Guided Silves and Monchique mountains tour in the Algarve

West Algarve tour with Lagos, Sagres and Cabo de Sao Vicent

The rugged coast of the western Algarve is crammed with dramatic cliffs sheltering sandy coves and characterful towns. On this trip you'll have ample time to explore the historic city of Lagos and see some of the Algarve's most picturesque points, including Sagres, the ‘end of the world' and Baleeira fishing village. Beatriz, one of our expert local guides, says, 'Lagos has a long history, and was once an important hub for maritime traffic in the 15th century during the Portuguese Age of Discovery. You'll get a sense of its history as you mander through the old town on patterned cobbled streets flanked by handsome buildings.' Sheltering by a river mouth, the town of Lagos has a great location by the beach and within reach of all that amazing scenery. Get your culture fix with a tour of Lagos town, plus free time to enjoy the vibrant streets and cafés. Your guided tour takes in Praça do Infante to see Henry the Navigator's statue, as well as the building that served as Portugal's first slave market. Afterwards, you could choose to spend your time having lunch, shopping or exploring.Next, we'll visit Cabo de São Vicente, also known as the ‘end of the world' – Europe's most south-westerly point. This place is famous for its sheer cliffs, panoramic views, and the iconic lighthouse perched at its tip. Soaking up these views looking out over the fishing harbour of Baleeira is the perfect way to round off this tour.

Guided Silves and Monchique mountains tour in the Algarve

The Algarve is famed for its beautiful beaches, yet the area's countryside is also filled with historic and natural gems that are well worth discovering. You'll head into the mountains to visit Silves, Foia and Monchique, and taste some local treats along the way.

Lisbon tour from the Algarve with sightseeing bus and free time

Few capitals are as diverse as Lisbon. From the tightly packed alleys of the old town to the elegant boulevards of Baixa Pombalina, it's a city bursting with charm and life – and classic yellow trams. Gonçalo, one of our expert local guides, says, ‘Much of Lisbon was destroyed in the 1755 earthquake, and was then rebuilt under the Marquis of Pombal's guidance into the first city with innovative earthquake-resistant designs – hence today's name for the district: Baixa Pombalina.'Things kick off reasonably early, allowing you to reach Lisbon in good time. Get ready for spectacular views over the city as you cross the Golden Gate-like 25th April Bridge over the River Tagus to the seafront district of Belém. You'll get to see Belém Tower, the Monument of Discoveries and much more. Gonçalo says, 'Belém Tower was built in the early 16th century and is an iconic symbol of Portugal's Age of Discoveries. It once stood on a small island near the riverbank, but as the river's course changed, it now sits near the shore. Over the years, it's served as a defence point, a lighthouse, a customs house, and even a prison.'Next, sightsee by bus passing by the Basilica Estrela among other sights. Your guide will then point out the best areas of the city to check out during your free time – whether you prefer to shop, dine or simply stroll streets lined with impressive buildings from Portugal's imperial days. You'll return to the Algarve via the Vasco da Gama Bridge – the longest in Europe.

Guided evening 4x4 tour of Monchique Hills with dinner

This trip has to be one of the best ways to discover the real Algarve. Jump into a 4x4, leave the coast behind and make your way up into the Monchique hills. You'll discover the real heart of the region, one that most visitors never get to see. Ines, one of our expert local guides, says, ‘These hills feel almost untouched by time, with little farming villages where life moves at a slower pace, offering a glimpse of traditional Portuguese life.'Travelling in small groups winding along earth tracks and past tiny villages, you'll get a sneak peek of a peaceful lifestyle that's quickly disappearing. One of the highlights is the whitewashed village of Alferce, home to a pretty church dating back to the 16th century. Any cultivatable patches of land in the area are filled with citrus orchards and eucalyptus groves. Next, you'll continue on your journey to explore the natural wilderness of Barrancos dos Pisoes.There'll be plenty of stops along the way to capture those perfect holiday pictures and then we'll travel up to the highest point in the Algarve. At this special viewpoint, you'll watch the sky change colour as the sun sets and toast the view with a glass of sparkling wine. Hop back into the 4x4 and as darkness blankets the landscape, you'll head to a local restaurant for a traditional dinner including specialities from the Monchique hills.

