SHAUL 4-6 9/6/09 18:17 Page 37
ttglive.com
portugal knowledge
swapping the dinghy for a kayak. Navigating market in Portugal and one I was going to
mini-rapids in the river was the only inter- find out more about.
ruption to paddling fairly effortlessly over
the six-mile course, allowing time to admire Wild riding in the vineyard
the wildlife. Our convoy of kayaks silently Awaiting our arrival was a quad-bike tour
passed the gaze of the storks and eagles around hectares of neatly columned
common in this part of the country. grapevines, just as the sun was setting.
Our quad bikes agitated the dusty tracks
Tasting the good life giving an almost Wild West feel to the
Gastronomy plays an integral part in landscape as we circuited the complex. For
Portuguese life and Alentejo is no exception. a more serene way to enjoy the natural
Wine, cheese, sausages and prosciutto environment, customers can travel on foot,
are all local specialities to be found on a horseback or hot-air balloon.
well-laid Alentejo table. A tour of the vast wine cellar showcasing
BOOK IT
Olive trees, vineyards and the Alentejano this year’s harvest in hundreds of date-
Naturetrek offers an eight-day two-centre holiday of
Pig form part of the agro-economy mosaic, stamped wooden barrels was the final step
botanical and bird-watching explorations within
and the ingredients for a great dining in understanding the process of winemaking Alentejo and pays agent commission. The tour costs
experience. from grape to glass.
£1,095 including scheduled flights, pre-paid taxes,
With a wry smile our guide mentioned And finally, after an incredibly active day
three nights accommodation in a traditional Pensao
and four nights in a traditional inn, with all meals,
that there was “limited wine for export in a beautiful place, it was time to indulge in
wine and expert guiding.
because we drink most of it ourselves”, a well-earned glass or two.
which seemed a positive sign as we headed Sunvil Discovery offers a seven-night stay at the four-
for a tour of the award-winning vineyard,
star Hotel M’ar de ar Muralhas in Evora, the capital of
Casa de Santa Vitoria. Alentejo: useful links
the Alentejo province, from £684. The price includes
accommodation with breakfast, return flights from
Alentejo boasts a number of wine routes
Heathrow and car hire. An eight-night fly-drive itiner-
featuring producers who allow visits to their ■naturetrek.co.uk ■sunvil.co.uk
ary, staying in Arraiolos, Marvao, Monsaraz (pictured)
wine cellars for tasting sessions. and Evora costs from £989 on the same basis. ■pousadas.pt ■visitportugal.com
Enology (wine) tourism is another growing
c
15%
o
no
m
m
deposits
is
s
io
n
1,000’s of carefully selected properties
Discounted transfers available when you book
your accommodation
TTG Accommodation Only Supplier of the year
Call us today on
08444 770099
12.06.2009 37
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