Uncover the myriad wonders of the Algarvian waters as you cruise down the picturesque Arade River to the azure Atlantic Ocean on this spectacular sightseeing voyage. Learn about the vital role fishing has always played in Portimão at the pier, where you’ll see traditional boats and techniques used to catch octopus, squid and prawns. Board a boat and glide past the quaint fishing village of Ferragudo, which rests on the eastern shore of Portimão, and follow the curves of the Arade River to the wide-open ocean. Soak up views of the dazzling coastal resort town of Carvoeiro, where many gorgeous beaches are tucked into breaks in the steep cliffs, and Algar Seco, an arresting cluster of rock archways, grottoes and aquamarine pools. Just beyond the sunbaked sands of Praia de Benagil, gaze upon majestic sea caves, the largest and deepest on the Algarve coast. Under favorable conditions, you’ll sail the waters inside these enchanting caves, which often evoke comparisons to cathedrals. As you retrace your journey from ocean to river, appreciate the sights anew and ponder the beauty of the Algarve’s captivating coast.

Venture into the extreme southwestern tip of Europe for an unforgettable sightseeing journey resplendent with sweeping vistas, an intricate fortress and a delightful lunch at a local restaurant. Settle in for a wonderfully scenic drive of approximately one hour to the rocky seaside bluffs of Cabo de São Vicente, where you’ll observe a striking lighthouse built in 1846 and gaze at the azure ocean that stretches as far as the eye can see. At the Fortaleza de Sagres, a National Monument of Portugal, appreciate 15th-century architecture that includes a massive, mysterious compass rose made from pebbles.

Treasure the photo-worthy sun-dappled sands of idyllic Praia da Baleeira on your way to Lagos, an ancient maritime town now known for its magnificent beaches. Here you’ll behold the exquisite Baroque Igreja de Santo António church and see a former slave market that dates back to 1444. Savor lunch in the bustling coastal town before concluding your day of indelible experiences at Ponta da Piedade, whose precipitous, sculpted cliffs boast one of the country’s most stunningly beautiful views.

Immerse yourself in the rich history of intriguing Portimão with an enlightening visit to a museum and a guided walk through its quaint Old Town, where you’ll discover intriguing landmarks that survived the ravages of the 1755 earthquake that leveled Lisbon. Meander through narrow streets and find the stalwart Church of Nossa Senhora da Conceição, which still retains its original 15th-century Gothic doorway, buttresses and gargoyles. Note the equally magnificent later additions, including signature 17th-century azulejo tiles and a regal statue of Saint Peter the Apostle that is lavishly adorned with ivory and wood crucifixes. You’ll explore the Convento do Colégio dos Jesuítas and the mausoleum of Diogo Gonçalves, a nobleman who funded the church’s construction a century before the quake, and revel in some free time to shop or further examine the city’s churches. Delve into a wealth of exhibits at the Museu de Portimão, housed in a former fish-canning factory on the picturesque Arade River, and learn how early settlements in the area were altered by Roman and Islamic occupations. You’ll long remember the treasures to be found in Portimão’s endlessly captivating Old Town. At the end of the tour, you will walk back to the pier with your guide.

Absorb the Algarve’s wonders as you visit a medieval castle and a lovely garden, explore verdant mountains, revel in the view from the region’s peak and even indulge in fresh-squeezed Algarvian orange juice. Drive inland through a ruggedly scenic landscape dotted with whitewashed houses and almond trees to Silves, the region’s former Moorish capital, which boasts a commanding Gothic cathedral and the 11th-century red sandstone Castelo de Silves, an astonishing structure featuring square turrets and seemingly impenetrable ramparts.

Delight in the market town of Monchique, where rolling hills are blanketed by forests of chestnut, pine and cork oak trees, and enjoy a stop at the city garden, which is resplendent with exotic vegetation. After a relaxing break over coffee, journey to the apex of the Algarve, Mount Fóia, which on a clear day affords glorious sights of the rocky coastline to the west and south. Back in Portimão, relax at a 16th-century fortress overlooking the powdery sand beaches of Praia da Rocha. As you sip a glass of juice freshly squeezed from local oranges, gaze at the ocean vistas and reflect on Portugal’s gifts, both natural and architectural.

OVERVIEW

Treasure tradition as you enjoy walking tours through two historic fishing villages, shop for distinctive handmade wares and relish the simple pleasure of fresh-squeezed Algarvian orange juice. Drive across the picturesque Arade River to Ferragudo, where you’ll delight in a guided stroll through the narrow cobblestone streets and leafy plazas before enjoying time on your own to explore the rustic town. A short jaunt takes you to Alvor, which lies between the ocean and a protected lagoon and boasts sumptuous golden beaches and a flourishing arts scene. After your guided tour through Alvor, appreciate time at your leisure to browse the local galleries for exquisite handmade jewelry, richly embroidered clothing and vibrantly colored ceramics. You might visit the intriguing remains of the medieval Castelo de Alvor and the Church of Divino Salvador de Alvor, which was designed in ornate Manueline style and rebuilt after the 1755 earthquake that destroyed much of Lisbon. Back in Portimão, relax at a 16th-century fortress overlooking the powdery sand beaches of Praia da Rocha, while enjoying mesmerizing views of the sea beyond.

HIGHLIGHTS

• Enjoy guided walking tours through two enchanting fishing villages.
• Shop for unique handmade jewelry, embroidered clothing and one-of-a-kind ceramics.
• Explore the remains of a medieval castle and a Manueline-style church rebuilt after the Great Lisbon Earthquake of 1755.
• Rejoice in time on your own to view the historic treasures of Ferragudo and Alvor.
• Savor the taste of freshly squeezed local orange juice.

HELPFUL HINTS

• Dress in weather-appropriate clothing.
• Wear flat comfortable walking shoes.

