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The Portuguese Explorer
The Portuguese Explorer 15 Days
P O RTO
NeW
The Portuguese Explorer
Porto
Douro River
Once a 16th-century superpower, Portugal still maintains a powerful armoury of attractions great cities, fertile valleys, stunning coastlines and delectable gastronomy
The delightful World Heritage city of Porto is our starting point. The maze of narrow streets in Portos old town and the alluring riverside are both highlights of this eclectic and beautiful city. We follow the meandering Douro river inland and hike along hills and valleys dotted with groves of fig, almond and orange trees clinging to spectacular terraces. This rural region of Portugal is home to a traditional way of life we will discover restful small hamlets, welcoming villagers and flavoursome local cuisine, as well as exploring the traditional manor houses called quintas. As our walking adventure continues we explore coastal trails and hidden coves, the peerless beauty of lofty Sintra and the charming fishing village of Sesimbra. At Cape Espichel we can imagine the sailing ships of great Portuguese navigators and dream of the golden age of discoveries. Finally, on our return to Lisbon, we explore narrow medieval laneways, see grandiose monuments and hear the fado echoing in the night.
iTiNerarY aNd HiGHliGHTS
day 1 day 2 day 3 day 4 day 5 day 6 day 7 day 8 day 9 day 10 day 11 day 12 day 13 day 14 day 15 (sun) arrive in Porto. Travel up the douro River to ancende. Walk to village of Pinhao (3 hours). Visit the vineyards of Quinta Calem and Quinta da Rosa (4 hours). Walk in the Sao Mamede hills and Tua Gorges (4 hours). Train through beautiful gorges of Rio Corgo to Vila Real. drive to traditional village of Sequeiros; walk to Solar de Mateus (6 hours). scenic return to Porto; visit old wine cellars. Train to the White City of Lisbon. Walk to Quinta da Serra and on to Portinho beach (4 hours). drive to Sesimbra. Walk to the Espichel Cape (4 hours). Return to Sesimbra. Explore Belem on the Tagus River; travel to sintra. Walk along the Serra Coast through forest; explore Colares (4 hours). Return to Sintra. Walk along the Cabo da Roca Coast to Guincho Beach (4 hours). Travel to Lisbon. Free day to explore glorious Lisbon. our trip ends in Lisbon after breakfast (sun).
Vila Real Tua Gorges Pinhao
atlantic ocean
spain
portugal
Sintra Colares Lisbon Sesimbra
Trip deTailS
GRAdE CULTURE & dISCOVERy / EASy WALK Inclusions Peregrine tour leader, transport and sightseeing. Accommodation 10 nights comfortable hotel, 4 nights Feature stay. Meals 14 breakfasts, 8 lunches, 4 dinners. Group size Minimum 6, maximum 15. Trip code PEPE. Trip dates starts Porto, finishes Lisbon 2008 2009
Start 04 May 18 May 07 sep 21 sep 28 sep Finish 18 May 01 Jun 21 sep 05 oct 12 oct Start Finish 03 May 17 May 17 May 31 May
HiGHliGHT eXperieNCe We taste port with flamboyant maître de, Fatima Ribas, at Quinta Infantado, a peaceful vineyard far from the large tourist sites.
feaTUre STaY In the heart of Porto, we stay at a wonderful hotel set inside a spectacular 19th-century building. Furnished in heritage style, our hotel features a games room and restful garden.
Price from Porto optional carbon offset payment:
£1825 £3
download detailed Trip notes at: www.peregrineadventures.co.uk/trips/pepe
THE sPIRIT oF advEnTuRE // 59
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