Santiago Do Cacém – Arrival Briefing and Information Delivery with Schedule Presentation;

Crumlin Walking Challenges Rota Vicentina - Portugal Itinerary Summary (28th September - 5th October) Day 1 – Arrival in Lisbon Airport and private transport to Santiago do Cacém – Arrival Briefing and information delivery with schedule presentation; Depart Dublin 07:40, arrive Lisbon 10:35. Guides and day by day program presentation to the group, before Dinner. Welcome dinner at: “Arco” (Santiago do Cacém) Day 2 Walk along the cliffs between Malhão and Vila Nova de Milfontes beach - 8km (3-4h , there is also an option with 14km) Today, the walk follows along the rocky cliffs and the sandy dunes between Malhão beach and the small village of Vila Nova de Milfontes, passing by some beautiful desert beaches and stunning views over the coastline. Pick up at the Hotel reception: 9h00 Start the walk: 10h00 Pocket lunch at: 13h00 - Milfontes fishing harbour; Finish the walk: 12h30 Free time to explore Milfontes/beaches in the afternoon until 16h30. Back to the hotel: 17h30 Dinner at: 19h30 – “Covas” (Santiago do Cacém) Day 3 Walk between Paiol and Santiago do Cacém – 10km This section of the trail is dominated by cork trees, the Alentejo’s emblematic species. Vieira Natividade, a well-known Portuguese forester, said: “No other tree gives us so much while requiring so little”. The cork tree is crucial to the local economy and supports an extraordinarily wide-ranging ecosystem. Cork oak forests also support various economic activities such as beekeeping, Nature orientated tourism, the collection of edible or medicinal mushrooms, (and even mushrooms used in the making of cosmetics), as well as husbandry of local animal breeds such as the famed Black Pig of the area and several different species of Alentejo cows. Pick up at the Hotel reception: 9h00 Start the walk: 9h30 Lunch at: 13h30 - Escova Finish the walk: 13h30 Back to the hotel: 15h Free afternoon in Santiago do Cacém Dinner at: 19h30 – “Parque” (Santiago do Cacém) Day 4 Free day to explore Santiago do Cacém or just to lay by the swimming pool. We have one of the following optional activities to propose on this day: • Optional Wine tasting visit to a local cellar (not included on price); • Optional visit to a local Safari park (not included on price); • Beach day. • Lunch at: to be decided according group option on that day • Dinner at: to be decided according group option on that day; Day 5 Walk from Moinhos do Paneiro to Campilhas reservoir – 12km This is the most arid section of Rota Vicentina. It crosses a profoundly agricultural and rural Alentejo where, in spite the proximity to the ocean, you will be able to smell the fragrances and feel the might of this inland area. At the end in Campilhas reservoir, make a pause for a dip on hotter days With such diverse habitats of undergrowths, cork oak and Portuguese oak forests, marshlands, reed beds, riverbanks and ponds, amongst many others, this is an ideal route for lovers of wild plants or birdwatching. Pick up at the hotel reception: 10h00 Start the walk: 10h30 Lunch at: 12h30 – “Fonseca” (Vale das Éguas) Finish the walk: approx. 15h30 After the Walk: 1h to explore/rest at the reservoir bank and/or to go for a swim at the end of the walk. Back to the hotel: 16h30 Dinner at: 19h30 – “Mercado à Mesa” (Santiago do Cacém) Day 6 – Walk between Vila Nova de Milfontes and Almograve beach (15km); After exploring the Mira valley, it’s time to explore the river´s mouth, where we will enjoy the stunning views provided by the bridge crossing in Vila Nova de Milfontes. There are stretches along this part of the coast where native vegetation is displayed in all its diversity and other where it has been destroyed by a most the aggressive exotic plant – the Acacia. Pick up at the Hotel reception: 10h00 Start the walk: 13h30 Lunch at: 12h00 – “Isa” (Almograve) Finish the walk: app.17h30 (crossing the River Mira Margins by ferry boat) After the Walk: 2h of free time to explore Milfontes town centre Back to the Hotel: 22h (After dinner) Dinner at: 19h30 – “Pátio Alentejano” (Vila Nova de Milfontes) Day 7 Walk along the beach between Malhão and the parish of Porto Côvo - 12km; Last day walking and time to head north, to Porto Côvo, a small and picturesque fishing village. Passing by a XVII century military fortification, facing Pessegueiro Island, an ancient Roman fish dryer, which reveals the fishing tradition in this region and its connection to the sea. Pick up at the Hotel: 8h00 / 8h30 Start the walk: 9h00 Lunch at: 13h00 – “Zé Inácio” (Porto Côvo) Finish the walk: app.13h00 After the Walk: 3h to explore Porto Côvo town centre and beaches. Back to the hotel: 18h30 Goodbye dinner at: 20h30 – “Mercado à Mesa” (Santiago do Cacém) Day 8 Private transfer from Santiago do Cacém to Lisbon Airport; Our base: Santiago do Cacém This long distance path along Sw Portugal begins at the emblematic Santiago do Cacém Church, a city with a strong connection to the pilgrimages to Santiago de Compostela. Since the Middle Ages pilgrims pass here coming from the Promontorium Sacrum, the mythical destination of this historic journey now recovered through Rota Vicentina. Hotel Located in the centre of Santiago do Cacém, Hotel D. Nuno offers views of the Castle and the Parochial church. It features spacious rooms, an outdoor pool, and free Wi-Fi. Hotel D.Nuno has modern rooms, with wooden furniture and some with parquet floors. Each of the air-conditioned rooms has a flat-screen satellite TV, an electric kettle, and slippers. A breakfast buffet is served every morning in the dining room, and the bar offers refreshing drinks and views of the Castle and the Parochial church. Guests can sit in the comfortable living room, where they can read a book, or watch television. They can also relax on the sun loungers by the pool, or visit the games room..

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