MARCH 28 - APRIL 2 (EASTER): THE FISHERMEN'S TRAIL, PORTUGAL

Portugal's Fishermen's Trail is a spectacular 4 day journey along the country's untamed Costa Vicentina. Due to the popularity of our 2023 trips, Backabush will be going back to Portugal to do this stunning multi-day coastal walk over Easter 2024 (only 2 days off work required).

Group size - 14. Nights - 5. Cost - £415 in twin share rooms (single supplement of £120)

Our accommodation will be in a different guesthouse each night as we walk village-to-village along the coast.

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 Portuguese fishing village where we can relax for the evening as the sun sets over the ocean.

Spring is a great time to hike the Fishermen's Trail. Temperatures in late March/early April are pleasant and well-suited suited to hiking and colourful spring flowers will adorn the trail.

ITINERARY

Thursday March 28 - 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).

Friday March 29 - Porto Covo to Vila Nova de Milfontes, 12 miles

Saturday March 30 - Vila Nova de Milfontes to Almograve, 10 miles

Sunday March 31 - Almograve to Zambujeira do Mar, 14 miles

Monday April 1 - Zambujeira do Mar to Odeceixe, 12 miles

Tuesday April 2 - We will travel back to Lisbon by bus after breakfast in time to fly home on the same day.

DIFFICULTY

On this trip we will carry all our luggage with us on the trail so it is important that you pack light and are comfortable carrying the weight of your clothes and toiletries as well as normal day hike supplies. (If you feel you would struggle with this but would still like to do the trek, it is possible to self-organise luggage transfers at an extra cost - contact the organiser for details).

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, hotel or hostel accommodation in twin-share rooms (private room at £120 single supplement)
• 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 breakfasts
• Flights (see below)
• Airport Transfers (see options below)
• Travel Insurance

RECOMMENDED FLIGHTS:

We would recommend travelling to Lisbon on Wednesday 27 March (or before) and spending Wednesday night in Lisbon before catching the Thursday morning bus to Porto Covo at around 10:30am (exact 2024 schedules TBC). This would allow us an extra half day's walking from Porto Covo to visit the spectacular coastline towards the north of the Fishermen's Trail head. The organiser can advise on recommended Lisbon accommodation and we can meet up in the city.

It is also possible to catch a morning flight on Thursday 28 March 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 2024 schedules TBC).

On Tuesday April 2 we will get back to Lisbon at around 13.30 (exact 2024 schedules TBC). It will only be possible to catch flights departing that day after 16.00.

Flights from London to Lisbon are currently well priced for these Easter dates!

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 3 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 ingridhansen1@gmail.com as soon as you send payment so that we can confirm everything with you. Thanks! :)