Southern Portugal Tour: Algarve and Alentejo

Arrival at the hotel. Meeting with the other participants and the tour escort at 7:30 p.m.
Dinner and overnight stay at the hotel.

Culture

50%

Nature

20%

History

50%

Food

30%

Breakfast at the hotel. In the morning, departure for a guided tour of Lisbon, with its wide avenues and grand squares recalling the period when the city was the capital of one of the world’s largest empires, stretching from Brazil to Angola, Mozambique and India, as far as Macau and Timor.

Visit to the Belém district, with stops at the Belém Tower, the Monument to the Discoveries and the church of the Jerónimos Monastery, a masterpiece of the Manueline Gothic style.

The panoramic tour continues past the Parliament and the green Eduardo VII Park. This is followed by a walk through Alfama, the city’s oldest district, where the 12th-century Cathedral and the Church of Saint Anthony, built on the site where the saint was born, can be admired.

The itinerary continues through the central Baixa Pombalina district and Praça do Comércio, overlooking the picturesque mouth of the Tagus River.

In the afternoon, departure for the Algarve.

Dinner and overnight stay at the hotel.

Culture

40%

Nature

40%

History

40%

Food

30%

Breakfast at the hotel. The Algarve is a region deeply connected to the sea and the history of Portuguese exploration. From the 15th century onwards, navigators departed from these shores towards Africa, the Cape of Good Hope, Mozambique, India, the Strait of Malacca and Timor.

The tour begins in Lagos, an ancient port linked to the Age of Discovery and now a charming town rich in historical heritage. Visit to the Church of Saint Anthony, distinguished by its remarkable Baroque decoration.

Continue to Praça do Infante Dom Henrique, overlooking the harbour and located near the building that housed one of Europe’s earliest markets for enslaved people, a painful reminder of Portugal’s colonial past.

The itinerary continues to the Ponta da Piedade viewpoint, offering spectacular views of a coastline shaped by cliffs, natural arches and sea stacks.

Finally, enjoy a short mini cruise along the coast to admire the famous Benagil Cave and other striking rock formations illuminated by the reflections of the clear Atlantic waters.

Return to the hotel. Dinner and overnight stay.

Culture

30%

Nature

60%

History

30%

Food

30%

Breakfast at the hotel. Departure for Sagres and a visit to its distinctive fortress, protected along much of its perimeter by high cliffs that formed a natural defensive barrier. The fortified area offers spectacular views of the Atlantic Ocean.

Continue to nearby Cape São Vicente, the south-westernmost point of Portugal and the last stretch of coastline ancient navigators would see before venturing into the open ocean. Known since antiquity, the Romans called it Promontorium Sacrum, reflecting the symbolic importance attributed to this place.

The itinerary continues to Silves, where the distinctive red sandstone castle will be visited. The fortress evokes the period of Islamic rule, when the town was an important political and commercial centre in the Algarve.

Return to the hotel. Dinner and overnight stay.

Culture

40%

Nature

50%

History

40%

Food

30%

Breakfast at the hotel. Departure for Olhão, a picturesque Algarve town, and visit to its lively fish market, offering numerous varieties caught in the region’s waters.

Continue to Tavira, an elegant town crossed by the Gilão River. Walk through the historic centre, among narrow streets, whitewashed houses and the distinctive bridge traditionally known as the Roman Bridge.

Along the way, admire sweeping views of the Ria Formosa, a protected natural area characterised by lagoons, sandy islands and dune systems.

Departure for Faro, the capital of the Algarve. Visit to Vila Adentro, the historic centre enclosed by ancient walls and accessed through the Arco da Vila. The route leads to Faro Cathedral, whose tower offers picturesque views over the city, the sea and the islands of the Ria Formosa Natural Park.

Continue to Almancil to visit the Church of São Lourenço, an authentic masterpiece of Portuguese Baroque, renowned for its refined decorative azulejo panels.

Return to the hotel. Dinner and overnight stay.

Culture

30%

Nature

50%

History

50%

Food

30%

Breakfast at the hotel. Early morning departure for the Alentejo region and arrival in Monsaraz, a charming fortified village characterised by whitewashed houses, cobbled streets and a medieval castle containing an unusual bullring.

Walk through the streets and alleys of the historic centre, offering picturesque views of the surrounding landscape. Free time for lunch.

Continue to Vila Viçosa, where the monumental Ducal Palace stands in a spacious and elegant square. The building is closely connected to the House of Braganza, Portugal’s last ruling dynasty, which came to the throne in 1640.

Visit to the interiors, furnished with an important collection of period furniture and objects. The rooms are mainly illuminated by natural light, recreating the residence’s original atmosphere. The historic kitchen, with its traditional furnishings and utensils, is particularly interesting.

Stop at a cork-processing facility to discover one of the Alentejo’s most representative products. Portugal is the world’s leading producer of this natural material, which is used in numerous sectors.

Departure for Évora. Dinner and overnight stay at the hotel.

Culture

50%

History

40%

Relax

50%

Food

50%

Breakfast at the hotel. Guided tour of Évora, a museum city declared a UNESCO World Heritage Site for the numerous landmarks reflecting its long history.

The itinerary winds through picturesque medieval streets and includes the Roman Temple, Évora Cathedral and Praça do Giraldo, a square also connected with the history of the Portuguese Inquisition. Visit to the distinctive Chapel of Bones, one of the city’s most moving and remarkable monuments.

Continue to Setúbal and visit the lively Mercado do Livramento, renowned for its fresh fish stalls, colourful fruit and large decorative panels made with traditional Portuguese azulejo tiles.

Free time for lunch. An opportunity to taste the famous choco frito, fried cuttlefish and a speciality of the city.

Walk through Praça do Bocage, the heart of Setúbal, followed by a visit to the Church of the Convent of Jesus, a refined example of Manueline Gothic architecture.

Finally, panoramic stop at Cristo Rei, offering one of the most iconic views of Lisbon, the 25 de Abril Bridge and the broad mouth of the Tagus River.

Dinner and overnight stay at the hotel.

Breakfast at the hotel. Transfer to the airport independently.