en
- Boutique
- 16-day trip
- From €7,495 p.p.
Portugal trip | Relaxed round trip South Portugal
Your 16-day self-drive through southern Portugal begins in charming Lagos, where you explore the city by private Tuk-Tuk, followed by a breathtaking boat trip to the famous Benagil sea caves. You will then drive south towards Odemira, an ideal place to relax on the Costa Vicentina's pristine beaches. You then travel inland to the Monsaraz region. Here you will discover the rich history of the Alentejo on a private walking tour of atmospheric Évora and take a special bird-watching tour guided by an ornithologist. Your journey continues in the rural Beja District, where you will enjoy the peace and quiet of the countryside. A leisurely picnic is on the programme here, amid the vast Alentejan countryside. You will end your trip in style in eastern Moncarapacho. Here you will take a scenic boat excursion through the Ria Formosa nature reserve, where you will spot colourful birds.
Travel programme
Travel overview
- Day 1 Arrival in Portugal
- Day 2 – 3 Lagos by tuk-tuk & boat trip to the Benagil caves
- Days 4–6 Self-drive to Odemira
- Days 7–9 Historical
- Days 10–12 The heart of the Alentejo
- Days 13–15 Moncharapacho & boat trip through the Ria Formosa
- Day 16 End of your trip
Arrival in Portugal
Bem Vindo a Faro! Welcome to Faro! Upon arrival at Faro Airport, a private transfer will be waiting to take you to your accommodation in Lagos. Lagos is a true sun, sea and beach destination, yet this coastal town is an exception to the rule. This authentic little town owes its charm to a combination of a rich history, a hippie-like atmosphere and dazzling beaches within walking distance. The former capital of the Algarve has an interesting history and a mix of different architectural styles. The Moors also played an important role here from the 8th century onwards. They ruled Lagos for a long time, calling it Zawaia. In Arabic, this means ‘the lake’.
You’ll be staying at the Cascade Wellness Resort, a luxury resort situated on the outskirts of the historic town. After a short workout in the fitness centre, you can relax in the outdoor swimming pool or the steam room. For a delightful end to the day, head to the restaurant or the cosy pub, where delicious meals and refreshing drinks are served. The famous Dona Ana beach is within walking distance of the resort.
Inclusief:
- Private transfer to your hotel
- Overnight accommodation including breakfast
Exclusief:
- International flight
Lagos by tuk-tuk & boat trip to Benagil caves
In the morning, your hire car will be delivered to your accommodation, so that you can explore the beautiful surroundings of the Algarve in complete freedom over the coming days. We’ve also included two special excursions for you, allowing you to experience Lagos and the impressive coastline in a unique way.
During a ride in an electric tuk-tuk, you’ll discover both the old and new sides of Lagos. You’ll travel through the charming streets of the historic centre, past city walls, local markets and atmospheric squares, as well as along the beaches and through modern neighbourhoods. Your guide will share interesting facts and stories along the way, allowing you to get to know the city in a relaxed manner.
On your final day in Lagos, you’ve booked a boat trip to the famous Benagil sea caves. From the harbour in Lagos, you’ll set off in a speedboat along the rugged coastline, full of cliffs, hidden coves and impressive rock formations. The highlight is the spectacular Benagil Cave, a natural wonder accessible only by sea. Along the way, the guide will tell you more about the landscape and its geological features.
Inclusief:
- Rental car Seat Arona or equivalent model
- Private excursion: Tuk-tuk tour Lagos including English-speaking guide and transfer
- Group excursion: Benagil sea caves tour including English-speaking guide
- Overnight stays including breakfast
Self-drive towards Odemira
You’ll set off on your self-drive tour and head towards Odemira, to the charming Herdade do Touril. The drive takes about an hour, but along the way you’ll pass stunning viewpoints and charming villages where you’ll definitely want to stop for a while. Be sure to take your time to enjoy the scenery.
Herdade do Touril is set in enchanting surroundings, in the middle of a 365-hectare estate in the heart of the Southwest Alentejo and Costa Vicentina Natural Park. Just four kilometres from the charming coastal village of Zambujeira do Mar and close to some of the most beautiful beaches on the Costa Alentejana, this is the perfect place to unwind. In the evening, if you wish, you can dine in the hotel’s restaurant, where local and international dishes are served with care. For relaxation, there is a saltwater swimming pool with views over the vast landscape. Furthermore, this location is an ideal starting point for walks or mountain bike rides through the nature reserve. You are free to spend the coming days exactly as you wish.
