Landscapes, Tastes and Traditions The true essence of the Algarve.

Upon our arrival in Faro we will transfer to the Pure Formosa Concept Hotel where we will be staying for 7 nights.

The Pure Formosa Concept Hotel is a 3-star boutique hotel located in the heart of Olhão, Known for its modern design, immaculate maintenance, and central positioning, it is the perfect base for exploring the Algarve region

Throughout the tour we will be staying in twin rooms but there is an option to have a room to yourself for the trip. If you wish to have a room to yourself for the 7 the supplement will be £160 The supplement will be payable at the same time as the balance.

The Travel Buddies trips work on the basis that as long as you are having a good time then that is what matters, if you don’t feel like coming on one of the excursions or joining the rest of the group for dinner one evening then that is absolutely fine. This is an adventure for everyone and there is nothing worse than having to go somewhere/do something that you don’t really fancy!

Feel free to do as much or as little research as you like, some members will know what they would like to visit as soon as they book the trip, Others will just turn up at the airport and have not researched at all. Either is absolutely fine. We all have different ideas as to what constitutes a great time away!

After checking in and having some time to freshen up we will eat out locally at a traditional Portuguese restaurant.

After breakfast today we will explore Olhão’s rich history, culture and fishing traditions on a guided walking tour.

We will begin at Igreja Matriz de Olhão, with its Baroque architecture and religious heritage, and visit the Capela de Nossa Senhora dos Aflitos, a small but deeply symbolic chapel connected to Olhão’s fishing community.

Amble through the town’s iconic markets and Bairro da Barreta, the historic fishermen’s neighbourhood, with its narrow streets and distinctive houses.

This afternoon is free to explore at leisure.

Dinner will be booked at a local traditional restaurant

Today we will discover a truly exclusive route through the Ria Formosa, accessible only via a hidden channel where very few boats can navigate. This unique half day tour will take us through untouched natural landscapes, between islands, calm waters and abundant wildlife, revealing a secret side of the lagoon that most visitors never get to see.

This afternoon is free to explore at leisure.

Dinner will be booked at a local traditional restaurant

Its something a little bit different today and very fitting to the region as we will learn everything we’ve always wanted to know about cork, and things we never even fathomed.

Learn about the process of making and packing cork, then visit the cork shop. See how cork is used in all sorts of ways, and maybe bring home a few souvenirs.

This afternoon is free to explore at leisure.

Dinner will be booked at a local traditional restaurant

Today we will explore the surrounding areas of natural beauty in 4×4 jeeps with our local guide.

Departing from the Cubist town of Olhão, we climb to the highest point in the region, the Cerro de São Miguel, where we can enjoy a fantastic view over the Ria Formosa accompanied by a toast with regional liqueurs and a selection of typical delicacies

We continue through the red soils of Moncarapacho to Viveiros Monterosa, where we will enjoy a guided tasting of different premium olive oils, getting to know the process and the richness of the so-called “liquid gold” up close.

The adventure continues to Pego do Inferno, a wonderful waterfall shrouded in legends and surrounded by lush nature,

We then explore the historic old town of Tavira, one of the most enchanting towns in the Algarve, where we visit Tavira Castle, walk across its iconic Roman bridges, discover historic churches and immerse ourselves in the cultural richness of this ancient town.

We continue along the salt flats route, and pass through the picturesque fishing village of Santa Luzia, known as the octopus capital,

With passionate bilingual guides and a personalised pace, we guarantee an experience rich in stories, landscapes and traditions that reveal the true essence of the Algarve — far from the conventional itineraries.

Dinner will be booked at a local traditional restaurant

Today is a totally free day, We normally can share ideas as to who wants to do what, equally if you want to enjoy some “me time”that it absolutely fine.

Dinner will be booked at a local traditional restaurant.

Today we take the train journey to Olhao ( 25 minutes)  to experience the soul of Portugal with live Fado in a church, followed by traditional tapas and drinks at a local venue, just a 5-minute walk away. A delightful blend of music, culture and local flavours.

This morning we will enjoy a leisurely breakfast before checking out and having the early afternoon to enjoy at leisure before taking our private transfer to the airport for our flight  home.