Travel to two captivating towns, one east and one west of Portimão, to absorb the dramatic history and natural beauty of southwestern Portugal. Drive west to Lagos, where you’ll embark on an illuminating guided walking tour through an ancient maritime village that’s now known for its magnificent beaches. See the exquisite Baroque Igreja de Santo António church, which features gilded carved wood as well as beautiful adornments such as azulejo tiles added after 1755’s Great Lisbon Earthquake, and a former slave market that dates to 1444.

Strike out eastward to the stunning coastal resort town of Carvoeiro, where many gorgeous beaches are tucked into breaks in the steep cliffs, and discover an elegant lighthouse carefully perched atop a rocky spur of land graced with epic views. Delight in the spectacle of Algar Seco’s rock archways, grottoes and aquamarine pools that can only be reached by a long stairway of stone steps cut into the cliffs. You’ll cherish your memories of the incredible beauty and fascinating history of Portugal’s intriguing southern coast. Bring a hat, sunglasses and sunscreen.

Experience the historical gifts of the region as you journey to the extreme southwestern tip of Europe, traverse an enchanting cliffside 15th-century fortress and enjoy a guided tour through Lagos, the base for naval expeditions during the Age of Discovery. Settle in for a marvelously scenic drive of approximately one hour to the rocky seaside bluffs of Cabo de São Vicente, where you’ll observe a striking lighthouse built in 1846 and gaze at the azure ocean that stretches as far as the eye can see.

Marvel at the cliffside Fortaleza de Sagres, which was built by Henry the Navigator and endured both repeated attacks and a devastating tsunami following the 1755 Great Lisbon earthquake. You’ll see original architecture, including a massive, mysterious compass rose made from pebbles at the fort, a National Monument of Portugal. Embark on an illuminating guided walking tour in Lagos, an ancient maritime town now known for its magnificent beaches, and stroll by the exquisite Baroque Igreja de Santo António church and a former slave market that dates back to 1444.

Wrap up your fascinating journey into the past with time at your leisure to stroll in Lagos’ quaint, pedestrian-only center.

Delight in an exhilarating off-road journey along the Algarve’s verdant lands, pristine streams and lush mountains and visit a distillery that manufactures bracingly strong brandy. From a rural wonderland on the outskirts of Portimão, you’ll set out in a 4x4 vehicle and explore the verdant Serra de Monchique mountain range, which provides fertile farmland by trapping moisture from the sea. You’ll pass by flourishing fig, almond, orange and carob trees grown on terraced land, a method of crop cultivation used by local farmers since Moorish times.

At higher elevations, you’ll stop to see the stately cork oak tree, which can live for 200 years. You’ll learn how its bark is peeled away every 10 years to harvest cork used for flooring, shoes and bottle stoppers. At a nearby distillery, prepare for the delicious burn of aguardente, or firewater, a potent brandy distilled from ripe strawberries and sweetened with honey, a perfect way to finish a tour that celebrates the fruitful harvests of Portugal’s bountiful land.

Soak in the culture of a charming hillside village before traveling to an acclaimed wine estate, where you’ll indulge in a decadent spread of Algarvian wines and delicacies. Drive inland through a ruggedly scenic landscape dotted with whitewashed houses and almond trees to Silves, the region’s former Moorish capital, which boasts a commanding Gothic cathedral and the 11th-century red sandstone Castelo de Silves, an astonishing structure featuring square turrets and seemingly impenetrable ramparts.

Journey to the Quinta dos Vales estate for an enlightening tour of one of its newer wineries and put your newfound knowledge to the test as you partake in several vintages, which may include a fruity rosé, a complex viognier with intense tropical fruit aromas or a full-bodied blend of cabernet sauvignon and trincadeira. Tantalize your palate with a complement of regional treats such as smoked ham, olives, cheese and freshly baked bread. Satiated, you may have time to wander the wine estate and admire the extraordinary colorful sculptures that adorn its luxuriant grounds.

Indulge in the epicurean excellence of the Algarve region on this delectable tour through several alluring villages.

Cleanse your palate with an edifying visit to Silves, the region’s former Moorish capital, which boasts a commanding Gothic cathedral and the 11th-century red sandstone Castelo de Silves, an astonishing structure featuring square turrets and seemingly impenetrable ramparts. Invigorate your appetite with delicious bread fresh from a wood-burning oven in Caldas de Monchique, where steaming thermal waters bubble up throughout the mountains. Prepare for the delicious burn of aguardente, or firewater, a potent brandy distilled from ripe Medronho Berry and sweetened with honey.

Conclude your gastronomic adventure in the ancient town of Silves, where you’ll linger in a tavern over an irresistible selection of local cheeses and smoked ham.

Plunge into the bountiful natural beauty that defines the Algarve region as you visit charming hillside villages, discover a medieval castle, exult in sky-high vistas from the region’s peak and shop in a town celebrated for its mineral-rich hot springs. You’ll drive inland through a ruggedly scenic landscape dotted with whitewashed houses and almond trees to Silves, the region’s former Moorish capital, which boasts a commanding Gothic cathedral and the 11th-century red sandstone Castelo de Silves, an astonishing structure featuring square turrets and seemingly impenetrable ramparts.

Relax over a traditional lunch in the market town of Monchique, where rolling hills are blanketed by forests of chestnut, pine and cork oak trees. Revel in breathtaking vistas from atop the apex of the Algarve, Mount Fóia, which on a clear day affords remarkable sights of the rocky coastline. You’ll stop in Caldas de Monchique, where the steaming thermal waters that bubble up through the mountains are believed to relieve respiratory and bone conditions. Linger at the shops and perhaps purchase a bottle of this famed water, a memorable token of your extraordinary experience.