Algarve & Alentejo Discovery Self-Drive

Arrive at Faro International Airport, where our local representative will welcome you and assist with your car hire, providing guidance for your departure day. Check in to your hotel in Faro and, if you wish, begin exploring the city’s charming streets. Walk through the Arco da Vila to reach the old town, visit the Faro Municipal Museum to discover the city’s maritime history spanning from Roman times to the present, and explore Igreja do Carmo, a notable example of Portuguese Baroque architecture. Don’t miss the Capela dos Ossos (Chapel of Bones), which offers insight into the monks’ reflections on the fleeting nature of life. Overnight in Faro.

After breakfast, we set off for Silves, a charming town perched above the Arade River. Once the ancient capital of the Algarve, Silves still bears the marks of its former prominence. We visit the impressive Castle of Silves, a lasting symbol of the town’s historical wealth. Nearby, the Silves Cathedral, Roman Bridge and Cruz de Portugal offer further insight into the town’s rich past. While here, you can sample the local speciality, Morgado de Silves – a traditional almond and chila candy cake filled with soft eggs, topped with royal icing and decorated with marzipan motifs inspired by Algarve’s natural surroundings. We stay overnight in Silves.

After breakfast at the hotel, spend the day continuing to explore the Silves region. Once a regional capital within one of the Taifa kingdoms, Silves retains strong Arabic influences visible in its architecture and local cuisine. Wander through the narrow streets and alleys, admiring the intricate azulejos—decorative ceramic tiles—that adorn many buildings. You may also choose to visit the nearby resort town of Lagos, where you can enjoy a swim on its golden sandy beaches. Return to Silves for your overnight stay.

Wake up to a hearty breakfast at the hotel and enjoy your final day in Silves at a relaxed pace. Take the time to revisit any favourite spots or simply soak up the atmosphere of this historic town before your onward journey. Overnight in Silves.

After breakfast, set off for Beja, a small historic town that was the capital during Roman times under Julius Caesar. Beja’s architecture reflects both its Roman origins and Moorish influence, evident in the cobbled streets and traditional houses of the old town. We will visit the 13th-century medieval castle, a key fortress in Portugal’s border defence, as well as notable sites such as the Sé Cathedral, Church of Santo Amaro, Rainha D Leonor Regional Museum, and St Mary of the Market Church. Overnight in Beja.

After breakfast, continue your exploration of the Alentejo region with a visit to the charming villages of Serpa and Aljustrel. Serpa is set amidst a striking landscape shaped by the Guadiana River, featuring historic walls and a picturesque town centre. Here, we visit notable sites such as the Gothic-style Mother Churches—Nossa Senhora da Saúde and Misericórdia—as well as the archaeological and ethnographic museums. Serpa is also home to the third oldest clock tower in Portugal. Take the opportunity to sample local dishes like lamb stew, açorda (a garlic and laurel-flavoured grain dish), and traditional sweets including gila puffs and curd cheese. Later, we drive to Aljustrel, a Roman village nestled among green valleys and rocky hills, offering a tranquil setting to appreciate the region’s rural heritage. Return to Beja for your overnight stay.

After breakfast, we drive to Évora, a city often described as a living book of Portuguese art history. Its name derives from the Celtic word Ebora, and today it stands as one of Portugal’s most captivating towns, recognised as a UNESCO World Heritage site. We visit key landmarks including the Diana Temple, Évora Cathedral, and the Chapel of Bones, each reflecting the city’s rich heritage and its former role as a royal residence. You can also savour local dishes such as Migas com carne – a traditional dish of soaked bread with garlic and spices, combined with braised pork – offering a genuine taste of the region. We stay overnight in Évora.

After breakfast, take time to wander the narrow streets of Évora once more, soaking up its romantic atmosphere. We explore some of the city’s lesser-known corners before enjoying a meal at a local restaurant, sampling traditional sweets and dishes. Visit the Museu de Évora to gain a deeper understanding of the city’s rich history and enduring charm. Overnight in Évora.

Enjoy a hearty breakfast at your hotel before setting off to explore the town of Moura, named after the Moorish princess Moura Saluqia. According to legend, she leapt from one of the castle towers after learning of her lover’s death. You can visit the Castle of Moura independently to discover more about this poignant story. In the town centre, the Convento das Dominicanas, Convento do Carmo and the Azeite de Moura olive oil museum are well worth a visit. Take some time to relax with a coffee in one of the many cafés lining the streets, offering a pleasant spot to soak up the local atmosphere. Later, return to Évora for your overnight stay.

After breakfast, we drive to Tavira, a charming fishing village set on the banks of the Gil?o River. With its easy access to stunning island beaches, Tavira offers a peaceful and picturesque place to conclude your journey. The town's blend of Moorish and Portuguese architecture is evident in landmarks such as the Torre de Tavira, Castelo de Tavira and Igreja da Miseric?rdia. Wander through the maze of narrow streets to discover traditionally tiled houses, local eateries and numerous historic churches. We stay overnight in Tavira.

Enjoy breakfast at your hotel and take in the peaceful atmosphere of Tavira this morning. Today, we suggest visiting the nearby villages of Olh?o, Vila Real de Santo Ant?nio and Cabanas to experience local traditions and everyday life beyond the town. These charming communities offer insight into the region's fishing heritage and relaxed pace. Return to Tavira for your overnight stay.

Wake up to a hearty breakfast at your hotel in Tavira. While here, be sure to try the local speciality, Folhado de Tavira – round-shaped puff pastries made from flour, margarine, lard and eggs, coated in sugar and wrapped in cellophane once baked. You may also wish to visit nearby Cabanas de Tavira and Santa Luzia to experience more of the region’s charm. Overnight in Tavira.

Begin your day with a hearty breakfast before driving to Olh?o. This charming fishing town is framed by golden beaches and offers a relaxed atmosphere. We explore the narrow streets of the old quarters, visiting highlights such as Igreja Nossa Senhora do Ros?rio, the City Museum, and the bustling Mercado de Olh?o. You may also wish to sample fresh local seafood at one of the town's restaurants, a perfect way to experience the region's culinary heritage. Overnight in Olh?o.

After breakfast, spend the day discovering Olh?o, a vibrant town known as the largest fishing port in the Algarve. Here, you'll find a blend of lively maritime activity and beautiful nearby beaches. We explore the local gastronomy, including Arroz de Lingueir?o ? a rice dish featuring razor clams ? and Folar de Olh?o, a distinctive layered sweet bread coated with sugar, butter and cinnamon, creating a caramelised, leaf-like appearance. Overnight in Olh?o.

Enjoy a leisurely breakfast in Olh?o before setting off for the short drive back to Faro. Upon arrival at Faro Airport, return your rental car and make the necessary preparations for your onward flight. This marks the conclusion of your journey through the Algarve's rich history and vibrant coastal towns.