Western Algarve LUZ 2018
ACCOMMODATION HOTEL BELAVISTA Urbanización Marluz lote 1 8600 Luz Portugal Tel: +351 282 788 655 Email: info@belavistadaluz.com Web: www.belavistadaluz.com Overlooking the bay of Praia da Luz with its sandy beach, the 4-star family-run hotel, has been built in a distinctive crescent shape and painted in a bright terracotta colour. Bedrooms: All bedrooms are ensuite and face inwards overlooking the swimming pool and small garden areas. They have balconies/terrace with TV, air conditioning, fridge, telephone, tea and coffee making facilities, room safe and hairdryer. Facilities: There are 2 outdoor pools, tennis courts, small health club with a steam room, sauna and gym. There is a large games room with TV, snooker table and a few card tables. Meals: All our holidays include breakfast and evening meal. If you have any special dietary requirements, including vegetarian, it is recommended you advise us before you travel. On arrival at the hotel please re- confirm your requirements with the hotel staff. Breakfast: This is served from 7.30am and is a self-service buffet with a hot selection and some local cakes and pastries. Evening Meal: A 3-course evening meal is served from a menu of international and Portuguese cuisine. Lunch: A picnic lunch can be ordered direct from the hotel the night before or the ingredients can be purchased from local shops which are a few minutes walk away. WELCOME TO Luz The province of the Algarve is located in the far south of Portugal and is bordered by the Atlantic on two sides, by the mountains to the north, and by Spain to the east. Its 150 miles of coastline stretching west to Cape St Vincent, which is formed of red cliffs and rock foundations that overlook numerous golden beaches. Justly renowned for the beauty of its glorious coast, a deeper exploration of the region reveals a land rich in history, culture and scenic contrasts. Groves of figs, oranges and almonds are found in abundance between the cork-oak clad slopes of the northern mountains and the golden sands and red cliffs of the south. The first occupants of the Algarve are believed to be the Cynetes, followed by the Phoenicians and Carthaginians, who established trading posts along the coast. It was the Romans who organised the region by planting vineyards and improving agriculture. The area was later dominated for 500 years by the Moors, who sailed from North Africa in search of fertile land. They arrived in 711AD and their 2 Call 0345 470 7558 or visit hfholidays.co.uk influence lives on in the local architecture and music. The name Algarve originates from the Arabic Al Gharb which means the west. In contrast to the coastal strips recent development form the 1980 s the inland villages have seen much less development and fishing and agriculture remain important to the local economy. The resort of Luz was originally a small fishing village. Whilst it has been developed, it still retains something of its peaceful existence. The most notable building is the church of Nossa Senhora da Luz (Our Lady of the Light), from which the village takes its name. Call 0345 470 7558 or visit hfholidays.co.uk 3
Guided Walking 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. Day 1: Arrival day Depending on your arrival time you may have the opportunity to see a little of Luz before your evening meal. On the first evening our leaders will explain more about our walks and there will be plenty of time to meet with your fellow guests. Day 2: Burgau to Pona Piadade Our first day of walks starts with a short coach ride to the fishing village of Burgau. This is one of the most unspoilt villages on the Algarve coast and it still retains its original charm and character. The rock strata between Burgau and Ponta Piadade are particularly varied and very colourful, from white limestone to red sandstone, with many minerals giving rise to different colours. These different rocks support a wide variety of flora and in Spring there are impressive displays of wild flowers. Orchids are common on the limestone sections, whilst other plants prefer the coarse sandy soils. Ponta Piedade (Point of Piety) is a truly unforgettable sea cliff ensemble. On a calm day you can look all the way down to a perfectly transparent sea washing the dramatic rock bridges and grottoes. Very long stairways have been cut in the cliffside all the way down to sea level. Look for the sea stack which is the nesting home of the egrets. There is a lighthouse with its own shelter of palm trees. Easier walk: 6 miles (9.5km) with 600ft (180m) of Harder walk: 7 miles (11km) with 800ft (240m) of Day 3: The ancient town of Silves Today we travel inland to a reservoir built between 1944 and 1956. The Barragem do Arade supplies water for drinking and irrigation purposes as well as generating electricity. The harder walkers start here and follow the Via Algarviana through hills and eucalyptus forests to Silves. The easier walkers re-board the coach then return to the outskirts of Silves for their walk in the rounded hills to the north of the town. Both groups meet in the town and will have time to explore its history and enjoy a refreshing drink in the many cafes. Easier Walk: 6 miles (9.5km) with 500ft (150m) of Harder Walk: 7 miles (11km) with 700ft (210m) of Day 4: Figueira to Sagres These walks explore the coast line in the Cabo de Sau Vicente Natural