Portugal: Secrets of the Alentejo

Portugal: Secrets of the Alentejo

8 Days Starting in ÉVORA and ending in FARO

Visiting: Evora, Monsaraz, Alqueva, Sao Domingos Mine, Mértola, Longueira / Almograve, Vila Nova de Milfontes, Azenhas do Mar, Faro

Tour operator:

Wild Frontiers

Tour code:

POR

Recommended For:

Couples, Singles

Guide Type:

Fully Guided

Group size:

4 - 12

Physical rating:

High, Moderate / High

Age range:

1-99

Special diets catered:

Vegetarians, Please contact Wild Frontiers with any specific dietary requirements

Tour operated in:
English
Private Available:

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Tour Overview

Portugal’s Alentejo region stretches from the Rio Tejo in the south, to the northern mountains of the Algarve. Vast in its scope, it covers around a third of the country and is home to spectacular coastlines, Roman ruins and Crusader castles. This is Portugal’s garden country, blanketed in extensive fields of olives, vineyards and cork trees. It is also blessed with some of the finest coastal walking anywhere on the continent. Beginning in the captivating and historic city of Évora, the Alentejo capital, we’ll discover UNESCO treasures and medieval architecture as we visit the old convent of São Paulo and the picturesque town of Monsaraz. The shores of Europe’s largest artificial lake then provide the breathtaking backdrop to boat trips, hikes and Dark Sky stargazing, before we head on to explore the landscapes around the mines of São Domingos. The famous ‘Fisherman’s Trail’ of the Rota Vicentina then provides the spectacular climax to this remarkable journey, as we enjoy two days hiking along one of the most beautiful coastal trails anywhere in the world. So, come with us and discover the captivating charms and hidden secrets, “Beyond the Tejo”.

Highlights

  • Follow the Fisherman's trail hugging the rugged coastline with jagged cliffs and sandy bays.

  • Study the dark velvet evening sky cloaked with a blanket of stars in a region without light pollution.

  • Learn about the fascinating process of cork harvesting in a country producing over 50% of the world's cork supply

  • Wander through the unspoilt historic alleyways of Évora and discover the Moorish and Roman influences housed within the medieval walls.

  • Sample the delights of the distinctive and slightly salty cheese made from sheep's milk in the Alentejo region.

  • Marvel at the megalithic complex of Cromeleque dos Almendres erected for Pagan worship of the sun and pre-dating Stonehenge.

Places You'll See

Walk The Rota Vicentina

Dark Sky Star Gazing

Cork Production

Alleyways Of Évora

Alentejo Cheese

Stone Henge Portugal Style

Itinerary

Expand All
Day 1 : Tour Starts In Évora
Location: Evora
Accommodation: Hotel
Accommodation Name: M’ar De AR Muralhas or similar
Meals Included: Lunch, Dinner,

Arriving in the Portuguese capital we depart the city and head east, towards the historic city of Évora. With a cultural pedigree dating back some five millennia, Évora’s rich heritage has seen it inscribed on UNESCO’s World Heritage list, and later today we’ll enjoy a walk through its wonderfully preserved old town. Founded by the Romans, conquered by the Moors and favoured by the Portuguese kings of the Christian reconquest, the town’s medieval alleyways and squares are blessed with a stunning collection of palaces, churches and charming cafes.

Day 2 : Évora - Herdade De Freico Do Meio - Évora
Location: Evora
Accommodation: Hotel
Accommodation Name: M’ar De AR Muralhas or similar
Meals Included: Breakfast, Lunch,

A short drive to the nearby 500 hectare Freixo do Meio estate this morning affords us an opportunity to learn more of the sustainable techniques employed by this cooperative who specialise in the production of organic foodstuffs . Our walk through the extensive grounds of the estate will take us through cork plantations and classically beautiful Alentejo countryside. After a delicious (and environmentally near-zero-impact) farm-to-table lunch here we will then visit the 7000yr old megalithic structure of Cromeleque dos Almendres, Portugal’s very own Stonehenge before returning to Évora for a free evening.Walking distance approximately 10 kms

Day 3 : Évora - Monsaraz. Arrabaldes De Monsaraz Hike
Location: Evora, Monsaraz
Accommodation: Hotel
Accommodation Name: Estalagem de Monsaraz or similar
Meals Included: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner,

To the southeast of Évora lies the charming medieval town of Monsaraz, one of the oldest in Portugal. Dominated by its 14th century castle, its white-washed houses and narrow streets overlook the waters of the Alqueva Dam and provide a spectacular starting point for today’s 10 kilometre hike around the Arrabaldes de Monsaraz. Steeped in traditional charm and scattered with olive groves and historical monuments, our hike takes us across a landscape filled with stories of Romans, Moors and the crusading Knights Templar. Walking distance approx 10 kms

