PORTUGAL
Hidden charms, History & Landscapes – Walking & Discovery
Matt Butler – Adventurebug
Kathy Didier - Pembrook Travels
9 nights / April 15-24, 2012
Lisbon (2 nights) – Sintra (2 nights) – Setubal (2 nights) – Santiago do Cacem (2 nights) – Evora (day visit) – Lisbon (1 night)
Introduction
Portugal is a very diverse country that offers the traveller a feast of delights! Only 560 km long and 220 km wide, it has a huge range of geo-cultural attractions within a very short distance of travel.
Like its neighbour Spain, Portugal offers a distinct Mediterranean culture that is centred around the family, the land and food. There is a pleasant balance to life and a warm acceptance of visitors from afar! Music, art, literature and design also play a large role in this nation and one is never too far from these influences.
From our arrival in Lisbon to our journey to the Western coastline and visits to the remote Alentejo, this voyage promises to capture the finest aspects of both the people and landscapes of this fine country.
Largely travelling on foot, we will explore the hidden treasures of both rural and urban areas and enjoy the wide variety of culinary delights on offer. Our daily walks are gentle but cover enough terrain to give you a sense of being in the fresh air. Expect to be out walking for most of the day and this includes visits to attractions (optional), picnic lunch and some light daily transfers where necessary.
A further highlight of travel in this part of Portugal in late April is the abundance of wild flowers (both coastal and inland), and the migration of birds back to the area – particularly around Setubal and our visit to the Nature Park – Estuario Do Sado.
Hotels selected have local charm yet provide modern comforts. They are located in the quaint old quarters, offering us a glimpse of traditional Portugal. Meals are tasty and regional and we will have picnic lunches in the open air each day on our discovery walks. Transport will be private and chauffer driven in the form of a micro-bus and each day we need not worry about luggage as it will be transferred between hotels for us.
PORTUGAL – Walking Excursion Itinerary 2012
ITINERARY
Sun , 15 April ARRIVAL TO LISBON / 1st night / airport to hotel transfer not included
This is a free day to sightsee in Lisbon **. Night in Lisbon / no meals included (Fado Music and dinner option available)
** For those who choose to arrive a day or more early for this trip, Kathy will guide you on a visit to Belem to see this wonderful riverside community and monuments to the Age of Discovery. Public trolley to Belem. We leave our hotel at 9am for this excursion. Fare and admissions not included in the cost of trip.
Mon., 16 April FULL DAY GUIDED WALKING TOUR OF LISBON
After Breakfast (9AM), our guide Matt will meet the group and spend the rest of the day on foot, exploring the main highlights of Lisbon as an introduction to our tour of the country and an chance to get over travel lag. Dinner at family run Inn specializing in Lisbon based specialties.
Night in Lisbon / Breakfast and Dinner included
Tues., 17 April MORNING TRANSFER (9am)TO SINTRA (45 min)
Walking tour of Sintra Medieval town and surrounding countryside with included visit to the fascinating Palace of La Pena and it’s historical forest and gardens.
Night in Sintra / Breakfast, Picnic, and Dinner included
Wed., 18 April SINTRA AND CABO DE ROCHE (9am DEPARTURE TIME)
Walking tour of coastline of Cabo Roche (most westerly point of Europe on lovely coastal paths, beaches and cliffs). Short transfers today to/from Sintra.
Night in Sintra / Breakfast, Picnic, and Dinner included
Thurs., 19 April TRANSFER TO SETUBAL (9am) / SIERRA ARRABIDA HIKE & VINEYARD TOUR
Walking tour of Sierra de Arrabida region followed by visit to a simple, family run Vineyard for a wine tasting of local vinos. Scenic 1 hour park tour in bus to follow.
Night in Setubal / Breakfast, Lunch and Dinner included
Fri., 20 April DAY HIKING VISIT TO SETUBAL & TROIA PENINSULA/SADO NATURE ESTUARY
A morning guided walk of Setubal’s historic quarter followed by a short ferry across the Sado River and a hike over the Peninsula of Troi where beautiful coastlines, beaches (and possibly) migrating bird life can be found on the dunes and wetlands. Walking visit of dune and estuary of this amazing reserve famous for bird life, dolphins and whales. Short ferry transfer to peninsula required.
Night in Setubal / Breakfast, Lunch and Dinner included
Sat., 21 April TRANSFER TO SANTIAGO DO CACEM VIA ALCACAR AND SAN ANDRES
Morning transfer (9AM) to the inland provincial town of Santiago – a lovely rural area in woodlands. Guided walking visit of Alcacer do Sal on route – a charming fishing village up the estuary followed by a hike around a wetland conservation site..
Night in Santiago / Breakfast, Lunch and Dinner included
Sun., 22 April SANTIAGO DO CACE M REGIONAL WALK AND EXPLORATION
Full day of walks and discovery in this lovely forested area of the Alentejo - including a tour of Santiago’s historic quarter and a firsthand view of a traditional wind mill in action. .
Night in Santiago / Breakfast, Lunch and Dinner included
Mon, 23 April EVORA DAY VISIT AND DISCOVERY TOUR (8:45 am DEPARTURE)
Scenic drive to Evora in the morning (1 hr 20 min) followed by guided walking tour of this delightful capital of the Alentejo and a visit to the infamous Chapel of Bones. . Transfer direct back to Lisbon (1 hr 20 min) for final night’s stay at hotel.
Night in Lisbon / Breakfast and Lunch included only
Tues., 24 April GROUP ONWARD TRAVEL (breakfast only included)
PRICE PER PERSON
This was based on an exchange rate of $1.55 = 1 Euro
Final price will be determined by number of participants and exchange rate. There will be a refund if exchange rate is lower than $1.55.
12 in Group $2130 pp
14 in Group $2100 pp
16 in Group $1925 pp
18 in Group $1910 pp
We expect to have a full group....and thus the lower price.
INCLUSIONS
· 9 nights accommodation (twin or double share / single room avail.)
· All land transport in private microbus with driver / no porter service unless requested.
· Meals as per indicated in itinerary (including tips)
· Guiding and Tour Escort services of Matt (Monday to Monday)
· Ferry ticket (round trip) to Natural Reserve Do Sado included
· Park entrance fees included for walks (though not for botanical gardens)
· Risk Assessment Policy / Permits and Licenses
NOT INCLUDED
· Airport transfers to/from hotel in Lisbon
· Cost of flights to Lisbon
· Entrance fees not listed on itinerary
· Drinks / wine / water are not always provided at dinners
· Tips for driver(s) not included. Tips to Matt and local guides.
Payment schedule:
Deposit: $800
August 1: $800
November 1: Balance due
For more information contact: Kathy Didier, PO Box C, Woodstock, NH 03293
