Go with the flow in the Alentejo

Just an hour's drive from Lisbon, Headwater's newest walking holiday is the ideal introduction to southern Portugal's untouched countryside and relaxing pace of life.

Whilst the region is best known for being home to the world's largest cork forests, the Alentejo's combination of mountains, forests, coastline, crystal-clear lakes and rivers make it an exciting destination for nature lovers and bird watchers to explore on foot.

Launched this month, the week-long independent walking holiday begins inland around the Barragem de Santa Clara, following the river valley over the Cercal Mountain Range past lemon groves and sleepy white villages to deserted beaches and picturesque fishing harbours along the Atlantic.

Staying at intimate rural properties along the way, luggage is transported between hotels to ensure guests can concentrate on taking in the views around them. From a delightful lakeside retreat whose landscaped gardens attract migrating birdlife via a classic whitewashed country house and on to a former ostrich farm, recently converted into a stylish boutique hotel, the charismatic owners ensure daily walks are rewarded with wonderful local cuisine.

Prices for this great value eight day Contrasts of Portugal independent hotel-to-hotel walking holiday start from £998pp land only based on 7 and 14 November 2010 departures. This includes seven nights half board accommodation, six picnic lunches, the transportation of bags between hotels, a regional information booklet and local map kit. With flights and transfers prices start from £1187pp based on return flights from London Heathrow to Lisbon with British Airways and onward train travel. Flights can be arranged from most UK airports.

For more information or to book online, visit: headwater.com