Day 4 : Monsaraz - Alqueva - Monsaraz
Location: Monsaraz, Alqueva, Monsaraz
Accommodation: Hotel
Accommodation Name: Estalagem de Monsaraz or similar
Meals Included: Breakfast, Lunch,

The Alqueva Dam straddles the waters of the largest man-made lake in Europe. Covering some 250 square kilometres the lake, when filled to capacity, encompasses nearly 1200 kilometres of shoreline and reaches a depth of some 100 metres. It also provides us with a spectacular backdrop for today’s excursion, as we enjoy a boat ride and a hike around the lake shore. This evening we then make the most of this region’s unique ‘Dark Sky’ status with some unforgettable stargazing (weather dependent). Walking distance approx 12km

Day 5 : Monsaraz - Minas De São Domingos - Mértola
Location: Monsaraz, Sao Domingos Mine, Mértola
Accommodation: Hotel
Accommodation Name: Museu or similar
Meals Included: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner,

Part of the Iberian Pyrite Belt, the São Domingos Mine has been mined for gold and silver since Roman times. Closed in the 1960s, since then its open-cast pit and mine buildings have been cultivating a rich vein of tourists instead. Today’s fascinating hike takes us through a landscape that evokes the history and lives of the old mine workings, and the miners who worked them. Afterwards we then drive on to the fortified village of Mértola, where we have some free time before dinner. Walking distance approx 14kms

Day 6 : Mértola - Almograve - Vila Nova De Milfontes. Hike Part Of The Fisherman’S Trail
Location: Mértola, Longueira / Almograve
Accommodation: Hotel
Accommodation Name: HS Milfontes Beach or similar
Meals Included: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner,

A drive to Vila Nova de Milfontes this morning takes us by way of a small, family style cheese ‘factory’ in Odemira. From here we then continue to Almograve, to hike part of Portugal’s famous ‘Fisherman’s Trail’. Part of the Rota Vicentina, it is considered one of the most beautiful coastal walks in the world and today we’ll enjoy exploring the section that takes us from Almograve, along the Atlantic coastline and across the Mira River. Overnight in Vila Nova de Milfontes. Walking distance approx 10-12kms

Day 7 : Vila Nova De Milfontes - Zambujeira Do Mar - Azenhas Do Mar - Vila Nova De Milfontes
Location: Vila Nova de Milfontes, Azenhas do Mar, Vila Nova de Milfontes
Accommodation: Hotel
Accommodation Name: HS Milfontes Beach or similar
Meals Included: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner,

A second full day in the area affords an opportunity to do another part of the Fisherman’s Trail, this time between Zambujeira do Mar and fishing harbour at Azenhas do Mar. Covering just under 10 kilometres, the hike takes us past the beaches of Carvalhal and Amália and along a coastline that is home to an array of carnivorous mammals including Egyptian mongoose, beech martens and otters. On arrival in Azenhas do Mar we then drive back to Vila Nova de Milfontes for our final evening. Walking distance approx 10kms

Day 8 : Vila Nova De Milfontes - Faro Airport. Tour Ends
Location: Vila Nova de Milfontes, Faro
Meals Included: Breakfast

The tour ends after breakfast. Depending on the group flight timings you may have some free time before transferring to Faro.

What's Included

  • MEALS

    7 x Breakfasts, 7 x Lunches, 5 x Dinners

  • TRANSPORT

    On this tour we will use minibuses or coaster buses depending on group size, and our own two feet!

  • GROUP SIZE

    Maximum: 12

  • CARBON CONTRIBUTIONS

    Contributions to carbon offset & tree planting projects for all bookings

  • EXPERT TEAM

    The full services of a Wild Frontiers Tour Leader with local guides where appropriate

  • ACCOMMODATION

    5 nights x Premium2 nights x Superior

  • ENTRANCE FEES

    All entrance fees for sights mentioned in the itinerary

  • FITNESS RATING

    Moderate / High

What's Not Included

We believe in a completely transparent approach to pricing with no hidden extras. As such, please note that the following are not included in the cost of the tour.Visas & Travel Insurance: Visas will always be tour/nationality dependent but travel insurance is mandatoryTips: Always optional but some guidance will be given in the pre-departure information documentsInternational .Flights: Please ask us for an obligation-free quote for flights which originate in the UK.Beverages & any costs of a personal nature: This will include items such as laundry and souvenirs

Visas

Visas are necessary for many of the destinations we travel to and while we aim to provide you with the most up-to-date information, requirements frequently change and as such for the latest advice we advise that you check with the relevant embassies or contact our recommended visa agency, Travcour www.travcour.com  For this tour UK passport holders currently do not require a visa for Portugal. Non-UK passport holders or non-UK residents should contact the relevant embassies for individual requirements. Further details will be sent out to you on booking, however ensuring that correct and valid visas are obtained remains the sole responsibility of the client.

