of the 5 hiking days,
thus accommodating most degrees of ability
NON-HIKING EXCURSIONS
During the holiday there will be one free day, when you can relax and
do your own thing, or join one or more of our optional extra sightseeing
excursions. Possibilities include a full day excursion by road to the
ancient city of Evora and another of the other lovely hill top villages
with its castle.
FLIGHTS
Footloose of England does not arrange flights to Portugal. We can however
assist you by putting you in touch with suitable American Travel Agents.
TRAVEL
Within Portugal will be by deluxe coach or comfortable passenger van
from Lisbon Airport to your hotel and return. Local transport will be
by private coach or passenger van or local service bus as appropriate.
THE HIKING PROGRAMME
The hiking programme is designed at Footloose Grades 3 & 4. With two Leaders we can offer a choice of two hikes on each of the 5 hiking days. The distances and ascents / descents may be modified to suit the needs and abilities of the group members but will generally be :-
Grade 3 : Up to 1,500 feet of ascent / descent, on way-marked paths. Terrain may be steeply inclined at times and rough underfoot, with possibly some loose rock. Distances 5 - 8 miles.
Grade 4 : Up to about 750 feet of ascent or descent, generally on manicured, way-marked paths. Terrain may be fairly steep but for only short sections. Distances usually 3-5 miles.
PRINCING
7 Nights, 10th May : £760.00
7 Nights, 20th September : £760.00
THE PRICE INCLUDES
* 7 nights hotel accommodation in twin/double rooms, with private bathroom
& toilet.
* 7 evening meals with breakfast each morning.
* All the transport costs necessary to fulfil the hiking program.
* Airport transfers from Lisbon Airport to the hotel and return.
* Services of one Footloose Leader and one local guide
* All local service charges and taxes.
THE PRICE DOES NOT INCLUDE
Flights to/from Lisbon ; Lunches ; insurance (strongly recommended!)
; optional extra sightseeing excursions (details will be advised by
the Footloose Leader) ; single room supplements ; admissions to castles,
museums etc. ; local transportation costs not part of the hiking program
; items of a personal nature, e.g. drinks, telephone calls etc.
TRIP EXTENSION
If you wish to spend a few days in Lisbon we can arrange hotels and
other services for you at extra cost. In this case please give us as
much notice as possible