Seville & the Treasures of the Algarve

Your holiday starts with a flight to Faro, the idyllic capital of Algarve, where you’ll meet your friendly, local tour manager and drive along Portugal’s idyllic south coast to the seaside town of Monte Gordo.

After checking into your charming coastal hotel, you’ll have the rest of the day to settle in and perhaps explore the local area.

Your first full day on the Algarve will be at leisure, and you can make the most of Monte Gordo’s town centre, seaside attractions, and your hotel’s amenities under your own steam.

For a more active day, Monte Gordo’s nearby woodland trails and restaurant-lined seafront offer delightful views to accompany a stroll. Monte Gordo Beach is another popular choice for warm-weather relaxation by the sea, located just 300 meters from the hotel.

Wildlife lovers will find plenty to enjoy in the nearby Castro Marim Nature Reserve, a popular spot for birdwatchers, while riverside Vila Real de Santo Antonio and palm-fringed Ayamonte are perfect for a taste of life on the Algarve.

Rise early this morning with breakfast at the hotel and head west to some of ’the Algarve’s most picturesque coastal spots.

Your first stop, Lagos, showcases life in Portugal’s rural south, and you’ll soak up its cobbled alleyways and family-run tascas (taverns) with a guided tour of its historic walled old town. Afterwards, enjoy some time to get to know the town under your own steam. While here, be sure to visit the opulent Igreja de Santo Antonio, a 16th-century church, which is home to some of the finest woodwork in Portugal and extraordinary decor.

You’ll then continue along the rocky Sagres Peninsula, home to mainland Europe’s most south-westerly point, Cape St. Vincent. On the way, stop in the harbour town of Sagres, located at the tip of the cape, and see the town’s famed fortress. This vast 15th-century landmark was once the home of Prince Henry the Navigator and a major centre of Portuguese discovery during the Age of Exploration. Elsewhere in the town, you’ll find a collection of shops to explore and the breath-taking coastal vistas of Cape St. Vincent.

Return to Monte Gordo for the evening at leisure.

Enjoy a leisurely morning with breakfast at the hotel ahead of another full day spent at your own pace.

Those who’d prefer a lazy day can also make the most of the hotel’s amenities or take a stroll along Monte Gordo’s seaside promenade.

Start the day with breakfast at the hotel and cross the Spanish border by coach to the great city of the Flamenco, Seville. As you explore the city, soak up the sights and smells of the abundant orange trees that line its streets and listen for the buzz of its lively tapas bars. Your first stop today will be Seville Cathedral, the world’s largest Gothic church, and its imposing bell tower, La Giralda, which stands at over 300 feet tall. While exploring this UNESCO-listed building, take in its exquisite facades and vaulted interior ceilings or pay homage to the 'tomb' of Christopher Columbus.

You’ll then head to the Plaza de Toros, Spain's oldest bullring. Stroll through the courtyards of the Moorish Alcazar to the Jewish Quarter and stop in Plaza de Espana to truly appreciate the atmosphere of this city.

Return to Monte Gordo this evening.

Your third and final day at leisure awaits this morning, and it’s the perfect opportunity to tick off any remaining wish-list sights.

If you haven’t done so already, be sure to make the most of the hotel’s amenities, perhaps with a treatment or two at the spa or a swim in either of swimming pools.

Celebrate the penultimate day of your tour with an optional tour, showcasing an authentic side to the Algarve and taking in its most historic cities. Heading east along the coast, your first stop will be the colourful fishing port-town of Olhão. Stroll through the central quarter, past its Moorish houses, and around the seafront promenade and bustling fish market, and perhaps enjoy a coffee in one of the many pavement cafes.

The next stop on today’s itinerary will be Faro, and you’ll spend a couple of hours exploring the cobbled streets and hidden squares of its fascinating Cidade Velha (old town) under the guidance of a local expert. Round out the day’s sightseeing with an afternoon visit to Tavira, where you can admire its imposing medieval castle and the town’s ancient Roman bridge. Another highlight will be the marina and its renowned seafood restaurants, and you’ll be free to explore at leisure before heading back to Monte Gordo for a final evening in the Algarve.

After breakfast, check out of the hotel, and travel to Faro for your return flight.