South of Portugal

Join this four-day guaranteed departure tour and discover the history and natural beauty of Portugal through the country’s medieval-walled cities, authentic villages, and fantastic natural parks. We begin this memorable Portuguese adventure in the bustling capital, Lisbon and drive southwards until we arrive in Evora, a captivating UNESCO World Heritage Site. Explore the narrow streets, visit its main landmarks, and indulge in the Portuguese cuisine at the local market. We continue the tour with visiting sunny Algarve, where you can discover charming Sagres and the cosmopolitan city of Lagos. Then, prepare yourself for a spectacular route over the Arrabida Mountain Range a Natural Park with magnificent scenery and uncommon vegetation, located at the gates of Lisbon, our final destination.

TOUR HIGHLIGHTS

Lisbon: Portugal’s capital city is an adventure in itself, offering cultural gems such as fado, culinary treats like pasteis de Belem, and romantic city views.

Evora: A beautiful medieval town offering centuries of history and charm.

Lagos: A perfect combination between history, magnificent beaches, and cliffs make Lagos a great destination for any type of tourism.

Sagres: This charming place promises to amaze your eyes with its imposing cliffs, extensive beaches, and natural landscapes.

Serra da Arrabida National Park: Less than one hour from Lisbon, you will find this stunning natural park that will conquer your heart. 

Day 1: ARRIVAL LISBON – EVORA (135 km – 1.5 hrs)

Begin your journey with a pick-up at Marques de Pombal Square in Lisbon, at 8:30 hrs. We recommend to arrive at the meeting point 15 minutes before the indicated time.. We then drive southwards heading towards our first point of visit: the town of Evora, a mosaic of culture, history and traditions. Leaving Lisbon, we cross the bridge over the Tagus and head through a beautiful and bucolic landscape of olive trees, cork oak trees and vineyards before arriving at Evora – a UNESCO World Heritage Site. In the narrow streets of this whitewashed town we walk back through time visiting some of Evora’s most important monuments: the Roman Temple, the Romanesque-Gothic Cathedral, St. Francis Church with its “Chapel of Bones” and the University. At the market, we see and feel the richness of the products used in preparing the mouthwatering Portuguese dishes. Throughout the visit, we also get to admire the diversity and authenticity of local handicrafts with cork, ceramic, and copper objects. After a tasty lunch, enjoy the free time to better discover this city. 

Overnight in Evora area hotel on bed-and-breakfast basis. 

Day 2: EVORA – BEJA – SILVES – LAGOS (245km – 3hrs)

Have a delicious breakfast at the hotel getting ready for today's surprises. Part of the morning provides further leisure time in Evora before driving southward passing Beja where the high tower in the Portuguese medieval castle dominates the town and the region. Crossing the low mountain range, we enter the beautiful Algarve region. Alongside fields of orange trees, we arrive in Silves, the renowned town dominated by its red sandstone castle dating back mainly to Moorish times. We continue driving through the golden sands of the Algarve, passing Praia da Rocha en route to charming Lagos. 

Overnight in Lagos area hotel on bed-and-breakfast basis.

Day 3: LAGOS – PONTA DA PIEDADE – SAGRES – CABO DE SAO VICENTE – LAGOS (85km – 1.5 hrs)

Enjoy a delightful breakfast at your hotel before continuing your adventure in Portugal. Algarve has the call of the sea that led to the Discovery of the New World. We stop in Ponta da Piedade to admire the magnificent views over the Atlantic Ocean and cliffs, whose shapes have been sculpted by the erosive action of both the sea and time. Continue to Sagres, a fishing port, for a visit to the fortress that was the mythical “navigation school” forever linked to the presence of Prince Henry the Navigator. Proceed along the cliffs to Cabo de Sao Vicente, the most south-western point in mainland Europe. The city of Lagos, a cosmopolitan town with a marina and fishing port is home to some of the most delicious Algarve dishes, such as the fish and shellfish cooked in a “cataplana” copper pan, as well as tasty sweets such as the famous marzipan, almond and fig cakes. Return to the hotel, where an afternoon at leisure invites you to take a dip in the sea. 

Overnight in Lagos area hotel on Bed-and-breakfast basis.

Day 4: LAGOS – SETUBAL – SERRA DA ARRABIDA – DEPARTURE LISBON (320 km – 3.5 hrs)

Indulge in a tasty breakfast before bidding farewell to Algarve. The return trip to Lisbon takes you through the city of Setubal, a major port and industrial centre on the north bank of the Sado estuary. Then comes a scenic route over the Arrabida Mountain Range. Catch a glimpse of the Natural Park, admiring the amazing scenery, unique vegetation and the sweeping views of the Troia Peninsula. Crossing the Tagus River bridge, we arrive in Lisbon and drop you off at the indicated location. 

Breakfast included. 

Comfortable and light clothing is the most suitable for travelling in Portugal. Visitors should not wear sleeveless shirts, shorts, short skirts or skimpy clothing when visiting temples, religious or official buildings. Sun protection, sunglasses, a hat and mosquito repellent can be very useful during your stay.