Algarve OdysseyThe coast, villages and countryside of the Eastern Algarve and then explore the treasures of this most westerly corner of Europe. _w=730_h=400_pjpg.jpg)
Moderate
Tour code: 26180 Last Modified: 22nd February 2021 _w=622_h=622_pjpg.jpg)
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Holiday HighlightsSee what's planned
Trip InformationThis holiday is a combination of our two one weeks holidays, Tavira, Pearl of the Algarve and Delights of the Western Algarve. The scent of orange groves and pine trees accompanies you as you ramble along ancient paths fringed with abundant wild flowers, to a viewpoint where you can rest and drink in the scenery and the silence. Experience this journey with Ramblers Walking Holidays. Tavira straddles the Rio Gilão as it meets the Atlantic Ocean and flows into the shallows of the offshore Ria Formosa Natural Park. With its ruined castle and active fishing harbour, Tavira is a labyrinth of cobbled streets, shady plazas and the most attractive of the Algarve’s coastal towns. Our walks take us to Tavira Island in the Natural Park, taking in one of the most beautiful beaches in the world, and to pretty coastal villages such as Santa Luiza, Cabanas and Cacela Velha. Inland we wind our way between hills and valleys to the low peak of Zimbral, with some rewarding views. Ancient trails take us past farms, through an intricate patchwork of orange groves, olive and carob orchards. Sometimes we walk beside rivers; other times amongst the pines and cork oaks. Through most of our season we are presented with an endless and ever-changing procession of beautiful flowers. Tavira itself is, to say the least, a very charming town. The ancient Ponta Romana spans the Rio Sequa, separating the two sides of the town. Narrow streets lead between whitewashed buildings, many with traditional balconies. At the centre lies the lovely Praça da Republica, bordered by trees, fountains and restaurants. During our second week, the western Algarve offers a glorious mix of coastal, mountain and inland landscapes. The varied geology gives a rich diversity of scenery from granite mountains to dramatic limestone escarpments and sea cliffs. We stay in two contrasting centres on Portugal’s south coast. Portimão, a working town on the estuary of the Rio Arade and Lagos, a historical town where many of the voyages of discovery set sail. From the historic centre of Portimão we enjoy a levada walk beside the Rio Arade, which passes through orange and lemon groves, and exploring Silves. Another day will be spent in the hills of the Serra de Monchique, offering outstanding views. Carob and olives are cultivated on farms and small holdings, along with oranges and other citrus fruit, pomegranates, almonds and an abundance of other produce. We visit local villages where working life continues as it has for centuries. As we head to our second centre of Lagos, we’ll enjoy a fantastic coastal walk between Portimão and Alvor en route. Lagos is a large village with a selection of restaurants and bars to enjoy in the evenings. From here we will continue our search for the hidden gems of the Western Algarve. A coastal walk will take us from Luz to Lagos, encountering some typical Algarvian villages as we go, and head to the edge of Europe, walking in the Parque Natural de Costa Vicentina, once the last sight of land for explorers setting forth on their historic voyages. What's included?
What's not included?
Holiday GradeThis holiday is a combination of our Tavira, Pearl of the Algarve holiday and Hidden Delights of the Western Algarve. This Grade 4 walking holiday includes walks at a moderate pace over undulating terrain and may include an element of sightseeing as well. Walks are generally between 6 miles and 10 miles a day with ascents and descents ranging from minimal to 400m. The Algarve doesn’t have any high mountains so ascents are gradual. We are able to offer opt out points on most of the walks we offer giving you the flexibility of walking the entire day's route or opting out if you want to rest. In addition to the walking, this Lifestyle holiday allows us to absorb the natural surroundings, and experience local culture and of course the local cuisine. FLEXI-Walking We are able to offer opt out points on most of the walks on this holiday, giving you the flexibility of walking the entire day's route or opting out if you wish, catching up with the group later in the day. See the Itinerary section for more information. Our bottom line is happy travellers, and to that end we trust our tour leaders to use the itinerary below as a basis for providing you with a great holiday. We expect our leaders to make adjustments to the itinerary if the weather, group ability or other local conditions make that necessary. There are normally more options available to our leaders than those listed below and one or more of these options may well be chosen. All distances, heights & timings are approximate. Due to the ongoing COVID-19 pandemic, we may unfortunately need to withdraw a tour that is currently confirmed to operate and we therefore reserve the right to cancel your booking. We would always do our utmost to give you plenty of notice should we have to do this. Selected elements of this tour, including local attractions and restaurants, may change at late notice. Please ensure you have valid insurance cover before you travel. Proposed ItineraryDay 1Proposed ItineraryDay 1TaviraMeals DinnerAccommodation Maria Nova Lounge HotelWe fly from the UK to Faro, on Portugal's beautiful Algarve. On arrival we transfer to the hotel in Tavira. Depending on flight arrival times, we may have an orientation walk of the town before we dine at a local restaurant. Transfer Time = 1h Day 2Day 2TaviraMeals Breakfast & DinnerAccommodation Maria Nova Lounge Hotel
