Itinerary
- Day 1
Faro
You'll land at Faro International Airport and meet your local representative for car hire arrangements. The drive into Faro takes just 10 minutes, and you'll have the rest of the day to settle in. Walk through the old city's narrow whitewashed streets within the medieval walls, checking out the Moorish heritage at every turn. Grab drinks at one of the seafront bars or try local shellfish at waterfront restaurants. Once you're checked into your hotel, the evening is yours to explore at your own pace.
- Meals
- Breakfast
Optional Activities
- Explore historic streets and whitewashed houses in Faro's old town
- Have drinks at iconic bars with sea views
- Taste shellfish at local waterfront restaurants
Landmarks/POIs Faro Old Town - Day 2
Faro to Lagos
After an early breakfast, you'll head out to see Algarve's beaches and hidden spots. Start in Carvoeiro with its traditional coastal feel, then walk around the striking rock formations at Algar Seco and its natural lagoon. Drive inland to Silves to check out the impressive Moorish castle and wander through countryside with orange, almond and carob trees. Stop in charming Ferragudo with whitewashed houses and minarets along cobbled streets. Before reaching Lagos, walk through Alvor to connect with its history and natural beauty. End your day with a sunset stroll and dinner at a local restaurant.
- Meals
- Breakfast
Optional Activities
- Visit Carvoeiro coastal village
- Explore Algar Seco rock formations and lagoon
- Visit Silves and tour the Moorish Castle
- Explore whitewashed houses and minarets in Ferragudo
- Walk through Alvor town
- Dine at local restaurants in Lagos
Landmarks/POIs Carvoeiro Algar Seco Silves Castle Ferragudo Alvor - Day 3
Lagos to Grândola
You'll start with breakfast and travel through Portugal's Age of Discoveries history. In Lagos, explore St. Antonio Church with its glowing gold carvings and see Ponta da Piedade's striking rock formations. Head to São Vicente Cape for Atlantic Ocean views and a 16th-century fortress built against Moorish pirates. Continue to Sagres promontory and its 15th-century fortress, connected to maritime legends from Infante D. Henrique. Drive along the scenic coast to Aljezur village with its ocean views. End at Zambujeira do Mar to experience authentic Alentejo life and try Perceves, a local shellfish specialty.
- Meals
- Breakfast
Optional Activities
- Visit St. Antonio Church in Lagos
- Explore Ponta da Piedade
- Visit São Vicente Cape and 16th-century fortress
- Explore Sagres fortress and promontory
- Visit Aljezur village
- Experience Zambujeira do Mar and taste Perceves shellfish
Landmarks/POIs St. Antonio Church Ponta da Piedade São Vicente Cape Sagres Fortress Aljezur Zambujeira do Mar - Day 4
Grândola to Évora
After breakfast, you'll continue through Alentejo. Drive to Comporta beach south of Tróia to relax by the sea. Head to Cais Palafitico da Carrasqueira, where traditional wooden architecture with irregular piles and boards makes for great photography. Watch local fishing boats in this tranquil setting. Then drive to Évora, a UNESCO World Heritage site with two thousand years of history. Walk narrow Moorish-origin streets that contrast with sun-filled squares, exploring how this open-air museum blends ancient heritage with contemporary life.
- Meals
- Breakfast
Optional Activities
- Relax at Comporta beach
- Visit Cais Palafitico da Carrasqueira
- Explore Évora's historic streets and squares
Landmarks/POIs Comporta Beach Cais Palafitico da Carrasqueira Évora Historic Centre - Day 5
Évora to Cáceres
You'll have breakfast and prepare for travel toward Spain. Take a final stroll through Évora, then drive to Estremoz, the 'white city' known for its white marble houses. Browse the central square with shops selling farm tools, pottery and gourmet items, especially lively on Saturdays. Stop in Elvas, the 'Queen of the Border,' to visit the world's largest bulwarked fortification from Portugal's independence battles. Cross into Spain and visit Badajoz to see the Alcabaza, a 12th-century Moorish citadel. Arrive in Mérida for its Roman ruins from Emerita Augusta, then continue to Cáceres for your overnight stay.
- Meals
- Breakfast
Optional Activities
- Stroll through Évora before departure
- Explore Estremoz marketplace and shops
- Dine at Estremoz restaurants
- Visit Elvas and tour the bulwarked fortification
- Explore Badajoz and visit the Alcabaza
- Discover Roman ruins and sites in Mérida
Landmarks/POIs Estremoz Elvas Alcabaza Mérida Roman Ruins Cáceres Old Town - Day 6
Cáceres to Sevilla
You'll enjoy breakfast in Cáceres before heading to Zafra, known as 'Little Seville,' at the foot of Sierra de Castellar mountains. Explore the medieval quarter's narrow streets in a turtle-shell pattern and discover monumental heritage like La Candelaria collegiate church, San José parish church, 16th-century convents, and the 15th-century Santiago hospital. Continue to Seville, Andalusia's charming capital. Visit the Royal Alcázar palace and the Cathedral, both UNESCO World Heritage Sites. Walk through the picturesque Santa Cruz neighborhood, Seville's former Jewish quarter. The Royal Alcázar traces back to the 10th century as a Moorish caliph's palace, while the Cathedral began as a 12th-century mosque and became the world's third-largest church with its iconic Giralda belfry.
