Upgraded - Walking in Portugal
Description
Summary
Description
Embark on an unforgettable multi-day tour through the enchanting landscapes and rich cultural heritage of the Algarve. From the charming town of Tavira, explore the stunning Rio Formosa Natural Park, picturesque villages, and historical sites. Delight in traditional Portuguese cuisine, scenic walks, and unique experiences like olive oil tasting and Fado performances. This tour offers a perfect blend of relaxation, adventure, and cultural immersion, ensuring a memorable journey through one of Portugal's most captivating regions.
Included
A key facet of our responsible approach to tourism is that we encourage our groups to eat in local restaurants that prepare locally grown food. We give customers choice as to their meals and do not use rather bland and impersonal hotel restaurants or all- inclusive options
7 Breakfasts
1 Lunches
Bus
Ferry
Taxi
Train
7 nights premium hotel
Explore Tour Leader
Driver(s)
Tavira - Enjoy time in this ancient Moorish town, exploring the colourful cobbled streets
Portuguese food and drink - Savour the local Cataplana dish accompanied by a glass of crisp wine
Rio Formosa Estuarine National Park - Coastal walk through this unique ecosystem home to many flamingos
Destinations
Map
Attractions
Daily Itinerary
Day 1 – Day 1: Welcome to Tavira
- Faro
- Tavira - Arrival day
- More
Arrive in the charming town of Tavira, the heart of the eastern Algarve. Check into the Hotel Maria Nova Lounge (or similar), conveniently located near the old centre. Meet your tour leader and fellow travellers at 7 pm in the hotel reception for a briefing on the exciting itinerary ahead. If you arrive early, take the opportunity to explore Tavira's cobbled streets and vibrant cafes.
Day 2 – Day 2: Explore Tavira and Rio Formosa Natural Park
- Tavira
- More
- Tavira Old Bridge
- Praia da Ilha de Tavira
- Ria Formosa
- Praia do Barril
- Cerro de Cabeça
- More
Begin your journey with a stroll through Tavira's old town, leading to the Rio Formosa Natural Park. Discover the abundant birdlife and marine creatures in this protected area. Cross a bridge to Ilha de Tavira and enjoy a scenic walk along its beaches. Visit Praia dos Barrills, known for its unique 'graveyard' of anchors, and explore Terra Estreita Beach. Return to Tavira by boat and spend the afternoon exploring the town, including the iconic seven-arched bridge. This 14-kilometre walk takes approximately 5 hours.
Day 3 – Day 3: Countryside Walk and Historical Exploration
- Tavira
- More
- Igreja da Misericórdia
- Castle of Mértola
- Cerro de Cabeça
- More
Drive to the village of Azinhal and begin your walk along the Guadiana River, the natural border between Portugal and Spain. End your walk in Odeleite and enjoy a traditional Portuguese lunch at Casa Merca. In the afternoon, visit the Templar Castle in Castro Marim and explore its historical significance. Return to Tavira by taxi. This 13-kilometre walk takes approximately 4 hours and 30 minutes.
Day 4 – Day 4: Scenic Walk to Pego de Inferno Waterfall
- Tavira
- More
- Praia da Ilha Deserta
- Parking las mariñas
- More
Start your day with a walk from the hotel along the banks of the Gilao River, surrounded by bamboo and lemon tree groves. Reach the Pego de Inferno waterfall, where you can take a refreshing swim if the water levels are suitable. Return to Tavira by taxi. In the evening, try the traditional Algarve dish, Cataplana. This 11-kilometre walk takes approximately 3 hours and 30 minutes.
Day 5 – Day 5: Free Day for Relaxation or Exploration
- Tavira
- Faro
- More
- Faro Marina
- Praia do Arrifão
- Praia da Ponta Pequena
- Praia do Camilo
- Tavira Island
- More
Today is yours to design. Relax on Tavira's beaches or challenge yourself with the Seven Hanging Valleys trail, starting at Praia do Marinha and ending at Praia do Carvoeiro. Alternatively, take a day trip to Faro for a Fado performance or explore the Camera Obscura in Tavira. Your tour leader can assist with recommendations and arrangements.
Day 6 – Day 6: Cork Country and Olive Oil Tasting
- Tavira
- São Brás de Alportel
- More
- X Ride Algarve
- Ponte da Ribeira de Cobres
- More
Drive to Sao Bras de Alportel, a town known for its cork production. Walk through fig and olive groves to a cork oak forest and learn about traditional cork production. Visit the Monterosa Olive Oil producers for a tour and tasting. Return to Sao Bras to explore the old town before heading back to Tavira. This 12.5-kilometre walk takes approximately 4 hours.
Day 7 – Day 7: Olhão Market and Culatra Island
- Tavira
- Olhão
- More
- Praia do Barril
- Rocha da Pena
- Tavira Island
- More
Take a train to Olhão and explore the bustling fish and vegetable market. Ferry to Culatra Island in the Ria Formosa National Park and discover its unique fishing community. Enjoy a leisurely walk along the wooden walkway through the sand dunes and relax on the tranquil beaches. Return to the mainland from Ilha do Farol and take a train back to Tavira. This 5-kilometre walk takes approximately 1 hour and 30 minutes.
Day 8 – Day 8: Departure from Tavira
- Tavira
- Faro - Departure day
- More
Today, you have the freedom to depart from Tavira at your own pace. A transfer to Faro Airport (FAO) is included. If your flight departs later, the hotel offers luggage storage, allowing you to explore Tavira or relax at the hotel.
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