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Put Some Spring in Your StepWalking Vacations in Portugal and SpainHealthy exercise, exotic scenery, cultural encounters, and plenty of sunshine are all included in a pair of Iberian walking vacations recently announced by Easy Rider Tours for the spring of 2004. "Walking the Hidden Algarve" explores off-the-beaten-path beaches and villages along Portugal's sunny southern coast. In Spain, "Walking the Way of the Moors" traces Moorish history from the Mediterranean coast through the Alpujarra mountain range to the famed Alhambra in Granada. Those reserving their tours by January 31, 2004 can save $100 per person with Easy Rider's early bird pricing. On Portugal's "Hidden Algarve" tour, daily walks of five to nine miles explore the secluded beaches of Ria Formosa Natural Park, towering cliffs at Cabo de São Vicente, and tiny whitewashed villages crowned by distinctive filigreed chimneytops. Inland, hiking trails pass through foothills covered in grapevines, carob, olive and fig trees, and a white blanket of almond blossoms in early spring. All the walks are led by two experienced, bilingual guides (one a native of the Algarve). Luxury accommodations include a restored 17th-century Capuchin convent in Tavira and the contemporary Pousada de Infante, overlooking the ocean at the majestic limestone cliffs of Sagres. The eight-day, seven-night tour is priced at $2,050 ($1,950 if booked by January 31), and is offered from April 3-10 and October 16-23, 2004. "The Way of the Moors" in Spain begins with a warm-up walk along the Mediterranean coast, before heading into the foothills of the Alpujarran mountain range. Four days of alpine hiking traverse fertile valleys and visit some of the tiniest villages in the Alpujarra. The tour finale is in Granada, where walkers explore the Alhambra and Generalife gardens, once the jewel in the crown of the Moorish kingdom in Spain. Two experienced guides include a native Granadino, whose walking tour of Granada offers a one-of-a-kind insider's perspective. Authentic accommodations include a restored 18th-century cortijo, welcoming mountain inns with Sierra Nevada views, and a 16th-century palacio in Granada. The price is $2,025 for eight days and seven nights ($1,925 if booked by January 31). Tour dates for 2004 are April 18-25 and September 26-October 3. Tour prices include all accommodations, most meals, two guides, and a support van to carry luggage and offer en-route assistance. Prices do not include airfare. Founded in 1985, Easy Rider Tours offers the largest program of hiking and bicycling itineraries in Spain, Portugal and the Azores of any American outfitter. The company also specializes in cycling vacations in Ireland, Maritime Canada, and New England. The entire 2004 schedule, with pricing, tour descriptions and itineraries, can be found on the Easy Rider website: www.easyridertours.com. For a free catalog, call 800-488-8332 or e-mail info@easyridertours.com. Edited by Dave Shultz |
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