Ria Formosan Premium-kierros

Silvesin ja Monchique-vuoren opastettu kierros Portugalissa

Vaikka Algarve on kuuluisa kauniista rannoistaan, sen maaseutu on myös täynnä pieniä helmiä. Tällä kierroksella suuntaat Monchiquen vuoristoon vierailemaan Silvesin ja Monchiquen historiallisissa kaupungeissa sekä Foia-vuorella. Lisäksi maistelet matkan varrella paikallisia herkkuja.Ensimmäisenä kohteena on Silves, joka sijaitsee appelsiininviljelyalueen sydämessä ylängön juurella. Kiipeät sen linnaan ihailemaan näköaloja, opit sen maurilaisesta menneisyydestä ja nautit kakun ja appelsiinimehun sen kahvilassa. Jatkamme sitten retkeä syvälle Monchiquen vuoristoon, jossa pysähdymme ravintolaan lounaalle.Seuraavaksi on vuorossa Foia-vuori, Algarven korkein kohta. Täällä voit nauttia panoraamanäkymistä maaseudulle. Pistäydyt myös kaupassa liköörin maistelua varten. Sitten matka jatkuu Monchiqueen, jossa voit tutustua sen mukulakivikatuihin ja perinteisiin kauppoihin. Päivä päättyy Caldas de Monchiquessa, jossa voit kävellä opastetusti alueen omaleimaisia puita kasvavassa puutarhassa ja maistella kivennäisvettä.

Guided evening 4x4 tour of Monchique Hills with dinner

This trip has to be one of the best ways to discover the real Algarve. Jump into a 4x4, leave the coast behind and make your way up into the Monchique hills. You'll discover the real heart of the region, one that most visitors never get to see. Ines, one of our expert local guides, says, ‘These hills feel almost untouched by time, with little farming villages where life moves at a slower pace, offering a glimpse of traditional Portuguese life.'Travelling in small groups winding along earth tracks and past tiny villages, you'll get a sneak peek of a peaceful lifestyle that's quickly disappearing. One of the highlights is the whitewashed village of Alferce, home to a pretty church dating back to the 16th century. Any cultivatable patches of land in the area are filled with citrus orchards and eucalyptus groves. Next, you'll continue on your journey to explore the natural wilderness of Barrancos dos Pisoes.There'll be plenty of stops along the way to capture those perfect holiday pictures and then we'll travel up to the highest point in the Algarve. At this special viewpoint, you'll watch the sky change colour as the sun sets and toast the view with a glass of sparkling wine. Hop back into the 4x4 and as darkness blankets the landscape, you'll head to a local restaurant for a traditional dinner including specialities from the Monchique hills.

Itä-Algarven päiväretki sisältäen vierailun Farossa ja fado-esityksen

Itä-Algarve on yksi Portugalin kauneimmista alueista. Tällä koko päivän retkellä tutustut alueen kauniisiin kyliin ja suurimpaan kaupunkiin. Vierailet Farossa, Olhaossa sekä Tavirassa ja matkustat kauniiden maaseutumaisemien halki Ria Formosan kansallispuistossa. Sofia, yksi paikallisoppaistamme, sanoo: "Tämä retki todella herättää paikallisen kulttuurin eloon. Näet perinteisen portugalilaisen fado-esityksen, jossa sielukas laulaja ja muusikot välittävät intohimon, kärsimyksen ja kaipuun tunteita. Se on erittäin merkittävä osa portugalilaista kulttuuria."Aloitamme Farosta, alueen pääkaupungista, jossa sinulla on vapaata aikaa tutustua vanhaan kaupunkiin – katedraali on ehdoton nähtävyys. Seuraava kohde on Olhao, Ria Formosan rannalla sijaitseva kylä. Vierailet sen kuuluisalla kalatorilla, minkä jälkeen sinulla on vapaata aikaa nauttia lounas ja shoppailla. Sofia lisää: "Sen lisäksi, että torilla on esillä meren antimia, se on hyvä paikka kohdata pienviljelijöitä, jotka myyvät omia tuotteitaan, kuten hunajaa, hilloja, kakkuja ja liköörejä."Iltapäivällä suuntaamme Taviraan tutustumaan sen tärkeimpiin nähtävyyksiin. Linnan lisäksi näet täällä seitsemänkaarisen roomalaisen sillan ja pari historiallista kirkkoa. Kierroksen päätteeksi pääset kirkkoon kuuntelemaan fadoa – melankolista musiikkityyliä, jota pidetään kansallisaarteena."

Sunset sailing in the Algarve with drinks and tapas ticket only

Set sail along the Algarve's coast on this evening cruise aboard the Gageiro. This traditional sailing ship, dating back to 1947, is one of the last of its kind, so you're sailing on a piece of Portuguese history.Cast off from Portimao, heading west along the coast before dropping anchor in Joao d'Arens for a swim. It's a calm and secluded beach with beautifully clear water, but guarantee you'll be busy looking up at the dramatic pink-hued cliffs that line the bay. It's a chilled out setting to tuck into some tasty tapas and sip local wines as you relax on deck here.Then, it's time for the real adventure. Your crew will raise the sails and switch off the engine, letting the boat be propelled by pure wind power. It's a real thrill to feel how fast Mother Nature can be and gives a timeless feel to the end of your journey. Just so you know, this experience doesn't include transport to or from the port.

