we know....
Portugal’s Alentejo Coast remains a well kept secret here in the UK but this is where the Portuguese choose to spend their holidays rather than on the Algarve’s crowded shoreline. The Atlantic’s waves have sculpted a dramatic coastline where sheer cliff faces contrast with sweeping golden, sandy beaches. It’s a timeless and unspoiled landscape where the waves are also perfect for surfers!!
The town of Milfontes is popular with Lisbon’s residents who travel there in summer to escape the city heat and enjoy the fine seafood and steaks ….try the oysters (as big as plates) grilled on a barbecue or steak cooked on a red hot stone!
Inland, you’ll find gently undulating hills topped with cork trees and winding through them is the River Mira, the cleanest river in Europe. Surf, cliffs, beaches, rivers and hills! We just defined our perfect activity playground.
you know.....
“This was the best holiday I’ve ever had. It was non-stop but the great activities and mainly the fantastic group of people I met made it unbeatable. Must also mention the great lunches that were provided. Lovely choice of hot dishes and salads every day, much better than expected.“ Kay Ainscough - August 2010
Suitable for
Families with children aged 8 years or over (please note that this does not preclude younger children but participation in the activities will be at the discretion of our instructors).
saturday - arrival and welcome
You will be met at the airport by a local representative to transfer to Milfontes. You will be given a kit list and meeting time for tomorrow.
sunday - canoeing & orienteering challenge
Today’s activities have been designed to help you explore your local surroundings. You will be given a map and you must find the harbour and canoes waiting for you.
After your paddle across the river, a short walk up into a pinewood forest will lead you to the picnic spot. After lunch there is the opportunity for some archery before an orienteering race to find the treasure. From here you will paddle back to the harbour in your canoes.
monday - surfing
Today is a highlight of everyone’s holiday. A full day’s tuition from our expert instructors will make sure that everyone has the basics of surfing mastered by the end of the day. When taking a break from surfing you can enjoy the beautiful views from the clear sandy beaches (and enjoy laughing at everyone else falling off!).
tuesday - lagoon activity day
Today is based at the “Pêgo das Pias” lagoon; a stunning spot set in a steep sided river valley. Your guides will help you to find some special hidden spots around the lagoon. There is also an area to practise your climbing and abseiling skills nearby. After lunch you will be divided into teams and given raft building materials before testing your handiwork on the water.
wednesday - free day
Many families choose to simply relax on the beach or around the pool today. Alternatively, surfing, canoeing, horse riding and fishing are all available for those feeling a little more active (payable locally).
thursday - canoeing and cycling
After breakfast you will be transferred to the beautiful Zambujeira Velha on the banks of the River Mira. From there you continue your journey by canoe, paddling downstream whilst enjoying the local flora and fauna within this preservation area. After lunch a short transfer takes you to the start of the cycling, pedalling on a gentle track along the stunning coastline. This is a wonderful way to explore a different part of the coast.
friday - zip wire and abseiling wall
For a real adrenaline rush today is the one you have been waiting for! Today’s activities will include zip wiring, a small climbing wall and a huge 40 metre abseiling wall.
You can also try your hand at archery during lunch time and in the afternoon an orienteering game will round up the week’s activities in this beautiful area. This evening a delicious farewell dinner will be served in the hotel.
saturday - depart or extend your stay
Think you could spend another week relaxing in this wonderful part of the world? Or do you need another week to crack your surfing skills? We can arrange extensions in the local area if you wish but otherwise it’s time to transfer to the airport for your return flights home.
Would you like this holiday tailor made especially for your friends and family?
If you have a group of at least 4 people then please contact one of our travel experts to discuss the options of a private or tailor made programme.
Available
Limited places
On request
Price per person based on 2 adults sharing with 2 children
|
Depart |
Adult |
Child (8 - 15) |
Availability |
|
14/07/2012 |
£1145 |
£1145 |
|
|
21/07/2012 |
£1145 |
£1145 |
|
|
28/07/2012 |
£1145 |
£1145 |
|
|
04/08/2012 |
£1145 |
£1145 |
|
Supplements :
| Name |
Adult |
Child (8 - 15) |
|
2 bedroom villa - 4 people sharing pppw |
£35 |
- |
|
3 people sharing a 1 bedroom apartment pppw |
£70 |
- |
|
2 people sharing a 1 bedroom apartment pppw |
£195 |
- |
|
2 bedroom villa - 5 people sharing pppw |
(£15) |
- |
|
2 bedroom villa - 6 people sharing pppw |
(£40) |
- |
N.B. Prices in brackets denote a price deduction.
Pricing Notes
Prices based on 4 sharing a 1 bedroom apartment.
* Teenage Departures - 28 July 2012 - children must be 12 years and over.
Prices include all activities. If you do not wish to take part in one or more activities please let us know at time of booking as this may reduce the price.
Getting there
This holiday includes return flights from London to Portugal (regional and flexible departures on request).
Self drive discounts are available on request.
This holiday is based in the centre of a natural park where our local suppliers work in conjunction with the park wardens to ensure that our clients are aware of their surrounding environment and when walking / cycling on demarcated paths they do not stray or leave waste onto ecologically sensitive areas. This is particularly relevant on the coastal sand dunes.
Our local partners are heavily integrated into the local community. All our guides and drivers are from the area and we have instigated many initiatives with the county council supporting cultural and sporting events - even maintaining the only grass football pitch in the locality.
The lower Alentejo area is undiscovered by northern Europeans mass tourism as it is too far from international airports. It is very popular with the native Portuguese and we are working to create holidays not just for northern European families but with the Portuguese to enable an exchange of cultural information.
All our accommodation is run by family units who often offer additional meals to our customers using locally grown produce from their own kitchen gardens. Our tours include visits to working windmills, potteries and linen weavers to help keep these traditions alive in the locality and make any souvenirs bought more meaningful to the client and local community alike.