Travel through the beautiful plains, rugged cliffs and sandy beaches of Southern Portugal. Admire impressive and remarkable viewpoints overlooking the Atlantic Ocean. See the region’s most beautiful landmarks, including Ponta da Piedade, Cabo Sao Vincente’s beautiful cliffs and the UNESCO listed city of Evora! Visit the southern Portugal regions of the famous beaches of the Algarve. Travel through the peaceful landscapes of vast open plains of golden wheat fields, almond and olive orchards and cork oak trees of the sunny region!
This morning you will be picked up at a centrally located hotel in Lisbon. Departing Lisbon cross over the river Tagus and drive by a beautiful and bucolic landscape of olive trees, cork oak trees and vineyards before arriving at Evora – a UNESCO World Heritage Site. As a group walk along the whitewashed streets and visit visiting some of the most famous monuments: the Roman Temple, the Romanesque-gothic Cathedral, Saint Francis Church with the “Bones Chapel”, and the University. When visiting the market sense the richness of products used to prepare one of the most elaborated and appreciated gastronomies of Portugal. Admire the diversity and authenticity of local handicraft with cork, ceramic and copper objects. In the afternoon you have free time to discover the city at your pace, we recommend you take the time to experience a wine and cheese tasting.
After breakfast, spend a morning of leisure in Evora before the tour departs heading southbound for Beja. Here you can see Portuguese medieval castles with their tall towers dominating the town and the region. Crossing small mountains you will enter the Algarve. By fields of orange trees, you will travel to Silves, dominated by its red sandstone castle dating back to Moorish times. Continue to the golden sands of the Algarve, passing by Praia da Rocha. The last stop today will be in Lagos. Overnight in Lagos. Meals: B
After breakfast, travel to Ponta de Piedad for a magnificent view of the Atlantic. The tour continues to Sagres, a fishing port, for a visit to the fortress which was once the mythical navigation school. Upon your early return to the hotel, you will have time to explore Lagos on your own or to relax on the stunning beach and dip in the warm sea. Overnight in Lagos. Meals: B
After breakfast, travel back to Lisbon, bidding farewell to the Algarve. You will have a stop at Setubal, a major port and industrial centre, and then in the mountains of Arrabida, a Portuguese National Park. Arrive in Lisbon and end of services. Meals: B
Various Saturday departures from November 2019 to October 2020
