Upgraded - Walking in Portugal

Welcome to Tavira, the charming heart of the eastern Algarve. Our welcoming hotel is within walking distance of the old centre, restaurants and bars. Its location offers great views over the town and river from the rooftop bar and outside pool area. Our tour leader will be waiting to welcome you at the hotel reception at 7 pm. This is a great chance to meet your fellow travellers and get briefed on the itinerary ahead. For those with an earlier arrival, our hotel is well located for independent exploration. Wander the charming cobbled streets lined with colourful tiled houses or refuel with a leisurely al fresco lunch at one of the many cafes, soaking up the vibrant atmosphere of Tavira. A transfer from Faro Airport (FAO) to the Hotel Maria Nova Lounge is included on all trips in our Upgraded range regardless of your arrival day, provided we receive your flight details no later than 14 days prior to departure.

Our journey begins with a stroll through the heart of the old town, leading us towards the fringes of the coastal marshland. This protected area forms part of the Rio Formosa Natural Park, a sprawling 60-kilometre sanctuary encompassing salt marshes, pristine islands, and serene lagoons. As we meander through, we'll enjoy the abundant birdlife and marine creatures that call this ecosystem home, notably the sight of flamingos gracefully feeding in the shallows. Upon reaching Pedras d'el Rei, we'll traverse a bridge to Ilha de Tavira. Here, we'll take a scenic walk along the island's beaches, immersing ourselves in the diverse beauty of the wetland ecosystem and coastal habitats. Observe the unique tapestry of mudflats, vibrant sea rushes, and the native curry plant. Our day continues along the Praia dos Barril, a haven of pristine white sand bordered by majestic sand dunes. A captivating sight awaits - a unique "graveyard" of anchors embedded in the dunes. These silent sentinels stand as an evocative reminder of the region's once-thriving tuna fishing industry. The charming fishermen's huts have been thoughtfully transformed into inviting cafés, restaurants and shops, offering a delightful spot to rest and refuel. Following our exploration of Terra Estreita Beach, we'll hop on a boat for a relaxing ride back to the mainland where a 10-minute walk will bring us back to our hotel. The afternoon is yours to delve deeper into the town of Tavira. Take a moment to appreciate the panoramic views upriver from the iconic seven-arched bridge, which has served as a crucial passageway across the River Gilao for centuries. This 14 kilometres/8.7 mile walk is expected to take 5 hours, with a mostly flat and scenic route.

We'll begin our day with a 30-minute drive to the quaint village of Azinhal and immerse ourselves in the tranquillity of the Portuguese countryside, beginning along the banks of the Guadiana River, a natural border between Portugal and Spain. Our path winds through gentle hills and low-rising vegetation, punctuated with sweeping views across the landscape. Our walk ends at the charming, old-fashioned village of Odeleite. Here we refuel with a delightful lunch experience. We'll be treated to a traditional Portuguese meal at Casa Merca, a family-run restaurant nestled in the heart of the village. The terrace offers lovely views and a great setting to savour delicious homemade soup, chickpea stew and goat cheese. Top it all off with a delectable dessert, coffee, wine, and water. Vegetarian options are readily available. In the afternoon we'll take a short drive south to Castro Marim and the imposing Templar Castle, a testament to the region's rich history. We'll have time to wander along the castle walls, enjoying the vistas overlooking the Guadiana River and the distant Spanish landscape.Following our exploration, we'll take a convenient taxi ride back to Tavira, where we can unwind and reflect on the day's discoveries. Today's 13 kilometre/ 8.1-mile)walk is expected to take 4 hours and 30 minutes, with a total ascent of 170 metres/558 feet and descent of 205 metres/673 feet.