Key Aspects to Consider

Anyone in a reasonable state of health, with an open mind and a sense of adventure should be perfectly able to cope with this tour. However, please note that there are some day walks included in the itinerary and these will require a reasonable level of fitness. Vegetarian food is available but may offer limited options.

Check out our Q&As

  • Do you require a visa for this holiday?

    For this tour UK passport holders currently do not require a visa for Portugal. Non-UK passport holders or non-UK residents should contact the relevant embassies for individual requirements.

  • Are airport transfers included in this tour?

    We include complimentary transfers if arriving/departing on the suggested group flights

  • Are the local guides on the tour English speaking?

    Yes

  • What is the maximum group size?

    12

  • What policies are in place for Covid-19?

    We have a complete Covid-19 hub here: https://www.wildfrontierstravel.com/en_GB/covid-hub

  • Do you operate a “single share” option and how does it work?

    Over 70% of passengers on our group tours are solo adventurers. Unlike many tour operators, we don’t believe in charging solo travellers a premium, so if you are happy to share a room with a fellow traveller of the same sex, you will pay exactly the same as a couple..Occasionally you may even end up with your own room. You can travel as a single traveller on any of our holidays, from our escorte

  • Will the accommodation included meet local health and safety regulations?

    Yes

  • How long has the tour company been trading?

    Since 2002

  • Do I need to be double-vaccinated against Covid-19 to travel with you?

    In most cases, yes. Not only are many destinations making double-vaccination a requirement of entry to the country and/or access to restaurants, museums etc., but additionally on all our group tours for the foreseeable future, for everyone’s peace of mind, we are asking that all clients be double vaccinated.

Reviews from Travellers on this Tour

Catherine Wilkinson  

Catherine Wilkinson

My first Wild Frontiers trip blew my expectations away - I'm not sure I'll be able to cope travelling with other companies now!

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  • Free Date Changes

    Wild Frontiers allows you to make 2 free date changes, as long as the change is made at least 90 days before the start of the tour.

  • Low Deposit

    Wild Frontiers requires a minimum deposit of 200 GBP per person or the full booking value, whichever is less, with the final balance not due until 70 days before departure.

  • Cancellation Policy

    We don't charge a cancellation fee, here is a summary of wild frontiers charges.

    Up to 71 days before tour starts: Forfeit 100% of deposit.

    At 51 days before tour starts: Forfeit 50% of booking price.

    At 30 days before tour starts: Forfeit 100% of booking price.

  • Wild Frontiers' COVID Promise

    You will have the right to transfer without any transfer fee, from any of our trips at ANY time if your trip is not Covid Viable (see below).*
    We will not ask you to pay your final balance if your trip is not yet Covid Viable.
    If your trip is not Covid Viable, by 30 days prior to departure at the latest, we will cancel your holiday and you can either transfer your funds to another departure or have a refund.**


    We will only consider a trip Covid Viable*** if pre-departure it meets all of the following criteria:

    There is no national lockdown or ban on foreign travel for the period when your trip is due to depart.
    Destinations on the tour must not be on the UK’s Red List. ****
    No destinations visited on the tour have in place any significant COVID-19 restrictions for travellers.
    Tourist visas (if required) are available.
    There is reliable airline access to/from the start/end of the trip.
    Following an assessment by both Wild Frontiers and our local partners we are confident that your trip is able to run in both a safe and enjoyable manner.*****




    ** If you were originally booked to travel before 30 April 2020 and transferred to a later date, or if you have a tailor-made booking, there may be some irrecoverable costs which we cannot refund. Please speak to us and we will be able to advise you if this is the case for your booking.
    ***Since our HQ is in London, Covid Viable status for our Group Tours will be assessed on UK-based travellers. However we are fully aware that many of our clients live in the US, Canada, Australia, New Zealand and beyond. As such, when we deem a trip to now be Covid Viable, everyone booked will have a chance to review their own personal situation before deciding whether or not to remain booked on the trip. Anyone wishing to, will have the option to transfer without fees to another trip at this time. For tailor made bookings, we may also able to consider additional countries’ travel advice when deciding if a trip is Viable. Please discuss this with us at the time of booking.
    **** This relates to bookings from UK clients only. We may operate trips to destinations which the British FCDO advise against travel for Covid reasons. If this is the case, anyone wishing to will have the option to cancel with a refund or transfer to another trip. In some cases we may choose to offer a tour to a Red destination but these will be at both clients’ and Wild Frontiers’ discretion and will be subject to alternative conditions to be discussed on an ad hoc basis.
    *****If a destination, that we have deemed to be Covid Viable, subsequently fails any aspect of the criteria for two consecutive weeks, you will have the right under our Covid Promise to transfer without any fees.

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