Trip Notes

Portugal Family Adventure
Portugal
Summary
This active family trip is based in the charming town of Vila
Nova de Milfontes, in the heart of the Southwest Alentejo and
Vicentine Coast Natural Park, Portugal's largest protected
area. Famous for its rugged coastline and outstanding natural
beauty, the diverse Portuguese landscape is a playground for
adventurers. Over the course of the week you will enjoy some
unforgettable experiences including a jeep tour, orienteering
by kayak, cycling, abseiling and of course trying out the
region's best‐loved sport; surfing!
8
8 DAYS
8 DAYS
FER
MIN AGE
FLIGHT INC.
LAND ONLY
TRIP CODE
At a glance
Flights direct with TAP Portugal
Travel by private vehicle, jeep,
kayak and bicycle
Group normally 4 to 16, plus leader
7 nights comfortable hotel, all
rooms en suite
All breakfasts and 2 lunches
included
Highlights
Try surfing in the ocean
Abseil from a bridge at Milfontes
Kayak on the Mira River
Portugal • Portugal Family Adventure
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The entries in bold at the end of each day indicate the meals
included.
Day 1
Start at our base in Vila Nova de Milfontes (approx. 2hrs from
Lisbon). This evening you will meet the team and fellow group
members and an optional welcome dinner will be arranged at a
local restaurant.
Day 2
Today we will have an active and enjoyable day at the beach,
with plenty of exercise and good fun! The Portuguese coastline is
widely known for the quality of its waves breaking onto clean
beaches and half a day of tuition will enable beginners to get the
surfing bug and perhaps even standing on a board for the first
time! We usually spend the entire day at the beach as lessons
depend on tide schedules. (Breakfast)
Grade: 2 (Leisurely/Moderate)
This trip is graded is graded Leisurely/Moderate as it allows the
most active a chance to try a host of different activities and
includes plenty of free time for those that prefer a more relaxed
pace.
Many of the activities have specific requirements; it is therefore
important to thoroughly read the section of the Trip Notes
entitled 'Land Only Itinerary'.
It is particularly important to note the high temperatures in July
and August. If any of your family find high temperatures difficult
to cope with, then you may wish to travel at another time.
This trip normally runs with a group size of 4 to 16. Although
almost all departures consist of more than one family, it is
possible that you may be the only family joining the tour.
Day 3
Our first challenge this morning is to use a map to find the small
harbour in the old part of the village where the canoes are
waiting for you. We will then start exploring the river Mira, trying
to reach several points marked, in our kayaks using an
orienteering map. Lunch will be on the banks of the Mira river
with a perfect view over the village of Vila Nova de Milfontes.
Afterwards, we enjoy a cycle ride down a gentle track along a
beautiful stretch of coastline, starting close to the "Sardão Cape"
lighthouse and taking in the untouched nature and amazing
scenery of the region. (Breakfast, Lunch)
Day 4
You are free to decide how to spend your day. There are a huge
range of activities bookable locally including, bike, kayak, boat or
paddleboard rentals for independent exploration of the Mira river.
You may also improve your skills with another surf experience.
Alternatively, you may simply relax by the pool or on the beach.
(Breakfast)
Day 5
Starting close to Vila Nova de Milfontes or a little further inland
(depending on local conditions), today's kayaking trip of
approximately 9 km will see us surrounded nature and unspoiled
landscapes; a unique opportunity to interact with the local fauna
and flora.
After lunch we will have the chance to try abseiling from the
bridge at Milfontes; this 30 metre abseil provides one of the best
views of the Mira estuary. (Breakfast)
Portugal • Portugal Family Adventure
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Day 6
Rooming in hotels
We move away from the water this morning and take a jeep tour,
exploring sandy offroad tracks near some unexplored beaches and
woods. After lunch those brave enough can try their hand at some
more optional (payable locally) abseiling from a 45 metre natural
wall. (Breakfast)
Family of two or four ‐ All family groupings of two and four will be
put into either one or two twin rooms. How you decide to share is
up to the discretion of the adults.
Day 7
We start the day at a stunning spot set in a steep sided river
valley, where you will begin cycling on a track to a natural
lagoon. You can enjoy a swim in the lagoon and jump from a rope
swing. This afternoon is free time to unwind after the week's
activities before the optional farewell dinner this evening.