Zimbral - Fonte Salgada - N125: Our wonderful walk today takes us through open rolling hillsides with spectacular views, allowing a tremendous appreciation for the region. We pass through fascinating villages and descend to finish in a low fertile valley of orange groves and small holdings. Day 3Day 3TaviraMeals Breakfast & DinnerAccommodation Maria Nova Lounge Hotel
Santa Luzia and Tavira Island: Our remarkably varied walk takes us through Tavira's salt pans, which date back thousands of years to the picturesque fishing village of Santa Luzia, with its glorious waterfront. After time for coffee, we cross over to Tavira Island and walk along the island's beach which is regarded by many as one of the finest in the world. Vast stretches of golden sand and sparkling blue waters await you before we catch the ferry back to Tavira. Day 4Day 4TaviraMeals Breakfast & DinnerAccommodation Maria Nova Lounge Hotel
Sao Bras do Alportel: We travel inland to the ancient town of S. Bras do Alportel, the centre of the Algarve's cork production. Our walk allows us to explore the rolling wooded hillsides and verdant valleys of the area, with time to also explore the charming narrow streets of the old town. Here you'll find local carob and almond cakes, which are the stars of the show! Day 5Day 5TaviraMeals Breakfast & DinnerAccommodation Maria Nova Lounge Hotel
Santa Catarina, Mesquita and Bengado: A very picturesque walk, much of it on a waymarked route, titled Routes and Crossroads to the Fountain. This intricate mix of paths and tracks meander through wild open hillsides, intimate small holdings and quintessential Algarve hamlets. Day 6Day 6TaviraMeals Breakfast & DinnerAccommodation Maria Nova Lounge Hotel
Manta Rota to Tavira with opt out in Cabanas: A classic coastal walk following the inner shore and visiting the iconic village of Cacela Velha, with its picturesque sea views, before arriving in Cabanas. Here we'll take a well earned rest at one of the many cafes lining the spectacular waterfront and you can then chose to explore Cabanas further or continue with the walk to Tavira. Day 7Day 7TaviraMeals Breakfast & DinnerAccommodation Maria Nova Lounge Hotel
Santa Catarina, Ceramicas and Pego do Inferno: An inland walk through one of the most beautiful and interesting valleys in the Algarve. Santa Catarina is one of the centres for the production of carob, almond, fig, olive oil and medronho and the surrounding countryside reflects this. Notice the tiny brick and tile works that we pass, whose hand-made craft dates back to before Roman times. Day 8Day 8PortimaoMeals Breakfast & DinnerAccommodation Hotel GloboLeaving Tavira today, we travel to our next centre of Portimao. Located very close to a beautifully sandy beach, the hotel is close to Portimao's marina and in easy walking distance of cafes, bars and restaurants. Day 9Day 9PortimaoMeals Breakfast & DinnerAccommodation Hotel Globo
Today's walk starts in the traditional Algarve village of Estombar. We follow the lush valley of the river Arade, visiting the Ecological Park of Fontes on the way, an attractive local beauty spot. The route itself enables us to explore this river valley following quiet tracks and winding paths so we can appreciate the diverse habitats and wildlife. We finish in peaceful Silves, ancient capital of the Algarve. Day 10Day 10PortimaoMeals Breakfast & DinnerAccommodation Hotel Globo
Today we offer a fantastic coastal walk, known as the Seven Hanging Valleys Trail, taking in one of the most famous and dramatic sections of the Algarve coastline. Towering cliffs, sea caves and grottos, superb sandy coves and spectacular headlands including the much photographed Benagil domed caves lined with beautiful sandstone strata. All this can be seen during this picturesque walk to finish along Carvoeiro’s renowned elevated boardwalk. This walk has the accolade as one of the best trails in Europe. Opt out point is at 3.7 miles. Day 11Day 11LagosMeals Breakfast & DinnerAccommodation Aqualuz Suite Hotel
Today we will transfer to our next centre of Lagos. We have a full programme with a fantastic coastal walk taking in the superb sandy beaches and dramatic headlands between Alvor and Portimão, including the much photographed beach at Praia da Rocha, one of the best in the Algarve. Capture the unique colours of the rock strata formed by white limestone and red sandstone, supporting a wide variety of flora. After a lunch stop, we continue by foot, along the coast. Our luggage will be taken separately by coach, and those that prefer not to walk can also take the coach transport. Day 12Day 12LagosMeals Breakfast & DinnerAccommodation Aqualuz Suite Hotel