Inclusief:
- Rental car
- Overnight stays including breakfast
Historic
Évora & birdwatching
You’ll continue your journey to the next destination in the heart of the Alentejo. This drive is a little longer, and along the way you’ll make a stop in historic Évora – a detour that’s more than worth it. Take the time to enjoy the varied landscape along the way: rolling hills, vineyards and charming white villages guide you to this enchanting city. In Évora, a private guided walk awaits, taking you on a fascinating journey through the rich history of this former royal city. You’ll stroll along cobbled streets past highlights such as Évora’s Gothic cathedral, the mysterious Capela dos Ossos (Chapel of Bones) in the Church of São Francisco, and the impressive Roman temple. Along the way, your guide will provide context on the city’s unique heritage, which dates back to Roman times, and help you see the city in a new light.
After this cultural interlude, you’ll travel on to São Lourenço do Barrocal, an exclusive country estate hotel nestled in the tranquil Alentejo countryside. Surrounded by ancient holm oaks, vast olive groves and rolling vineyards, you’ll experience understated luxury and pure tranquillity here. Over the coming days, you can relax and enjoy everything this special place has to offer. There are various activities on offer, ranging from wine tastings and hot-air balloon rides to mountain biking and horse riding along the country lanes.
In addition, a unique excursion is on the programme: a birdwatching walk led by an ornithologist. During this three-hour walk, both on and off the estate, you’ll discover a colourful world full of songbirds and rare species found in this part of Portugal.
Inclusief:
- Rental car
- Private excursion: walking tour Évora with English-speaking guide
- Group excursion: Birdwatching tour with English-speaking guide
- Overnight accommodation including breakfast
The heart of Alentejo
You’ll gradually make your way back towards the south of Portugal, where, after a drive of about an hour and a half, you’ll arrive at your next special accommodation: Herdade da Malhadinha Nova. This luxurious, rural property is situated in the heart of the Alentejo plains. Surrounded by rolling hills, vineyards and cork oaks, you’ll find an oasis of tranquillity and refinement here. Enjoy refined dishes made with local produce in the award-winning restaurant, relax by the outdoor swimming pool or visit the spa for a pampering treatment. The estate’s wine cellar is also well worth a visit.
During your stay, you’ll have plenty of time to relax and explore the surroundings at your own pace. In addition, one special experience is included: a private picnic in the vast Alentejo countryside. Far from the hustle and bustle, you’ll enjoy a delicious lunch amidst nature, prepared with local produce and accompanied by the estate’s wines. A romantic and peaceful experience, perfect for losing yourself completely in the surroundings.
Inclusief:
- Rental car
- Private excursion: Beautiful luxury picnic in remote countryside
- Overnight accommodation including breakfast
Moncharapacho & boat trip through Ria Formosa
You’ll drive to the final destination of this wonderful trip, the beautiful region around Moncarapacho. This is a peaceful and authentic corner of southern Portugal where time seems to pass more slowly and nature is still free to take its course. Here, your journey ends in style with a stay at the charming Octant Vila Monte, an idyllic spot nestled between the sea and the countryside. The on-site restaurant serves Algarve specialities, prepared with fresh ingredients, including fish from local markets and the resort’s own vegetables and herbs.
During your stay, a boat trip is planned through the Ria Formosa nature reserve, a vast lagoon system teeming with rare birds, tranquil waterways and islands with deserted beaches. Accompanied by a guide, you’ll sail along this unique coastline, enjoying the scenery, the birds and the fresh sea air as you go.
Inclusief:
- Rental car
- Group excursion: Boat excursion through Ria Formosa
- Overnight stays including breakfast
Accommodations
Cascade Wellness Resort
Cascade Wellness Resort is located in the historic city of Lagos, in Portugal, within walking distance of Dona Ana beach. The resort offers a wide range of room options, including suites and holiday villas with private pools. After a quick workout in the fitness centre, guests can enjoy an invigorating swim in the...
Cascade Wellness Resort is located in the historic city of Lagos, in Portugal, within walking distance of Dona Ana beach. The resort offers a wide range of room options, including suites and holiday villas with private pools. After a quick workout in the fitness centre, guests can enjoy a refreshing dip in the outdoor pool and relax in the steam room. For refuelling, the restaurant and pub are available with delicious meals and drinks.
Your stay: 3 nights
Herdade do Touril
Herdade do Touril offers an idyllic location surrounded by the lush landscape of a 365-hectare estate in the heart of the Southwest Alentejo and Costa Vicentina Natural Park. The property is just a four-kilometre drive from Zambujeira do Mar and the Costa Alentejana's best beaches.
The property ...
