Best of the East: Faro, Olhão, Tavira and Cacela Velha

Highlights

  • Meet your guide at your Algarve hotel and hop aboard your air-conditioned coach for your day tour of east Algarve’s most beautiful coastal towns. Sit back and relax as you head to the capital of the Algarve, Faro. Hop out of the car and stroll through its charming Old Town. Wind along beautiful cobblestone roads until you reach Arc da Vila. Hear how this medieval monument was erected as the gateway to Old Town subsequent to the disastrous Lisbon earthquake of 1755. Then, leisurely explore this town on your own and peak into shops for treats and souvenirs. Your east Algarve day trip then moves to the neighboring town of Olhão known for the largest fishing port in the Algarve. Venture through and see Olhão’s Moorish-style houses and learn about its commercial links with Africa. After a brief walk with your guide grab a bite to eat for lunch (own expense). Feel free to request restaurant recommendations, your guide is happy to help. Continue to your next stop, the ancient town of Tavira. Relish the town’s impressive Renaissance churches and Roman bridges that border the River Gilão leading to its nickname the “Venice of the Algarve.” Then, stroll to Tavira Castle and see this partially ruined fortress thought to have been built during the days of the Neoliths. Enter this alluring monument (own expense) full of ramparts and ruins and capture wonderful views over the surrounding park and town. Your last stop is Cecala Velha. Explore this enchanting village and absorb panoramãc views of the Gilão River and Ria Formosa Natural Park. Finally, head back to your Algarve hotel where your trip ends in the late afternoon.

Summary

Meet your guide at your Algarve hotel and hop aboard your air-conditioned coach for your day tour of east Algarve’s most beautiful coastal towns. Sit back and relax as you head to the capital of the Algarve, Faro. Hop out of the car and stroll through its charming Old Town. Wind along beautiful cobblestone roads until you reach Arc da Vila. Hear how this medieval monument was erected as the gateway to Old Town subsequent to the disastrous Lisbon earthquake of 1755. Then, leisurely explore this town on your own and peak into shops for treats and souvenirs. Your east Algarve day trip then moves to the neighboring town of Olhão known for the largest fishing port in the Algarve. Venture through and see Olhão’s Moorish-style houses and learn about its commercial links with Africa. After a brief walk with your guide grab a bite to eat for lunch (own expense). Feel free to request restaurant recommendations, your guide is happy to help. Continue to your next stop, the ancient town of Tavira. Relish the town’s impressive Renaissance churches and Roman bridges that border the River Gilão leading to its nickname the “Venice of the Algarve.” Then, stroll to Tavira Castle and see this partially ruined fortress thought to have been built during the days of the Neoliths. Enter this alluring monument (own expense) full of ramparts and ruins and capture wonderful views over the surrounding park and town. Your last stop is Cecala Velha. Explore this enchanting village and absorb panoramãc views of the Gilão River and Ria Formosa Natural Park. Finally, head back to your Algarve hotel where your trip ends in the late afternoon.

Tour info

Duration
9 hours - 10 hours
Group Size
Pricing (From)
Commentary
Meeting Point
Dropoff location

Why take this tour?

Explore the peaceful East Algarve with its charming towns, elegant architecture and sights steeped in history. This must-do day trip includes guided tours to the old town of Algarve capital - Faro, Olhão and the charming Tavira city - “Venice of Algarve” with 37 churches and houses with peculiar roofs named “4 águas”, you will also have time to shop or visit on your own the Castle of Tavira: a ruined monument believed to date to Neolithic times. Enjoy free time to soak up the laid-back pace of the region in the fishing town of Olhão, pass by Gilão River and take your breath away with a stunning view in Cacela Velha. Make use of a hotel pickup and drop-off service that covers hotels all over Algarve West region, from Quarteira to Alvor.

What’s included?

  • Hotel pickup & drop-off: If pick up at your hotel is not available a near location will be provided

  • Professional Multilingual Guided tour to Faro, Olhão, Tavira and Cacela Velha

  • Air-conditioned vehicle

  • WiFi on board

  • Gratuities

  • Food and drinks

  • Admission Fees

Things to know

Before you book

  • Duration: 9-10 hours

  • Mobile tickets accepted

  • Instant confirmation

Cancellation Policy

    For a full refund, cancel at least 24 hours in advance of the start date of the experience.

Operated by:

MTS Globe

About operator:

Destination Travel Solutions est une agence de voyages réceptive dont le siège social est situé à Faro- Algarve et qui possède des bureaux à Lisbonne, Porto, aux Açores, à Madère et au Cap-Vert. 20 ans d’expérience sur le marché international, représentant d’importants voyagistes des marchés scandinaves, allemands, néerlandais, luxembourgeois, est-européens et offrant un large éventail de services à nos clients. Nous faisons partie du groupe MTS Globe.

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