Tavira

Eastern Algarve 2017

Welcome to the Eastern Algarve Tavira is located in the Eastern Algarve and once was a traditional Portuguese fishing town. This area has a diverse history. Between the 8th and 13th centuries Tavira was under Arab rule until its conquest by the Knights of the Order of Santiago in 1242. It was elevated to a city in1520 by King Manuel I and was the main trading port in the Algarve during the 16th to 18th centuries. Today it has managed to stave off the influence of mass tourism to hold onto its unique tradition and handsome character. It still has the well preserved

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cobbled streets and arguably has some of the finest churches in the Algarve. The seven arch bridge over the River Gilão is reputedly Roman in origin, although its present appearance was acquired in the 17th century. The River Gilão has a great river front, an area to sit and enjoy the picturesque setting from one of the cafés. Nearby is the incredibly beautiful and unspoilt Mata Nacional de Conceiçäo National Park. The area offers beautiful coastline, saltpans teeming with birdlife and has year round sunshine, making it a perfect destination for gentle guided walks in spring. Our holiday at Tavira is based within easy walking distance from this delightful town and in a great location to access our walks.

Reservations - local rate 0345 470 7558 (standard rate 020 8732 1250)

Accommodation Hotel Vila Galé Rua 4 de Outubro 8800 – 362 Tavira Tel: 00351 281 329 900 Built in 2002, this 4-star hotel is less than 10 minutes’ walk from the historic centre of Tavira. The Vila Galé group owns and runs 27 hotels in Portugal and Brazil. Bedrooms: There are 268 en-suite bedrooms, simply decorated in a distinctive Arabian theme to reflect Tavira’s rich and fascinating history. The rooms have either a balcony or terrace with views over salt pans or across to Tavira town. Each room has air conditioning, telephone, TV, radio, hairdryer, shaving point, complimentary toiletries and a safe deposit box (small charge). Facilities: The hotel has an indoor and outdoor pool as well as a spa pool. Guests have free access to the health club with jacuzzi, gym and Turkish bath. There is also an attractive tepidarium in which to relax. Treatments can be booked via the reception (extra cost).

There are billiard tables in the bar area as well as table tennis (bats and balls are available from reception). 24-hour room service is available and, if required, there is a laundry service (payable locally). Wi-Fi is available free of charge in all public areas but chargeable your room (password via reception). There is a small shop that sells postcards, toothpaste, newspapers and other basic essentials. Meals: All our holidays include breakfast and evening meal. Breakfast: This is served from 7am until 10.30am as a well-stocked hot and cold buffet. Evening meal: Served at 7.30pm, this is a three course buffet, with a wide selection including soups, tapas, salads, and 4 or 5 hot main courses served with a selection of vegetables. For dessert there is a selection of cakes, ice creams, fruit and cheese with quince jam. Lunch: You may be able to purchase a picnic lunch from the hotel. Alternatively it is possible to buy ingredients from local shops or on some days to eat at one of the local cafés; your leaders will advise you of the options.

To book online visit www.hfholidays.co.uk

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Holiday itinerary A unique feature of our Guided Walking holidays is the daily choice of walks. Each evening your leaders will give a short talk about the options for the next day and answer any questions that you may have. In Tavira you’ll have a choice of two guided walks on each walking day. The cost of the transport to and from your walks each day is included in the cost of your holiday. Easier Walks: 5 to 7 miles (811km) generally through gently undulating scenery. Up to 700ft (210m) of ascent in a day. Harder Walks: 8 to 10 miles (1316km) with some short but steep ascents. Up to 1,200ft (360m) of ascent in a day. Please note that the itinerary outlined below is provisional and could be subject to change. For the most up to date information, please check our website. A finalised itinerary will be available at the resort and your leaders will talk every evening about the next day’s walks.

Day 1: Arrival day Transfer to the Hotel Vila Galé Tavira and settle into your room. There’ll be time to explore the facilities of the hotel and surrounding area and meet your fellow guests.

Day 2: Along the coast to Tavira Easier Walk: A short coach ride takes us west to the resort village of Pedras de El-Rei (Stones of the King). Here we cross a wooden bridge over the lagoon to walk beside the small railway that runs to the vast expanse of Barril Beach. Pausing to look at the outdoor display of anchors – a remnant of the tuna fishing industry, we walk along the beach for 2km before taking a water taxi from Terra Estreita to the delightful fishing village of Santa Luzia. We walk along the promenade before turning inland along the Eco Via – a long distance cycle track that

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runs the length of the Algarve – and back to our hotel in Tavira, walking through the saltpans. 6 miles (9.5km) with minimal ascent. Harder Walk: Having dropped off the easier group we continue west for a further 10 minutes to the village of Livramento, where we walk directly to the saltpans and lagoons of the Ria Formosa. Walking along the coast on tracks and lanes we pass through the tiny resort of Pineiro before turning inland to join the Eco Via to make our way to the village of Pedras de El-Rei. From here we follow a similar route to the easier walk back to Tavira. 10 miles (16km) with minimal ascent.

