Overview
A lovely way to learn about the beginnings of Portugal, with visits to Silves, Sagre, and Aljezur.
Begin your day by heading towards the town of Silves, known for its medieval reddish-colored castle that overlooks the Old Town. It is an enchanting town littered with orange and lemon trees sitting on the banks of the Arade River ("Rio Arade"). There is history everywhere you look to remind you of its affluent and bold past as a Moorish capital called Xelb. The importance of Silves lies in the fact that it was the main access to the inland areas of the Algarve because of its river location, although the river is now too silted up for large vessels to use. After the reconquest of the Algarve in 1249, it became a Christian bastion and nowadays is known for producing the best cork in the world!
Our tour continues towards the former capital of the Algarve, Lagos. Linked with the glorious Portuguese Discoveries of the 15th century like no other city of the Algarve, Lagos is said to have been the home of the famous Nautical School of Prince Henry the Navigator. Roaming in the old streets of the medieval center you will feel the atmosphere of the past while passing by the old slave's market, the fortified city walls (that prevented many enemy attacks) and the statues of the famous characters of the Portuguese discoveries.
We move on the fortification of Sagres. Here you will find the imposing fortification that some historians believe to have been the center of philosophical and scientific thoughts that led to the discovery of "new worlds to the known world by the Portuguese". After a brief visit to the fortress, we'll stop at the "end of the World" of the Cape of Saint Vincent. Associated with the legend of the Lisbon's patron saint, this spectacular cape was seen by the Romans as the end of the known world. This is where the world dropped off to...nothing as the sailors ventured to the south.
that led to many legends which would spread fear in the minds of many of the Portuguese sailors that left this cape behind on their way South.
After a nice lunch break (meal not included) in one of the local restaurants famous for their fresh shellfish, we continue just a little further North towards the town of Aljezur. This little town and surrounding beaches are located in the area of protected landscape of the Natural Park of the Vicentina Coast. Here you will find the truly genuine and authentic beaches of the Algarve and spectacular photo opportunities! At the end of the afternoon, we will return to Portimao.
- Food, beverages, gratuities, and admissions are not included in the price of this tour..
- As the Algarve region is more picturesque than other regions in Portugal, we recommend a driver only that will give some explanation regarding the Portuguese history and culture from inside the vehicle.
- If you prefer adding a licensed, English-speaking guide, you will have that option when making your booking.
With one official guide, you must decrease by 1, the total number of passengers per price point. Pricing is based on vehicle size. For example, if you choose to book a guide, and there are 3 people in your party, you must choose the pricing option for 4-7 people.- On Saturdays, Sundays, and holidays there is a surcharge in this official guide's rate (see pricing).
Days offered: 7 days a week
Departures:- 09:00 AM, duration: 8 hours
