What to expect
Coastal Charm
Discover delightful coastal towns like Olhão
Guided Walking
Enjoy a range of escorted walks
Portugal & Spain
Experience two countries in one week
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About this trip...
- Return flights and transfers
- Airport taxes & charges
- Room for sole use
- Half Board – breakfast and dinner daily
- Drinks included with evening meals
- 1 x grilled fish lunch with drinks Tavira Island with drinks (meat option available)
- 1 x tapas lunch with drinks in Ayamonte
- New Years Eve Gala Dinner
- Welcome drink
- 5 fully guided walking days
- 1 x boat tour Ria Formosa in Tavira
- 1 x ferry boat trip to Ayamonte
- 1 x ferry boat trip to Olhão
- Accompanying Solos Tour Leader
- Fully financially Protected
- Insurance click here
- Lunches where not included
What you'll be doing
Day One: Arrive in Portugal
Day Two: Altura to Monte Gordo Walk
- Meals Included: Breakfast & Dinner
Day Three: Vila Real de Santo António and Ayamonte
We begin the day with a walk through the Monte Gordo pine forest. The walk finishes in Vila Real de Santo António, a charming town with a fascinating history and architecture, in the estuary of the Rio Guadiana, which separates Portugal from Spain. From here, we’ll take the ferry across the river to the town of Ayamonte in Spain. We’ll tour the city and enjoy a meal of traditional tapas.
- Meals included: Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner
Day Four: Day at Leisure
Take a well-earned rest and relax in the hotel, or take a stroll around Monte Gordo.
Day Five: Exploring Tavira
This morning, we’ll travel by train to discover Tavira, a picturesque and quaint old-Portuguese town with over 30 churches, cobbled streets, and bougainvillea-lined balconies. In the historic and charismatic old town, the castle and typical houses provide much cultural interest. The River Gilão, with its working fisherman’s riverfront, runs to the azure lagoons of the Ria Formosa.
- Meals included: Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner
Day Six: Castro Marim Nature Reserve
Today we’ll take a transfer to the Castro Marim Nature Reserve – a unique landscape in the Eastern Algarve. A true realm of serenity, far from the hustle and bustle of the beach resorts, this is a haven for countless bird species such as the flamingos who regularly visit this charming patchwork of green-blue marshes and crisp white saltpans. Our walk through the salt pans will take us into Castro Marim, one of the oldest communities in the Algarve, and an important centre of Arab power until 1242.
- Meals Included: Breakfast & Dinner.
Day Seven: Discovering the beauty of Olhão
After breakfast, we catch the train from Monte Gordo to Olhão - a picturesque coastal town inspired by Moroccan architecture that attracts artists, writers and photographers. We have free time to discover the town and enjoy lunch (not included). The city centre has a collection of white houses with roof terraces and minarets that form a patchwork of layering cubes. The waterfront avenue near the Ria Formosa is lined with glorious tile-fronted, 19th-Century townhouses, with verandas and wrought-iron work. The highlight is the colourful atmosphere at the Municipal Market, which fulfils its traditional function by day and is the setting for lively nightlife bars.
- Meals included: Breakfast & Dinner
Day Eight: Departure Day
Today we check-out of our hotel and say goodbye before transferring to Faro Airport.
Accommodation
Hotel Baia de Monte Gordo Three-star
Facilities include
Room includes
Dates & Prices
Frequently asked questions
- Walking boots with good ankle support Waterproofs – jacket and trousers
- Walking poles – recommended as they provide good support for the knees, particularly on downhill sections of walks and when conditions are wet/slippery
- Lightweight trousers and shorts with pockets
- Shirts or t-shirts for walking in
- Walking socks – several pairs
- Lightweight fleece or jumper
- Hat & gloves Daysack/rucksack for walking
- Umbrella – it can be used also for protection from the sun as well as rain
- Lightweight drinking bottle to carry water whilst walking
- Small first aid kit – plasters, insect repellant, etc Good, high factor sunscreen, sunhat and sunglasses
- less than 10 years old on the day you enter (check the ‘date of issue’)
- valid for at least 3 months after the day you plan to leave (check the ‘expiry date’)