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Experience the Unexpected Algarve

Highlights

  • Stunning beaches and tranquil blue sea
  • Fresh fish and seafood
  • Dolphin and cetacean watching
  • Kayaking tour
  • Traditional cooking class and a visit to a local market
  • Jeep tour in inland Algarve
From £1660 pp
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What you'll do

Overview

Enjoy this exciting self-drive tour of the southernmost region of Portugal. Get ready for sun, white sandy beaches, and beautiful blue sea.

The tour starts in the western part of the Algarve, beginning with a sunset trip on the first day which will give you the perfect introduction to the region. Throughout the week you will get to know a ‘different Algarve’ – a more authentic Algarve, closely connected to the regions local traditions and customs.

Naturally, with a coastline of about 200 km, the Algarve’s connection to the sea is ever present. You’ll come to know this throughout the week; from cetacean watching to a kayak trip, and with a cuisine based on fresh fish and seafood, the association with the sea is constant.

You will of course have the chance to relax on the stunning beaches of the Algarve, and soak up the beautiful Portuguese sunshine.

The second part of the tour will be more focused on the eastern part of the Algarve. You will travel to Tavira, Olhão, Faro and Ria Formosa, experiencing a different perspective of the region. 

Whilst the western part of the Algarve is full of beaches formed along astonishing cliffs, the eastern part is much flatter and has longer beaches.

Wherever you are, you will be able to enjoy wonderful landscapes and experience the traditional Portuguese local culture. 

Note: This is a self-drive tour with transport not included.

The Algarve Welcomes You to Portugal!

Arrive at Faro International Airport (FAO) and pick up your rental car at the rental car station in Faro Airport.

Then, drive yourself from Faro to Lagos, around 90km.

Once you’ve arrived in the beautiful Lagos, you’ll have some free time to relax after you’ve checked in to your hotel.

Late in the afternoon your guide will meet you at your accommodation for your first activity in Portugal! Watching the sunset is one of the greatest pleasures we have in life and there is no place in the world where this twilight event is more beautiful than at Cape St. Vincent in Sagres. This is the most southwestern tip of continental Europe and the views from the cape are stunning, especially the  sunset over the Atlantic Ocean.  On this 3-hour tour you’ll witness your first stunning sunset in the Algarve and to complement this introduction you’ll enjoy a local snack of local bread with delicious chorizo accompanied by Portuguese wine.

Accommodation

The 5-star Cascade Wellness Resort.

Dolphin and Cetacean Watching

After a delicious breakfast, you’ll drive from your accommodation to Lagos Marina (around 5 km).

If you’re a person who loves to see wild animals in their natural habitat, then this dolphin watching tour is an unmissable experience for you.

Departing from Lagos Marina you’ll sail to the open sea. The skipper and professional marine biologist guide, will accompany you throughout, and take you to the areas where the sighting of cetaceans is most likely.

The most frequently seen species is the common dolphin. However, the sighting of bottlenose dolphins, dwarf whales, sea turtles, among other animals, also occurs quite frequently. Whilst we can’t guarantee dolphin sighting, the success rate is typically over 97%!

In the afternoon you’ll have some free time to relax and enjoy the sunshine and beach.

Accommodation

The 5-star Cascade Wellness Resort.

Kayaking

In the morning you will drive from your accommodation to Cais da Solaria (Solaria pier) near Lagos castle (around 3 km).

Once you’ve arrived, it’s time for an unforgettable kayaking experience! 

Ponta da Piedade is one of the most beautiful natural sceneries of the Algarve; the coast is formed by dense corroded cliffs, which have been carved into rocky pillars, natural tunnels and hidden caves. The irregularly deformed sandstone cliffs stand in stark contrast to the peaceful turquoise and green deep waters, and the whole region is simply breathtaking.

To observe the cliffs from the sea, you’ll kayak out into the water. However, you can also travel by small boats if you prefer, on request. Once you’re out on the open water, you’ll be able to explore the sea and float through the labyrinth of the unique rock formations. You will see the traditional lighthouse situated on the promontory of Ponta da Piedade. 

Ponta da Piedade is a magnificent and unforgettable experience.

In the afternoon you have free time to enjoy the sun, sand and sea.

Accommodation

The 5-star Cascade Wellness Resort.

'The Unknown Algarve'

You’ll be met at your accommodation in the morning for a truly unforgettable day.

Your guide will take you on an off-the-beaten track experience. This jeep adventure is designed to show you the most incredible places in the Western Algarve and will be a way to get to know the way of life in the rural Algarve, where the locals still make honey and medronho ( traditional fruit brandy), in the traditional way.

