Compare Blazing Saddles - Family Adventure in Portugal by KE Adventure Travel vs Walking the Algarve's South West by Exodus Travels
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| Trip |
5 | Excellent
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5 | Excellent
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| Duration | 8 days | 11 days |
| Price From | $ 1,380 | $ 2,900 |
| Price Per Day | $ 173 | $ 264 |
| Highlights |
--A family walking holiday with donkeys in Portugal --Feed and look after the donkeys each evening --Pleasant ‘Turismo Rural’ accommodation with pools --Free time in the charming coastal city of Porto --Look out for vultures and eagles in the Douro National Park |
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| Trip Style | Group tour | Self-guided tour |
| Lodging Level | Basic | Standard |
| Physical Level |
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| Travel Themes |
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| Countries Visited | ||
| Cities and Attractions | N/A |
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| Flights & Transport | Ground transport included | No |
| Activities | N/A |
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| Meals Included |
Breakfasts, 5 Lunches and 6 Dinners |
All continental breakfast and 5 evening meals included. The local speciality from the sea is the Barnacle Perceve, this is not taken from the bottom of boats but the bottom of submerged local cliffs, it is harvested by hand using a dangerous and traditional method, which involves one of the two collectors dangling by a rope from the top of the cliffs! They are a bit of a delicacy not too dissimilar to mussels. Away from the sea the dried hams, salamis and chouriço are as good as anything that Spain or Italy can produce. The strange sounding bread sausage Alheira is very good, invented by the Portuguese Jews during the Inquisition to avoid persecution, bread and non-pork products are used. Good quality meat is also on the menu, beef and pork are of a high quality and lamb in season is superb. Vegetables are plentiful and with big harvests of almonds and oranges, fruits are in good supply alongside another local vegetable, the sweet potato. The Algarve’s other surprise is the quality of cheese; from mild to strong using cow, goat or sheep milk there is a great range of cheeses for all tastes, Queijo de Cabra do Algarve, is a particular favourite. |
| Description |
In the north-eastern corner of Portugal, the Tras-os-Montes district is a paradise for donkeys and walkers alike. Tras-os-Montes, literally means Beyond-the-Hills and is an unspoilt area with authentic rural charm, close to the Douro River which forms the border with Spain. In this area, the AEGPA gives shelter to donkeys that have ended their working lives on local farms and actively promotes the endemic species of donkey - the ‘Burro Mirandes'. Generally nut-brown in colour, these are enchanting animals that make trusty companions on our series of rural walks. Having journeyed to Pocinho from Porto by train and car, we have the chance to meet our donkeys on Day 2 and learn a little about their upkeep. On the following day we set off and each day, thereafter, we walk for between 3 and 5 hours through the countryside, on ancient paths and dirt roads and from one village to the next. Along the way, we pass through farms with lots of noisy animals: cows, sheep, goats, donkeys, dogs and cats. In contrast, out in the country, we walk in peaceful silence. Each evening, when we reach the donkey-stables, the children have to help to brush and feed the donkeys. A perfect way of getting the whole family involved in an active holiday! Much of this area is a nature reserve, set up to protect the landscape and the several important species of birds of prey, including both vultures and eagles - we will be looking out for these impressive creatures, especially during the last 2 days of walking. Returning to Porto at the end of the holiday, we have chosen to use a hotel in the Portofoz area of the city, which will give us a free afternoon close to the beach and to the old part of Porto. |
Escape the busy tourist spots of the Algarve and discover the unspoilt Sagres Peninsula, a region of spectacular natural beauty with rugged cliffs, dramatic coastlines, sandy beaches and lush countryside. On our 10-night walking holiday, a mixture of forest, valley and coastal trails take you inland and along Portugal's west and south coast, affording breathtaking views and some truly memorable moments.Discover the South-West corner of the Algarve on our self-guided walk following coastal footpaths and inland trails. |
Day 1
We rendezvous at the group hotel in central Porto. Airport transfers are not provided and you will make your own way from the airport to Trinidade Station using the convenient Metro. It is a short walk from here to our modern hotel, which was formerly a cinema. KE Land Only package services begin with a briefing from the guide at 7 pm, followed by dinner at a restaurant and overnight at the hotel.
Day 2
After breakfast, we take the Metro to the Campahna Station and from there take the train to Pocinho. Arriving at lunchtime, we then take an hour's taxi ride to our 'Turismo Rural' base, Casa Pimenteis, in the Vale de Algoso. In the afternoon we go to meet our donkeys and have the chance to use the pool. Dinner and overnight at Casa Pimenteis.
Day 3
After a leisurely start, we go back to the donkey ranch at Atenor, meet our 'burros' and set off on a morning walk through meadows and woodland. We stop for a picnic lunch in a pleasant spot and end our walk in the village of Palacoulo. Once we've fed the donkeys, we return to Casa Pimenteis. Free time at the pool in the afternoon. 7 kilometres walking. 3 hours.
Day 4
Returning to Palacoulo, we meet up with our donkeys and set off on a walk that takes us up onto a plateau with small fields and groves of trees. We will stop for a picnic lunch en route to Sao Pedro da Silva, where we will leave the donkeys and make the 10-minute transfer back to Casa Pimenteis. 8.5 kilometres walking 3 to 4 hours.
