OCTOBER 17 - 22: THE FISHERMEN'S TRAIL, PORTUGAL

Portugal's Fishermen's Trail is a 4 day journey along the country's untamed Costa Vicentina. Backabush is planning to take 2 small groups of just 10 people on this stunning multi-day coastal walk, this is the first of the 2 trips.

Group size - 10. Nights - 5. Cost - £395

Our accomodation will be in a different guesthouse each night as we walk village-to-village along the coast. All the beds on this trip are in shared twin rooms.

Starting in the village of Porto Covo this coastal trail winds up and down over the cliffs and along miles of golden sand, connecting a string of pristine beaches and covering 48 miles over 4 days. This is Portugal's least developed and most rugged coastline. At the end of each day we will arrive at another authentic Portugese fishing village where we can relax for the evening as the sun sets over the ocean.

Autumn is a great time to hike the Fishermens Trail. The scorching summer heat in this region of Portugal is best avoided but in October and November the temperatures are cooler but still pleasant, much better suited to hiking.

ITINERARY

Tuesday 17th - Arrival day. We will be meeting in Porto Covo, which is easily reached from Lisbon with a 2.5 hour bus ride (see details below).

Wednesday 18th - Porto Covo to Vila Nova de Milfontes, 12 miles

Thursday 19th - Vila Nova de Milfontes to Almograve, 10 miles

Friday 20th - Almograve to Zambujeira do Mar, 14 miles

Saturday 21st - Zambujeira do Mar to Odeceixe, 12 miles

Sunday 22nd - We will travel back to Lisbon after breakfast in time to fly home the same day.

DIFFICULTY

On this trip we will need to carry all our luggage with us on the trail so it important that you pack light and are comfortable carrying the weight of your clothes and toiletries as well as normal day hike supplies.

You will also need the fitness to cover up to 14 miles each day, the ascent is moderate but much of the trail is over sand which can make the distance more challenging.

WHAT IS INCLUDED:

• 5 nights guesthouse, hostel or hotel accommodation in shared twin rooms.
• 3 breakfasts
• A full itinerary of hikes
• A trip organiser
• Financial protection in accordance with the Package Travel Law 1992.

WHAT IS NOT INCLUDED:

• Lunches, evening meals and 2 beakfasts
• Flights (See below)
• Airport Transfers (see options below)
• Travel Insurance

RECOMMEDED FLIGHTS:

We would recommend travelling to Lisbon on Monday 16th October (or before) and spending Monday night in the city before catching the Tuesday morning bus to Porto Covo at around 10:30am (exact October schedules are still TBC). This would allow us an extra half days walking from Porto Covo to visit the spectocular coastline to the north of the Fishermen's Trail head.

It is also possible to catch a morning flight on Tuesday 17th and travel to Porto Covo on the same day on the afternoon bus service. The last bus departs from Lisbon at around 16.00 (exact October schedules are still TBC).

On Sunday 22nd October we will get back to Lisbon at around 13.30 (exact October schedules are still TBC). It will only be possible to catch flights departing that day after 16.00.

HOW TO BOOK A PLACE ON THIS TRIP:
To confirm your place on this trip use internet banking your RSVP is not enough to reserve a space on this trip. Please use FISH 1 as your payment reference. The account details are:

Account Name: BACKABUSH XPLORERS
Sort Code: 090127
Account Number: 22440622

Only payment secures your place. Please email nathancapay@googlemail.com as soon as you send payment so that we can confirm everything with you. Thanks. :)