Faro Tours

The rugged coast of the western Algarve is crammed with dramatic cliffs sheltering sandy coves and characterful towns. On this trip you'll have ample time to explore the historic city of Lagos and see some of the Algarve's most picturesque points, including Sagres, the ‘end of the world' and Baleeira fishing village. Beatriz, one of our expert local guides, says, 'Lagos has a long history, and was once an important hub for maritime traffic in the 15th century during the Portuguese Age of Discovery. You'll get a sense of its history as you mander through the old town on patterned cobbled streets flanked by handsome buildings.' Sheltering by a river mouth, the town of Lagos has a great location by the beach and within reach of all that amazing scenery. Get your culture fix with a tour of Lagos town, plus free time to enjoy the vibrant streets and cafés. Your guided tour takes in Praça do Infante to see Henry the Navigator's statue as well as the building that served as Portugal's first slave market. Afterwards, you could choose to spend your time having lunch, shopping or exploring.Next, you'll head to Sagres to admire its 15th century fortress, where you can explore the grounds and admire its impressive architecture while learning about the region's maritime history. After this we'll visit Cabo de São Vicente, also known as the ‘end of the world' – Europe's most south-westerly point. You'll round off the day taking in even more panoramic views over the fishing harbour of Baleeira.

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.

Away from the coastal resort towns, the Algarve is still a very rural and rugged region. Explore its winding dusty trails and sleepy villages on this off-road 4x4 adventure. You can choose either a full-day excursion, or one that takes just an afternoon.

The east is one of the jewels in the Algarve's crown, and this full day excursion offers a flavour of its local culture as well as a chance to get to know its biggest city. You'll visit Faro, Olhao, and Tavira and travel through beautiful countryside in the Ria Formosa National Park. Sofia, one of our expert local guides, says, ‘This excursion is special because it brings the local culture to life. You'll see a performance of Fado music which is the heart of Portuguese tradition, a soulful singer fronts a group of musicians and together they convey passion, struggle, and longing. It's a hugely significant part of Portuguese culture.'We'll begin in Faro, the regional capital, where you'll have free time to explore the old town – the cathedral is a must-see. Next up is Olhao, a village on the banks of the Ria Formosa. You'll visit its famous fish market and then enjoy free time for lunch and shopping. Sofia adds, ‘As well as showcasing the fruits of the sea, the market is a good place to make contact with smallholders selling their own produce, such as honey, jams, cakes, and liqueurs.'In the afternoon, we'll head to Tavira to see its top sights and visit the castle for a stroll along its ramparts. Along with the castle, the seven-arched Roman bridge and a pair of historic churches are just a handful of the best things to do in Tavira. Cap off the day by dropping into a church for a live show of fado singing – the melancholic music genre that is a national treasure.

Few capitals are as diverse as Lisbon. From the tightly packed alleys of the old town to the elegant boulevards of Baixa Pombalina, it's a city bursting with charm and life – and classic yellow trams. Gonçalo, one of our expert local guides, says, ‘Much of Lisbon was destroyed in the 1755 earthquake, and was then rebuilt under the Marquis of Pombal's guidance into the first city with innovative earthquake-resistant designs – hence today's name for the district: Baixa Pombalina.'Things kick off reasonably early, allowing you to reach Lisbon in good time. Get ready for spectacular views over the city as you cross the Golden Gate-like 25th April Bridge over the River Tagus to the seafront district of Belém. You'll get to see Belém Tower, the Monument of Discoveries and much more. Gonçalo says, 'Belém Tower was built in the early 16th century and is an iconic symbol of Portugal's Age of Discoveries. It once stood on a small island near the riverbank, but as the river's course changed, it now sits near the shore. Over the years, it's served as a defense point, a lighthouse, a customs house, and even a prison.'Next, sightsee by bus passing by the Basilica Estrela among other sights. Your guide will then point out the best areas of the city to check out during your free time – whether you prefer to shop, dine or simply stroll streets lined with impressive buildings from Portugal's imperial days. You'll return to the Algarve via the Vasco da Gama Bridge – the longest in Europe.

The Algarve is famed for its beautiful beaches, yet the area's countryside is also filled with historic and natural gems that are well worth discovering. You'll head into the mountains to visit Silves, Foia and Monchique, and taste some local treats along the way.