We continue our coastal theme with a spectacular walk leaving our hotel and walking to Ponte de Piedade where the famous craggy sea caves are to be found and visited by many small boats carrying visitors from nearby Lagos. On this walk we follow a coastal path to Burgau. We pause on the golden beach of Porto de Mós for our mid-morning break then follow a dramatic clifftop path to Praia da Luz, a well-known and attractive coastal resort. The walk finishes in Burgau a remarkably unspoilt little village with its few narrow streets dropping down to its small beach. Opt out point are in Porto de Mós mid morning and at lunch time in Praia da Luz. Day 13Day 13LagosMeals Breakfast & DinnerAccommodation Aqualuz Suite Hotel
We head back inland for a walk that takes in the villages of Barão de São João and Barão de São Miguel. These charming, rural and peaceful villages are characterized by the typical white houses with a coloured band around the windows and doors. This and the traditional Algarve chimneys demonstrate the many years of Moorish occupancy of the area. Day 14Day 14LagosMeals Breakfast & DinnerAccommodation Aqualuz Suite Hotel
Our final day on the western Algarve fittingly culminates at Sagres and Cape S. Vincent, the most south-westerly point on the Algarve. This area of intensely dramatic cliffs, opening onto a vast horizon of sea and sky, was the last sight of Europe for the explorers setting forth on their fearsome voyages beyond the horizon. It was here that Prince Henry the Navigator established his fortress and began the “age of discoveries” sending ships to explore the world. Day 15Day 15Final dayMeals BreakfastWe say goodbye to the Algarve today as we head to Faro airport for our flight back to the UK. Walks & ExcursionsLocal Transport CostsAll local transport costs in conjunction with the advertised activity programme are included in the holiday cost. There may be occasions where additional visits or excursions are added to enrich your experience, these will be paid for locally by you if you choose to participate. Local transport can be a mix of private hire coaches, taxis, local buses and ferries depending on the itinerary. Optional ExcursionsA range of local excursions and activities may be available to book at your destination through a local operator. We have no involvement in such activities or excursions which are not run, supervised or controlled in any way by us. Your contract will be with the local activity supplier and we accept no responsibility for their actions or omissions. Spending MoneyHoliday BudgetingWhen budgeting for your holiday, you will need to consider drinks, any meals not included in the holiday price, non-included entrance fees, optional excursions you may choose to participate in locally and any souvenirs or additional services such as laundry. A general guideline for lunches and drinks is £10-£20 per person per day. Currency in PortugalThe currency in Portugal is the euro. You may wish to take some euro cash with you until you reach an ATM. Credit cards may not be accepted in smaller towns and rural areas. TippingAlthough entirely at your own discretion, tipping is an important aspect of tourism and hospitality life and expectations are fairly high. In order to simplify tipping, we strongly recommend that you allow your leader to take care of making sure tips are given to hotel and restaurant staff and to local guides and drivers. This will be done using some funds provided by us together with, if you wish, a contribution from you, which he/she will collect during the holiday. Tour Leaders & Local GuidesTour LeadersYour tour leader makes the world of difference to your holiday and ours are as passionate about discovering the world on foot as you are. They're resourceful, organised and widely travelled. They will handle all the local administration and other needs that might arise to ensure that you don't have to worry about planning your days and you can enjoy your holiday. Although leading group holidays, they won't forget that every group is made up of individuals. Each tour leader has their own individual style, talents and professional backgrounds and all are trained, qualified, experienced and dedicated to making your holiday as enjoyable, interesting and inspiring as possible. Leader's Evening BriefingEach evening, your tour leader will discuss with you the programme for the following day. This will be your opportunity to discuss the details and ensure the planned activities suit your walking ability. If you have concerns on clothing or equipment, this can be discussed then also. If you do not wish to join the organised group programme, please let the leader know. Your Travel DetailsWe travel from London to Faro, on Portugal's south coast. Flights from Birmingham and Manchester may also be available. The transfer time from Faro Airport to Tavira, our first centre, is approximately 1 hour. Booking Your Own Travel Arrangements?If you wish to organise your own flights from a non-UK or provincial airport or travel by rail or car to your holiday destination, 'land only' reductions are often available. Please contact us for details. Before finalising any independent travel arrangements, please check with us first - especially if doing so 12 weeks or more before your intended date of travel. If you do intend to join your holiday locally please do tell us at least 14 weeks in advance. If you are joining and leaving your holiday overseas we assume, unless you advise us