Day 5
From Sao Pedro da Silva we cross the Mirandese Plateau, with great views of the upper valley of the Douro River. In the village of Duas Igrejas, on the border with Spain, there is a tiny ancient chapel and a picturesque and now disused, railway station. Dinner and overnight at another Turismo Rural in Pena Branca. 7 kilometres walking. 3 hours.
Day 6
Today we have our longest walk, from Duas Egrejas, through the very scenic Douro Nature Park, keeping a watch for vultures that live here. Passing through Miranda do Douro, we say goodbye to our donkeys and return to the Turismo Rural in Pena Branca. Free time to use the swimming pool. 10 to 12 kilomettres walking. 4 to 5 hours.
Day 7
After breakfast, we return to the station in Pocinho and take the train back to Porto unaccompanied. Arriving in the city, we take the Metro to a different hotel in the Portofoz district, close to the beach and to many of the city's attractions. Afternoon free on the beach and with options to explore the city. Overnight at the hotel in Portofoz, with access to many nearby restaurants.
Day 8
KE Land Only package services end after an early breakfast. Airport transfers are not provided. Clients will make their own way to Porto Airport using the Metro.
Day 1 Arrive at Sagres
Arrive at your hotel in the coastal town of Sagres. (Staying at Memmo Baleeira)
Day 2 Sagres to Pedralva
After a 30-minute transfer you'll start today's walk, following the Fishermen's Trail to the cliff tops and the glorious Amado beach. You'll make your way to Carrapateira - perhaps stop for a picnic lunch or sample one of the village's snack bars - before following the Rota Vicentina past one of the Algarve's best viewpoints, on your way to Pedralva. (Staying at Aldeia da Pedralva)
Day 3 At Pedralva
The choice is yours today. You could relax and explore this charming village or purchase some picnic supplies and follow one of our suggested walks! A cliff-top route takes you back to the beautiful Amado beach; you'll enjoy breathtaking views out to sea, with the return leg offering valley and forest views as far as the Serra de Monchique. A shorter walk takes you along the Marreiros plateau where you'll enjoy far-reaching views over the rolling countryside below. (Staying at Aldeia da Pedralva)
Day 4 Pedralva to Vila Do Bispo
After an enchanting walk through pine and eucalyptus forest you can choose from two routes. One follows the Rota Vicentina and pretty meadows to Vila do Bispo, whilst the longer route makes a horseshoe loop into the Costa Vicentina Natural Park, to the Praia da Barriga (Barriga beach), set at the end of a long and lush valley and backed by dramatic cliffs. (Staying at Hotel Mira Sagres)
Day 5 At Vila Do Bispo
Today you could wander the quaint streets of the village or choose to follow one of our suggested walks. Perhaps take in the cliffs and viewpoints above Vila do Bispo, or walk through a landscape of rolling hills and gentle valleys, through the village of Raposeira, to the Guadalupe Chapel which is thought to be one of the only Knights Templar buildings left in Portugal. (Staying at Hotel Mira Sagres)
Day 6 Vila Do Bispo to Cabo De Sao Vicente/Sagres
The undoubted highlight of today is making your way to the south-western tip of Europe - Cabo de Sao Vicente. Following country lanes and coastal trails, you'll enjoy some superb scenery en route and feel on top of the world when you arrive! Take a tour of the lighthouse, visit the museum, or relax with a drink in the bar before we transfer you (5 mins) back to Sagres. (Staying at Pousada de Sagres)
Day 7 At Sagres
If you can tear yourself away from the hotel pool, why not take a walk to the Ponta da Atalaia and Ponta da Baleeira headland today? You'll experience wonderful views over Sagres' impressive fortress and the Mareta and Martinhal beaches. Alternatively, head straight to Martinhal Beach for a stroll on the sand and a drink at one of the bars! (Staying at Pousada de Sagres)
Day 8 Sagres to Lagos
It's stunning scenery and seascapes all the way today as you follow one of the Algarve's most beautiful coastal walking trails. A 20-30 minute transfer takes you to one of three possible starting points, depending on which length of walk you choose. Each route takes you through the picturesque fishing villages of Burgau and Praia da Luz with their whitewashed houses and picture-perfect beaches - perhaps stop for lunch at one of the bars or restaurants or enjoy a beachside picnic. (Staying at Costa d'Oiro)
Day 9 At Lagos
It's just a 20-minute walk from your hotel to the Old Town of Lagos. Here you'll find the 14th century walls protecting a tangle of cobbled streets full of shops, bars, cafes and restaurants, along with ornate churches, some interesting museums and the pride and joy of Lagos - its bustling marina! (Staying at Costa d'Oiro)
Day 10 Lagos/Figueira to Sagres
Today's walk has some fabulous scenery! After a transfer (20 mins) to Figueira, you'll follow a route through rolling countryside to the cliff-top headland above Praia do Zavial, before continuing via the beaches of Ingrina and Barranco up to the Sagres plateau. Cross the tiny Praia dos Rebolinhos before a final stretch along Martinhal Beach back to your hotel - take your boots off and enjoy the sand between your toes! (Staying at Memmo Baleeira)
Day 11 Leave Sagres
The tour ends after breakfast in Sagres.
