Walking holidays in Portugal

We have a choice of two walking holidays in Portugal:

The Lima Valley & Peneda National Park, departing May & September
This walking week starts by the sea in the historical town of Viana do Castelo, moves inland to Ponte de Lima, the oldest town in Portugal and ends in Arcos de Valdevez, the gateway to the Peneda-Geres National Park.

In essence we will be walking inland along the Lima valley, a beautiful tranquil place with its own unique identity which sings out from the rest of Portugal.

The week offers a rich variety of walks from the dunes of the Atlantic to the wild mountains of the Serra de Peneda.

Highlights include:

• The sea, the river & the mountains
• Beautifully rich landscapes
• A well preserved historical heritage
• Acclaimed gastronomy
• Ancestral traditions

The price includes 7 nights accommodation in twin/double room with en-suite facilities, all meals (including picnic lunches, transfers to and from Porto and throughout the week, movement of luggage between hotels and an experienced walk leader.

Alentejo Essence, departing April & October
The Alto Alentejo is a joy. Virtually unknown, its rich rolling landscape covered with groves of cork, chestnut and olive trees and carpeted in spring with wild flowers is a treat to walk through. Situated on the Portuguese - Spanish border in the Serra de Sao Mamede, the fortress towns of Castelo de Vide and Marvão remain almost unchanged since the Middle Ages, their castles are magnificent monuments to former bloody battles.

This group walk will allow us time to explore the true beauty of the area before moving south to the tiny medieval walled town of Monsaraz. The countryside here is very different and we will spend two days walking coupled with visits to two Quintas that produce some very fine wines.

Highlights include:

• Wide open spaces and verdant mountains
• Wild flowers in spring, golden leaves in autumn
• Medieval castles, historic towns and unspoilt villages
• Fine wines

Accommodation is provided in twin/double rooms with en-suite facilities (4 nights in Castelo de Vide and 3 nights close to Monsaraz). Both hotels have fine restaurants that are renowned for their regional specialities which we will be sampling. The price also includes all meals (including picnic lunches), transport to and from Lisbon or Faro by minibus, transfer to and from all the walks and movement of luggage during the week, an experienced walk leader and wine tastings.