Tavira EASTERN ALGARVE 2019 - HF Holidays
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Tavira EASTERN ALGARVE 2019
WELCOME TO THE
Eastern Algarve
Tavira is located in the Eastern Algarve and once was a traditional
Portuguese fishing town
Between the 8th and 13th centuries Tavira was acquired in the 17th century. The River Gilão has
under Arab rule until its conquest by the Knights a great river front, an area to sit and enjoy the
of the Order of Santiago in 1242. It was elevated picturesque setting from one of the cafés.
to a city in1520 by King Manuel I and was the main
Nearby is the incredibly beautiful and unspoilt
trading port in the Algarve during the 16th to 18th
Mata Nacional de Conceiçäo National Park. The
centuries.
area offers beautiful coastline, saltpans teeming
Today it has managed to stave off the influence of with birdlife and has year round sunshine, making
mass tourism to hold onto its unique tradition and
it a perfect destination for gentle guided walks in
handsome character. It still has well preserved
spring.
cobbled streets and arguably some of the finest
churches in the Algarve. The seven arch bridge over Our holiday at Tavira is based within easy walking
the River Gilão is reputedly Roman distance from this delightful town and in a great
in origin, although its present appearance was location to access our walks.
2 | Call 020 8732 1250 or visit hfholidays.co.uk
ACCOMMODATION postcards, toothpaste, newspapers and other basic
essentials.
HOTEL VILA GALÉ MEALS
Rua 4 de Outubro
All our holidays include breakfast and evening meal.
8800 – 362 Tavira
Breakfast: This is served from 7am until 10.30am as
Tel: 00351 281 329 900
a well-stocked hot and cold buffet.
Built in 2002, this 4-star hotel is less than 10 Lunch: You may be able to purchase a picnic lunch
minutes’ walk from the historic centre of Tavira. from the hotel. Alternatively it is possible to buy
The Vila Galé group owns and runs a range of ingredients from local shops or on some days to eat
hotels in Portugal and Brazil. at one of the local cafés; your leaders will advise you
BEDROOMS of the options.
There are 268 en-suite bedrooms, simply Evening meal: Served at 7pm, this is an impressive
decorated in a distinctive Arabian theme to reflect 3-course buffet with a wide range of starters
Tavira’s rich and fascinating history. The rooms including 2 soups, various tapas and salads and a
have either a balcony or terrace with views over minimum of 3 main course options. Look out for the
salt pans or across to Tavira town. Each room has porco a alemtejana, a traditional dish from the
air conditioning, telephone, TV, radio, hairdryer, Algarve of pork and clams. For dessert there is a
shaving point, complimentary toiletries and a safe range of cakes, ice creams, fruit and cheese with
deposit box (small charge). quince jam. The restaurant is very popular and can
FACILITIES get a bit busy at peak times. That's why we have
The hotel has an indoor and outdoor pool as well as negotiated exclusive benefits for HF guests!
a spa pool (swim hat required for indoor pool). Queue jumping: if a queue forms to enter the
Guests have free access to the health club with restaurant simply walk to the front and tell the staff
jacuzzi, gym and Turkish bath. There is also an that you are with HF. They will show you through
attractive tepidarium in which to relax. Treatments immediately.
can be booked via the reception (extra cost). Reserved seating: Vila Galé Tavira has a policy of no
There are billiard tables in the bar area as well as table reservations, except for HF guests of course.
table tennis (bats and balls are available from Private dining area: When you enter the restaurant,
reception). 24-hour room service is available and, if please turn left into the a la carte section*; we think
required, there is a laundry service (payable locally). that you will find it a more peaceful and intimate
Wi-Fi is available free of charge throughout the place for dinner.
Hotel but the better signal is found in the reception *alternative private area in main restaurant on
area. There is a small shop that sells occasion
Call 020 8732 1250 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.
In Tavira you’ll have a choice of two guided walks on provisional and could be subject to change. For the
each walking day. The cost of the transport to and most up to date information, please check our website.
from your walks each day is included in the cost of A finalised itinerary will be available at the resort
your holiday. and your leaders will talk every evening about the
Please note that the itinerary outlined below is next day’s walks.
