Walking in the Eastern Alentejo

In the south of Portugal, between the big Southern river named Guadiana, and the border of Spain, lays the most untouched area in Alentejo, the Adiça Hills. Through a variety of treks, you will discover the secrets that the Adiça’s hills offer, from the rare orchids to the imperial eagles; from the almost extinct black vulture to the breathtaking sunset landscapes. Between walks, gastronomic highlights will make your mouth water, when you taste the amazing flavors that we have to offer, including the famous Pata Negra. Day 1 Journey to Serpa via the chosen transport and check-­in. Day 2 Walking in the Montado. To start, we will walk around the village of Pias, through fields of ancient olive and holm trees. We also will have the chance to drink something in a typical tavern while listening to the Cante Alentejano, recently raised to immaterial human patrimony by UNESCO. Near Saint Luzia’s chapel, we will watch a falconry show.In the evening we will listen to nocturnal raptors. Circular walk within 20,5 km -­ walking time about 5 hours ­‐ 297 meters of accumulated classification according to the MIDE’s method – 1123. Day 3 Walking the big hill. Time to visit the highest geographical point of all week. During the day we will be in touch with the rich fauna and flora that this area offers and at the top of the big hill we will get a glimpse of the Alqueva’s Dam, the biggest artificial lake in Europe.The day ends up with a visit to a winery. Circular walk with 10 km -­ walking time about 4 hours ­‐ 390 meters of accumulated Classification according to the MIDE’s method – 2133. Day 4 Walking the wetlands, discovering the beauty. This walk will be done through the woods, full of sounds of insects and birds. We will cross a wetland, with a wide variety of fauna and flora. The nests of white stork will be a continuing presence during the hiking. After this, a tasting of the region’s gold olive oil.Circular walk with 10,4 km -­ walking time about 4 hours ­‐ 160 meters of accumulated (This walk can be increased)Classification according to the MIDE’s method – 1123. Day 5 Going through the natural rock slides. The Santa Iria’s church, built in the 16th century, will be our starting point for this hike. Following the paths to the great granite rocks, we will cross an area in which it still is possible to see old watermills and some of the typical houses of the Alentejo, vestiges of an era where the human activity was quite intense in this region. Halfway, we will discover the crater of an old quarry before ending the day in the plain among the great Portuguese holm oak trees.After lunch, we will go to the clock museum and then we will make a small tour of the historic village of Serpa.Circular walk with 9,6 km ‐ walking time about 4 hours ­‐ 155 meters of accumulated Classification according to the MIDE’s method – 1123. Day 6 Tour to the Noudar and Monsaraz medieval castles. To Take a break from the walks, today we visit some of the most iconic places in Alentejo: Noudar’s and Monsaraz’s medieval castles. It’s a free day, so we can relax and enjoy the sights from the castles through the plains, the view of the rivers and over the majestic Alqueva Lake. Day 7 Saving endangered species. In our last walking day, we will visit the picks of the Adiça’s hills and valleys. Here we will see the ecologic corridors that belong to the “Abutre Lince” (Vulture Lynx) project.Finally, it’s time for a grand dinner made from regional products served in the hotel.Circular walk with 9,8 km ­‐ walking time about 4 hours ­‐ 330 meters of accumulated (This walk can be increased)Classification according to the MIDE’s method – 2133. Day 8 Check-­out and transfer out.