Day 3: Mata National de Conceiçao Easier Walk: Today we walk in the Mata Nacional de Conceição (Tavira National Forest) using well-defined tracks and lanes. From the drop off point we walk through cultivated land before reaching the undulating tracks which take us around the forest affording views north to tiny hamlets. Leaving the forest we make our way through open arable land until we arrive at a small quinta (farmhouse) where we can enjoy welcomed refreshments before our return journey. 6 miles (9.5km) with up to 300ft (90m) of ascent. Harder Walk: From the drop off point we walk through cultivated land continuing north to take a wide loop through tiny hamlets. We re-join the easier route to walk through flatter arable land to Quinta da Colina to join the easier group for refreshments. 8 miles (13km) with up to 600ft (180m) of ascent.

Day 4: Palace and ruins At the other end of the historical scale are the Milreu ruins, amongst the most important remains of the Roman presence in the Algarve, and now classified as a national monument. After visiting these ruins we walk in the foothills of the Serra do Caldeirão. The Rococo Palácio of Estói with its French- inspired gardens was built at the

Reservations - local rate 0345 470 7558 (standard rate 020 8732 1250)

end of the 19th century for a local aristocrat of the Carvalhal family. Bought by Faro City Council in 1987, it is now a Pousada – state owned hotel.

Day 6: Vila Real de Santo Antonio and the coast

Easier Walk: Starting from the town, this walk passes the Milreu ruins and, using good tracks and quiet roads, heads north through a series of hamlets before turning again for the return to the main square in Estói with its imposing church and selection of cafés. 7 miles (11km) with up to 700ft (210m) of ascent.

Today we have the services of a local interest guide who will join us on the coach from the hotel. Both groups will travel to the city of Vila Real de Santo António on the Guadiana River, which forms the border with Spain. Built in 1773 by the Marquês de Pombal, it was based on the urban criteria used for the re-construction of Lisbon following the 1755 earthquake and was built on the site of a small fishing village and largely completed within 5 months. We will see remnants of the sardine and tuna fishing industry, which was once its main economic activity, before embarking on a short tour of the city.

Harder Walk: We too head out of town sweeping further west ascending almost to the summit of Guilhim with extensive views to the mound of São Miguel in the east to Faro in the south, before contouring round the hill and completing the circuit back to Estói on a series of quiet tracks and roads. 9 miles (14.5km) with up to 1,100ft (330m) of ascent.

Day 5: Free day Each week there is a free day when no guided walks are offered. This is an ideal opportunity to relax around the hotel, walk independently or visit local places of interest. Some options for your free day may include: Day trip to Faro and the Ria Formosa Explore the old city of Faro, the district capital of the Algarve and visit the cathedral, Gothic and Baroque in style. In the afternoon, depart from the Porto Nova; this gate is also known as Portas do Mar (Doors of the Sea) because it’s one of the sites where you can depart on a boat trip to the islands of the Ria Formosa Nature Park. You’ll be dazzled by this wonderful landscape with numerous small islands, marshes and barrier islands that separate this coastal lagoon from the sea. Tavira Spend the day in and around Tavira and/ or go to the beach. The beach in Tavira is a ‘sandspit’ beach, separated from the mainland by the sea and has to be reached by a ferry boat or water taxi. The ferry runs all year round from Quatro Águas about 1.5kms out of Tavira - follow the signs for Ilha de Tavira. An alternative is to use the little tourist “train” which runs every hour. The circular trip lasts for approximately 40 minutes, taking you into the old town of Tavira and out along roads bordering the salt marshes. Local information website: For information on Tavira please visit www.visitalgarve.pt

Easier Walk: Accompanied by the local interest guide we start our walk at the seafront at Altura where we walk along the beach for 2.5km. Heading inland slightly we pass through a wooded area, which has a bird hide overlooking a small lake, until we reach the popular tourist resort of Monte Gordo. We are soon back on the beach in the area of Sertão where we will see typical fishing boats of the community as well as their fishing arts. Walking along the back of the beach on boardwalks, we enter the Mata Nacional das Dunas Litorais (sand dune woodland) before emerging on the edge of Vila Real de Santo António where there will be time to look around before our return journey. 6 miles (9.5km) with minimal ascent. Harder Walk: After our short tour of Cacela Velha, we’ll take the coach a short distance before walking along quiet lanes and part of the Eco Via long distance cycle route. We walk beside cultivated farmland via the hamlet of Alto to arrive at Altura and join the route of the easier group. Meeting the local interest guide at Monte Gordo, we continue to our destination at Vila Real de Santo António. 10 miles (16km) with minimal ascent.