Easier Walks: 5 to 7 miles (8- 11km) Harder Walks: 8 to 10 miles (13-
generally through gently undulating 16km) with some short but steep
scenery. Up to 700 feet (210m) of ascents. Up to 1,200 feet (360m) of
ascent in a day. ascent in a day.
4 | Call 020 8732 1250 or visit hfholidays.co.uk
Day 1: Arrival day luxurious Roman villa at Milreu. One of the most
important remains at the Roman presence in the
Transfer to the Hotel Vila Galé Tavira and settle
Algarve, and now classified as a national
into your room. There’ll be time to explore the
monument. After spending some time at the
facilities of the hotel and surrounding area and
museum, we walk through the old town of Estoi
meet your fellow guests.
before walking in the foothills at the Serra do
Day 2: Along the coast to Tavira Caldeirã. We also visit the Rocaco Palácio of Estói.
Easier Walk: A short coach ride takes us west to The French inspired palace and gardens was built
the resort village of Pedras de El-Rei (Stones of at the end of the 19th Century for a local
the King). Here we cross a wooden bridge over the aristocrat of the Carvalhal family. Bought by Faro
lagoon to walk beside the small railway that runs City Council in 1987. It is now a Pousada - state
to the vast expanse of Barril Beach. Pausing to owned hotel.
look at the outdoor display of anchors – a remnant Easier Walk: Initially we walk through almond
of the tuna fishing industry, we walk along the orchards and an old plant nursery before walking
beach for 2km before taking a water taxi from to an old quarry. We then head over the saddle
Terra Estreita to the delightful fishing village of and down to the Rio Seco, which we follow back to
Santa Luzia. We walk along the promenade before Estoi. 6½ miles (10½km) with up to 850 feet
turning inland along the Eco Via – a long distance (260m) of ascent.
cycle track that runs the length of the Algarve – Harder Walk: We too head through the almond
and back to our hotel in Tavira, walking through orchards following the path of the easier group to
the saltpans. 6½ miles (10½km) with minimal an old quarry. On leaving the quarry, we walk up a
ascent. narrow rocky path to a trig point with views over
Harder Walk: Having dropped off the easier group to Faro and the Rio Formosa. Descending, we
we continue west for a further 10 minutes to the follow the Rio Seco back to Estoi. 8½ miles
village of Livramento, where we walk directly to (13½km) with up to 1,200 feet (360m) of ascent.
the saltpans and lagoons of the Ria Formosa.
Walking along the coast on tracks and lanes we
Day 5: Free day
pass through the tiny resort of Pineiro before Each week there is a free day when no guided
turning inland to join the Eco Via to make our way walks are offered. This is an ideal opportunity to
to the village of Pedras de El-Rei. From here we relax around the hotel, walk independently or visit
follow a similar route to the easier walk back to local places of interest. Some options for your
Tavira. 10 miles (16km) with minimal ascent. free day may include:
Day trip to Faro and the Ria Formosa: Explore the
Day 3: Mata National de Conceiçao
old city of Faro, the district capital of the Algarve
Easier Walk: Today we walk in the Mata Nacional and visit the cathedral, Gothic and Baroque in
de Conceição (Tavira National Forest) using style. In the afternoon, depart from the Porto
well-defined tracks and lanes. From the drop Nova; this gate is also known as Portas do Mar
off point we walk through cultivated land before (Doors of the Sea) because it’s one of the sites
reaching the undulating tracks which take us where you can depart on a boat trip to the islands
around the forest affording views north to tiny of the Ria Formosa Nature Park. You’ll be dazzled
hamlets. Leaving the forest we make our way by this wonderful landscape with numerous small
through open arable land before our return islands, marshes and barrier islands that separate
journey. 6½ miles (10½km) with up to 500 feet this coastal lagoon from the sea.
(150m) of ascent.
