• Fly from London to Faro where we will meet our guide and north west, approximately two hours, to Alentejo. Depending on flight times, we should be able to do some coastal birding at Rio Formosa near Quinta do Lago en-route.
    • Accommodation: Santa Clara a Velha, Alentejo, 7-nights on full board basis.

    • We plan to make a full day excursion northeast to the area around Castro Verde to search for the special birds found on the steppe-like plains here.
    • One day we will visit the Lagoas de Sto. André e da Sancha Natural Reserve, a stunning coastal wetland and lagoon surrounded by pinewood and farmland.  The lagoons are a great place to get to grips with Savi’s warbler, Eurasian spoonbill and marsh harrier near the water,
    • On another day we make an outing to Foia, the Algarve’s highest peak.Up on the heights we should see Dartford warbler, blue rock thrush, woodlark and rock bunting. These inland hills are home to a good variety of raptors.
    • Depending on how much time we spend on Foia, we may have time to venture to the most south-westerly point of the European mainland, Cape St Vincent, a spectacular stretch of coast boasting flower-covered heathlands, rugged limestone cliffs and great birdwatching.
    • Two half days will be spent birding in the vicinity of the lodge, where we can use the purpose-built hide. One day is left completely free, so we can really unwind and enjoy the countryside, ensuring that we return relaxed and refreshed.

  3. We may have some time for a little birdwatching locally before returning to Faro for our return flight to London.

All prices are per person and include:

  • Services of the naturalist leader
  • Flights
  • Transfers
  • Accommodation
  • All meals
  • Guided activities

Accommodation

We stay for seven nights at a simple, family run hotel, overlooking an attractive lake – an excellent location for our tour.

The picturesque gardens offer good birdwatching, with nightingale, Sardinian warbler and golden oriole all regular nesters.

All rooms are en suite.

Meals

All meals are included.

Some days require an early start, so we may leave the hotel and stop en route for a light breakfast.

Birds

Portugal’s Algarve and Alentejo regions offer some of Europe’s finest spring birdwatching, when an interesting range of residents is joined by thousands of spring migrants.

  • Azure-winged magpie
  • European hoopoe
  • Purple gallinule
  • Bonelli’s eagle

Flora

Spring flowers, whether on the plains of the Alentejo or on coastal heathland, sand dunes or limestone cliffs can be outstanding.

  • Honeywort
  • Hoop petticoat daffodil
  • Rockrose

Scenery

From Alentejo’s rolling plains dotted with cork oaks to the coastal habitats of the Algarve, our tour takes in a range of diverse and beautiful landscapes.

Flights

Price includes return scheduled flights London – Faro – London.

Ground transport

Ground transportation is by minibus, with driver.

  1. April 2016
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