Day 3
Morning
After breakfast we depart for the forested hills of the Serra de Monchique and arrive at picturesque Monchique, tucked away between the two highest peaks of the Algarve: Fóia and Picota. We stretch our legs and enjoy a lovely walk towards Caldas de Monchique, a popular spa town since Roman times known for its slightly sulphurous waters. We meander through the cork forests, passing through olive groves interspersed with medronho trees, whose lychee-like fruit is used to make jams, preserves and a strong traditional fruit brandy. The forest gives way to tiny terraced farms, which afford spectacular views over the coast below.
Duration: 2 hours (3.1 miles)
Altitude gain: 900 feetÂ
Terrain: forest paths, country tracks and some tarmac
Afternoon
In Caldas de Monchique you’ll have some free time. Perhaps have lunch at one of the many little restaurants before we transfer to Tavira.
Our hotel for three nights here is the four-star Maria Nova Lounge Hotel, with breakfast and dinner on the first night.Â
Day 4
You have the entire day free to relax and put your feet up. Should you wish to explore Tavira, join your tour manager on a short orientation walk to get acquainted with the city and its history.
Afterwards why not wander at your own pace? Cross the seven-arched Roman bridge to bustling Praça da República, where tables spilling out from charming cafés and a small amphitheatre provide ample seating to watch the world go by. The photogenic old town dazzles with handsome whitewashed buildings and superb churches: the 16th-century Misericórdia, with a magnificent arched doorway and cherub-filled altar, is perhaps the most significant Renaissance church in the Algarve, while the Santa Maria do Castelo is an excellent example of Gothic and Neoclassical styles with Arabic flourishes. Dominating Tavira is a 17th-century reconstruction of its once-mighty castle, which possibly dates back to Neolithic times but was later rebuilt by the Phoenicians before the Moors took control.Â
As you wander, look out for the beautifully tiled façades for which Portugal is known – the colourful azulejos both embellish and protect the walls against the coastal humidity. The subtropical climate has blessed Tavira with warm sea temperatures throughout the year, so if you wish to dip your toes in the Atlantic, take the ferry to Tavira Island to enjoy one of the region’s best beaches.
Day 5
Morning
We visit nearby Olhão, the Algarve’s biggest fishing port and the gateway to the Ria Formosa natural park. This little gem features a bustling waterfront and flat-roofed, Moorish-style houses, but it’s best-known for impressive sea-facing market – one of the largest in the Algarve. Beneath its terracotta façade and green domes lie two large halls: one dedicated to fruit, vegetables and meat, and the second to the freshest seafood you’ll find – from sardines and eels to clams and octopuses – brought in every morning by the town’s fleet of fishing vessels.
Afternoon
We board a private vessel for a relaxing cruise through the Ria Formosa natural park, known for its beautiful wetlands and lagoons, home to numerous migratory and aquatic birds that fill the skies with a variety of colours. Beneath the water’s surface, the park protects one of Europe’s most important breeding grounds for seahorses. We discover the importance of the Ria Formosa to local communities and the fascinating ways they coexist with nature.Â
We call at a number of islands in the lagoon, such as Culatra – home to about a thousand people. There is free time to wander the sleepy streets of this peaceful village, where the only vehicles you’ll encounter are bicycles and tractors used to unload the boats moored on its sandy shores.
Later this afternoon we return to Tavira, where the remainder of the day at leisure.
Day 6
After breakfast we depart Tavira for the River Guadiana, which forms a natural border between Portugal and Spain. Our walk today begins in the village of Cortes Pereiras and descends past gardens of almonds and figs. Your expert guide will point out the abundance of wild herbs and fruits for you to smell and taste. We follow the south-easterly flow of the Guadiana through forest and fields as it winds its way to Alcoutim. Once a significant military outpost in the Middle Ages for guarding against Spanish aggression, unassuming Alcoutim was, even in more peaceful times, a hotbed of smuggling activity that kept the locals in business! These days we’re free to cross the border to its Spanish twin, Sanlúcar de Guadiana, which is a short water taxi ride.
Duration: 2.5 hours (5.1 miles)
Altitude gain: 198 feet
Terrain: forest paths, country tracks and some tarmac
There’s time after our walk to explore before we visit the sleepy village of Furnazinhas for engaging demonstrations by a traditional basket weaver and an artisan cheesemaker. We meet Don António, who began making baskets out of local reeds at age seven and today passes on his knowledge to the younger generation. We also meet Doña Hortense, known for her mastery in cheese-making using milk from the goats reared by her husband.Â
After a fascinating day, we cross the border into southern AndalucÃa. We stay in the celebrated Doñana National Park, a UNESCO-protected wonderland of haunting natural beauty. Our hotel for the final two nights, with breakfast and dinner, is the four-star Parador de Mazagón.
Tonight, we dine at the hotel with our fellow travellers.Â
Day 7
Morning
This morning we journey to Seville for a guided walk through the vibrant Andalusian capital. Here, the Guadalquivir flows under the gaze of rugged mountains and Roman watchtowers, while the world’s largest Gothic cathedral lies close to the breathtaking Alcázar. We walk through attractive old town, exploring the main sights which lie mainly to the east of the river.
There’s free time to wander the maze of narrow streets, plazas and promenades filled with traditional shops and tapas bars. You might be lucky enough to encounter flamenco street performers in search of duende – the heightened state of emotion achieved through this spellbinding art form.
Perhaps visit the majestic cathedral to see its awe-inspiring high altar and the tomb of Christopher Columbus, or stroll through the beautiful MarÃa Luisa Park and admire the floral array of colours, from lilac jacarandas to pink roses. Seville’s signature scent is an intoxicating blend of sweet orange and heady jasmine, which will only deepen your admiration for this unforgettable city.
Later this afternoon we return to the hotel.
Day 8
Transfer to the airport for your flight home.