A tour of western Algarve welcomes you to a region rich in natural beauty, history and heritage. You'll explore the historic city of Lagos where St Anthony's Church and the old slave market are musts. Plus, there's a visit to the timeless fishing village of Sagres, and epic views from Cape St Vincent – what was once known as the ‘End of the World'.

As the natural border between Spain and Portugal, the River Guadiana cuts through areas of natural beauty. You'll navigate your way upriver from Vila Real de Santo António to Foz de Odeleite and Quinta do Rio, and enjoy a barbecue and live music on board.Once you arrive at Vila Real de Santo António, you'll board the boat ready for a relaxing cruise up the Guadiana. Take a seat and enjoy the passing scenery and once we reach the timeless village Foz de Odeleite, we'll anchor up, and you can stroll around at your own pace. Back on board, we'll cruise a bit further to Quinta do Rio.Here you'll have views over the river and village, and you'll even be able to cool down with a swim and a drink at the bar. We'll then serve up a barbecue lunch, complete with local wine and live music in the background. The rest of the afternoon is for relaxing on the sun terrace and cruising back downriver.

You'll explore the Algarve high and low on this scenery and history-rich tour. First up is hilltop Silves, famed for its red castle and white churches. Then, it's on to Fóia in the Monchique Mountains. We'll then visit Lagos on the coast, seeing its former slave market, fortress and more. Rounding off the tour are stops at Sagres and Cape St Vincent.

With valleys that dip and dive, coastal roads that swing by craggy bays and villages suspended in time, the Algarve has so much more to offer. This half-day 4x4 tour sees you travelling off road and along tracks to hidden places but with the added bonus of tasting local produce along the way.

How about enjoying two completely different perspectives of the Algarve in one action-packed day? This exhilarating excursion takes you to the hidden parts of the region with an off-road safari and then swaps the hills for the waves with a cruise.

This three-in-one tour packs in some of the Algarve's top sights. Kicking off in Faro, the Algarve's capital, you'll explore the old town with a walking tour before heading to Olhao, a village on the banks of the Ria Formosa. It's famed for fish market. Next up is Tavira, where the Roman Bridge is a must-see. After wandering around it's many churches and cobbled streets, you'll have some free time to grab lunch before heading back.

Wedged between the Atlantic and the Monchique Mountains, the Vicentine Coast has stunning landscapes, lots of flora and fauna but very few people. This is a wild world where you least expect it. Highlights include Costa Vicentina Natural Park, Carrapateira and Sagres.

This excursion offers contrasting ways to discover the hidden Algarve. In a 4x4, you'll roam through a nature reserve, head into the hills, stumbling upon timeless villages along the way. And you'll also visit country homes and enjoy a relaxing river cruise.

See what life is like in the interior of the Algarve. This trip takes you into rural parts of Portugal most tourists miss out on. You'll visit the castle-crowned village of Salir and São Brás Ethnographic Museum to learn about the Algarve of yesteryear. Then, sample some local almond and carob liqueur, before stopping by an organic herb garden to try traditional jams and honey.

A 4x4 tour that's all about getting close to nature. Discover the flora and fauna on a route along the lower River Guadiana, which divides Portugal and Spain. Learn all about the area's heritage and the importance of cork and salt production. You'll get to taste local organic farm products, chance upon rustic villages and find out about local customs.

If you're after some different photo opportunities of the Algarve, then look no further than this half-day 4x4 excursion. You'll travel off road and along country tracks to see hamlets set in the Monchique hills – an area famed for medronho, honey and cork – with tastings included.

This private tour in an eight-seat minibus is ideal for discovering Portugal's pretty villages and its biggest city. You'll travel to the eastern Algarve to visit Faro, Olhao, Cacela Velha and Tavira, as well as Ria Formosa National Park.

Away from the coast, southern Portugal has a few secrets up its sleeve. This trip serves up a trio of top experiences most tourists miss out on. You'll visit history-packed Silves – the Algarve's ancient capital – and stop by the cloud-piercing viewpoint, Foia. And to round off, there's a wine tasting session at Quinta dos Vales vineyard.

This private tour takes you to a world of cultural gems and areas of natural beauty within striking distance of Faro. See some of the best bits, including guided visits to Silves and charming Lagos, the gorgeous landscapes of mountainside Caldas de Monchique, and the clifftop viewpoints of Ponta da Piedade and Cape St Vincent.