Day 7: The Guadiana River Easier Walk: Today we travel north parallel to the Guadiana River, which marks the border with Spain. Starting in the small hamlet of Balurço Baixo we walk on well- defined tracks descending towards the Guadiana River. The walk is partly located in the Guadiana site of the Natura 2000 Network,

To book online visit www.hfholidays.co.uk

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a Special Protection Area (SPA), formed in response to the EU 1992 Habitat Directive. Well above the river we turn north and then west, returning via the hamlet of Torneiro before passing through an area of orchards and vines to our starting point. 5 miles (8km) with up to 500ft (150m) of ascent. Harder Walk: Starting at the same point as the easier walk we continue descending to the Guadiana River. Initially following a path alongside the river we turn west and ascend to Miradouro do Pontal with wonderful views down to the river. Ascending more steeply, our walk converges with the easier route as we make our way via Torneiro back to our starting point. 8 miles (13km) with up to 900ft (270m) of ascent.

In the evenings The friendly atmosphere of our Guided Walking holidays continues into the evening. One evening there’s the option to visit a Fado Museum to see an explanatory film which introduces the 12-string Portuguese guitar, before experiencing the emotion of the “Fado”. On the last evening, we have dinner at the sister Hotel Vila Galé Albacora. This hotel is converted from an old tuna fishing village and we can visit their museum to watch a very interesting video about the history and the volume of tuna caught prior to its decline.

Day 8: Departure day

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Reservations - local rate 0345 470 7558 (standard rate 020 8732 1250)

Travel information If you have booked your holiday ‘with flight’ you will arrive at Faro Airport. From the UK we offer flights from several airports which may arrive at different times. Please note that meals are not usually provided on European flights, although some airlines may offer a small snack. Where possible you will be met in the arrivals hall by an HF Holidays’ leader. Your leader may be on the same flight as you or may arrive on another flight.

Airport parking and accommodation If you require airport parking or accommodation before your flight, we recommend our partner Holiday Extras. Call 0800 083 8746 and quote HX031 or book online at www.holidayextras.co.uk/ hfholidays

Occasionally we will ask our transfer coach company to meet you. The driver will be in the arrivals hall holding an ‘HF Holidays’ sign. The onward journey to Tavira by coach takes approximately 45 minutes. For independent travellers: For guests who have booked their holiday ‘without flight’ HF Holidays can help you to reach the hotel in the following ways: • HF Holidays’ transfer coach from Faro airport. These are timed to meet the HF Holidays’ flights (provisional HF Holidays’ flight times can be found on www.hfholidays.co.uk or by calling (0)20 8732 1220). Cost per single journey is £13.50. Please note that HF Holidays is not responsible for your onward travel if you fail to meet the transfer coach under any circumstance • Our Airport Taxi service operates at this resort, offering quick and easy transfers for guests booking their own flights. All prices are per taxi for single journeys, allowing you to mix and match different transfer options From Faro Airport by taxi transfer £60 per taxi single journey. • Transfers and taxis must be pre-booked. If you have not already booked your transfer or taxi please call +44 (0)20 8732 1220

To book online visit www.hfholidays.co.uk

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Walking information Your walking leaders: HF Holidays’ leaders are a pivotal feature of our Guided Walking holidays. During the day they will guide you on the walks in a caring and considerate way, showing you places of interest en route. All our leaders have been selected on an intensive residential course so you can relax and enjoy your holiday knowing that you are in safe hands. Our leaders welcome your comments on the holiday survey; constructive suggestions for things that they might do differently are very helpful. We take pride in the quality of our holidays and work closely with all our providers to ensure our holidays meet your expectations. If for any reason you are not satisfied with any element of your holiday, our leaders are the best people to help. Local interest guides: In some of our resorts we may employ the services of a local interest guide who will accompany you

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on a walk to enrich and enhance your enjoyment of the area by giving you an insight into its history and culture. Tips for local interest guides have not been included in the price of your holiday. This is at your own discretion and we invite you to do this directly with the local guide. Maps: Your leaders will of course carry all the maps and detailed walk instructions needed for the walks. The maps available for this area are RKH 1:100,000 entitled Algarve. ISBN: 9783831772759. Maps can be obtained by mail order from The Map Shop, Tel: 0800 0854080 or visit www.themapshop.co.uk. Children: We welcome unaccompanied children of 14 or over on our walks on the basis that they can take full responsibility for themselves. Children under the age of 14 must be accompanied by an adult.

