Day 1
Lisbon – Évora (around 140 km)
We set off for a day of discovery in the city of Évora – UNESCO World Heritage –, a mosaic of culture, history and traditions.
Leaving Lisbon behind, we cross the bridge over the Tagus before, within a few kilometres, a pleasant landscape takes shape, dotted with cork oaks, olive groves and vineyards. In the distance, we pass walls before their whiteness tells us we have arrived in Évora.
Here, wander the narrow streets and take the time to savour masterpieces of past eras and the key monuments of Évora: the Roman Temple of Diana, the Romanesque-Gothic Cathedral, the Church of São Francisco and its Chapel of Bones as well as the University.
There is also the chance to explore the deep variety of handicrafts produced across the Alentejo including the renowned pieces in cork, ceramics and copper. Furthermore, take the opportunity to engage and experience the depth and breadth in the ingredients for some of the most defining dishes in the Portuguese gastronomic range.
After lunch, there is free time to better explore the city.
We would suggest a gourmet wine, olive oil and cheese tasting session.
Day 2
Évora – Beja – Silves – Lagos (around 250 km)
After breakfasting in the hotel, there is a period of free time to spend as you wish.
We then later set off for Beja, set amidst a tranquil landscape and the site of our first stop. Beja is dominated by the most imposing medieval castle tower in Portugal.
We then proceed through mountain and valley southwards to the Algarve, where among orange groves, we arrive in Silves for our second stop.
Also standing tall over Silves, perched on the peak of its hill, is its Moorish Castle that combines with the legacy of historical cork industry practices.
After, heading past Praia da Rocha, we arrive at the sea in Lagos.
We shall spend the next two nights here.
Day 3
Lagos – Ponta da Piedade – Sagres – Cabo de São Vicente (around 140 km)
We set off after breakfasting in the hotel, in the direction of Ponta da Piedade, for our first stop. Here, we can admire the amazing rock formations created by sea erosion and the course of time.
We then head onto Sagres, where we make our second stop of the day.
This is the site of the mythical nautical school of Prince Henry the Navigator and here he planned the journeys opening up "worlds to the World ".
In Cabo de São Vicente, the most south westerly point of continental Europe, there are some stunning cliff landscapes.
There is also the opportunity to spend some time in Lagos, a cosmopolitan Algarve city with a marina and fishing port and a great place for some high quality dining, rich in fish and shellfish and almond based sweets.
Part of the afternoon is free for you to enjoy the beauty and the serenity of Lagos beach.
Day 4
Lagos – Setúbal – Serra da Arrábida – Lisbon (around 330 km)
After breakfasting in the hotel and a final admiring view of its coast, we bid farewell to the Algarve and begin our return journey.
We break off for the city of Setúbal, a port and industrial city, located on the left bank of the mouth of the River Sado, with views out onto the fine splendour of Troia peninsula.
We then head onto Serra da Arrábida Natural Park where there is rare vegetation and some unique panoramic scenarios.
We cross one of the bridges over the River Tagus and return to Lisbon where we arrive at our destination.
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