• Faro - Faro is a municipality and the southernmost city, serving as the capital of its district. With an estimated population of 60,995, Faro is the largest city and the second most populous municipality in the Algarve, making it one of the largest in Southern Portugal.

The Ria Formosa lagoon has attracted humans from the Paleolithic age until the end of prehistory. The first settlements date back to the fourth century BC. At that time, the area was known as Ossonoba and was the most significant urban center in southern Portugal, serving as a commercial port for agricultural products, fish, and minerals. After Portuguese independence in 1143, there was an expansion and Christian repopulation into the southern Iberian territory, which had previously been occupied by the Moors. In the following years, the town prospered due to its secure port and salt exploitation. Consequently, by the beginning of the Portuguese Age of Discovery, the town was well-positioned to become a leading commercial center.

• Olhao - Olhão is a city and municipality in the Algarve region of southern Portugal. Located near the regional capital Faro, it is a fishing port. Along with Faro, Loulé, and Tavira, Olhão forms a conurbation with the city of Faro, from the eastern and central Algarve.

During free time in Olhão, visitors can explore the traditional fish market, one of the most famous in the Algarve Region, where hundreds of people come every day to shop or simply admire the traditions of this charming city. The local market is situated right in front of the Olhão Marina and faces the Nature Reserve on Ria Formosa.

• Vila Real de Santo Antonio - Vila Real de Santo António is a city, civil parish, and municipality in the Algarve. Vila Real de Santo António was founded after the 1755 Lisbon earthquake and significantly expanded in 1774 using the same architectural and construction techniques employed in the reconstruction of Lisbon after the disaster.

Visitors will have 2 hours and 30 minutes in Vila Real de Santo António, divided into two parts. The first part includes 1 hour for lunch at a local restaurant, included in the price, and after lunch, there will be 1 hour and 30 minutes free to explore this amazing city.

During the 90 minutes of free time, visitors can explore:

• Marquês do Pombal Central Square;

• Vila Real de Santo António Lighthouse;

• Mother Church;

• The local Marina with views to Ayamonte in Spain.

• Fortaleza de Cacela - Fortaleza de Cacela, located in Cacela Velha, will be the last stop before heading back “home”. From the top of the fortress, and next to the local church, visitors can admire one of the most breathtaking views in the Algarve. The view over the Nature Reserve of Ria Formosa, with its sandbanks and crystal-clear waters, is truly amazing and unique. Ensure there is enough battery and space on mobile phones and cameras, as this is definitely a place where photos and memories will be cherished.

• Tavira - During free time in Tavira, there are several attractions nearby where the bus will drop visitors off.

1. Tavira Castle
2. Ancient Bridge over the Gilão River
3. Republic Main Square at the heart of the city
4. Bandstand Garden

A little bit of history and curiosities about the city:

Tavira’s origins date back to the late Bronze Age (1000-800 BC). In the 8th century BC, it became one of the first Phoenician settlements in the Iberian West. During the time of Caesar, the Romans established a new port, approximately 7 kilometers (4 miles) from Tavira, named Balsa. Balsa became a large town, much bigger than Tavira, that grew, prospered, and declined in parallel with the Roman Empire. When the Moors conquered Iberia in the 8th century, Balsa was already extinct as a town.

Tavira is one of the cities in the country with the highest number of churches, totaling 37 churches.

• Pick up and Drop off Service
• In-vehicle air conditioning
• Experienced and Professional Guide

• Lunch
• Entrance fees to monuments, museums and any other entrance fees

Our journey begins in Faro, the capital of the Algarve, before we make our way to Olhão, home to the most well-known market in the area. Our journey then takes us to the easternmost town in the Algarve, Vila Real de Santo António, situated on the Guadiana River, right before you reach Spain. With its resemblance to the architectural design of Lisbon, due to being reconstructed in the same manner by the Marquês de Pombal following the 1755 earthquake, it’s a sight to behold. Next, we will visit the charming village of Cacela Velha, recognised for its iconic white-painted houses and its location within the Ria Formosa Natural Park. Our tour culminates in the city of Tavira, a significant highlight of the day where we will discover the castle and various traditional churches. Tavira boasts a Roman Bridge leading to the Castle which offers an unparalleled view of the city. Participate in this unforgettable exploration of eastern Algarve.

For a full refund, cancel at least 24 hours before the scheduled departure time.