Tavira: Spend the day in and around Tavira and/or
Harder Walk: From the drop off point we walk go to the beach. The beach in Tavira is a ‘sandspit’
through cultivated land continuing north to take a beach, separated from the mainland by the sea
wide loop through tiny hamlets. As we continue and has to be reached by a ferry boat or water
through the woodland and open meadows, we will taxi. The ferry runs seasonally from Quatro Águas
get beautiful views of the coast. We re-join the about 1.5km out of Tavira - follow the signs for Ilha
easier route to walk through flatter arable land to de Tavira. An alternative is to use the little tourist
our transport home. 9½ miles (15km) with up to “train” which runs every hour. The circular trip
700 feet (210m) of ascent. lasts for approximately 40 minutes, taking you
Day 4: Palace and ruins
The day starts with a visit to the ruins of a once
Call 020 8732 1250 or visit hfholidays.co.uk | 5
into the old town of Tavira and out along roads farmland via the hamlet of Alto to arrive at Altura
bordering the salt marshes. and join the route of the easier group. Meeting
Local information website: For information on the local interest guide at Monte Gordo, we
Tavira please visit www.visitalgarve.pt continue to our destination at Vila Real de Santo
António. 10 miles (16km) with minimal ascent.
Day 6: Vila Real de Santo Antonio
Day 7: The Guadiana River
and the coast Easier Walk: Today we travel north parallel to the
Today we have the services of a local interest guide Guadiana River, which marks the border with
who will join us on the coach from the hotel. Initially, Spain. Starting in the small hamlet of Balurço
we visit the whitewashed village where time has Baixo we walk on well-defined tracks descending
stood still at Caceia Velha. It has clifftop views over towards the Guadiana River. The walk is partly
the Ria Formosa and the modern resorts to the located in the Guadiana site of the Natura 2000
east. Both groups finish in city of Vila Real de Santo Network, a Special Protection Area (SPA),
Antonio on the Guardiana River, which forms the formed in response to the EU 1992 Habitat
border with Spain. Built in 1773 by the Marquês de Directive. Well above the river we turn north and
Pombal, it was based on the urban criteria used for then west, returning via the hamlet of Torneiro
the re-construction of Lisbon following the 1755 before passing through an area of orchards and
earthquake and was built on the site of a small vines to our starting point. 5 miles (8km) with up
fishing village and largely completed within 5 to 500 feet (150m) of ascent.
months. We will see remnants of the sardine and Harder Walk: Starting at the same point as
tuna fishing industry, which was once its main the easier walk we continue descending to the
economic activity, before embarking on a short Guadiana River. Initially following a path
tour of the city. alongside the river we turn west and ascend to
Easier Walk: Accompanied by the local interest Miradouro do Pontal with wonderful views down
guide we start our walk at the seafront at Altura to the river. Ascending more steeply, our walk
where we walk along the beach for 2½km. Heading converges with the easier route as we make our
inland slightly we pass through a wooded area, way via Torneiro back to our starting point. 8
which has a small lake with the potential to see miles
various duck species. We are soon back on the (13km) with up to 900 feet (270m)
beach in the area of Sertão where we will see typical
fishing boats of the community as well as their
Day 8: Departure day
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 In the evenings
will be time to look around before our return The friendly atmosphere of our Guided
journey. 6½ miles (10½km) with minimal ascent. Walking holidays continues into the evening.
Harder Walk: After our short tour of Cacela Velha, One evening there’s the option to visit a Fado
we’ll take the coach a short distance before walking Museum to see an explanatory film which
along quiet lanes and part of the Eco Via long introduces the 12-string Portuguese guitar,
distance cycle route. We walk beside cultivated before experiencing the emotion of the
“Fado”.
6 | Call 020 8732 1250 or visit hfholidays.co.uk
WALKING
INFORMATION
Your walking leaders: HF Holidays’ leaders are a who will accompany you on a walk to enrich and
pivotal feature of our Guided Walking holidays. enhance your enjoyment of the area by giving you
During the day they will guide you on the walks in an insight into its history and culture. Tips for local
a caring and considerate way, showing you places interest guides have not been included in the price
of interest en route. All our leaders have been of your holiday. This is at your own discretion and
selected on an intensive residential course so we invite you to do this directly with the local guide.
you can relax and enjoy your holiday knowing that Maps: Your leaders will of course carry all the maps
you are in safe hands. Our leaders welcome your and detailed walk instructions needed for the
comments on the holiday survey; constructive walks. The maps available for this area are RKH
suggestions for things that they might do 1:100,000 entitled Algarve.