Serra do Caldeirão by 4x4 with seasonal swim stop

Rev up your engines and set your sights on adventure with an open-top 4x4 tour of Serra do Caldeirão, a rugged escape just north of the Algarve. This action-packed outing offers panoramic views and a deep dive into the wild, mountainous landscapes for a day you won't forget.You'll start off in Albufeira and wind through charming villages and fields on your way to Alte, a quaint village celebrated for its peaceful vibes, cultural heritage, and breathtaking surroundings. Here, savour the local flavours with a visit to a distillery where you can sip on Medronho, a traditional Algarve spirit. The adrenaline ramps up as you hit off-road trails to Malhão, pausing to soak in the views that stretch endlessly.From April to October, you'll take a refreshing stop at Barragem da Califórnia, a serene mountain oasis perfect for a swim. Just a note, the swim stops on this tour take a break from November to March, but whatever the season, your journey ends on a high note at the Cova da Muda viewpoint and the magical Fonte Férrea.

Full-day Algarve 4x4 sightseeing tour with boat ride

Jump into the heart of Ria Formosa on a thrilling full-day tour from Albufeira, cruising through picturesque villages and vibrant landscapes in an open-top 4x4. Experience the bustling life of Olhão and enjoy a relaxing boat ride through Ria Formosa, with a stop at an island along the way. Santiago, one of our local expert guides, is a really big fan of how this tour shows off this part of Portugal in an adventurous way. The 4x4 you'll use immerses you more into the locations you'll visit a lot better than a bus or minivan would. Plus, since it's open-top, you don't have to worry about window glare when you're taking pictures while you're on the move.Hop aboard your open-top 4x4, and you'll venture off the beaten path to uncover the hidden beauties of Ria Formosa's diverse ecosystems. Learn about the sustainable practices that help preserve the area's unique environment, including salt extraction and microalgae cultivation – vital for maintaining biodiversity and supporting the local economy. You'll also visit the town of Olhão, a lively centre of fishing and maritime traditions. Here, stroll through bustling markets filled with fresh seafood, mingle with the locals or grab some unique souvenirs. After some free time, you'll board a boat to glide over the serene waters of Ria Formosa. There's a stop at another of the natural islands, too, where you can relax and swim in the calm waters.

Guided tour of Faro and East Algarve in a Small Group

Eastern Algarve is one of Portugal's most beautiful regions – and this excursion in an eight-seat minibus is ideal for discovering its pretty villages and biggest city. You'll visit Faro, Olhao, Cacela Velha and Tavira and as well as travel through beautiful countryside in the Ria Formosa National Park.

Andalusialaisen Ayamonten kierros Algarvesta

Portugalin ja Espanjan erottavan Guadiana-joen rannalla sijaitsevassa Ayamontessa yhdistyvät molempien maiden kulttuurien parhaat puolet. Tutustu andalusialaiseen charmiin ja herkulliseen keittiöön tällä kierroksella Iberian niemimaan helmessä.Vain kivenheiton päässä rajalta sijaitsevasta espanjalaiskaupungista avautuu vaikuttava näkymä portugalilaiselle Castro Marimin linnalle, joka on jäänne vuosisatoja kestäneestä sodasta näiden kahden maan välillä. Pääset tutustumaan syvällisemmin historiaan keskiaikaisen kaupunginosan opastetulla kierroksella.Sinulla on vapaata aikaa siemailla kahvia aukiolla, tehdä ostoksia putiikeissa tai penkoa aarteita torilla ennen kuin pääset nauttimaan lounasta. Vive Ayamontessa sinua odottaa maukkaiden tapasten, perinteisen paellan ja viinin juhla-ateria. Lounaan kruunaa upea flamenco-esitys heidän kauniilla sisäpihallaan, joka on varattu yksinomaan TUI:lle.

Full-day Seville tour from the Algarve with a local guide

Bursting with glorious buildings, dotted with leafy parks and drenched in Andalucian colour, Seville is a must-visit. Some of Spain's most important monuments are in the spotlight on this guided tour, including the bullring, Santa Cruz and Plaza de España. You'll also have some free time to explore. Mariasol, one of our expert local guides, says, ‘I always feel uplifted when I visit the Plaza de España because it's so colourful. It is full of painted ceramic tilework, known as azulejos. Each azulejo depicts Spain's regional culture and heritage and every province is represented.'You'll strike out early for the Andalusian capital, allowing plenty of time to explore some of its cultural and architectural highlights. Once in Seville, your walking tour begins at the Moorish Torre Del Oro. You'll see Seville's bullring, the Real Maestranza, the Triana Bridge, and the Plaza d'America. Next, you'll visit the colonnaded Plaza de España – and the surrounding Maria Luiza Park. After a rest in the park, we'll continue our walking tour, which takes us to Barrio de Santa Cruz – once known as the district of Moors and Jews. This most characterful district of Seville, right in the historic centre, is overflowing with orange trees, pretty plazas and jasmine-scented patios. And before heading back, you'll have some free time to explore on your own to grab some tapas – and maybe a souvenir or two.

Dreamer Cave and Dolphins Boat Tour Albufeira

The Atlantic waters off the Algarve are home to a multitude of wild dolphins. On this short dolphin-watching excursion from Albufeira, you'll explore the Carvoeiro sea caves by boat before heading out to ocean in search of these friendly and captivating creatures.