Portugal, Alentejo : Hiking in Alentejo Between Mértola and Serpa
Trekking and Rambling
- Code : 722.2011
- Country : Portugal
- Duration : 8 Days / 7 Nights
- Dates : On request.
- Luggage transport : Yes
For a hiking holiday with countryside walks, an unknown region is waiting to be discovered by you. Between Serpa and Mértola, in southern Alentejo lies the Natural Park Vale do Guadiana, situated around 150 km from the west coast of Portugal. The Park is particular beautiful when carpeted in spring flowers. You will discover off the beaten path the beauty of unspoilt country and indulge in peaceful walks along the banks of the river Guadiana. You might even want to take a dip.
Formula - Discipline
With accompanying guide - On foot
Program
D 1 : LISBON
Individual arrival at Lisbon Airport. We shall have a group transfer to your accommodation late afternoon. On arrival at your accommodation you can relax before our group dinner later that evening.
D 2 : LE CONTREBANDIER
This trek offers the chance to be among the first of a tiny handful of discoverers to explore this beautiful, remote, unspoilt, uninhabited wilderness, whilst treading in the footsteps of history. Up against the border to Spain is a valley, in which the river Rio Chança runs, that was a traditional smugglers route for the inhabitants of the scatted villages along its banks. We begin our hike at the old village of Corte do Pinto. The trek twists and winds its way along the river banks until we reach Moinho dos Florista. With some luck, when passing through Monte da Eira Queimada we might spot some deer and finish the trail at the mines of S. Domingos (12 km; 4 ½ hours).
D 3 : MINE DE SÃO DOMINGOS
Today we will go back in time. During the last century the English mining company “Sabina” built, through extraordinary hardship, an incredibly picturesque railway track from Mina São Domingos to Pomarão to transport the sulphur they excavated. This extraordinary trail, spiced with a pinch of adventure leads us through picturesque typical Alentejo villages, along the old railway tracks, and through dark tunnels until we reach the last quay to England (19 km; 5 hours).
D 4 : MÉRTOLA
We take a short drive to Mértola to discover its beauty and heritage. The guided tour gives us an insight into life during the Roman and Islamic periods. In the afternoon we wander along the Guadiana from Corte Gafo de Baixo to Moinho dos Canais, where we will find the last mill deactivated for traditional fishing (8 km; 2 hours).
D 5 : SERPA AND CULTURAL VISIT TO ALVITO
This day leads us to an incredible tour through Serpa and Alvito, traditional villages from Alentejo, where we will learn about its culture heritage.
D 6 : VASCÃO
Ribeira do Vascão divides Alentejo from Algarve, considered the last river of Guadiana where we can appreciate nature in its pure state. During this precious hike we will be able to see several water mills along the river where farmers grinded the cereals during winter time (11 km; 4 hours).
D 7 : LA BOMBEIRA
This outing will follow the southern banks of the river Guadiana and represent a classic hike through wonderful scenery. From the surrounding heights we enjoy great views over to Spain and over the rolling meadows of Alentejo (23 km; 5 ½ hours).
D 8 : DEPARTURE TO LISBON AIRPORT.
Supervision
From 4 to 16 participants.
Prices
P.p. in double room : As from 910 €
The price includes :
- transport from Lisbonne aeroport to the accommodation
- accommodation
- meals : breakfirst, picnic and dinner
- insurance
-documentation from the région and the hikes
- guides
The price doesn't include :
- Airplaine tickets
- other dispenses.