otherwise, that you will join and leave the holiday at your hotel. Although airport transfers are not included for those making their own independent travel arrangements, if you wish to join the group at the overseas airport, depending on your flight arrival time, you may be able to be included on the group's transfer. Please contact us at least 5 weeks before departure for more details. Please note that your flight must arrive within 30 minutes of the group flight to be able to join the group transfer. We also need your flight number, arrival time and departure point so that the group leader is able to meet up with you. Regional TransfersRegional Flights (R3). We offer regional flight options on this holiday and there will be one or two transfer vehicles between the airport and hotel to minimise any waiting time at the overseas airport on the outward or return journeys. Luggage Allowance & Travel DocumentsFor all those booking a flight or rail inclusive holiday, details of your travel arrangements and baggage allowance will be confirmed in your travel documents, sent to you approximately 10 days prior to departure. Personal Details CheckTo ensure that we can accurately administer your holiday arrangements, please confirm that the personal details we hold for you are up to date and that you have provided the information we need to secure your holiday travel and accommodation arrangements. Please check your passport details, date of birth and any other important details necessary for us to properly manage your holiday booking. You can view and update information already provided, and add details not yet asked for, by using the Manage My Booking facility on our website www.ramblersholidays.co.uk, or by calling our Sales and Reservations team on +44 (0)1707 331133. When you receive your booking confirmation please check the details as soon as possible. Passports and VisasGeneral Passport AdviceIt is a good idea to carry photocopies of the personal details pages of your passport. Should you lose your passport, this may assist with the issue of replacement documents and your return to your home country. Passport and visa requirements can change at any time. It is your own responsibility to ensure that you inform yourself from a professionally qualified source on, and comply with, such requirements. General travel and destination advice for UK nationals is available from the Foreign and Commonwealth Office at www.fco.gov.uk/travel and at www.gov.uk/travelaware. Brexit Passport AdviceYou should have at least 6 months validity left on your passport from your date of arrival. If you renewed a 10 year passport before it expired, extra months may have been added to your passport’s expiry date. These extra months will not count, so you should ensure that your passport is not older than 9 years and 6 months from the date of issue at the time of travel. You may wish to renew your passport sooner rather than later, in order to make sure you have it in time for your holiday or travel plans. Please ensure to regularly check the Foreign and Commonwealth Office website for updates on passport requirements leading up to and after Brexit or contact us for more assistance. UK Government Brexit Information for Passports can be found at www.gov.uk/guidance/passport-rules-for-travel-to-europe-after-Brexit. The UK Government has published a website tool to check the validity of your passport under these rules which can be found at www.passport.service.gov.uk/check-a-passport. In the event the UK leaves the EU without a deal, UK citizens will be able to visit the EU for up to 90 days within a 180-day period without a visa. The UK Government also has information for travellers available at gov.uk/EUexit Non British Passport holders should consult the host country’s embassy for applicable passport and visa entry requirements. AccommodationWhere are we going to stay?Maria Nova Lounge HotelRua Antonio Pinheiro, 17 8800-323 Tavira Portugal 00 351 289 540 100 Tavira is a picturesque traditional town with cobbled streets and pastel coloured buildings. This charming town is decorated with tropical palm trees and lies along the tranquil Gilao River. Although just a 5 minute stroll from Tavira's lively centre, the Maria Nova Lounge is located on a quiet hillside within the town’s limits. Close to the hotel you will find an array of winding streets and shaded squares lined with shops, cafes, bakeries and restaurants. You will also find banks, ATMs and chemists close by. The hotel offers wonderful views over the town’s white washed buildings and the surrounding hillsides. You can take a relaxing swim in the outdoor and indoor swimming pools, set in delightful gardens. Maybe try the gym and wellness centre, the use of the facilities are free of charge, for massages you will need to book and pay extra. After a delicious dinner in the hotels restaurant, sit back and relax with a beverage in the bar and its terrific views over Tavira town. We stay in contemporary standard twin and double bedded en suite rooms. All single rooms have two separate beds. Facilities include
