Seville & the Treasures of the Algarve with Three-night Extension

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To book or for more information please call: 0330 341 1117 and quote RTA

Seville & the Treasures of the Algarve with Three-night Extension

Embrace moments of relaxation with a warm-weather winter escape to the Algarve, with the added charm of a visit to Seville, the birthplace of flamenco. Begin your holiday with a flight to Faro, where your tour manager will greet you before you continue to your four-star hotel in Monte Gordo. Settle in with a full day at leisure to enjoy the mild climate and golden beaches. Your first excursion takes you to the dramatic Cape St. Vincent region. Explore Lagos, with its walled old town and ornate churches, discover Sagres, and admire the views from Cape St. Vincent, Europe’s most south-westerly point. After another day soaking up the sun at your hotel or exploring independently, travel to lively Seville, with its orange-scented streets and Andalusian architecture. Enjoy a further day at leisure to embrace the Algarve’s year-round sunshine before joining an optional outing to three delightful towns. Browse the bustling fish markets of Olhão, wander through Faro’s charming old town, and complete your journey in palm-lined Tavira, a UNESCO-recognised gem celebrated for its culinary traditions and cultural heritage. Conclude your tour with three full days under your own steam in beautiful Monte Gordo, before transferring to Faro for your flight home.

Holiday Highlights

Marvel at the rugged landscapes of Cape St. Vincent and look out over the wild Atlantic coast from its clifftop overlooks
Spend time exploring Lagos’ picturesque old town and get a taste for life in southern Portugal with a stop in charming Sagres
Embrace the home of the flamenco, elegant Seville, with guided sightseeing around its most historic landmarks
Experience the Algarve at its most authentic with an optional excursion tour of Olhão, Tavira, and Faro, the region’s lively capital

What's Included

10 nights’ bed and breakfast accommodation at the four-star Hotel Alba in Monte Gordo
10 breakfasts (half-board upgrade available for a supplement)
Visits to Lagos, Sagres, and Cape St. Vincent
Tour of Seville
Six full days at leisure in Monte Gordo
Return flights to Faro
Comfortable coach travel and transfers throughout
Fully escorted by a friendly, experienced tour manager, apart from the final three-night stay in Monte Gordo

Itinerary

Day 1

Fly to Faro - Your holiday starts with a flight to Faro, the idyllic capital of Algarve, where you’ll meet your friendly, local tour manager and drive along Portugal’s idyllic south coast to the seaside town of Monte Gordo. After checking into your charming coastal hotel, you’ll have the rest of the day to settle in and perhaps explore the local area.

Day 2

Day at leisure - Your first full day on the Algarve will be at leisure, and you can make the most of Monte Gordo’s town centre, seaside attractions, and your hotel’s amenities under your own steam. For a more active day, Monte Gordo’s nearby woodland trails and restaurant-lined seafront offer delightful views to accompany a stroll. Monte Gordo Beach is another popular choice for warm-weather relaxation by the sea, located just 300 meters from the hotel. Wildlife lovers will find plenty to enjoy in the nearby Castro Marim Nature Reserve, a popular spot for birdwatchers, while riverside Vila Real de Santo Antonio and palm-fringed Ayamonte are perfect for a taste of life on the Algarve.

Day 3

Included excursion to Lagos, Sagres, and Cape St. Vincent - Rise early this morning with breakfast at the hotel and head west to some of ’the Algarve’s most picturesque coastal spots. Your first stop, Lagos, showcases life in Portugal’s rural south, and you’ll soak up its cobbled alleyways and family-run tascas (taverns) with a guided tour of its historic walled old town. Afterwards, enjoy some time to get to know the town under your own steam. While here, be sure to visit the opulent Igreja de Santo Antonio, a 16th-century church, which is home to some of the finest woodwork in Portugal and extraordinary decor. You’ll then continue along the rocky Sagres Peninsula, home to mainland Europe’s most south-westerly point, Cape St. Vincent. On the way, stop in the harbour town of Sagres, located at the tip of the cape, and see the town’s famed fortress. This vast 15th-century landmark was once the home of Prince Henry the Navigator and a major centre of Portuguese discovery during the Age of Exploration. Elsewhere in the town, you’ll find a collection of shops to explore and the breath-taking coastal vistas of Cape St. Vincent. Return to Monte Gordo for the evening at leisure.

Day 4

Day at leisure - Enjoy a leisurely morning with breakfast at the hotel ahead of another full day spent at your own pace. Those who’d prefer a lazy day can also make the most of the hotel’s amenities or take a stroll along Monte Gordo’s seaside promenade.

