Algarve Fishing Boats
Flamingos in Ria Formosa
Saint Sebastian Fortress, Castro Marim
Ria Formosa Islands
Silves
Olive Oil
Tavira
Algarve Pottery
Serra de Monchique
Olhao
Discover the wonders of the Ria Formosa Islands
Experience delicious local cuisine
Stay in Tavira, full of Moorish influence which can be seen in its whitewashed buildings and architecture
Explore the Sapal de Castro Marim and Vila Real de Santo António Nature Reserve
Experience a wonderful contrast of scenery and nature between the coast and the mountains
There is so much more to the Algarve than sun, sea and golf courses. This tour takes you off the beaten path to explore the local cuisine through tours and tastings as well as its wildlife and flora with walks through wetlands and mountain trails.
Our Head of Sales & Marketing, Ellen Walker, has had an enduring love affair with the Algarve for several decades, returning time and again to places that have become second homes to her, as well as developing friendships that have lasted years. She talked about developing a tour here for many years and, last year that thought became a reality. Ellen’s tour will take you off the beaten path to explore the local cuisine through tours and tastings as well as its wildlife and flora with walks through wetlands and mountain trails.
Tavira your base for 7 nights is a charming and picturesque historic town. With its Moorish influenced architecture and labyrinth of cobbled streets it’s the perfect place from which to explore the region and really get to know the Algarve region.
Ellen says “I have been so excited to develop and lead this tour in its inaugural year and have loved introducing our travellers to the ‘real’ Algarve that I know and love so much. I hope you can join me so I may share this special part of Portugal with you and I promise that by the end of the tour, you'll find it hard not to fall in love with the Algarve too, that is a promise!”
Available Departures |
From |
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| 08 - October - 2025 | £ 1895.00 | Travel Info Book Now |
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Provisional Timings London Gatwick Departing: 08th October 2025 at 09:00 Returning: 15th October 2025 at 13:05 |
Day 1: Fly to Faro and transfer to the hotel.
Fly from London Gatwick to Faro Airport where you will be met by your Travel Editions Tour Manager. Transfer to the Vila Gale Hotel in Tavira. There will be a welcome drink and dinner at the hotel in the evening.
Day 2: Tavira.
This morning enjoy a walking tour around Tavira. The town combines two Mediterranean staples: Moorish architecture and a golden sand beach. Here a labyrinth of cobbled streets wind past houses tiled in the traditional Portuguese style and the pace of life flows as gentle as the Gilão River. Lunch will be at a local restaurant. In the afternoon travel by coach to the Tavira Salt Pans where you will walk through the wetlands and learn how table salt has been produced here for more than 2000 years. There will also be a visit to the tuna fish museum and fluvial beach before returning to the hotel.
Day 3: Sao Braz and Moncarapacho.
Today we drive from Tavira to Sao Braz and will have an introduction to the cork route to discover the mysteries of ancient relationship between man and cork oak. Enjoy a Cork Oak tree walk where you can discover the animals, plants and the amazing landscapes of this terrestrial habitat. Learn how Cork is produced, and how the Cork trees are stripped, and all the processes from the acorn to the neck of the bottle and also why this sustainable material with unique characteristics allows the wine to improve its characteristics. There will also be the opportunity to visit the costume museum which lays out the history of the cork industry and its effect on the towns and people of the Algarve. After lunch in a local restaurant, you will visit an olive farm and learn about the art of olive oil production. There will also be chance to taste some of the aromatic olive oil.
Day 4: Serra de Monchique and Silves.
Today travel by coach to Serra de Monchique (Monchique Mountain) that stands high above the sea and is home to some of the most charming walking trails in the Algarve. On this morning’s picturesque walk (approx. 2hrs walking) discover flora and fauna that is quite different to that found on the coast along with magnificent freshwater waterfalls and beautiful views of the surrounding area. Lunch will be at a restaurant in Monchique. Before returning to the hotel there will be a visit to the historic town of Silves with an optional visit to its 12th Century Castle and its Gothic Cathedral (entrance to the Castle and Cathedral payable locally).
Day 5: Tavira.
