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================================================================= Introduction and Summary
MANHOC members have been talking about a trip abroad for a while now. So, it is time to put some plans in place. We are looking to travel in September 2007 – yes, about 18 months away – to give every one time to think about it and arrange things.
After some debate, we (the organising committee and friends) have decided that one of the best places to visit would be the Algarve in Southern Portugal. There are many reasons for this; not the least being the nice weather we can get at that time of the year down there. Other reasons may become apparent as you read on.
Norma and Alan did this trip 3 years ago and thoroughly enjoyed it (so there'a a good reason to go).
Accommodation when down there would be on a well maintained site with everyone staying in townhouses sleeping 4 or 6 people. The site has a central restaurant (in case you don’t want to cook) and a swimming pool – as well as other luxuries. It is all described on the pages below.
The plan would be to ride down to Plymouth, get the ferry to Santander and then spend 2 days riding down through Spain and Portugal. After a lazy week in the houses, a 2 day ride back up to catch the ferry home.
Alternatively, people could opt to ride from Calais, through France, Spain and Portugal – but that is many more miles.
For those who wish to join us there, there are regular flights from Manchester to Faro.
All this is described on the pages below.
So, the big question – how much. Well, of course, it varies depending on how many people share a house, whether you have a pillion or are alone on the bike etc etc. I have put together a spreadsheet which takes all this into consideration. All you do is put in the details for yourself and it calculates the rest. It can be downloaded from here
Bear in mind that the trip is 18 months away and any costs in the spreadsheet are this years costs. Next year, it could change.
Getting there: Plymouth to Santander. Ferry: Outward Journey: Depart 12:30 arrive 09:00 the next day Return journey: Depart 16:30 arrive 10:30 the next day Can have a cabin or a recliner chair for the overnight sleep.
Trip down from Santander to Lagoa is about 610 miles. So, allow 3 days (2 nights).
Suggested route:
We would suggest stopping in Salamanca and Evora for the two nights.
Both have loads of atmosphere in the evenings and are great places to wander
around. Getting there: Alternative: Fly to Faro and hire a car. Air fares are around £60 each way. Car hire is around £120 for the week for one that fits 2. So, cost for 2 people flying and sharing a car is around £180 each. This would be ideal for partners who do not want to ride all the way down but would like to join the party in Portugal.
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SITE DESCRIPTION Each townhouse has a television (limited English speaking channels) and a video player except numbers 1B, 1D, 1E, 1F, 2B, 3C, 3D and 3F which have a DVD player. Number 2C has both a DVD player and video player. There is a small collection of DVD's and videos available to borrow from reception.
Characteristic blues, yellows, pinks and white have been used to paint the houses in typical Portuguese style. Each house is comfortably furnished, although styles may differ to reflect individual owners’ tastes. Air-conditioning is available in some properties at an extra charge.
MAID SERVICE On changeover day and once more during the week.
LAUNDRY Change of towels twice weekly and linen weekly.
BANKS - nearest banks in Lagoa - 7
minutes' drive. Also in Carvoeiro - 10 minutes' drive.
Site Facilities Unheated saltwater swimming pool 20m x 9m (depth 1.3m – 2.1m) Small oval children’s pool Poolside snack bar/restaurant Tennis courts (extra charge)
Some pictures:
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Sleeps 4