Park. Figueira, which still retains its old farming atmosphere, remains virtually unspoilt and is well known for its rich variety of wild flowers and birdlife. We walk along cliff tops and then descend to beautiful undeveloped beaches, and return to the cliff tops once more. Our final descent is at Martinhal Beach, where we walk along the sand and into the village of Sagres, which is the most southwesterly community in Europe. Easier Walk: 5 miles (8km) with 500ft (150m) of Harder Walk: 11 miles (17.5km) with 800ft (240m) of In Luz you ll have a choice of two guided walks on each walking day. Please note that the itinerary outlined below is provisional and could be subject to change. For the Easier Walks: 4-7 miles on good paths. Up to 700ft of in a day. 4 Call 0345 470 7558 or visit hfholidays.co.uk 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. Harder Walks: 6-11 miles on good paths. Up to 1,000ft of in a Call 0345 470 7558 or visit hfholidays.co.uk 5
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 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. 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. Day 5: Free day Today there are no organised walks, allowing you time to explore the local area or just relax in the hotel or at the beach. Lagos: The town is easily accessible by bus directly from outside the hotel. The town has a rich historical past. There is a bold boulevard with marina and many shops and restaurants. Lacobriga was the Roman name for Lagos and the Roman wall can still be seen, many parts of it original. It became the capital of the Algarve with the Governors Palace at the headquarters of Henry s School of Navigation. Lagos became a key port in the slave trade from the 14th century until it was abolished in the second half of the 19th century. Most of the city was destroyed in the 1755 earthquake but one survivor is the alter of the Chapel of St. Antony. There are boat trips from Lagos to Ponta Piadade with its many grottos and sea cliffs to wonder at. Day 6: Monchique Today we head for the hills of the Serra de Monchique. The town of Monchique is set in a valley between the two highpoints of the Algarve, Foia and Picota at 997 and 773 metres respectively. Both parties start their walks in the town and head to the foothills of Picota before descending to the spa at Caldas de Monchique. The harder walkers have the option of ascending Picota and will be rewarded by the magnificent views. Easier Walk: 6 miles (9.5km) with 900ft (270m) of and 1,700ft (510m) of descent 6 Call 0345 470 7558 or visit hfholidays.co.uk Harder Walk: 8 miles (13km) with 1,500ft (450m) of and 2,300ft (690m) of descent Day 7: Carrapeteira and Pontal Today s walks take us through the village of Carrapatiera and to the West Atlantic coast. We walk through spectacular coastal and country scenery. The village is famous for its multi coloured cliffs at the Pontal headland. There is a rich variety of coastal scenery as we head south towards the beautiful Praia do Amado (the Lovers Beach), very popular with surfers. Both groups will meet at a restaurant overlooking the beach to enjoy a memorable lunch. A short walk takes us back to the village and our coach. Easier Walk: 5 miles (8km) with 400ft (120m,) of Harder Walk: 8 miles (13km) with 700ft (210m) of with 1,000ft (300m) of descent Day 8: Departure day In the evenings In Europe, our walking holidays continue ito the evening. Enjoy a glass of wine or local beer whilst listening to your leaders outlining the next day's walks. After a relaxed evening meal you can join your group one evening to listen to our local speaker and learn about the areas that you are walking through, go for a brief walk down to the beach or visit a local bar. Call 0345 470 7558 or visit hfholidays.co.uk 7
WALKING SAFETY 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. 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. 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 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 8 Call 0345 470 7558 or visit hfholidays.co.uk 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 holidayservices@hfholidays.co.uk. 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. In Montenegro, there are reciprocal healthcare agreements with the UK that allow free emergency treatment. In non urgent cases payment (normally in cash) 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. HOLIDAY TIPS Language: Portuguese Currency: Euro Changing money: There is an ATM machine in Luz, close to the local supermarket, where you can obtain money. 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. Telephone code: If the international number you wish to call starts with a 0, you must drop the starting digit when dialling the number. To dial a UK number 0044 To dial a Italian number 00351 WHAT TO WEAR & BRING 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. Please note that some of our Atlantic island and Mediterranean destinations are also in mountainous areas and at high (up to 4,000ft) the temperatures can be as low as 0 C. You will need: comfortable outdoor clothing ankle supporting footwear with non-slip soles water bottle (at least 2 litres, more for hot climates) and a thermos flask if you wish sunhat, sun cream and sunglasses small rucksack The following are also 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: camera personal first aid kit walking pole(s) many guests find these useful, particularly for descents 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. TRANSFER INFORMATION If you have booked your holiday with flight you will arrive at Verona Airport. From the UK we offer flights from several airports which may arrive at different times.. Please note that meals are not provided on most 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. Please look for the First Minute representative, who will be wearing an orange shirt and holding a First Minute board. The representative is usually standing underneath the right-hand TV screen which is straight ahead of you as you exit the baggage hall. 