Towels for use at the hotel's pool are available on site. If you wish to go to the beach, you should bring your own beach towel. Hotel GloboRua 5 de Outubro nº 26 8500-581 Portimao Portugal (+351) 282 490 160 Portimao is the largest city in the Western Algarve and was traditionally a centre for ship building, sardine fishing and fish processing. Now, its scenic promenade, historical buildings, beautiful sandy beaches with its warm waters and red cliff backdrop make Portimao an attractive tourist destination. There are many services including banks, chemists, shops, museums, tourist information office, cafes, shops, and restaurants, just a short walk from our hotel. The picturesque beaches of Praia da Rocha are a short bus ride away. The Hotel Globo is situated in the historic centre of Portimao, close to the River Arade with an easy stroll to the town's shops, cafes and restaurants. The hotel offers a small health club with a gym, sauna and Turkish bath plus a breakfast room with a wonderful view over the town and to the river. Rooms are compact and are decorated in a contemporary style with an en suite bathroom with hairdryer. The room also has air conditioning, a safe and TV. Due to the small streets in the old part of Portimao, our bus must drop us off on the main road and we need to walk approx. 50m with our luggage. Aqualuz Suite HotelRua Sacadura Cabral 8 8600-619 Lagos Portugal 351 282 770 620 Lagos is a historical and characterful city decorated with authentic restaurants, cobbled streets and dramatic natural scenery. It is a popular day trip destination with its picturesque sandy beaches and beautiful harbour area. There are many restaurants, cafes and bars along the main square and harbour area. There are also a variety of small supermarkets, banks with ATM's, clothing shops and a tourist office. The four-star Aqualuz Suite Hotel is located within walking distance of Lagos, with all its amenities and a stroll from the nearest beach. The property boasts four swimming pools (inside and outside), plus a spa and gym area. Sit back with a glass in the restaurant and bar area. We stay in one bedroom apartments with the following facilities:
There is no safe in the room but these are available on request for a one off deposit and a daily rent charge. MealsBreakfast and dinners are included in the holiday price. Breakfasts will be taken at our hotels. Dinners will be at local restaurants, giving us the opportunity to sample the excellent Portuguese cuisine and local wines. We'll enjoy an authentic experience and sometimes lively atmosphere in a traditional Portuguese restaurant along with local diners and the Portuguese hospitality. Portuguese dishes are usually created using locally sourced fresh ingredients, and usually consist of soup, meat or fish, vegetables and potatoes. Portugal is famous for its fresh fish and usually it is caught, cooked and eaten the same day! Portimao is the sardine capital of the Algarve so expect to enjoy the scenic promenade filled with restaurants specialising in freshly cooked seafood. On some evenings we will be able to walk to the restaurants, on others transport will be provided to reach the restaurant. Footwear & Kit ListFootwearLightweight waterproof walking boots with a good moulded sole (such as Vibram or similar) and a deep tread and which provide ankle support are strongly recommended and may be essential for some walks. General Kit ListOutdoor activities are always safer and more enjoyable if you are prepared. If you have not travelled with us before the following list might be of use:
This list is not exhaustive and every walker is different and may have their own preference. Travel Documents ChecklistDocuments and Information to take with you:
Electricity in PortugalElectricity is supplied at 220 Volts. If you wish to use electrical equipment you will need a European two pin adaptor with round pins. More information can be found at https://www.power-plugs-sockets.com/ Water To GoAn alternative to bottled water from single-use sealed water bottles is filtered water from a refillable bottle containing its own water filter such as a Water-to-go bottle available from www.watertogo.eu. Just fill up from any water source and save the environment from disposable plastic bottles. We have negotiated an exclusive 15% discount with our partners Water-to-Go for you as a thank you for helping the environment. Please go to their website at www.watertogo.eu and enter the code RWH17 when ordering. In addition, Water-to-Go will match the discount with a donation to our charity, Heart & Sole, which will allow us to continue to make a difference in the countries you visit on our holidays. Maps, Guidebooks & Other InformationMaps, Guidebooks & MoreApart from any books available in local libraries, the internet is now an excellent resource for information about holidays in Portugal. You may find the below websites and books useful. ‘The Rough Guide to Portugal’ - Mark Ellingham, John Fisher, Graham Kenyon, Mathew Hancock and Jules Brown. ‘Portugal - A Travellers Guide’ - Susan Loundes (Thornton Cox) ‘Blue Guide: Portugal’ - Ian Robertson Portugal Official Tourism Website: www.visitportugal.com Portugal National Tourist office: www.portugaloffice.org.uk The Map ShopMaps and guidebooks relating to the areas you will be walking in may be bought before your holiday from The Map Shop at www.themapshop.co.uk WeatherVisit the following websites for an idea of the climate in your destination:
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