Winter Sun Weekend in PORTUGAL: The Seven Hanging Valleys, Albufeira & Dolphins

It is Autumn, it is cold and wet and it is sad in London, so what can I do about it your are going to ask? Well I am going to take you on a sunny holiday in the South of Portugal! Not hot enough to swim in the sea sadly but good enough to hike without your jacket before you relax by the indoor pool of our 4 stars hotel! Does this sound exciting to you? Yes it does! DAY ONE: Depending on the flight I will have booked by August, meet me at the airport at an agreed time once we have booked our flight. We will fly to Faro in the South of Portugal where I will have arranged an airport transfer to what will be our home for the next 4 days; Albufeira, the white town! What can I say about this beautiful coastal town? Well, it has become one of the most visited towns in Europe, thanks to its beauty, it is famous for hosting the most beautiful beach in Europe as well as one of the top three most scenic hikes on the continent, so I think it means everything. Even better, it is winter, meaning, no hordes of tourists filling up the landscape and restaurants of this gorgeous place! Once at the hotel, we will drop our luggage before we hit the streets and have a peak around town before we head for a lovely diner.

DAY TWO: Our first full day will be where the magic happen! We will get our hiking gears on and hike the famous Seven Hanging Valleys. Elected as one of the best hikes in Europe this scenic route runs from Praia da Marinha in the east to Praia de Vale Centeanes in the west. It offers a string of notable stops at the Alfanzina lighthouse, and at the Benagil and Carvalho beaches The walk takes place along the top of coastal cliffs with sculpted shapes and beautiful ocher and yellow hues. And of course, the famous Benagil caves. Crowning the cliffs near Praia da Marinha, the dense juniper and mastic undergrowth provides shelter to a variety of animals that include rabbits, foxes, mongooses, warblers, owls, and several species of butterflies. DAY THREE: Estuary hike and flamingos: On our last full day, we will make our way on another hike, an easy one to the gorgeous estuary. That area is marvellous, it has beauty all over the place and we will have a few stops to observe the rare wildlife that inhabit the reserve; its stars being the flamingos...

DAY FOUR: In the morning we will take it easy, we will make our way to the marina for a boat trip to sea the local dolphins and sea the coast from the sea, although you can never be sure to see them, you are rarely unlucky as these waters are full of dolphins and sometimes whales. This trip lasts about 3 hours. We will then come back for lunch and make our way to the airport.

VISA: British and European citizens do not need a visa, some of you might need a Schengen visa, I am happy to direct you into the right direction. As it is peak season, I am posting this hike now so that you can find a date for your visa application at the embassy

PRICE: £400

INCLUDED IN PRICE: -3 nights stay at a 4 stars hotel -breakfast at the hotel -guided hikes -Benagil caves -Dolphin trips -Public transportation in Portugal -Airport transfers from Faro to Albufeira -A fabulous time with the world's loveliest people

NOT INCLUDED: -Flight(They start at £60 return) -Food(Except breakfast) -Anything not mentioned above

I also recommend a travel insurance, you will need one if you require a visa. WHAT TO BRING: Waterproof shoes for the hike, preferably hiking shoes, otherwise good trainers; Weather appropriate clothes, including waterproofs if there is a chance of rain;

POLICIES: 1: This group is designed for the pleasure and enjoyment of all of us, we do not accept any derogatory comments or behaviours towards anyone. Racism, discrimination and other unacceptable behaviours will only lead to your rejection of any of our trips and this is without exception. Everyone is welcome, we have religious and non-religious people, gay, straight, bisexual people, all shades and colours or nationalities, people of all ages, sex and political beliefs and mutual respect is the fundamental spirit of this group. 2: This trip is refundable up to 30 days before departure, unless you want to go all inclusive, then the full amount will need to have been paid by the 15th of August. If this is the case, you MUST have a travel insurance that includes you to fall sick before departure. 3:In the eventuality that our transports are delayed, or cancelled which is out of my control, I do not pay for taxis, flight or alternative routes, if this happens, you will be able to claim delay repay from the train companies who will reimburse your train ticket and some eventual costs occurred or your insurance provider. By signing up to my events, you agree to this.