differently are very helpful. Maps can be obtained by mail order from
We take pride in the quality of our holidays and The Map Shop, tel: 0800 0854080 or visit
work closely with all our providers to ensure our www.themapshop.co.uk.
holidays meet your expectations. If for any reason Children: We welcome unaccompanied children
you are not satisfied with any element of your of 14 or over on our walks on the basis that they
holiday, our leaders are the best people to help. can take full responsibility for themselves. Children
Local interest guides: In some of our resorts we under the age of 14 must be accompanied by an
may employ the services of a local interest guide adult.
Call 020 8732 1250 or visit hfholidays.co.uk | 7Your health: It is essential that you describe on your
WALKING guest registration form any health condition or
disability you may have. The leaders will treat this
SAFETY confidentially and may be able to take it into
We are committed to running our Guided Walking account on the walks; for example, by not delaying
holidays in a safe manner and your co-operation lunch if they know they have someone with
with this is much appreciated. No outdoor activity diabetes in their party.
can be 100% risk free; however, if you take EU citizens should ensure they have a European
sensible precautions and adhere to your leaders’ Health Insurance Card (EHIC) prior to their holiday.
instructions, your holiday will be both safe and There can be problems with medical authorities and
enjoyable. On the first evening of your holiday insurance companies if you cannot produce this
(dependent on arrival time), the leaders will give a when you require treatment – details are available at
short talk about safety on the walks – we would ask dh.gov. uk/travellers EHIC cards have an expiry
everyone to attend. date – please check yours is valid before you travel.
Walking as a group: Our leaders always consider Insurance: Insurance is a condition of booking.
the safety of the group as a whole, and will show Therefore if you have not already arranged
more caution over potential risks (such as bad or insurance, it is imperative that you do so, and advise
exceptionally hot weather) than an individual or us of the insurance company and policy number.
couple might make on a private outing. Walks may Even with an EHIC card, medicines and out-patient
be modified or cancelled following the leaders’ treatment normally have to be paid for at the
assessment of the day-to-day situation. Your time and the costs reclaimed afterwards – details
leaders will refuse to accept any guest whose are available at dh.gov.uk/travellers. Therefore
clothing, equipment, behaviour or walking ability is insurance is extremely important, as is access to
considered unsuitable, and where it could affect emergency money, preferably a credit card.
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 HOLIDAY TIPS
group as a whole. If you leave the group, then your Language: Portuguese
leader will no longer have responsibility for you.
Currency: Euro
For safety reasons, we stipulate a minimum party
Changing money: There are several ATM machines
size of two guests in addition to the leader.
in Tavira where you can obtain money.
First aid: In line with current practice, each leader
Electricity: 220 Volt AC with round two pin plugs;
carries a group first aid kit but is not able to supply
you will need an adaptor for any appliances brought
any ‘medication’, including aspirin, paracetamol,
from the UK.
antihistamines and antiseptic cream.
Tap water: Is considered safe to drink, but if you
Hydration: In warm weather it is very important to
prefer, bottled mineral water can be purchased
keep hydrated. You will need to carry a minimum of
from the hotel or local supermarkets.
two litres of water with you on walks, more during
hot weather or on more demanding walks. Telephone code: If the international number
you wish to call starts with a 0, you must drop the
One good way of hydrating is to use a two litre
starting digit when dialling the number.
hydration pack which allows drinking without
constant stopping. This can then be filled up from To dial a UK number 0044
additional water sources as required. Your leader will To dial a Portuguese number 00351
inform you of the possibilities for replenishing your
water during the walks.
