Family Activity Tour In Spain & Portugal

Joining the tour at Seville Airport today, we then drive 1.5 hr deep into rural Andalucia. Our first base is a beautifully converted guesthouse in the heart of the Sierra Aracena Natural Park, set amidst a rural landscapes of cork and chestnut forests and tucked away in a quiet corner of Castaño del Robledo, one of the most charming villages in the park. Depending on the arrival time of the group flight from London, there may be time for a short wander around the village and the chance to sample some of the great local food.

Overnight Standard Hotel (H+)

After breakfast this morning we head out along a trail to the picturesque ‘pueblo blanco’ (white village) of Alájar. Initially we climb through chestnut groves on an ancient cobbled trail overhung by huge cork trees. After crossing a low pass the walking becomes easier as we begin our long descent to Alájar. The views looking southwards over the hills are magnificent and it’s possible to pick out the famous, historical mines of Rio Tinto in the far distance. Set in a deep valley, Alájar village is famed for the imposing 17th century shrine of Arias Montano which occupies a rocky promontory high above the village. Built on the site of a medieval temple the shrine is the focal point of an annual pilgrimage each September, which attracts thousands of people, many on horseback or in colourfully decorated horse-drawn carts, who process here from all the surrounding villges to spend the day eating, drinking, singing and dancing – all from a stunning viewpoint overlooking the pretty white village below and the gentle plains to the south of the Sierra. It’s possible to have lunch in one of several bars in the village or alternatively we can walk a short distance to pic-nic in the surrounding countryside. In July and August we’ll return to Castaño by taxi from where we can spend the afternoon by the pool or relax on the terrace of the Posada. Alternatively, there is the option of a horse-ride from the nearby village of Galaroza or a visit to the mines at Rio Tinto. Outside of the summer months we plan to return to Castaño on foot via the tiny hamlet of El Calabacino – a stiff but rewarding climb on yet another breath-taking route. Even if returning on foot there is time to go horse riding this afternoon.

Overnight Standard Hotel (H+) Included meals: Breakfast Swimming available

After breakfast this morning we drive the 15 km to Aracena by charter bus where we mount our 21 speed mountain bikes and, after a safety briefing, set off on the 16 km ride through pretty countryside down to the shores of the Sierra’s one great lake – the 844 ha “Embalse de Aracena”. Initially flat on a fairly smooth dirt track we later descend on quiet country roads (asphalt) through the village of Corteconcepciòn, where there is time for a cold drink in one of the village bars. From the village’s 16th century church we enjoy superb views of the lake. Back on our bikes we continue our long descent to the shore – all the while enjoying great views through the rolling hills to the bays and inlets of the lake below. After our descent there is a further 4km along the shore on a quiet country road until we reach our picnic stop beneath the shade of some native Holm oaks. We are accompanied throughout by a support vehicle so there is plenty of room to bring lunch, bathing costumes and cold drinks, etc. There’s even the opportunity for a limited number of participants to ride in the support vehicle if some feel they no longer wish to cycle. After lunch there is time to bathe in the lake or wander the shore in search of photo opportunties. We take taxis for the 10km ascent to Aracena, returning by a different route. The largest town in the region, Aracena is overlooked by an impressive 13th century Knights Templar church and ruined castle from where you can enjoy some breathtaking views across the surrounding landscape. The town is most famous however for the stunning 'Cave of the Wonders', an extensive collection of huge underground caverns, subterranean lakes and many chambers that are exquisitely adorned with all manner of stalagmites and stalactites. It’s one of the largest cave systems in Spain with 12 caverns, 6 underground lakes and a length of over 2 km. Our time here has been left free to indulge as you wish and there will be an opportunity to visit the caves (optional), or perhaps enjoying some of the other delights the town has on offer, such as a visit to the castle, or time just to relax and soak up the atmosphere from the street cafes that line the “Gran Via” and the town’s pleasant plaza. We plan to have dinner in Aracena before returning to the hotel by charter bus.

Overnight Standard Hotel (H+) Included meals: Breakfast Swimming available

Leaving Spain a scenic descent from the sierra brings us to Portugal and the stunning town of Mértola occupying a lofty rocky spur high above the confluence of the Oeiras and Guadiana Rivers. Our journey takes us via Serpa, a classic walled town of narrow streets and picturesque houses, blanketed in colourful swathes of bourgainvillea. Dominated by the remains of its castle Serpa provides us with a welcome respite along the way and we will spend a little time exploring the delights of its tranquil streets before continuing our journey. Look out for storks along the route, as many of the high posts that line the road around the border have been turned into convenient nesting spots by these ungainly looking birds and our destination for today is set in the heart of the natural park of the Vale do Guadiana, a rich haven for the rare black stork. This afternoon we will take to the waters of the Guadiana River in canoes, enjoying a 7km journey along its course (approx 3 hours) that will afford us a unique opportunity to experience an altogether different aspect of this beautiful landscape. Utilising double seater, fibreglass canoes, this excursion is suitable for all levels and full safety equipment and instruction will be given, however it is essential that any participants are able to swim at least 25m unaided.