Day 5

Included tour of Seville with an expert local guide - Start the day with breakfast at the hotel and cross the Spanish border by coach to the great city of the Flamenco, Seville. As you explore the city, soak up the sights and smells of the abundant orange trees that line its streets and listen for the buzz of its lively tapas bars. Your first stop today will be Seville Cathedral, the world’s largest Gothic church, and its imposing bell tower, La Giralda, which stands at over 300 feet tall. While exploring this UNESCO-listed building, take in its exquisite facades and vaulted interior ceilings or pay homage to the 'tomb' of Christopher Columbus. You’ll then head to the Plaza de Toros, Spain's oldest bullring. Stroll through the courtyards of the Moorish Alcazar to the Jewish Quarter and stop in Plaza de Espana to truly appreciate the atmosphere of this city. Return to Monte Gordo this evening.

Day 6

Day at leisure - Your third and final day at leisure awaits this morning, and it’s the perfect opportunity to tick off any remaining wish-list sights. If you haven’t done so already, be sure to make the most of the hotel’s amenities, perhaps with a treatment or two at the spa or a swim in either of swimming pools.

Day 7

Optional excursion to Olhão, Faro, and Tavira - Once you’ve had breakfast, spend the day as you see fit or enhance your itinerary with an optional tour, showcasing an authentic side to the Algarve and taking in its most historic cities. Heading east along the coast, your first stop will be the colourful fishing port-town of Olhão. Stroll through the central quarter, past its Moorish houses, and around the seafront promenade and bustling fish market, and perhaps enjoy a coffee in one of the many pavement cafes. The next stop on today’s itinerary will be Faro, and you’ll spend a couple of hours exploring the cobbled streets and hidden squares of its fascinating Cidade Velha (old town) under the guidance of a local expert. Round out the day’s sightseeing with an afternoon visit to Tavira, where you can admire its imposing medieval castle and the town’s ancient Roman bridge. Another highlight will be the marina and its renowned seafood restaurants, and you’ll be free to explore at leisure before heading back to Monte Gordo.

Day 8

Day at leisure - After a busy week’s exploration on Portugal’s delightful south coast, embrace the first of three extra days at leisure to unwind by the sea. You’ll be free to make the most of the hotel’s leisure facilities, perhaps with a dip in the swimming pool and a treatment in the spa. This evening, relax at the hotel or venture into Monte Gordo to find dinner locally.

Day 9

Day at leisure - Spend the day as you see fit on the idyllic Algarve with another full day at leisure. If you’d prefer a more active day, why not visit nearby Vila Nova de Cacela, another of the region’s lesser-known treasures? However you choose to enjoy the day, reconvene with your fellow travellers at the hotel this evening.

Day 10

Day at leisure - It’s your final day in Monte Gordo, and you’ll have one last chance to tick any remaining experiences off your holiday wish-list. If you haven’t already, stop for a round of golf at one of the Algarve’s acclaimed courses, or soak up some more winter sun with a stroll along the beach.

Day 11

Return to the UK - After breakfast, check out of the hotel, and travel to Faro for your return flight.

Hotel transfer times

The transfer time from the airport to your hotel is approximately 45 minutes.

Passports and Visas

British citizens require passports when travelling overseas and this must be valid for six months beyond the date you return. If you are not a British citizen, you may need a visa for the country/countries you are visiting (please contact the respective embassies to check and to apply).

Special requirements

If you have notified us of any special requirements, please check that they have been noted and acknowledged. This is especially important with any dietary needs you may have.

Disabled access

The majority of our tours involve a certain amount of walking, including a short walk from the coach stop to the town, attraction or venue you're visiting. If you are bringing a wheelchair, please let us know at the time of booking so that appropriate arrangements can be made. In many developing countries access is sometimes not as easy as at home. Should you have walking difficulties, getting around monuments and attractions may be harder and, in some cases, impossible. Should you have any concerns whatsoever please do contact us prior to travel.

Itinerary changes

Occasionally, for operational reasons, we may have to change the order of the excursions on your holiday. The final day-by-day itinerary will be confirmed on your Final Travel Documents, which you will receive approximately three weeks prior to your departure.

Changes to your hotels

Should circumstances require, we reserve the right to accommodate you in alternative hotels, of a similar standard, nearby. Full details of your hotels will be sent with your Final Travel Documents.

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