Group Travel Tour Operator for holidays to Portugal
Costa Vicentina – Portugal’s Breathtaking South West
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Carvoeiro beach ©AT Algarve
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Dolphins, Portugal
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Alentejo, Portugal ©Francisco Almeida Dias
From the Romans to the Moors, Conquerors have frequented this region of Portugal and all have been entranced by the breathtaking majesty of the Costa Vicentina. Now it is time for you to explore this incredible land.
Beginning in Lisbon and Setúbal, travel through the provincial region of Alentejo to discover ancient fishing ports and attractive villages, before arriving in the Algarve. However, the highlight of this tour is the unrivalled nature making it one of the best preserved coastal areas in Europe. Between the rugged limestone cliffs, you will find spots of sublime beauty. Furthermore, as you travel southwards, you will seen find that everywhere, fields of brightly coloured flowers surround the country lanes that lead to quiet beaches.
Discover how the blue of the sea blends with the colours of the chalk cliffs and the green of the vegetation, creating an array of richness for the senses. Here, you will see the an abundance of natural floral displays, the heavenly beaches, and astonishing views of the never ending sea, making this some of most attractive features of this area. You think this incredible setting would attract many visitors, however it is not the kind of visitors you may expect. Nature, truly rules the roost in the Parque Natural and Costa Vicentina. On this tour, discover the ecological heritage of the community of Dolphins that live in the Sado estuary as well as an abundance of birds, perfect for a spot of bird watching.
As well as the incredible nature of the area, you will soon notice the sensations and aromas that derive from one of the many wine states or the local farms that have been integral to the area, providing wonderful organic products through traditional methods that have been passed down through the generations of the families who have ran these ventures for more than 100 years.
Be sure to see this incredible region of Portugal and get in touch today.
Dates
Dates throughout 2024
Suggested itinerary by air
Day 1
Arrival in Lisbon
Travel from your selected UK airport to Lisbon. Upon arrival there will be a meet and greet at the airport. Transfer from the Airport to the Hotel in Setúbal. Rest of the day free.
Day 2
The ocean breeze of Setúbal and Sesimbra
The morning starts with a short walking tour through the vast heritage of Setúbal. Setúbal is a fishing town, therefore we will take our time to get to know the activity and fishing traditions, and to visit a museum that will put in perspective the evolution of the canning industry and the process of canning, so significant in this region. Followed by a visit to a natural park. This park exhibits an unparalleled beauty, in which the blue of the sea blends with the colours of the chalk cliffs and the green of the vegetation – the floral richness, the heavenly beaches, and astonishing views of the never ending sea are some of most attractive features of the park.
Next, we will visit Sesimbra, another typical city, profoundly marked by the fishing activities, passing by its beautiful Castle, and the Cape Espichel.
Day 3
Travel back in time
We recommend to start your day in Sado’s estuary. Here you can get to know everything about the community of about 30 dolphins that live in these waters. By the end of this boat trip you will have travelled to a magical spot, surrounded by a blue and serene panorama of the Atlantic Ocean, having had the opportunity to look for the dolphins, learn all about them, and feel closer to them than ever before. Leave the beach behind and travel back in time to the ruins of the largest centre of fish-salting industry known from the Roman Empire, occupied until the 6th century. Wander among ruins of factories, tombs and tubs for hot and cold baths.
In the afternoon, visit a “Herdade” and the cellar of a place of unique beauty, where vibrant colours are exposed by the intense sunlight and the fertile land unhurriedly reveals the best that life has to offer. The sensations, aromas and flavours blend in perfect harmony with the sea breeze and greenness of the forest, a vital environmental and ecological heritage.
Day 4
In between the mountains and the sea
The morning starts with a visit to a farm that belongs to the same family for more than 100 years and still produces wine where you can taste a traditional meal of rural workers, slow cooked and with organic products from the farm. Your journey will continue along the Costa Vicentina until an attractive village where the western part is Moorish, the centre spreads beyond the bridge over the river Aljezur through a network of white-washed houses in the narrow streets that guide us to the remains of the Moorish castle, where you can enjoy a magnificent panoramic view, over the Aljezur floodplain, the Monchique Mountain Range and the sea.
Day 5
Beach day
After a few days travelling around, in the morning give yourself the opportunity to just relax. Make a walk on the Carvoeiro walkway on the high and steep coast that surrounds the village where you can enjoy stunning views of the beautiful beaches of the region under a blue sky, and also observe the various caves that exist in the area. Or just take the morning to enjoy the golden sand beaches. Explore the beaches with sand to lose sight of and make walks among the fantastic landscapes. After lunch we will take you to visit one of the many wine states in Alentejo, where you can try some of the many wines produced in this region.
Day 6
Return to the UK
It is time to say goodbye to Portugal. Transfer from the Hotel to Faro Airport for your flight back to the UK.
We have a selection of excellent 3 and 4 star hotels available.
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| Dates | 6 days / 5 nights |
| 2024 dates |
Price on request |