(Breakfast, Lunch)
Day 8
Trip ends at Vila Nova de Milfontes. (Breakfast)
Family of three ‐ Wherever possible we will put you in a triple
room. Please be aware that in some places triple rooms are in
short supply. This means that, in practice, a triple room will often
simply be a twin room with a mattress on the floor or a further
bed added. Where it is impossible to provide a triple room, you
will have to decide which of your party takes the single room.
Family of five or more ‐ For larger families, we will provide twin
rooms as standard, with a triple room if there is an odd number.
Whilst we will do our very best to ensure that families are roomed
close together (in some cases, we can arrange adjoining rooms),
we can't guarantee this. Most family holidays occur during peak
season and we sometimes have little to no control over where you
will be put. You need to come prepared for this.
Single Accommodation
Quinta Do Moinho is located in a quiet area of Vila Nova de
Milfontes, 900 meters from the beach and a short walk into the
local town. The property features an outdoor salt‐water pool, a
tennis court and hot tub. Wifi is available and rooms are equipped
with en suite facilities, satellite TV and air conditioning.
We use a mixture of rooms ranging from standard twin, triples,
family rooms and apartments. Rooms will be allocated depending
on the makeup of the group and time of booking but please be
aware that room sizes may vary.
A limited number of single rooms are availble on request from
£300 per person, depending on date of departure. Please request
at time of first booking enquiry.
Portugal • Portugal Family Adventure
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Food
8 days, normally depart London Sat, return Sat
All breakfasts and 2 lunches are included.
Itinerary Start
Food is an important part of Portuguese culture and nowhere
more so than in the fertile Alentejo region, known as the bread
basket of Portugal. Typical ingredients include various breads,
sheep's cheese, black pork, salt cod, wild mushrooms and
asparagus. Food here is simple yet plentiful with something to suit
all tastebuds.
The group flight from London is a daytime flight departing on Day
1 of the itinerary.
The Portuguese eat a lot of meat and fish as part of their main
meals but vegetarians will normally find they get a balanced diet
if they are prepared to be flexible.
Flights from London
We normally use the scheduled services of TAP Air Portugal
(depending on availability). As flight timings and schedules
change regularly we recommend you call one of our specialist
sales staff or your agent to confirm up‐to‐date timings. Please
note timings may change at a later date and cannot be confirmed
until approximately two weeks before departure.
Transport
UK Regional Flights
All transport will be in private vehicles and jeeps.
The Flight Inclusive price is based on a London departure, but we
are happy to tailor this to your local or regional airport. Please
visit www.exodus.co.uk/regionaldepartures for a useful overview
of the options available, and contact our sales team for expert
advice.
If booking regional flights other than with Exodus, you must allow
a minimum connecting time (in addition to the international
check in time) of 1 hour at Gatwick, and 1½ hours at Heathrow;
this is longer than the official minimum, but baggage handling is
known to be subject to delays.
Airport Transfers
Airport transfers are included for those on the group flights.
Please note that transfers are not included for clients arriving on
any other flight, even if Exodus has booked it. Those arriving from
London on non‐group flights should read the airport transfer
section below for information on reaching the start point. Please
check with the Exodus office.
If travelling in July and August you must be prepared for high
temperatures and it is not always possible to avoid the heat of
the midday sun. Rain is unlikely in the summer months although
the occasional storm can't be ruled out. Protracted spells of bad
weather are unlikely at any time of the year.
8 days, normally start Vila Nova de Milfontes Sat, end Vila Nova
de Milfontes Sat
Itinerary Start
Your trip normally starts at our hotel in Vila Nova de Milfontes in
the evening of Day 1 of the itinerary. Details of how to reach the
start point are provided in the Final Joining Instructions ‐ sent
approximately two weeks before departure.
Portugal • Portugal Family Adventure
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Airport Transfers
If you require airport transfers, you may (by prior arrangement
only) be able to join the group transfer. Transfers are arranged to
coincide with the arrival time of the group flight ‐ please check
the group flight details 2 weeks before departure. If you do not
take this transfer, or miss it, you must make your own way to the
joining point at your own expense.
Full joining instructions including local emergency numbers will
be sent to you as part of our Final Joining Instructions. If you do
not receive these at least a week before departure, or require
them earlier please contact our office or your travel agent.
Passports and Visas
All nationalities require a full passport that must be valid beyond
the intended length of stay. It is your responsibility to have the
correct personal documents and to obtain your own visa, if one is
necessary, in accordance with the regulations of the country you
are to visit. The information offered below is to help you with
that process. We are not responsible for the actions of local
immigration and customs officials, whether at points of entry or
otherwise, and any subsequent effects.
