Walking holidays in Portugal


Portrek
Here at Portrek our aim is to take you on a walking holiday to a stunning rural location in the heart of the Portuguese countryside, and give you a week of great walking in a Natural Park, travelling along ancient drovers routes, and through villages lost in time. Great accommodation in a renovated ‘chateau’, ensuite rooms, a swimming pool, great company and much much more. We don’t believe that keen walkers necessarily want to be ferried around in a cramped minibus - we have an air conditioned Mercedes - or stay in second rate hotels. This is a real ‘spoil yourself’ holiday. Our Autumn 2007 walking week is now confirmed as 29 September - October 6, and in Spring 2008 the dates are May 10 - 17. Book early to avoid disappointment We also hope to be announcing a new destination for Summer 2008 so let us know if you are interested by sending us an email, and we'll keep you posted



How much walking is involved, and what's included?
We give you a good week of decent walking, between 9K and 14K a day, depending on the terrain.Walking is not compulsory every day, there is much to do if you want to take a day's rest at the Quinta, or explore locally - this is vineyard country and we can arrange local vineyard visits for those who are interested.The holidays are based in the Serra de Sao Mamede Natural Park in the east of Portugal, two hours from Lisbon, and close to the border with Spain. Our guides are fully trained National Park guides, licenced and insured by the Park authority. Virtually everything is included on this one week holiday. Return flights (from London), transfers in Portugal, all accommodation. Fully guided walks, every day. All breakfasts and three evening meals. We explore the inexpensive restaurants locally on the other nights. You will struggle to spend €100 all week. The Alentejo region is famed for its wine production and wine in the local restaurant, for example, is just €2.80 per bottle, and good wine at that.



Testimonials
We are delighted by these following testimonials from our first trip. "I would strongly recommend any walker to experience this holiday, it is a real chance to see rural Portugal and Spain at its best..I would not have missed it for the world" "What a wonderful week we enjoyed in Portugal.. the accommodation was excellent" "the weather was perfect for walking and the Spring countryside quite breathtaking" "The guides were so knowledgeable and enthusiastic about their subject that it completely absorbed us. Their pleasure in their work was very evident and this spilled over into a light-hearted, fun atmosphere for us all" (all from Amanda and Stuart, Shoreham by Sea) "We both enjoyed the holiday greatly. The accommodation was excellent, the guides extremely knowledgable and keen. The flora and fauna + boavistas made the holiday" (Jim and Aileen, Peterhead) "We really did enjoy ourselves and would certainly recommend the holiday to our friends - we think it would be a good idea to stress the beauty of the flowers on a springtime visit." (John & Sybil, Hillingdon)