Our day commences with a scenic walk directly from our hotel. We'll meander along the banks of the Gilao River, following a path enveloped by bamboo and lemon tree groves. Our destination for the day is the Pego de Inferno waterfall. Depending on the season and water levels (usually optimal in spring), there's the option of taking a refreshing swim beneath the cascading waters before the taxi ride back to our hotel in Tavira. This evening why not try the quintessential Algarve dish - Cataplana. This flavourful stew, combines an array of fresh seafood simmered in a fragrant tomato and herb broth within a unique copper clam-shaped pot. Today's 11 kilometre/7-mile walk is expected to take 3 hours and 30 minutes, with a total ascent and descent of 200 metres/656 feet.

Today is yours to design. Whether you crave relaxation, exploration, or a touch of culture, there are plenty of options. You may choose to unwind on the shores of Tavira's beaches and indulge in a refreshing dip. For those looking for achallenge there's the chance to try the renowned Seven Hanging Valleys trail, a challenging yet rewarding walk. A taxi ride will whisk you to Praia do Marinha, the starting point for your trek. From here, enjoy the dramatic cliffs and coastline as you traverse the path towards Praia do Carvoeiro. This optional 11 kilometre/6.8-mile walk is expectedto take 3 hours and 30 minutes. Alternatively, there are some less active options: Take a stroll to the lighthouse take a day trip to Faro, or attend a 30-minute Fado performance in Tavira. The experience begins with a film that delves into the rich history of Fado, followed by a performance by guitarists and a singer who will entertain you with a range of Fado songs. Your tour leader will be happy to assist you with recommendations for the most convenient locations and timings for this cultural immersion. Day trips to Ayamonte on the Spanish side of the mouth of the river Guadiana are also a popular choice, either by boat or train.

We make the 30-minute drive to the heart of the Algarve and start along an unmarked path known locally as the scents track to the Tesouros da Serra estate for an optional coffee and sweets stop. Our route then continues through the typical cork oak forest of the Serra de Caldeirao before endingin on the outskirts of Sao Bras de Alportel. Our path winds past flourishing fig and olive trees, eventually leading us into the heart of a cork oak forest, the source for the traditional cork production methods still practised today across the 5 factories in the region. After our walk, we visit the Monterosa Olive Oil producers. Set on a 15ha area, we see the groves, the mill and the factory to get a fascinating insight into one of the key traditional produces of the area. At the end of the tour you'll have the chance to taste various different oils and see the finished produc Following our exploration of the cork oak forests, we'll return to the town of São Brás with time to explore the old town and soak up the local atmosphere Today's 12.5 kilometre/7.8-mile walk is expected to take 4 hours, with a total ascent of 200 metres/656 feet and descent of 280 metres/919 feet

Our final day begins with a train ride to Olhao, the bustling heart of the Algarve's fishing industry where we explore the morning fish and vegetable market. We'll witness the freshest catches of the day and the colourful display of local produce. Next, we'll hop on a local ferry for a 30-minute journey to Culatra Island, nestled within the Ria Formosa National Park. This idyllic sandbar island boasts a unique character. Here, we'll discover a small fishing community residing a cluster of traditional low-rise houses and cottages. Here it's as though we leave the modern world behind - Culatra Island is refreshingly free of cars and paved roads. We'll discover the island with a leisurely walk along the wooden walkway that meanders through the sand dune system. Let the vast, empty beaches beckon you to unwind and soak up the tranquillity of the island. Following our exploration, we'll take a boat ride back to the mainland, departing from the opposite side of the island at Ilha do Farol (lighthouse). Our journey concludes with a comfortable train ride back to our hotel in Tavira. Today's easy 5-kilometre/3.1 mile walk is expected to take a leisurely 1 hour and 30 minutes, with a mostly flat route, providing the perfect finale to your Algarve adventure.

There are no planned activities today, allowing you the freedom to depart from Tavira at your own pace. A transfer to Faro Airport (FAO) from the Maria Nova Lounge is included on all trips in our Upgraded range regardless of your departure day, provided we receive your flight details no later than 14 days prior to your tour departing. If your flight departs later in the day our hotel provides convenient luggage storage facilities, allowing you to explore Tavira or relax at the hotel