4 Days in South of Portugal

Day 1 LISBON – ÉVORA

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   Portugal

   2 hours

   Pick up at the Pombal Square in Lisbon, at 8.30 AM. We then drive northwards and arrive at our first point of visit: the town of Evora, a mosaic of culture, history and traditions. Leaving Lisbon, we cross the bridge over the Tagus and head through a beautiful and bucolic landscape of olive trees, cork oak trees and vineyards before arriving at Evora – a UNESCO World Heritage Site. In the narrow streets of this whitewashed town we walk back through time visiting some of Evora’s most important monuments: the Roman Temple, the Romanesque-Gothic Cathedral, St. Francis Church with its “Chapel of Bones” and the University. At the market, we see and feel the richness of the products applied in preparing one of the most elaborate and appreciated gastronomies of Portugal. Throughout the visit, we also get to admire the diversity and authenticity of local handicrafts with cork, ceramic and copper objects. Break for lunch. In the afternoon, there is free time to better discover this city. Overnight in Évora area hotel on bed-and-breakfast basis. Lunch included. Accommodation: Hotel Vila Galé Evora / M’Ar de Ar Muralhas / Olive or similar 4* Superior.

Day 2 ÉVORA – BEJA – SILVES - LAGOS

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   Portugal

   3 hours

   Breakfast at the hotel. Part of the morning provides further leisure time in Evora before driving southward passing Beja where the highest tower in any Portuguese medieval castle dominates the town and the region. Crossing the low mountain range, we enter the Algarve. Alongside fields of orange trees, we arrive in Silves, the renowned town dominated by its red sandstone castle dating back mainly to Moorish times and by the memories of its former cork industry. We continue onto the golden sands of the Algarve passing Praia da Rocha on route to Lagos. Overnight in Lagos area hotel on bed-and-breakfast basis. Accommodation: Hotel Marina Club/ Vila Galé Lagos de Sá or similar 4* Superior.

Day 3 LAGOS – PONTA DA PIEDADE – SAGRES – CABO DE SÃO VICENTE - LAGOS

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   Portugal

   2 hours

   Breakfast at the hotel. The Algarve has the call of the sea that led to the Discovery of the New World. We halt in Ponta da Piedade to admire the magnificent views over the Atlantic Ocean and cliffs, whose shapes have been sculpted by the erosive action of both the sea and time. Continuing to Sagres, a fishing port, for a visit to the fortress that was the mythical “navigation school” forever linked to the presence of Prince Henry the Navigator during the first days of Atlantic navigation and the discovery of the African coast. Proceeding along the cliffs to Cabo de Sao Vicente, the most south-western point in mainland Europe. The city of Lagos, a cosmopolitan town with a marina and fishing port and home to some of the most delicious Algarve dishes, such as the fish and shellfish cooked in a “cataplana” copper pan, - and not forgetting the fine sweet such as the famous marzipan, almond and fig cakes. Return to the hotel, where an afternoon at leisure invites you to take a dip in the sea. Overnight in Lagos area hotel on Bed-and-breakfast basis. Accommodation: Hotel Marina Club/ Vila Galé Lagos de Sá or similar 4* Superior.

Day 4 LAGOS – SETUBAL – SERRA DA ARRÁBIDA - LISBON

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   Portugal

   4 hours

   A last look at the water while travelling along the coast before bidding farewell to the Algarve. The return trip to Lisbon takes you through the city of Setubal, a major port and industrial centre on the north bank of the Sado estuary. Then comes scenic route over the Arrabida Mountain Range an area preserved as a Natural Park, with amazing scenery and unique vegetation at the gates of Lisbon and incorporating sweeping views of the Troia Peninsula. Crossing the Tagus River bridge, we arrive in Lisbon. Drop off at Pombal Square at 18.00 approximately. Breakfast included.