Reservations - local rate 0345 470 7558 (standard rate 020 8732 1250)

Walking safely We are committed to running our Guided Walking holidays in a safe manner and your co-operation with this is much appreciated. No outdoor activity can be 100% risk free; however, if you take sensible precautions and adhere to your leaders’ instructions, your holiday will be both safe and enjoyable. On the first evening of your holiday (dependent on arrival time), the leaders will give a short talk about safety on the walks – we would ask everyone to attend. Walking as a group: Our leaders always consider the safety of the group as a whole, and will show more caution over potential risks (such as bad or exceptionally hot weather) than an individual or couple might make on a private outing. Walks may be modified or cancelled following the leaders’ assessment of the day-to-day situation. Your leaders will refuse to accept any guest whose clothing, equipment, behaviour or walking ability is considered unsuitable, and where it could affect the safety and enjoyment of other guests on the proposed walk. It is your responsibility to follow the leader’s guidelines, for the benefit and safety of the group as a whole. If you leave the group, then your leader will no longer have responsibility for you. For safety reasons, we stipulate a minimum party size of two guests in addition to the leader. First aid: In line with current practice, each leader carries a group first aid kit but is not able to supply any ‘medication’, including aspirin, paracetamol, antihistamines and antiseptic cream.

as required. Your leader will inform you of the possibilities for replenishing your water during the walks. Your health: It is essential that you describe on your guest registration form any health condition or disability you may have. The leaders will treat this confidentially and may be able to take it into account on the walks; for example, by not delaying lunch if they know they have someone with diabetes in their party. EU citizens should ensure they have a European Health Insurance Card (EHIC) prior to their holiday. There can be problems with medical authorities and insurance companies if you cannot produce this when you require treatment – details are available at dh.gov. uk/travellers EHIC cards have an expiry date – please check yours is valid before you travel. Insurance: Insurance is a condition of booking. Therefore if you have not already arranged insurance, it is imperative that you do so, and advise us of the insurance company and policy number. We have negotiated special holiday insurance and full details of this cover can be found in our brochure or at hfholidays.co.uk. There is no extra charge for pre-existing illnesses. If you would like to purchase insurance from us please call us on 020 8732 1220 or email [email protected].

Hydration: In warm weather it is very important to keep hydrated. You will need to carry a minimum of two litres of water with you on walks, more during hot weather or on more demanding walks.

Even with an EHIC card, medicines and out-patient treatment normally have to be paid for at the time and the costs reclaimed afterwards – details are available at dh.gov.uk/travellers. Therefore insurance is extremely important, as is access to emergency money, preferably a credit card.

One good way of hydrating is to use a two litre hydration pack which allows drinking without constant stopping. This can then be filled up from additional water sources

In Montenegro, there are reciprocal healthcare agreements with the UK that allow free emergency treatment. In non urgent cases payment (normally in cash)

To book online visit www.hfholidays.co.uk

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may be required. Further details are available at dh.gov.uk/travellers. Turkey has no reciprocal healthcare agreement with the UK, and doctors generally expect payment in cash. Find out in advance if your insurance plan will make payments directly to providers or reimburse you later for overseas health expenditures. Money: Access to emergency money, preferably via a credit card, is very important as you never know when an emergency may arise.

Footwear: We recommend wearing walking boots on all our walks, as these provide the best ankle support and grip. Modern ‘approach shoes’ offer appropriate levels of grip and may be worn on some low level walks, but users should be aware that they offer less ankle support. Lightweight trainers, denim jeans and waterproof capes are not recommended for any walks.

Holiday tips

What to wear and bring

Language: Portuguese

To enjoy your walking comfortably and safely, it is essential that your footwear, clothing and equipment are suitable for the conditions likely to be encountered. Changeable weather is possible throughout the year, so our advice is to come prepared for all eventualities. Please note that some of our Atlantic island and Mediterranean destinations are also in mountainous areas and at high altitudes (up to 4,000ft). The temperatures can be as low as 0°C.

Changing money: There are several ATM machines in Tavira where you can obtain money.

You will need:

Telephone code: If the international number you wish to call starts with a 0, you must drop the starting digit when dialling the number.