- Meals
- Breakfast
Optional Activities
- Explore Zafra's medieval quarter and fortress
- Visit La Candelaria collegiate church in Zafra
- Tour Royal Alcázar palace
- Visit Seville Cathedral
- Explore Santa Cruz neighborhood
Landmarks/POIs Zafra La Candelaria Church Royal Alcázar Seville Cathedral Giralda Santa Cruz - Day 7
Sevilla
After breakfast, you'll discover Seville's surroundings. Head to Jerez de la Frontera, the capital of sherry production, and explore its beautiful old quarter with palm-lined squares, an ancient Moorish fortress and historic churches. Then continue to Cádiz, an ancient port city and one of the oldest continuously inhabited cities in the Iberian Peninsula. As the historic home of the Spanish Navy, its port boomed in the 16th century. Look for over 100 watchtowers, including the iconic Torre Tavira traditionally used for ship spotting. See the 18th-century Cádiz Cathedral with baroque and neoclassical elements on the waterfront. Return to Seville for the afternoon, strolling its streets and trying typical local gastronomy at restaurants.
- Meals
- Breakfast
Optional Activities
- Explore Jerez de la Frontera old quarter
- Tour Jerez Moorish fortress
- Visit historic churches in Jerez
- Explore Cádiz ancient streets
- Visit Torre Tavira
- View Cádiz Cathedral
- Stroll Seville's romantic streets
- Dine at local restaurants in Seville
Landmarks/POIs Jerez de la Frontera Cádiz Torre Tavira Cádiz Cathedral - Day 8
Sevilla
After breakfast, you'll spend the day on Seville's highlights. Visit the Alcázar, Seville's top sight and UNESCO World Heritage Site, built in the 1300s as the royal palace of Moorish kings, with Islamic architecture and lavish gardens with ponds and fountains. Upper floors remain the official Seville residence of the Royal Family. Check out Seville Cathedral, another UNESCO site and the world's third-largest church, where Christopher Columbus's tomb is held by four figures representing Spain's four kingdoms. Climb the Giralda bell tower from the Moorish period. Explore Plaza de España, built for the 1929 Ibero-American Exhibition, with Renaissance and neo-Moorish architecture, 48 tiled alcoves representing Spain's provinces, a 500-metre canal with four bridges, and rowing boats. Walk Maria Luisa Park with fountains, ponds, trees and parrots. Visit Metropol Parasol, completed in 2011 and claimed as the world's largest wooden structure, with access to the top for panoramic city views. Tour Torre del Oro, built in 1220 to protect the river, now housing a small maritime museum with access for river and city views. Optionally visit Plaza de Toros de la Real Maestranza, Seville's active bullring.
- Meals
- Breakfast
Optional Activities
- Tour Royal Alcázar palace and gardens
- Visit Seville Cathedral and climb the Giralda
- Explore Plaza de España and rent rowing boats
- Walk Metropol Parasol structure and enjoy city views
- Visit Maria Luisa Park
- Tour Torre del Oro maritime museum
- Visit Plaza de Toros de la Real Maestranza bullring
Landmarks/POIs Royal Alcázar Seville Cathedral Giralda Plaza de España Maria Luisa Park Metropol Parasol Torre del Oro Plaza de Toros de la Real Maestranza - Day 9
Sevilla to Tavira
After breakfast, you'll bid farewell to Seville and drive to Huelva. Past the industrial outskirts, Huelva's centre offers pleasant plazas, historical monuments and abundant seafood bars and restaurants. This is where Christopher Columbus sailed for America in 1492, with attractions throughout the city relating to his voyage. Visit Isla Cristina, one of Andalusia's most important fishing ports with highly prized catch. Enjoy magnificent beaches and marine resorts like Islantilla, Centro and Punta del Caiman. The Marshes of Isla Cristina nature park has habitats of varying salinity levels, hosting rich flora and remarkable bird populations.
- Meals
- Breakfast
Optional Activities
- Explore Huelva's historic centre and plazas
- Dine at Huelva seafood bars and restaurants
- Visit attractions related to Columbus's voyage
- Enjoy beaches and marine resorts at Isla Cristina
- Explore Marshes of Isla Cristina nature park
Landmarks/POIs Huelva Isla Cristina Marshes of Isla Cristina Nature Park - Day 10
Tavira to Faro
After breakfast, you'll explore Tavira, a blend of traditional Portuguese heritage with Moorish influences. Wander cobbled streets past traditionally tiled houses, family-run restaurants and decorative churches. Move to Olhão, Algarve's largest port and bustling fishing town now sought after by chefs for its food scene. Your final stop is Faro, where you'll spend your last day.
- Meals
- Breakfast
Optional Activities
- Explore Tavira's historic streets and architecture
- Dine at family-run restaurants in Tavira
- Visit churches in Tavira
- Explore Olhão fishing port and gastronomy
Landmarks/POIs Tavira Olhão - Day 11
Faro
You'll enjoy your final Portuguese breakfast. After checking out from your hotel, drive back to Faro Airport to return the rental car and prepare for your return flight.
- Meals
- Breakfast
Landmarks/POIs Faro International Airport