Eastern Algarve day tour with Faro visit and live Fado music show

The east is one of the jewels in the Algarve's crown, and this full day excursion offers a flavour of its local culture as well as a chance to get to know its biggest city. You'll visit Faro, Olhao, and Tavira and travel through beautiful countryside in the Ria Formosa National Park. Sofia, one of our expert local guides, says, ‘This excursion is special because it brings the local culture to life. You'll see a performance of Fado music which is the heart of Portuguese tradition, a soulful singer fronts a group of musicians and together they convey passion, struggle, and longing. It's a hugely significant part of Portuguese culture.'We'll begin in Faro, the regional capital, where you'll have free time to explore the old town – the cathedral is a must-see. Next up is Olhao, a village on the banks of the Ria Formosa. You'll visit its famous fish market and then enjoy free time for lunch and shopping. Sofia adds, ‘As well as showcasing the fruits of the sea, the market is a good place to make contact with smallholders selling their own produce, such as honey, jams, cakes, and liqueurs.'In the afternoon, we'll head to Tavira to see its top sights and visit the castle for a stroll along its ramparts. Along with the castle, the seven-arched Roman bridge and a pair of historic churches are just a handful of the best things to do in Tavira. Cap off the day by dropping into a church for a live show of fado singing – the melancholic music genre that is a national treasure.

Costa Vicentina full-day guided tour with lunch

Wedged between the Atlantic and the Monchique Mountains, the Vicentine Coast has stunning landscapes, lots of flora and fauna but very few people. This is a wild world where you least expect it. Highlights include Costa Vicentina Natural Park, Carrapateira and Sagres.

Sunset sailing in the Algarve with drinks and tapas ticket only

Set sail along the Algarve's coast on this evening cruise aboard the Gageiro. This traditional sailing ship, dating back to 1947, is one of the last of its kind, so you're sailing on a piece of Portuguese history.Cast off from Portimao, heading west along the coast before dropping anchor in Joao d'Arens for a swim. It's a calm and secluded beach with beautifully clear water, but guarantee you'll be busy looking up at the dramatic pink-hued cliffs that line the bay. It's a chilled out setting to tuck into some tasty tapas and sip local wines as you relax on deck here.Then, it's time for the real adventure. Your crew will raise the sails and switch off the engine, letting the boat be propelled by pure wind power. It's a real thrill to feel how fast Mother Nature can be and gives a timeless feel to the end of your journey. Just so you know, this experience doesn't include transport to or from the port.

Gageiro sailing with drinks and tapas– ticket only

What could be more serene than a morning sailing trip from Marina de Portimao? You'll cruise along the picturesque Algarve coast towards the stunning rock formations of Praia do Vau.Relax and enjoy the scenic views with cold drinks and tasty tapas onboard, while experiencing the thrill of sailing along one of Europe's most impressive coastlines. Make sure you dive in for a refreshing swim in the clear waters of the ocean, then stretch out on deck to dry off as you look up at the red and golden cliffs that surround the coast here. The iconic stand-alone rock formation of Praia do Vau looks like a great, lonely giant at the end of the beach. It's a real treat to see and perfect for snapping insta-worthy photos of.

Sunset sailing in the Algarve with tapas, drinks and swimming

If you're looking for the perfect spot to truly appreciate the beauty of the Algarve, then this is it. From aboard a classic boat, you'll be taking in the sweeping bays and peninsulas of the Algarve's artfully carved coastline. From Marina de Portimão, you'll be cruising onboard the Gageiro, one of the last traditional sailing ships from 1947. It's a comfy place to be soaking up every inch of the Algarve's coastline as you head towards the beach at João d' Arens, where the rocks wrap themselves around the shore to make a protected bay. There's plenty of time here to take a dip in the refreshing waters and splash about. . Once you've dried off, you can tuck into some tasty tapas onboard, quench your thirst and have a glass of local wine.Then, with dusk approaching, the real adventure begins, as the engine is turned off and the sails are raised. Feel the power of the wind as you set sail with a coastal sunset view to rival the best in Europe.

Serra do Caldeirão by 4x4 with seasonal swim stop

Rev up your engines and set your sights on adventure with an open-top 4x4 tour of Serra do Caldeirão, a rugged escape just north of the Algarve. This action-packed outing offers panoramic views and a deep dive into the wild, mountainous landscapes for a day you won't forget.You'll start off in Albufeira and wind through charming villages and fields on your way to Alte, a quaint village celebrated for its peaceful vibes, cultural heritage, and breathtaking surroundings. Here, savour the local flavours with a visit to a distillery where you can sip on Medronho, a traditional Algarve spirit. The adrenaline ramps up as you hit off-road trails to Malhão, pausing to soak in the views that stretch endlessly.From April to October, you'll take a refreshing stop at Barragem da Califórnia, a serene mountain oasis perfect for a swim. Just a note, the swim stops on this tour take a break from November to March, but whatever the season, your journey ends on a high note at the Cova da Muda viewpoint and the magical Fonte Férrea.