Rota Vicentina Alentejo ADVENTURE CULTURE NATURE 2017 www.portugalnaturetrails.com info@portugalnaturetrails.com
Rota Vicentina Alentejo ADVENTURE CULTURE NATURE DESCRIPTION Welcome to the most charming countryside All set in the interior of Alentejo, the local people, the simple and authentic lifestyles all deeply connected to the land and the agricultural way of life, make the Rota Vicentina Alentejo a beautiful and delightful option for a long course trail. At the same time the patrimony and popular architecture will make a travel through time, passing by the main towns and villages in a rural itinerary with several centuries of history. Together with delicious gastronomy and perfect wines from the region! TOUR HIGHLIGHTS TRIP INFORMATION ACCOMMODATION Superior DISTANCE 11 27 km/ day TOUR GRADE Moderate to FIT ROUTE Off road tracks inland, double track roads DURATION 8 Days 7 Nights START END Santiago Cacém Odeceixe PROFILE Dirty roads, valleys and some hilly sections Historical villages and national heritage Unique nature trails and biodiversity Alentejo best wine region Charming Guest Houses
THE ITINERARY DAY 1 ARRIVAL Arriving to the airport our Guide will welcome you with great pleasure and drive to Santiago do Cacém, where you will spend next two nights. This is emblematic town since 1186 and the birthplace of great Portuguese poets, musicians, painters and scientists that departed throughout the world. Enjoy your stay and explore the surroundings. ACCOMODATION Monte do Xisto GH DAY 2 SANTIAGO CACÉM to MONTE XISTO Ready to start your first day of adventure? This place holds a strong connection to the pilgrimages to Santiago de Compostela and so it will be from here that we will initiate our trip through the Rota Vicentina. The path is mainly rural with beautiful trails through cork oak forests. Enjoy the golden path, the infinite landscape and play with the horizons perspectives. In the end of the day enjoy a delicious meal while recharging batteries for tomorrow. ACCOMODATION Monte do Xisto GH HIKE 21 km + 300m DAY 3 MONTE XISTO to MATINHA Continuing the delightful countryside route you will pass some small agricultural properties. Soon the dam of Campilhas will be on your way, since 1954 sustains diverse ecosystems among fish, mammals, birds or insects. There you will find a great contrast between the green fields and the blue water. The guest house of Matinha is unique charming place, enjoy the night looking at the dark sky full of stars. ACCOMODATION Herdade da Matinha HIKE 22 km + 350m
DAY 4 MATINHA to SÃO LUIS Take a powerful breakfast because today you will hike one of the most hilly sections, with long ascent segments and harsh irregular terrain. Half way through the route you will find Rocha de Água d'alte, a beautiful and unexpected waterfall. Close to the highest point of Alentejo you will be rewarded with breath-taking views over the infinite plains. Close to the sky listen the silence, let your imagination flow and celebrate such beautiful landscape. ACCOMODATION Naturarte GH HIKE 18 km + 450m DAY 5 PASTOGAL to ODEMIRA Today get ready to immerse yourself in a different and vibrant Alentejo that will reveal itself before your eyes. With refreshing water streams and ponds along the way, take a real swim in Pego das Pias place. Ribeira do Torgal is the protagonist of valuable species. Later arriving in Odemira that is one of the most coveted towns in Portuguese history, you might admire examples and features of architecture and surrender to the simple pleasures of life and local gastronomy. ACCOMODATION Chocalinho GH HIKE 27 km + 300m DAY 6 ODEMIRA to CERRO DA BORREGA Start your adventure close to the riverside, where maybe you have the chance to see an otter. Odemira is located in the hydrographical basin of the river Mira, which follows the valley until the Atlantic. While in the forest area find straberry tree, the typical tree which come from the famous medronho fire water. You must try it! Find some in the next village right before your resting place for today at the Cerro da Borrega Guest House. ACCOMODATION Cerro da Borrega GH HIKE 26 km + 300m
DAY 7 CERRO DA BORREGA to ODECEIXE Here it comes a memorable hiking day along inhospitable trails covered with well-preserved native vegetation and the seaside close by. While enjoying the view over the ocean let your senses be swept away by the scents of the aromatic herbs. Soon you must cross the river Seixe which is a significant moment regarding Alentejo and Algarve regions are separated by it. This place is a wonder, as well the accommodation for today in the middle of Odeceixe village. Walk around the small center and meet the local people. ACCOMODATION Casas do Moinho HIKE 11 km + 100m DAY 8 DEPARTURE On this last day take your breakfast with a gorgeous view of the ocean. Then comes the time to say goodbye and we will pick you up at the hotel, according your demanding schedule. All programs are specially designed for adventure lovers. Amazing experiences are guaranteed. We aren t responsible for possible side effects, that may include moments of extreme happiness, sense of freedom and desire to continue with us. Contact us for more information. Portugal Nature Trails is a registered trademark of Caminhos da Natureza Registered Company as RNAVT (National Registry of Travel Agencies and Tourism) and RNAAT (National Registry of Animation Agent and Tourism) Rua 7 de Junho,58, Leceia, 2730-174 BARCARENA PORTUGAL