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Islamic Festival
Itinerary: Mértola | Serpa
The Islamic Festival itinerary offers a rich immersion into the historical and cultural heritage of the Guadiana Natural Park region, combining guided tours of iconic monuments in Serpa and Mértola with the vibrant experience of the festival.
On the first day, explore Serpa's medieval architecture, including the Castle, the Aqueduct, the Church of Santa Maria, and the unique Clock Museum, before heading to Mértola to attend the festival's opening.
On the second day, delve into Mértola's Islamic and Christian past with visits to the Paleo-Christian Basilica, the Church of Nossa Senhora da Anunciação (formerly a mosque), and the Castle. Enjoy the cultural celebrations and the artisan market of the festival, concluding the itinerary with an authentic immersion into the Arab and Mediterranean traditions of the region.
PROGRAMME:
Day 1: Mértola
Morning: Departure from the points of origin. Lunch at a local restaurant.
Afternoon: Visit to Mértola, a historic village located on the banks of the Guadiana River, renowned for its rich cultural heritage and the fusion of Islamic, Roman, and Christian influences. Stroll through the historic center to discover some of Mértola's most significant monuments, which showcase centuries of history and cultural coexistence. The first stop is at the Paleo-Christian Basilica, one of the rare examples of Paleo-Christian architecture in Portugal, dating back to the 4th and 5th centuries. The visit continues to the Igreja Matriz of Mértola, originally a mosque built during the Islamic period, later converted into a church in the 13th century following the Christian Reconquest. The tour proceeds to the imposing Castle of Mértola, located at the highest point of the village, offering spectacular views of the Guadiana River and the surrounding landscape. This time of year marks the celebrations of the Islamic Festival of Mértola, a biennial event that transforms the village into an authentic medieval Arab fair with traditional music, dances, craft exhibitions, gastronomy, and a traditional souk-style market in the village's narrow streets.
Evening: Participation in the Islamic Festival festivities with dinner at leisure. Accommodation at a hotel.
Day 2: Serpa
Morning: Visit to the charming historic center of Serpa, a town that preserves a vast historical and cultural heritage. Start at the Castle of Serpa, a medieval fortress overlooking the region, offering panoramic views of the town and its surroundings. Its impressive structure and well-preserved walls tell the story of the town through the centuries. Continue to the Aqueduct of Serpa, one of the largest hydraulic engineering works in the region, dating back to the Baroque period. This aqueduct, with its elegant arches, was responsible for supplying water to the town and remains one of its most symbolic landmarks. The visit proceeds to the Church of Santa Maria, a beautiful example of religious architecture blending Gothic and Renaissance elements. With its imposing façade and intricately decorated interiors, the church holds great historical and spiritual significance. Finally, enjoy a guided visit to the Clock Museum, one of the most fascinating attractions in the region, where visitors can explore the history of timekeeping. The museum's vast collection of antique clocks provides a captivating insight into the evolution of watchmaking and the cultural significance of time throughout history. Lunch at a local restaurant.
Afternoon: Return to the points of origin.
PRICE PER PERSON:
In a double room (2 people, double bed) | 245 € |
In a twin room (2 people, separate beds) | 245 € |
In a single room (1 person) | 285 € |
Deposit: 200 €
Bookings up to 30 days before departure
The prices quoted include:
Tour by coach.
7 meals with a full menu (starters or soup, main course, dessert, coffee, wine and water at mealtimes. Some restaurants offer juices and soft drinks on the menu.
Accompanying guide representing the company.
Local guides for visits and activities.
All entrances and visits mentioned in the programme.
Accommodation in a 4* or 3* hotel with breakfast.
Civil liability and personal accident insurance.
SEATS ON THE BUS:
Seats on the bus are pre-allocated in order of where you get on the bus and date of deposit payment.
RYTHM: Medium
To take part in this route, you should:
Feel comfortable with several days of visits and an itinerary that alternates bus journeys and short walks in the places visited.
Be able to accompany a group at an average walking pace on sometimes uneven ground and with occasional stairs.
Being able to follow a medium-paced programme, which may involve getting up early on several days and only arriving at the hotel at the end of the day for dinner and a rest.
Feel comfortable accompanying a guide and respect all the instructions given.
Tolerate some temperature changes and unstable weather.
ACCOMMODATION:
Planned accommodation at 4* and 3* hotels.
NOT TO BE MISSED:
Explore Mértola's historic center, strolling through its medieval streets and discovering the unique blend of Islamic, Roman, and Christian influences.
Visit the impressive Paleo-Christian Basilica, a rare example of Paleo-Christian architecture in Portugal, and dive into the history of the early centuries of our civilization.
Climb up to Mértola's Castle and enjoy breathtaking views of the Guadiana River and the surrounding landscape.
Take part in the vibrant Mértola Islamic Festival and immerse yourself in the music, dance, and flavors of the Arab world throughout the village streets.