Overnight Standard Hotel (H+) Included meals: Breakfast Swimming available

After breakfast there will be a short orientation walk of the town, highlighting the centres of its Roman, Christian and Islamic occupations, as well as the 13th century fortress that dominates the town. The entire town has been imaginatively turned into a ‘vila museu’, allowing you to follow its history via a series of fascinating exhibitions that each traces the various aspects of the rich cultural and historical heritage of the region. Crossing the old bridge to the south of the town we take an 8 km riverside walk downstream from Mertola returning over some low hills to town. Looking back upstream we get some of the best views of Mertola’s old walled town spread out around it’s impregnable castle. The rest of the day has been left free to explore at your leisure, with the possibility available of a half day optional jeep excursion into the outlying districts, taking in some of the surrounding villages, the bizarre, multi-coloured rock landscapes surrounding the old copper mines of Sao Domingos, the spectacular waterfalls of Pulo de Lobo and a lovely lakeside beach where you can relax and enjoy the serene setting of a shaded reservoir.

Overnight Standard Hotel (H+) Included meals: Breakfast

At the town quay just 200m from our hotel we plan to take our own specially charted riverboat for the exciting trip down the Guadiana River to Alcoutim. “O Vendaval” (The Gale) is a converted fishing trawler operated by the Town Hall of Mertola for the purposes of educational trips on the river. Our departure time depends on tidal conditions but we can usually afford to break the 2.5hour trip with a stop at the 19th century British built port of Pomerao and also some time at anchor, mid-river, to enjoy a refreshing dip in the waters of the Guadiana which forms the international boundary between Spain and Portugal here. Reaching Alcoutim we take a little time to visit the town and perhaps enjoy a relaxing lunch, before catching a public bus to Vila Real de Santo Antonio, from where we take a late afternoon train to the coastal town of Tavira, arguably one of the most beautiful towns in the Algarve. A once important trading port with North Africa, the town was almost completely destroyed by an earthquake in 1755, affording the town planners an opportunity to rebuild it, filling it with elegant town houses and mansions that give it an air of timeless gentility along the palm-lined banks of its vibrant waterfront. After checking in to our hotel there may be time to wander its picturesque streets before enjoying dinner at one of its many seafood restaurants.

Overnight Standard Hotel (H+) Included meals: Breakfast

Unlike the Western Algarve’s rocky headlands and sandy coves the mainland coast of the Eastern Algarve is characterised by marshes, salt pans and tidal lagoons. These provide a haven for migratory birds and indeed much of the coast here is now protected by a chain of Natural Parks and conservation areas. It’s only on the long, offshore barrier islands or “Ilhas” that one finds some of the best beaches in Portugal and it is this relative inaccessibility that has saved the Eastern Algarve from the worst excesses of development as exemplified by the resorts, golf courses and mass tourist destinations to the west of Faro. For the small additional effort required in taking the short 15 min ferry ride to the Ilha Tavira we are treated to 11 km of glistening white-sand beaches with just a few rustic bars and restaurants at one end. The town too retains it’s historic character and pleasant easy atmosphere. Cafes line the banks of the Gilao river just downstream from the town’s ancient Roman bridge. Our orientation tour this morning also introduces us to Tavira’s historic heart, taking in something of its grandiose heritage such as the ruins of the 11th century castle which enclose a small, peaceful garden within its well restored walls, and the whitewashed splendour of the Church of Santa Maria do Castelo. After our orientation we’ll continue past the municipal market and the riverside seafood restaurants to the fishing quay where our ferry departs for the short crossing to the Ilha de Tavira. Here we will spend the rest of the day enjoying the wide white-sand beaches and the warm breakers of the Atlantic Ocean. (NB. Outside of July and August the ferry departs not from the town quay, but from the estuary quayside some 2 km from town. On these occasions we´ll take taxis to the ferry.) Later this afternoon we return to Tavira by ferry, to enjoy a final evening soaking up the genteel ambience of the Algarve before our journey home.

Overnight Standard Hotel (H+) Included meals: Breakfast Swimming available

This morning we transfer to Seville Airport where the tour ends.

Included meals: Breakfast