8 | Call 020 8732 1250 or visit hfholidays.co.ukWHAT TO WEAR & BRING
To enjoy your walking comfortably and safely, it is • spare high-energy food e.g. chocolate bar or Kendal
essential that your footwear, clothing and equipment mint cake
are suitable for the conditions likely to be encountered. • torch
Please note that some of our Atlantic island and You may also wish to consider bringing:
Mediterranean destinations are also in mountainous • camera
areas and at high (up to 4,000ft) the temperatures can
• personal first aid kit
be as low as 0°C. You will need:
• walking pole(s) – many guests find these useful,
• comfortable outdoor clothing • particularly for descents
• ankle supporting footwear with non-slip soles
• water bottle (at least 2 litres, more for hot climates) FOOTWEAR
and a thermos flask if you wish We recommend wearing walking boots on all our walks,
• sunhat, sun cream and sunglasses as these provide the best ankle support
• small rucksack and grip. Modern ‘approach shoes’ offer appropriate
The following are also recommended to all walkers, and levels of grip and may be worn on some low
are essential for mountainous and hilly areas: level walks, but users should be aware that they offer
• walking boots less ankle support.
• spare pullover or fleece Lightweight trainers, denim jeans and waterproof capes
• hat and gloves are not recommended for any walks.
TRANSFER 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 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. 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
+44 (0)20 8732 1220). Cost per single journey is £15.50. 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 £70 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.
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 020 8732 1250 or visit hfholidays.co.uk | 9linger a little
LONGER
Two weeks or more Discovery or Garden Tours, Photography, Painting,
Make the most of your break and enjoy a longer or Yoga.
holiday – either two weeks of walking at one resort Worldwide
or by combining complementary holidays, such as From Alaska to Vietnam our Worldwide Journeys
Tenerife and Lanzarote in the Canary Islands. We invite you to explore world famous destinations,
arrange the transfers between the resorts so that and some lesser known gems, on six continents
you don’t have to. See our brochure or website including Europe.
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.
Leisure Activities
We offer a range of Leisure Activities holidays
at some of our European destinations, including
SAVE ON OUTDOOR CLOTHING
From time to time our outdoor clothing partners have special offers for our guests.
Visit hfholidays.co.uk/partnerships to see the current offers.
10 | Call 020 8732 1250 or visit hfholidays.co.ukRECOMMEND A FRIEND
JOIN US TODAY
AND SAVE UP TO £50 AND BENEFIT
TOMORROW
Do you know someone who would enjoy our
HF Holidays is the only UK holiday
holidays as much as you do? Invite them to
provider that’s a co-operative. We’re
book a holiday and you’ll receive up to £50!
owned by our members who help shape
If you recommend HF Holidays to a friend, our business for future generations.
who then makes their first ever booking with Join our award-winning and sociably
us, we’ll give you £50 off your next 7 night responsible society that’s passionate
holiday or £30 off your next 3 or 4 night short about helping others to enjoy holidays in
break. Plus as a welcome, we’ll give your beautiful countryside.
friend, or friends, up to £50 off their holiday
For a minimum purchase of 100 £1 shares
too, meaning savings for everyone! you can benefit from:
M
embers’ loyalty scheme – earn points
Claim up to £50 in three easy steps…
on your holidays and use as a discount on
When your friend books a holiday, ask your next holiday
them to mention your name, address M
ember-only events and holidays
and the ‘Recommend a Friend’ scheme M
embers come first with advance
at the same time. registration for the holiday you want
1
0% discount at our country house bars
I f they have never been on holiday with
1
5% discount at Cotswold Outdoor
us, we’ll give them a discount of up to
1
5% discount at Rohan
£50 per person.
2
5% discount at Hi-Tec
We’ll send you a voucher for up to £50 A
nnual interest on your shares
off a future HF Holidays’ break for each
friend you have recommended. ALREADY A MEMBER?
There are many ways for you to further
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Help choose our Board
Attend member events
Encourage others to join us
Increase your shares at any time
T
op up to 1,000 shares to become an
investment member with
PATHWAYS FUND enhanced benefits
Last year guests donated £19,500 to our Give membership as a gift
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 To join or increase your investment call
Good Breaks – designed to reward families who our Membership team on
could not otherwise afford it with the gift of a 0208 732 1290,
break in the outdoors and the chance to spend email membership@hfholidays.co.uk
quality time together. Help us continue this work or visit hfholidays.co.uk/membership
by donating to the Pathways Fund.
Call 020 8732 1250 or visit hfholidays.co.uk | 11Contact 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: +44 (0)20 8732 1250 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
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