Herdade do Touril offers an idyllic location surrounded by the lush landscape of a 365-hectare estate in the heart of the Southwest Alentejo and Costa Vicentina Natural Park. The property is just a four-kilometre drive from Zambujeira do Mar and the Costa Alentejana's best beaches.
Designed to meet everyone's comfort needs, the property offers five spacious houses with 18 double bedrooms, all with air conditioning, internet access and en-suite bathrooms. The larger suites are equipped with a kitchenette. When it comes to dining, guests can enjoy delicious local and international dishes at the hotel's restaurant. Recreational facilities include a saltwater swimming pool. The hotel is the best starting point for some of the best hiking and mountain biking tours.
Your stay: 3 nights
São Lourenço do Barrocal
Located in the Alentejo region of Portugal, São Lourenço do Barrocal offers guests understated luxury surrounded by ancient holm oaks, olive groves and vineyards. A wide selection of activities is available on site and in the surrounding area, including wine tasting, mountain biking, balloon rides and...
Located in the Alentejo region of Portugal, São Lourenço do Barrocal offers guests understated luxury surrounded by ancient holm oaks, olive groves and vineyards. A wide selection of activities is available on site and in the surrounding area, including wine tasting, mountain biking, balloon rides and horse riding.
The hotel offers a selection of rooms, suites and cottages, all equipped with air conditioning and amenities such as free Wi-Fi and televisions. Guests can enjoy local delicacies made with fresh produce at the hotel's restaurant. Those looking to relax can enjoy a range of treatments at the on-site spa, equipped with treatment rooms and saunas. The spa also features a selection of fitness equipment for guests who want to stay active.
Your stay: 3 nights
Herdade da Malhadinha Nova
Herdade da Malhadinha Nova is perfectly located in a rural landscape of the Alentejo plains. The accommodation consists of a six different locations that all offer luxurious rooms and suites, each equipped with a flat-screen TV, an iPod dock and a private bathroom. Privacy, exclusivity and luxury are the...
Herdade da Malhadinha Nova is perfectly located in a rural landscape of the Alentejo plains. The accommodation consists of a six different locations that all offer luxurious rooms and suites, each equipped with a flat-screen TV, an iPod dock and a private bathroom. Privacy, exclusivity and luxury are the watchwords for each of these locations.
You can enjoy a range of delicious meals at the hotel's restaurant. Or enjoy afternoons by the beautiful outdoor pool, unwind at the spa or visit the wine cellar.
Your stay: 3 nights
The Octant Vila Monte
A true reference to what is called Farm House with timeless simplicity, a local, rustic atmosphere and a Boho-Chic spirit. Reinterpreting the Algarve environment, incorporating the elements that characterise it. In different buildings, each room of Vila Monte Farm House has unique features and environments....
A true reference to what is called Farm House with timeless simplicity, a local, rustic atmosphere and a Boho-Chic spirit. Reinterpreting the Algarve environment, incorporating the elements that characterise it. In different buildings, each room at Vila Monte Farm House has unique features and environments. Discover flavours in À Terra restaurant, enjoy the beach on a deserted island or get lost in the nooks and crannies of the gardens.
Your stay: 3 nights
Destinations
Alentejo Region
The Alentejo region of Portugal forms roughly the lower third of the country and is a beautiful agricultural region with stunning natural scenery, an array of grand historical architecture and several beautiful beaches. Undulating hills, spectacular seaside cliffs, pretty flowering fields and beautiful green wooded areas offer plenty for nature lovers to explore. The UNESCO-protected capital, Evora, offers 2,000 years of heritage to see, while several huge ancient sites such as the mighty Amoreira Aqueduct, huge imposing forts and grand castles illustrate Alentejo's intriguing past. Large and varied beaches offer both kite-surfing opportunities and sheltered, crystal-clear waters, perfect for swimming. Be sure to watch the sunset from the headland of Cabo Espichel, walk along the towering castle walls for fantastic views and try the abundant variety of fresh seafood.
Évora District
Évora is a city and district in south-central Portugal. It is one of the country's centres of history and culture, with everything from ancient churches and medieval castles to Roman ruins and megalithic complexes. The city itself has an exceptionally well-preserved old quarter, all of which is a UNESCO World Heritage Site. Monsaraz is a walled town with a 14th-century fort that offers spectacular views over the Alqueva dam - where you can rent a houseboat for an overnight stay. The village of Estremoz has two beautiful palaces, as well as an array of wineries where you can taste fine local wines.
Portugal
Portugal has a lot to offer. Throughout the country you will find cultural attractions and plenty of opportunities for activities. Inland, you will find unspoilt countryside and charming villages. Lisbon and Porto are bustling cities with plenty of museums, squares, terraces, restaurants, bars. Take the time to listen to Fado, the local folk music unique to Portugal and mostly about pain and love. Go on a surfing holiday in Portugal, drive around on your own or visit the Algarve's lovely beaches.