It will also be the opportunity to travel unknown paths including off-road.

You will climb to the highest peak in the Algarve (Fóia) where you can enjoy a breathtaking 360° view, on a clear day.

Along the way, you’ll stop for lunch and taste the best food the rural Algarve has to offer.

On the way back, you’ll have time to see some of the most beautiful beaches in the Algarve. 

During the day your guide will tell you about the local traditions in the rural algarve region and history, anecdotes and stories from the area, a local lunch will be served high in the mountains in a traditional restaurant, you will try typical desserts from the region and enjoy a glass of medronho and melosa, a local honey liqueur,  and your transport for the day will be by jeep to enable you to traverse small tracks and go off the beaten path.

Lunch is included during the activity.

Accommodation

The 5-star Cascade Wellness Resort.

The Algarve, from West to East

Today, you have a free day to explore the region of the Algarve at your own pace.

Whenever it best suits you, you will drive from Lagos to Tavira (roughly 115km).

Take your time and perhaps stop in at some of the coastal fishing villages or larger resort towns such as Portimao, Alvor, Albufeira or Quarteira or stop at Loule to visit the famous market there.

Check in during the afternoon at your new accommodation, Conversas de Alpendre. 

Early in the evening we recommend that you drive out to Olhão, around 30 kms from Tavira, a characterful fishing village with a maze of cobbled back streets in the fisherman’s quarter and many excellent restaurants to choose from. 

Accommodation

Conversas de Alpendre – Countryside Guesthouse. 

Flavours of the Algarve Cooking Class

After breakfast, you’ll drive from Tavira to Faro, around 40km.

Today you’ll have a half-day gastronomic experience, you will visit the local market with a chef, and choose the best ingredients for the traditional Portuguese dish which you will learn how to make during your hands on cooking class. The dish of the day is Cataplana, a delicious Portuguese fish stew. You will learn how to prepare and cook the ingredients and the chef will share some of their skills and recipe secrets in a relaxed environment. Once the meal is prepared you will be able to enjoy your delicious lunch!

Accommodation

Conversas de Alpendre – Countryside Guesthouse. 

 

This is not a goodbye - It's see you soon!

On your last morning in the beautiful Algarve, enjoy a final breakfast before returning to Faro International Airport (50km). 

Once you’ve dropped off your rental car at the airport, it’ll be time to fly back home, full of the amazing memories you’ve made.

 

What's included

Included

  • 6-night accommodation (bed & breakfast)
  • Lunch on days 4 and 6
  • Personal accident Insurance for the guided activities
  • Personal travel journal developed by our team with all the route and coordinates required for the trip
Your local host

Pedro Urgel

Born and raised in the delightful city of Porto, apart from a two year stint living in Scotland in my younger days, I have lived in Portugal all my life. When I was around 35, myself and a couple of my travelling friends (one of which is my brother), decided to set up our company. We set out scouting Portugal, visiting the places no one visits, meeting people, exploring landscapes discovering all these authentic towns. We know the country like the back of our hands, so when you go on one of our experiences you get an experts insight and learn so much more than you would visiting alone.

Born and raised in the delightful city of Porto, apart from a two year stint living in Scotland in my younger days, I have lived in Portugal all my life. When I was around 35, myself and a couple of my travelling friends (one of which is my brother), decided to set up our company. We set out scouting Portugal, visiting the places no one visits, meeting people, exploring landscapes discovering all these authentic towns. We know the country like the back of our hands, so when you go on one of our experiences you get an experts insight and learn so much more than you would visiting alone.

Pedro Urgel image

Location

Algarve is a beautiful southern coastline in Portugal. It’s a region blessed with glorious sandy beaches, picturesque landscapes and perfect weather.

You will visit:

  • Lagos, a trendy coastal town full of with many traces of a rich past
  • Sagres and St. Vincent Cape, emblematic places associated with the Portuguese Discoveries, due to their dramatic cliffs
  • Tavira, an Algarve city with great historical and natural interest, with emphasis on the Island of Tavira, an extensive beach with 11 km parallel to the coast
  • Olhão, a typical fishermen’s town, which stands out for its market, the terraces next to Ria Formosa and its connections to the various islands of Ria Formosa.
  • Faro, capital of the Algarve, is the gateway to the Algarve and welcomes guests in its living room, Manuel Bívar Garden, the place where everything happens overlooking the marina, Ria Formosa and the sea.

FAQs

Is this a self-drive tour?

Yes, this experience is self-drive and a rental car is not included in the price.

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