Discovery Walking Excursion, September 25 - October 4, 2010

Travel with:
Matt Butler - Adventurebug www.adventurebug.com
Kathy Didier - Pembrook Travels http://pembrook.blogspot.com
9 nights / Sept 25 – Oct 4, 2010

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.

Late September is a pleasant time to visit Portugal's rural and urban delights. The climate is pleasant for walking and discovery and it's very quiet after the summer rush. A further highlight is tracking the migration of birds returning south to their African winter retreats – 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 – Discovery Walking Excursion, Autumn 2010

ITINERARY

Sat, 25 Sept ARRIVAL TO LISBON / 1st night / airport to hotel transfer is not included
Hotel Roma Residencial – Travessa da Gloria, 22A, 1st level, 1250-118 Lisbon
Telephone 351 213 460 557
http://www.residencialroma-lisbon.com/?gclid=COHposTiyZkCFUJM5QodRXTRtQ

http://www.tripadvisor.com/Hotel_Review-g189158-d593148-Reviews-Residencial_Roma-Lisbon_Estremadura.html

Night in Lisbon / no meals included

Sun, 26 Sept MEET MATT / AFTERNOON GUIDED WALK OF LISBON
After Lunch Matt will meet the group at the hotel and we will spend the rest of the day exploring the main highlights of Lisbon as an introduction to our tour of the country and an chance to get over travel lag.
Night in Lisbon / Breakfast and Dinner included only

Mon, 27 Sept MORNING TRANSFER TO SINTRA (45 min)
Walking tour of Sintra Medieval town and surrounding countryside
Night in Sintra / Breakfast, Lunch and Dinner included

Tue, 28 Sept SINTRA AND CABO DE ROCHE
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, Lunch and Dinner included

Wed, 29 Sept TRANSFER TO SETUBAL / SIERRA ARRABIDA VISIT
Walking tour of Sierra de Arrabida Park overlooking the sea and south coast.
Night in Setubal / Breakfast, Lunch and Dinner included

Thu, 30 Sept DAY VISIT TO NATURAL RESERVE ESTUARIO DO SADO
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

Fri, 1 Oct TRANSFER TO SANTIAGO DO CACEM (1 hour travel time)
Morning transfer 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.
Night in Santiago / Breakfast, Lunch and Dinner included

Sat, 2 Oct SANTIAGO DO CACEM REGIONAL WALK AND EXPLORATION
Full day of walks and discovery in this lovely forested area of the Alentejo.
Night in Santiago / Breakfast, Lunch and Dinner included

Sun, 3 Oct EVORA DAY VISIT AND DISCOVERY TOUR
Drive to Evora in the morning (1 hr 20 min) followed by guided walking tour of this delightful capital of the Alentejo. Transfer direct back to Lisbon (1 hr) for final night and group dinner.
Night in Lisbon / Breakfast and Dinner included only

Mon, 4 Oct GROUP ONWARD TRAVEL (breakfast only included)