• comfortable outdoor clothing • waterproof jacket and overtrousers • ankle supporting footwear with non-slip soles • small rucksack

Currency: Euro

Electricity: 220 Volt AC with round two pin plugs; you will need an adaptor for any appliances brought from the UK. Tap water: Is considered safe to drink, but if you prefer, bottled mineral water can be purchased from the hotel or local supermarkets.

To dial an UK number 0044 To dial a Portuguese number 00351

• water bottle (at least 2 litres, more for hot climates) and a thermos flask if you wish • sunhat, sun cream and sunglasses In addition to the above, the following are recommended to all walkers, and are essential for mountainous and hilly areas: • walking boots • spare pullover or fleece • hat and gloves • spare high-energy food e.g. chocolate bar or Kendal mint cake • torch You may also wish to consider bringing: • walking pole(s) – many guests find these useful, particularly for descents • camera • personal first aid kit

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Reservations - local rate 0345 470 7558 (standard rate 020 8732 1250)

Where next? If you enjoyed your holiday in Tavira, we recommend our holiday at Weidach, on Austrian’s Seefeld Plateau, which is carpeted in colourful flowers. The tranquil valley offers a variety of gentle Alpine walks.

Guided Trail holidays Discover a great sense of achievement on a Guided Trail holiday. We have a great collection of trails on famous routes and outstanding locations across Britain and Europe.

Two weeks or more Make the most of your break and enjoy a longer holiday – either two weeks of walking at one resort or by combining complementary holidays, such as Tenerife and Lanzarote. We arrange the transfers between the resorts so that you don’t have to. See our brochure or website for more information.

Worldwide From Alaska to Australia our Worldwide Journeys invite you to explore world famous destinations, and some lesser known gems, on six continents including Europe.

Self-guided Walking For those who prefer to explore independently, on our Self-guided Walking holidays, in selected European destinations, you can discover unspoiled scenery, historic sites and the local culture at your own pace by following our carefully planned walking routes.

Leisure Activities We offer a range of Leisure Activities holidays at some of our European destinations, including Discovery or Garden Tours, Photography, Painting, or Yoga.

Cycling With a wealth of exciting European destinations, we have a range of guided and self-guided holidays to suit all abilities. We also offer guided cycling tours based at some of our UK Country Houses. If you prefer to plan your own itinerary, our UK Country House Escapes also cater for cyclists.

Save on outdoor clothing From time to time our outdoor clothing partners have special offers for our guests. Visit www.hfholidays.co.uk/partnerships to see the current offers.

To book online visit www.hfholidays.co.uk

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About HF Holidays We have been organising outdoor holidays for over 100 years and we are the only holiday provider that is a co-operative. We are owned by our 36,000+ members and have no big corporate shareholders.

Responsible tourism We have always been committed to acting as a responsible tour operator, and community is at the heart of everything we do. HF Holidays supports a range of projects helping to protect our environment and improving access to the countryside for future generations to enjoy. We support the work of the Ramblers, air ambulances, and mountain rescue teams. To find out more about our policy and commitment to the environment visit hfholidays.co.uk/responsibletourism On returning from your trip, we would like to hear your thoughts on any best practices that you observed and considered positive. Please email [email protected]

Pathways Fund Last year guests donated £30,000 to our Pathways Fund. Find more information on our website hfholidays.co.uk/pathways

Holiday feedback We value feedback from our guests. All holiday surveys are read by the team that plans our holidays and it plays a valuable part in helping us plan future holidays. If there is any information we have not provided that you feel would be useful for future guests, please do let us know. If we have your email address you will be sent a survey after your holiday; alternatively you can go to hfholidays.co.uk/surveys.

Membership of HF Holidays If you have enjoyed your holiday

and would like to help support our objectives, call 0345 470 7558 for details of membership (standard rate +44 (0)20 8732 1250). For the latest news and special offers register for our e-newsletter at hfholidays.co.uk/register

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Contact details HF Holidays’ contact details HF Holidays Ltd Catalyst House 720 Centennial Court Centennial Park Elstree Borehamwood, WD6 3SY www.hfholidays.co.uk Call For any questions before your holiday, we’re here to help, so please contact us on: 0345 470 7558 (local rate) 00 44 (0)20 8732 1250 (from outside the UK) Monday-Friday 9am-7pm Email [email protected] Emergency contact details In all instances during your holiday,your first point of contact should be our HF Holidays’ leaders. If for any reason this is not possible, HF Holidays’ emergency contact details are as above or: Friday 7pm to Monday 9am +44 (0)7918 737777