No visa required for UK passport holders.
Tourism can be a real help to local communities, providing
income, positive cultural exchanges and a financial incentive to
protect their natural environment. Ours is a 'total approach' to
responsible tourism, covering everything from the way we plan
and operate our trips to the practices of Exodus as a company.
Exodus trips are designed to allow a high degree of economic
benefit to the local communities; we buy local produce, eat local
food and use local services, thus ensuring that as much money as
possible is retained within the local economies and the host
communities. With our responsible tourism policy we are
continually reassessing our holidays, trying at all times to ensure
that they are socially, economically and environmentally sound.
For full details of our Responsible Tourism Policy please visit:
www.exodus.co.uk/responsible‐travel.
Visa regulations can change without notice: please check the
current regulations in good time to obtain a visa if one is
required.
Vaccinations and Health
Travel health can often be something people forget about before
going away, but a little preparation and knowledge can go a long
way to help you stay fit and healthy while abroad.
There are no specific health risks on this trip.
The above information can change at short notice; as we are not
qualified to answer all your questions about travel health we
strongly recommend you contact your Medical Professional or a
Travel Health Clinic at least 8 weeks prior to departure for up‐to‐
date information.
Portugal • Portugal Family Adventure
Insurance ‐ are you adequately covered?
Please ask for details of the Exodus insurance policy that has been
tailored to provide specific cover for our Families trips. It
provides comprehensive cover for Family travel, including lower
premiums for single parent families. The Family Annual Multi‐Trip
policy includes cover for up to four children and covers everyone
on the policy for independent travel, such as school trips.
It is a condition of joining any of our holidays that you must be
insured against medical and personal accident risks (to include
repatriation costs and air ambulance or helicopter rescue services
where appropriate). If taking an alternative policy you must be
sure that you are covered for any activities that are part of this
trip or optional activities that you intend to take part in. For
further information please see the insurance section of the
Exodus Travel Advice guide or visit www.exodus.co.uk/about‐
exodus/travel‐insurance
Local Time
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Optional Excursions (approximate costs, depending on group
sizes)
Extra wall abseil: €20
Mountain bike rental €10 ½ day, €20 full day
Single kayak €15 ½ day, €25 full day;
Double kayak €30 ½ day, €50 full day;
Surf Lesson ‐ €50
Paddle board Rental €40 ½ day, €60 full day
Paddle Lesson ‐ €60 per person;
Prices correct at time of writing but liable to change.
Tipping (leader and local staff)
Our local staff are paid well and fairly for their work with Exodus,
however most of our clients wish to give a tip to their guides and
in appreciation of their help and friendliness. This, of course, is in
no way compulsory and depends on the service received. If you
feel you would like to leave a tip, as a guide we would suggest a
total of approximately €30 per person (€20 for the leader and €10
shared between the other staff where appropriate).
Portugal stays on GMT all year round.
Electricity
Standard European 2‐pin adapter required.
Essential Equipment and Clothing
Group, Staff and Support
Sturdy trainers
Waterproof sandals
Sun hat
Suncream
Sunglasses
Swimwear and towel
A backpack is useful for daily trips
Waterproofs (just in case)
Jumper or fleece for the evenings
The group will generally be between 4 and 16 people. The
minimum age of clients on this trip is 8 years.
Currency Information
The national currency of Portugal is the Euro (EUR), with an
exchange rate at the time of publication of approximately 1.37 to
the UK£ and 0.89 to the US$.
Optional items
Drybag for camera during kayaking trips
Disposable waterproof camera
Exchange rates are correct at the time of publication.
Baggage and Baggage Allowance
ATM availability/Credit Card Acceptance/Travellers cheques
ATMs are readily available in Vila Nova de Milfontes, although you
may also like to take some Euros with you to facilitate the first
few days of your trip.
Extra Expenses and Spending Money
Allow €10‐15 for lunch or dinner (taken in a restaurants),
excluding alcoholic beverages. You will also need some extra cash
for drinks or ice creams in cafés or bars during the day. Typically
a beer or coffee will cost around €1.5 and a reasonable bottle of
wine at dinner about €8.
At time of writing the standard weight limit for hold baggage on
the recommended international carrier for this trip is 23kg. We
recommend packing only one piece of checked baggage.
