Active Aracena! - a Family Holiday in Spain

Active Aracena! - a Family Holiday in Spain 2009 season
Portugal - Spain GUESTHOUSES/HOTELS
• Bike, hike and kayak your way through a hidden corner of Spain and Portugal • Taste the local flavour in our comfortable family-run guesthouses • Swim in warm seas & explore sandy islands off the coast
Tour information
Caves & Castles From our comfortable family-run hotel in the village of Castano, we take to our bikes to discover something of this beautiful and lush area, where a river makes an ideal spot for a picnic lunch and a swim. The next day we head off on foot, following old drover's trails and mule tracks, eventually ending up in the village of Aracena where you have the chance to explore the nearby caves and castle or try some horse-riding.
Canoeing the Guadiana River Crossing the border from Spain into Portugal we waste no time in taking to the water in two person canoes. In the hands of our expert guides, no experience is necessary as we paddle our way down the Guadiana River towards Mertola, our home for the next two nights. After discovering more of this charming town, there is the chance for the adventurous amongst you to take an off-road trip to explore some of the remoter outlying rivers, lakes and old mines.
Boat & Train to the Atlantic From the quay at Mertola we board the local boat that will take us a good way on our travels down to the coast, the final part of this journey is done by train, bus and on foot! From Tavira, our coastal base, we will take a ferry out to the sandy islands a short way offshore where we can relax and unwind after what will surely have been an unforgettable adventure.

Itinerary1 Fly London/Seville; transfer to Castano del Robledo village near Aracena. 2 Cycling in National Park (approx 20kms); swimming. 3 Walk to Alajar (5km); bus to Aracena; optional caves, castle or horse-riding. 4 Drive to Mertola (Portugal); canoeing (approx. 7km, 2-3hrs). 5 In Mertola; walks and optional off-road excursion. 6 Boat, train and bus to Tavira. 7 Discover Tavira; ferry to islands for swimming; return Tavira. 8 Drive Seville (Spain); fly London.

Group SizeApprox. 12 to 16.

Minimum Age6 years.

Accommodation and Meals3nts Posada Del Castaño, 2nts Residencial Beira Rio (Mertola), 2nts standard hotel in Tavira; 7 breakfasts included.

SwimmingPublic pool in Castaño (summer only), the river at Mertola and the sea at Tavira.

TransportBus (charter and public)/ Boat/Train/Bicycle/On Foot/Double-seat fibre-glass canoe.

Tour StaffExplore Tour Leader plus transfer driver(s). Back-up support is provided whilst cycling and canoeing allowing shorter activities if preferred.

CommentsAn adventure to be enjoyed by anyone who likes being active outdoors and is willing to try new things. No experience is necessary for any of the activities - all equipment is provided.