Martyn's Monthly Update

This time last week I was at Heathrow Terminal. I was checking in for an early BA flight to Lisbon on the way to a 3 day exploratory hotel trip to Lisbon, the Alentejo region and the Portugal/Spain border.

Heathrow at that time of the morning is how I have always found it. Fairly quiet and no long queues, neither for self-service check in or security. The departures area was full of travellers all ready for the off and spending their money in Duty Free and at various coffee shops and restaurants. I took a booked taxi to Heathrow. I can’t abide the stress of driving, parking and getting to the terminal on time. There are too many opportunities for error.

Our flight was pushed back about 30 minutes late but we made up time to Lisbon. We had checked our bags into the hold so patiently waited at the carousel for them - they arrived quickly and safely. Immigration was the usual queue to get our passports stamped. 

We were met at Lisbon Airport by a private transfer which whisked us to the Hotel Bairro Alto for a site inspection followed by a delicious lunch. After lunch we headed off on a walking tour of downtown Lisbon. The Hotel Bairro Alto is a contemporary hotel in a great location, enabling exploration of the whole city. The hotel opened in 2019 with 135 rooms and a lovely rooftop terrace where you can have lunch or enjoy an evening cocktail overlooking the city. The hotel front overlooks a square and the area of Bairro Alto comes into its own in the evenings when restaurants and bars open. During the day you’ll find plenty of coffee shops and Pastel da Nata bakers to feed your addiction to caffeine and sweet treats.

After our walking tour we headed to our accommodation for the evening - Herdade Malhadinha da Quinta Nova. The hotel sits on its own wine estate; 2 hours from Lisbon and 90 minutes from Faro. The hotel offers a mixed combination of rooms and suites to suit most family groups and of course couples. There are also 2 pools, a wine bar, library and spa. The hotel works hard to be sustainable and uses its own produce from their own vegetable garden. A multitude of activities are on offer for a relaxing break of 2 nights upwards which we can book for you. See the website for more details. 

Our next hotel was The Grand in Vila Real de Santo António, about 90 minutes drive from Lisbon. This Relais and Chateaux hotel is on the promenade of Vila Real and 50 minutes from Faro Airport. It is as the name implies, this is a grand hotel with a quirky feel to it. The hotel has its own beach club just 2 km away with a beach, restaurant and reserved sunbeds for hotel guests. The town of Vila Real is interesting to explore and has a different feel to the usual busy Algarve. The 18th century town sits on the bank of the River Guadiana which separates Portugal and Spain. Nearby is Castro Marim with its mediaeval castle and ancient salt pans.

In conjunction with Kirker we have put together a 7 night tour, staying in the hotels we experienced, based on travelling between 8th and 15th October.  Temperatures will be around 15-23ºC – perfect for escaping rainy October in the UK.

Day One

London Heathrow to Lisbon with British Airways Depart 10:00 Arrive 12:50 (Economy class)

One checked bag per person (23kg) and buy onboard service.

Arrival transfer by private vehicle to the hotel.

Hotel Bairro Alto (5*) Lisbon for three nights

Accommodation with breakfast staying in a Classic Chiado double room. Complimentary Lisbon Card – includes entrance to over 25 of the city’s best museums and monuments and free use of the bus, tram, and metro network.

Private four-hour guided walking tour of Lisbon.

Day Four

Private vehicle transfer to Lisbon airport

Five-day Avis car hire – Category E, Renault Captur or similar.

Drive for approxiamately 2hours 30 minutes to the Malhadinha da Quinta Nova (5*), Alentejo for two nights.

Aaccommodation with breakfast staying in a Monte de Peceguina double room.

Day Six

Drive for approxiamately 2 hours

Stay at the Hotel Grand House (5* deluxe), Algarve for two night.

Accommodation with breakfast staying in a medium double room with town view. 

Day Eight

Car hire return to Faro Airport.

Faro Airport to London Heathrow  with British Airways Depart 15:40 Arrive 18:25 (Economy class)

One checked bag per person (23kg) and buy onboard service.

Price from £2899 per person including Economy class flights

Total holiday price based on a party of two is £5,798 total

Optional supplement: Upgrade to British Airways Club Europe Class for £225 per person for both directions

Non-refundable deposit per person required to secure your booking- £600 per person

Total non-refundable deposit required to secure your booking: £1,200 total

Do get in touch with us if we can help at all - we always look forward to chatting about your next holiday.

Best wishes

Martyn