As advice about luggage allowances for both hand and hold
luggage is subject to change, we suggest you check the airline's
website for the latest information prior to your departure.
Portugal • Portugal Family Adventure
Don't forget to visit the Community area on our website. You can
view the range of Exodus videos and podcasts, read trip write‐ups
which have featured in the national media and take advantage of
some special deals on travel gear and equipment.
In the Community Travel Forum you'll find the Departure Lounge
where you can discuss your trip with fellow travellers before you
depart. When you get back from your holiday remember to upload
your images to the relevant trip page on our website. This helps
other people see what our holidays are really like and you'll be
entered automatically into our monthly photo competition.
To make full use of the Community you'll need to join My Exodus.
It's free, registration is simple and easy, so what are you waiting
for?
http://www.exodus.co.uk/community
Exodus operates a 24 hour duty office for emergencies, which can
be contacted on 0044 (0)1582 640 045.
Every time that you travel abroad you should take the time to
read the warnings in the essential information in the brochure or
at www.exodus.co.uk/about‐exodus/essential‐information?
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Full joining instructions including local emergency numbers, and
details of how to reach the start point, will be sent to you
approximately 2 to 3 weeks prior to departure. If you do not
receive these at least a week before departure, or require them
earlier please contact our office or your travel agent.
Occasionally, as stated in our brochure, it may not be possible to
follow the itinerary as planned. This may be for a variety of
reasons ‐ climatic, political, physical or other. In these
circumstances we will make the best alternative arrangements
possible that maintain the integrity of the original itinerary.
On all trips the staff are there to help ensure the holiday runs as
smoothly as possible and, in the unlikely event that it does not, to
sort out the best possible alternatives. What they cannot do is act
as child minders or babysitters; they will treat your children as
'young adults', but it is your responsibility to look after your young
ones. During free time or if you decide to opt out of part of the
itinerary, you are responsible for your family and any
arrangements that need to be made. Under no circumstances
should this responsibility fall on our staff or any of your fellow
travellers outside of your immediate family.
The information in these Trip Notes is given in good faith, and
covers the average range of conditions likely to be found on this
trip. Where differences exist in the information between these
Trip Notes and our current brochure, the Trip Notes are the
correct version and supersede the brochure. Abnormal conditions
or other events beyond our control can prevail at any time,
particularly in remote or off the beaten track destinations,
therefore all holidays can be subject to unexpected changes; in
order to enjoy them you should be prepared to be flexible where
necessary.
Portugal • Portugal Family Adventure
As fuel prices, airport taxes and exchange rates fluctuate and
airlines closely manage their rates and availability to match
demand, it is proving harder than ever to guarantee our
PUBLISHED Flight Inclusive prices. Although we endeavour to keep
our website as accurate as possible, daily fluctuations mean that
our Flight Inclusive prices can often become out of date. For
accurate prices we recommend that you contact one of our Travel
Experts, or your travel agent, who will be able to consider all
options to meet your travel requirements. We remain committed
to providing the best holiday experiences at a fair price.
The UK Foreign and Commonwealth Office (FCO) Travel Advice
Service advises British tourists on the potential dangers they
might experience when travelling overseas. We liaise closely with
them and adhere to their travel advice. For up‐to‐date advice on
all countries, please visit www.gov.uk/foreign‐travel‐advice.
Should there be any change to advice prior to or during travel, we
may have to cancel or curtail a tour at short notice, or re‐route
an itinerary part way through.
Prices and exchange rates were correct at the time of
publication. The most up‐to‐date prices can be found on the
Exodus website.
© Exodus Travels Ltd. ATOL 2582/FTO
1. Check availability
Go online to check availability, or contact us by phone or email.
2. Secure your place
You can provisionally hold a place on this trip, usually for
between three and seven days.
3. Complete your booking and payment
When you're ready to book, go to www.exodus.co.uk for online
booking, book over the phone or you can complete a booking form
(available online or on request by calling us). We accept all major
credit and debit cards, or you can pay be cheque. Book with
confidence: Exodus is fully licensed and bonded as a tour
operator. We hold Air Traffic Organisers Licence (ATOL) number
2582 issued and bonded with the Civil Aviation Authority (CAA).
We are also bonded to the International Air Transport Association
(IATA) and we are members of the Federation of Tour Operators
(FTO) and ABTA ‐ The Travel Association. This means you can
book your Exodus holiday with confidence, as all monies paid to
us for your trip are fully protected.
Edition No. MM 01 2016
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