This tour is self-drive, so it is up to you to decide the dates of departure. We will be here to help!
The company providing the car rental service is Europcar. The car is a Seat Ibiza with air conditioning, or similar.
Itinerary:Arrival to Faro’s airport. After you pick-up the car, drive to Fazenda Nova Country House.
Tavira, an ancient Moorish town that has retained its unique character and heritage.
Visit its streets, wander around the charming “praças” and stop by for a café and a "Dom Rodrigo" typical pastry.
In the afternoon, return to the countryside, to Fazenda Nova and discover its olive oil. You will be escorted through the olival, with an explanation of the history behind this farm house. In the end, you can taste the typical bread from Algarve with the fantastic olive oil produced in Fazenda Nova (bottle of Fazenda Nova Olive oil included).
In the end of the day, enjoy the sunset and taste the local flavours. All ingredients are seasonal and reflect the production of the vegetable garden and the orchard, as well as the trip to the Olhão market that is made daily by the chef.
Sleep in Fazenda Nova Country House.
After breakfast, head to Fuzeta for a 3-hour boat trip, in ria Formosa and, spend some time in Ilha da Armona (30 minutes) and Ilha da Culatra (30 minutes), have more understanding of the protected area of Ria Formosa Natural Park. In your return, try the local restaurant in Fuzeta, a typical fishermen village where you can eat the freshest fish.
In the afternoon head to the countryside again, this time to a different country house, Monte do Álamo. Enjoy the sunset surrounded by olive trees. Sleep in Monte do Álamo.
After breakfast, you will head to Tavira where you will visit the market and then head again to Monte Álamo to prepare a fish "Cataplana" (a traditional recipe from the Algarve). You will also participate in a class to learn how to prepare a dessert made of almond and carob.
You will be invited to share a relaxed meal, having the opportunity to taste the prepared dishes in a beautiful setting. The recipes used in these class are part of the rich and healthy Mediterranean diet, characteristic from the south of Portugal: Alentejo and Algarve. You will learn the recipe's step by step, and participate in all parts of the process, from the selection of the ingredients in the local market and the farm, to the final product and posterior tasting. Using local products, with an excellent quality and the presentation of the meal is also very important, as it will be explained during the class.
In the afternoon, you can enjoy the countryside. Sleep in Monte Álamo.
Today we invite you to discover Cacela Velha and "Praia da Fábrica". Sleep in Praia Verde Boutique Hotel.
You will visit Sal Marim, which produces “Flor de Sal”, artisan sea salt from Castro Marim, harvested by artisan methods dating back to Roman times.
After the guided visit, you will taste this unique salt, together with regional bread and olive oil. In the end, you will get a special gift - Salmarim Natural Blossoms of Sea Salt - Cork Box.
Sleep in Praia Verde Boutique Hotel.
After breakfast, we suggest you to discover Praia Verde. Explore its kilometres and kilometres of walk and wander. Sleep in Praia Verde Boutique Hotel.
After breakfast, take the car to the airport where it will be delivered, and we wish a safe trip back home!