Monsaraz
This fortified medieval village, founded in 1167, is close to the Spanish border in the Alentejo region of southern Portugal. Situated on a hill above the Guadiana River, this atmospheric hamlet looks straight out of a fairy tale, with its cobbled alleys and 14th-century castle. It also has an ancient church, the Igreja Matriz de Santa Maria do Castelo, home to an elaborate 13th-century tomb and an interesting adjacent religious museum. The surrounding area is dotted with historical and archaeological sites, such as the mysterious Menhir of Outeiro, a megalithic column nearly six metres high. A short drive to the west lies the small town of São Pedro do Corval, known for its beautiful pottery.
The Algarve
The Algarve is a region in southern Portugal famous for its pristine golden beaches, with dramatic cliffs azure waters of the Mediterranean Sea. Visitors flock here to enjoy sun, sea and beach. But the Algarve also boasts cute hilltop villages and enchanting inland castle towns.
Lagos
Lagos, located along the breathtaking Algarve coast in Portugal, just a 31-minute drive from Portimao, is a bustling city with beautiful beaches, dramatic coastal scenery and vibrant nightlife. Take a kayaking trip along the coast to make the most of the region's pink cliffs, azure waters and golden sands, or wander for a few hours through the walled old town, with its historic churches and central square full of pavement cafés. If you want to explore the darker side of the city's past, visit the Slave Market Museum, which tells the history of the slave trade in the Algarve from 1944, when slaves were first transported to Europe via Lagos. The city is the perfect springboard to explore Portugal's south-west coast, with idyllic beaches and excellent surf.
Beja District
Beja is a district in the Alentejo region of southern Portugal, known as the 'Golden Plain' for its vast corn and sunflower fields. Culture buffs will be in their element here, with a host of archaeological and architectural treasures to explore. One of the oldest excavations can be found at the Núcleo Museológico in the city of Beja, where ancient Roman ruins and relics are encased under glass floors and wall displays. Don't miss the coastal towns of Odemira and Vila Nova de Milfontes, with their rugged rocky coasts and pounding waves.
Faro District
Faro is a city and district in the Algarve region of southern Portugal, known for its idyllic beaches and diverse water-based activities. The capital is a port town with a picturesque marina and a charming old quarter featuring ancient Moorish and Portuguese architecture. Spend a day scuba diving, snorkelling or sailing along the coast; or take a dolphin-watching cruise to experience these amazing marine mammals up close in their natural habitat. You can admire a dazzling array of birdlife in the Ria Formosa wetlands reserve, and take a tour of the lagoon’s barrier isles, with their deserted sandy beaches. Visitors can also look forward to the region’s delicious local cuisine, which focuses mainly on seafood dishes such as caldeirada, a hearty Portuguese seafood stew, and arroz de lingueirão, a rice dish flavoured with razor clams.
Moncarapacho
Moncarapacho is close to the stunning Algarve coast, known for its dramatic cliffs and golden sandy beaches. One of the region's most authentic villages, with cobbled streets and elegantly weathered old buildings, this serene town is surrounded by olive groves and fruit orchards. Shaded by palm and jacaranda trees, the central square is a great place to enjoy a meal and watch local life go by. Fuseta, six kilometres away, is a quaint fishing village where you can enjoy SUPing, kitesurfing and swimming, while further west you will find some of Portugal's most spectacular beaches.
Portugal trip | Relaxed round trip South Portugal
We offer the described trip from €7,495 per person
The price is indicative and is subject to factors including availability and travel dates.
Included
• Accommodation in excellent and unique properties
• Seat Arona hire car or equivalent, including insurance, taxes and excess waiver
• All meals as specified in the ‘itinerary’
• All excursions as listed in the ‘programme’, including a tuk-tuk tour in Lagos, a walking tour of Évora and a boat trip to Ria Formosa
• Administration fees (€50 per booking)
Positive impact of your trip:
• Contribution towards a positive impact of €25 per person via the Avila Foundation
Not included
• International flights
• Travel and/or cancellation insurance
• Visa fees
• Tourist tax (where applicable)
• Local car hire costs, such as administration fees, parking charges, tolls and fuel
• Seat reservations
• Personal expenses/tips
• Any departure tax when leaving the destination
• Entrance fees, where applicable
• Meals not specified and optional excursions
• Contribution to the Contingency Fund (€2.50 per booking)
• SGR contribution (€5 per person)