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 Luz by coach takes approximately an hour. 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 +44 (0)20 8732 1220). Cost per single journey is 25.50. Please note that HF Holidays is not responsible for your onward travel if you fail to meet the transfer coach under any circumstance. Transfers must be pre-booked. If you have not already booked your transfer or taxi please call +44 (0)20 8732 1220. Airport parking and accommodation If you require airport parking or accommodation before your flight, we recommend our partner Holiday Extras. Call 0871 360 2750 and quote HX031 or book online at holidayextras.co.uk/hfholidays Call 0345 470 7558 or visit hfholidays.co.uk 9
linger a little LONGER Two weeks or more Make the most of your break and enjoy a longer holiday either two weeks of walking at some of our resorts or by combining complementary holidays, such as our two Catalan destinations in France and Spain; Argelès sur Mer and Roses. We arrange the transfers between the resorts so that you don t have to. See our brochure or website for more information.. See our brochure or website for more information 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. 10 Call 0345 470 7558 or visit hfholidays.co.uk SAVE ON OUTDOOR CLOTHING 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. 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. 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. From time to time our outdoor clothing partners have special offers for our guests. Visit hfholidays.co.uk/partnerships to see the current offers. RECOMMEND A FRIEND AND SAVE 50 Do you know someone who would enjoy our holidays as much as you do? Invite them to book a holiday and you ll receive 50! If you recommend HF Holidays to a friend who subsequently makes their first ever booking with us, we will give you 50 off your next holiday for each person recommended. Plus, as a welcome, we will also give your recommended friend or friends 50 per person off their holiday, meaning savings for everyone! Claim your 50 in three easy steps When your friend books a holiday, ask them to mention at time of booking your name and address. If they have never travelled with us before, we will give them a discount of 50 per person. We will send you a 50 voucher off a future HF Holidays break for each friend you have recommended. Terms & conditions apply, visit hfholidays.co.uk/raf for details. PATHWAYS FUND Last year guests donated 19,500 to our Pathways Fund and we spent 25,000 on projects. For more information on the projects the Pathways Fund has supported, plus how to donate, please visit hfholidays.co.uk/pathways HF Holidays continues to work in partnership with the Family Holiday Association to provide Feel Good Breaks designed to reward families who could not otherwise afford it with the gift of a break in the outdoors and the chance to spend quality time together. Help us continue this work by donating to the Pathways Fund. JOIN US TODAY AND BENEFIT TOMORROW HF Holidays is the only UK holiday provider that s a co-operative. We re owned by our members who help shape our business for future generations. Join our award-winning and sociably responsible society that s passionate about helping others to enjoy holidays in beautiful countryside. For a minimum purchase of 100 1 shares you can benefit from: Members loyalty scheme earn points on your holidays and use as a discount on your next holiday Member-only events and holidays Members come first with advance registration for the holiday you want 10% discount at our country house bars 15% discount at Cotswold Outdoor 15% discount at Rohan 25% discount at Hi-Tec Annual interest on your shares ALREADY A MEMBER? There are many ways for you to further your support: Help choose our Board Attend member events Encourage others to join us Increase your shares at any time Top up to 1,000 shares to become an investment member with enhanced benefits Give membership as a gift To join or increase your investment call our Membership team on 0208 732 1290, email membership@hfholidays.co.uk or visit hfholidays.co.uk/membership Call 0345 470 7558 or visit hfholidays.co.uk 11
Contact details HF Holidays Ltd Catalyst House 720 Centennial Court Centennial Park Elstree Borehamwood, WD6 3SY hfholidays.co.uk For any questions before your holiday, we re here to help, so please contact us on: 0345 470 7558 (local rate) +44 (0)20 8732 1250 (from outside the UK) Monday-Friday: 9am-7pm. Email: info@hfholidays.co.uk 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 between the hours of Friday 7pm to Monday 9am are: +44 (0)7918 737777 or emergency@hfholidays.co.uk