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Undiscovered Portugal from Lisbon to the Algarve

Resort:Undiscovered Portugal from Lisbon to the Algarve
Operator: Titan Travel
Destination: Portugal
Price From: £1895.00

Overview

From the winding cobbled streets of vibrant cities to wind-swept beaches and quaint fishing villages, Portugal is a glorious mix of cinematic scenery and historic wonder. Youll drink fine wines and indulge in delicious food, against a backdrop of natural beauty. Youll ponder the stories behind medieval churches and castles, and see the legacy of Moorish, Celtic and Roman influences. Get lost in enchanting towns, and sip port as you watch fishing boats gently bob on the water of charming coastlines.

Whats Included

  • 9 nights in historic pousadas and hotels (accommodation as specified or similar)
  • International flights. Prices are based on return flights with easyJet from London Gatwick. Supplements may apply from other airports
  • 16 meals: 9 breakfasts (days 2-10) 7 dinners (days 1, 4-9)

 

8 excursions and visits

  • Guided tours of Lisbon (with Pasties de Nata and Ginjinha tasting), Beja (with wine and cheese tastings)
  • Excursions to Arrbida Natural Park; Lagos and Sagres; So Brs de Alportel, Faro and Tavira (including cork factory)
  • Wine tasting in Azeito; tasting of local products in a traditional taberna; and tile painting

 

Plus

  • Portable audio headset system on excursions
  • Titans VIP door-to-door travel service
  • Titan tour manager
  • Travel in destination by coach
  • Porterage

 

Itinerary

Day 1 UK – Lisbon

Titans VIP door-to-door travel service collects you from home for your flight to Lisbon.

 

Day 2 Lisbon

One of the oldest cities in the world, Lisbons wide boulevards and squares are dotted with rich architecture and grand monuments. Think pastel-coloured buildings, pretty squares and white-domed cathedrals. Well enjoy a guided tour with a local expert, taking in the highlights including the Old Town, built on the citys terraced hillsides. The sprawling Praa do Comrcio; the largest square in the city is lined by al fresco eateries with wonderful riverfront views. We head along the river to Belem to take in the Belem Tower, monastery and the Monument to the Discoveries.

Well also stop to enjoy a tasting of some of the citys favourite treats: pasteis de nata (custard tarts best served with a sprinkling of cinnamon and icing sugar) and ginjinha, a sweet liqueur made from berries.

This evening, you might like to join an optional dinner with music at a traditional Fado restaurant.

  • Guided tour of Lisbon, with pasteis de nata and ginjinha tasting (all day)

 

Day 3 Arrbida Natural Park – Azeito

Today we journey south for a day of scenic delights in the lesser-known area of Arrbida. Well explore the one-time fishing village of Sesimbra, now a bustling whitewashed beach town set in the foothills of the Serra da Arrbida mountain range. Here, you can look up at the rugged Moorish castle and enjoy the beach that edges the town.

We continue to the sleepy little village of Azeito, known for its wine production. Here, well sample some of the local moscatel wine at a famous wine cellar, before continuing our drive through the Arrbida Natural Park. This area reveals stunning natural beauty, rare indigenous plants and a towering mountain range.

On the way back to our hotel, well cross the seven-mile-long Vasco da Gama Bridge, providing views across one of the widest estuaries in the world.

Therell be the opportunity for you to enjoy a traditional Portuguese pastime today, too – the art of tile decorating. Well stop by a local manufacturer where youll learn about the tradition and have the opportunity to paint your own tile.

  • Excursion to Arrbida Natural Park (all day)
  • Wine tasting in Azeito (morning)
  • Tile painting (afternoon)

 

Day 4 Alccer do Sal – Grandola – Beja

It’s time to begin our journey down from Lisbon to the Algarve. Wave goodbye to the capital as we head towards Beja. En route, we stop at two idyllic Portuguese towns. The historical town of Alccer do Sal sprawls along the bank of the Sado River. Its a beautiful web of alleys and stairways leading to castles and churches. But its not just a pretty face – archaeological remains here date to the Neolithic period. Well have some time here to wander and take in some of the highlights, including the Church of Santa Maria do Castelo and the Municipal Museum of Archaeology.

Our next stop is Grandola; a unique town that combines influences of the sea with traditional inland farming. Well enjoy a tasting of some local products in a taberna (tavern). This evening we arrive in Beja and check into our pousada – a historical Portuguese hotel.

  • Tasting of local products in a traditional taberna (afternoon)

 

Day 5 Beja

We set out today to learn about the local way of life in this region. Agriculture is deep-rooted in the culture of the area and well visit the esteemed grape-producing estate of Vale da Rosa and visit a local wine producer for a tasting. Well also taste local cheeses in Serpa and visit the Clock Museum.

White-walled buildings and terracotta topped roofs; Beja is the picture of a traditional Portuguese town. The walled centre holds some charming sights and quaint plazas. Its an authentic slice of Portugal and well take in some of the best bits on a guided tour together, including the castle, regional museum and lavish 15th-century Franciscan convent.

  • Guided tour of Beja, with wine/cheese tastings and Clock Museum (all day)

 

Day 6 Mrtola – Santo Antonio

We head to the medieval town of Mrtola which sits high above the Guadiana river. Well wander the quaint cobbled streets, and past a collection of white houses that surround the small but imposing castle.

We discover that Mrtola is an open-air museum bursting with history with Islamic influences that are still so prevalent, including the Igreja Matriz, a parish church which was once a 12th-century mosque. Mrtola is also home to the rare black stork and we may be lucky to spot the nesting birds. This evening we check in to our newly refurbished pousada in Santo Antonio.

 

Day 7 Sao Bras de Alpotel – Faro – Tavira

Today is a full day of exploring. Well enjoy the tranquillity of So Brs de Alportel, a quiet countryside town known for its cork production. We learn how the cork is harvested from the tree and see the production process first-hand at a cork factory.

We then continue our journey to Faro, the Algarves capital. From a marina and attractive plazas, to the atmospheric Old Town, well stroll the cobbled streets past the 13th-century cathedral and then have free time to wander.

Our final stop is in picturesque Tavira. From bobbing fishing boats to pretty churches theres a wealth of Renaissance and baroque finishes. The views from the ramparts of the medieval castle are superb.

  • Excursion to So Brs de Alportel, Faro and Tavira, including cork factory (all day)

 

Day 8 Lagos – Sagres

One of the Algarves most historic port towns, Lagos saw many of Portugals greatest explorers set off for the New World. Well wander the pretty Old Town, learn about the infamous Mercado de Escravos the first slave market in Europe, and visit the golden Church of St Anthony. Lagos is also famed for gorgeous beaches and the Ponta da Piedade, a stunning group of rock formations that look out to sea.

We head further west to the fishing port of Sagres and enjoy the scenery from the dramatic cliffs to the 15th-century fortress. Well also venture to the end of the world at Cape St Vincent (the most south-western point of the European continent). We may even catch a glimpse of some of the birdlife in the area.

  • Excursion to Lagos and Sagres (all day)

 

Day 9 Santo Antonio

Today is free. You could stroll through the main square past the handsome whitewashed houses with terracotta roofs; visit the towns only church with its famed stained-glass window; or enjoy the beach. If youre feeling adventurous, maybe take the ferry across to Spain and the pretty, old town of Ayamonte – it has a lovely harbour to sit and watch fishing boats coming and going. This evening well enjoy a farewell dinner.

 

Day 10 Santo Antonio – Faro – UK

We transfer to the airport for your return flight to the UK. Upon arrival, your Titan vehicle will be waiting for the journey home.