Algarve Food & Wine Tour

WELCOME TO ALGARVE

Upon arrival to Faro Airport, your driver will welcome you with “bom dia”t and transfer you to your hotel on eastern Algarve. Enjoy the elegance of an historical property in full privacy and comfort. We suggest staying in Vila Real downtown, but might you want to sleep in a farmhouse in rural Algarve, we do have the place to be.

While in Vila Real – this is how locals name it - stroll around downtown, the noble city was founded by the Marques de Pombal. It was a tactical decision: in the case of such an important border area, on the banks of the Guadiana river and facing the Atlantic, it was ideal to control trade with Spain and the political relations with the neighboring country. On May 13, 1776, the new town was founded.

You might prefer to head to the beach club or simply do nothing. Free evening to relax.

TAVIRA

Your guide and driver will pick you up for a lovely and charming small towns route. Visit Tavira, its historic centre with its Moorish remnants and cobbled street is lovely. The pretty girl from the Algarve exudes an special charm. It is time to get lost in its labyrinthine city center to find out about its past on a journey that takes you up to the castle to admire its octagonal tower: from up there the views are sublime.

Houses with secret patios show the most authentic Tavira: the one with hanging clothes and long after-dinner talks. Fado sounds from inside one of its churches - there are Gothic and Renaissance churches, she doesn’t skimp - while on the old Roman bridge a young man plays the accordion. We will take you to some of our favorite tables for a lovely lunch.

EXPLORING THE SALT PANS IN CASTRO MARIM

The Natural Reserve of the Marshes of Castro Marim and Vila Real de Santo António, created in 1975 with the objective of maintaining the natural values of the estuary of the Guadiana River. Here we find the most important salt pans in Portugal and the most avant-garde salt producer. His jars of salt flakes packed in precious and delicate cork jars are sneaked into the best gourmet stores, the most sophisticated cocktails and the most demanding kitchens in Portugal. Would you like to learn all secrets of salt harvesting and then enjoy a gastro tasting?

CACELA VELHA

At a short 15-minute distance we find Cacela Velha, it is like a postcard. It is one of the most beautiful towns in Algarve. This little cobbled town facing the ocean is no secret, but a visit to Cacela Velha is undeniable for its beauty. A conglomeration of whitewashed houses topped with striking borders that has a tiny fortress, among orange and olive trees and colorful gardens.

Back to the hotel in the afternoon, free evening.

RÍA FORMOSA PRIVATE SAILING

The Ria Formosa Lagoon Barrier Islands is an individual environment into communion with nature and landscapes of unique beauty. The constant contact with nature surprises us with diversified birdlife, mores and stories of a region with ancient habits.

Enjoy a boat tour along the Ria Formosa lagoon sheltered waters, observe unique marine and birdlife while your watch shellfish harvesting and taste unforgettable flavors too. We propose an oysters tasting before heading to Estoi. Despite its small size and tranquil character, Estoi village comprises of some fabulous old architecture and buildings. This typical village is characterized by its rich heritage, where several monuments such as the Ruins of Milreu stand out, which represent one of the most important signs of the Roman presence in the Algarve; and the Palace of Estoi, built in the 18th century, which is an awe-inspiring example of Rococo architecture with its gardens, fountains and statuary, is well worth a visit.

At the end of the exciting day, transfer back to the hotel and enjoy the evening at your own pace.

EXTRA VIRGIN OLIVE OIL

After breakfast, you’ll head to Moncaparacho to explore in depth the olive oil culture; today you’ll visit the most reputed olive grove in Algarve. Visit part of the 20 hectares where five different varieties of olives are grown. Learn everything from this family-run business.

OLHÃO

Time to reach another charming village, Olhão, to discover beautiful facades, impressive street art and cute little cafes. Olhão hosts the biggest fish market in the Algarve in a signature building by Gustave Eiffel. It is not very touristy but with only 30,000 inhabitants the streets are lively and you can walk along a nice seafront promenade.

At lunchtime we’ll take you to a lovely restaurant to sample some more great food.

After lunch, transfer to your next home for the coming three nights in Portimão. The Bela Vista Hotel – built between the late 19^th century and the early 20^th – is a Relais & Châteaux set over the Praia da Rocha cliff with direct access to the beach.

WINES FROM ALGARVE

First stop will be at a lovely family-run well reputed wine estate, from their 12 hectares of vineyards they make premium reds.

After the visit, sit for a farm to table meal and enjoy.

After lunch, time for a second wine experience to taste some a wide range of references that show the enormous potential of the region. Would you like to make your own wine and bring it with you? This would be a fun end of day.

Finally, transfer back to the hotel and free evening.

COSTA VICENTINA: WINES IN A BREATHTAKING LAND

The still little explored corners of the westernmost part of the Algarve seem designed to enjoy the simplest things. From Sagres to Odeceixe - the last town before Alentejo - you find yourself on a Natural Park with inviting landscapes of exceptional strength and charm. After a rewarding breakfast, be taken north west to some of the closest vineyards to the ocean. These vineyards can be found in Brejão, where Alentejo’s high temperatures are attenuated by the ocean, the typical concentration of an inland viticulture being balanced by the sea freshness and moisture, leading to an optimal maturation.The sea breeze plays a key role, giving these wines freshness and salinity. After all, the 60-hectare vineyard is located just 1.25 miles from the ocean. You will understand where you are and the characteristics of this unique terroir. Their wines are under de DOP Alentejo.

After the visit and tasting, enjoy a superb lunch by the ocean. Before heading back to the hotel, take your time to walk on some beach; sometimes it is required to walk about ten minutes before you hear the waves crash and reach some of the most untouched beaches.

Back to the hotel, last evening on your own.

END OF JOURNEY

Today, private transfer to Faro airport, or to your next destination in case you decide to extend your trip.