Today is at leisure for you to relax or explore Tavira further.
Day 6: Ria Formosa Islands.
Start the day in Olhão a picturesque fisherman’s town with its Moorish inspired whitewashed buildings. The harbour opens onto the calm lagoons and waters of the Parque Natural da Ria Formosa, a small group of barrier islands. Embark on a boat tour and cruise among the fascinating islands of the Ria Formosa lagoons, a hidden gem of the Algarve. See local fishermen at work, shellfish farms and enjoy the bird life. Lunch will be a delicious meal of locally caught fish at a restaurant on one of the islands. In the afternoon there will be a guided tour of Olhão and its bustling old quarter. There will be free time before returning to the hotel.
Day 7: Sapal de Castro Marim and Vila Real de Santo António Nature Reserve.
Today’s walk explores Sapal de Castro Marim and Vila Real de Santo António Nature Reserve which was declared a nature reserve in 1975 and covers over 2000 hectares. It is a vast wetland formed by system of marshland, water channels, agricultural fields and bushland. It is home to many migratory birds for nesting and wintering in. Make sure to bring those binoculars. In the afternoon visit the medieval hilltop castle of Castro Marim, once a stronghold of the Knights Templar. Before returning to the hotel explore the fishing town of Vila Real de Santo Antonio, located on the banks on the Guadiana River. This evening there will be a farewell dinner at a local restaurant in Tavira.
Day 8: Tavira and return flight to London Gatwick.
The morning is free before the coach transfer to Faro airport for the flight to London Gatwick.
NB: Exact order of excursions may vary according to local conditions and tour manager's discretion.
Please note the maximum group size on this tour is 25 passengers.
Tour Grading:
This tour is graded as moderate for walking difficulty. There are two slightly more demanding visits, the first to Serra de Monchique where some parts of the walk may be more challenging. The second is to the Medieval castle of Castro Marim which has a steep ascent and descent on uneven cobbles. Both of these can be sat out for anyone who feels they are unable to do them.
INCLUDED
NOT INCLUDED
Vila Gale, Tavira
Located in the heart of the historic town of Tavira, this four-star hotel offers spacious and comfortable rooms, as well as a restaurant, bar, outdoor pool and a health club. All rooms have private en-suite bathrooms as well as TV, free wifi, air-conditioning and hairdryer.
Your guide – Luis Goncalves
Already a firm favourite with Travel Editions’ travellers, your guide to ensure that you get the utmost from your endeavours is local expert, Luis Goncalves. He will be on hand throughout the tour to ensure your wellbeing and explain the flora, fauna, architecture and landscapes that you will encounter each day. Luís was born and raised in the Algarve, and has an emotional connection to the area, its people, its culture, its history and its landscapes. He loves walking, hiking, and birdwatching and exploring the Algarve’s rich fauna and flora. It gives him great pleasure to share his extensive knowledge of the natural world, whilst retaining a keen focus on the history of the region too.
Ellen is a resourceful leader and with Luis, our local guide, looked after our group well. They adapted our itinerary suitably when it was disrupted by heavy rain - for example, we were pleased to visit Faro. The Fado event (Tavira) was suggested by Ellen - it was excellent - we suggest booking it for the whole group in future. Luis has the gift of communicating on a wide range of subjects, including the environment. In the locations we were shown how to identify birdlife, understand the cork oak forest and carob trees, saltpans and the plants. - many memorable moments. The last evening's farewell dinner was very special and was much appreciated. Thank you for this holiday.
Review by Anonymous who travelled 06-October-2024
Travel Editions feedback:
We are delighted that the tour was such a success, and you enjoyed it so much. We have considered including the Fado event but appreciate it is not always to everyone’s taste although it is an important part of Portuguese culture, so are very pleased you enjoyed it.
The holiday was excellent - just spoiled by low cloud on Wednesday and heavy rainfall on the Thursday - unusual for the Algarve. Thank you to Ellen and Luis, who entertained us so well - even when the weather was wet! We caught our plane home with minutes to spare as BA were so slow at check in. In future I would suggest that more time is allowed at Faro airport to avoid this anxiety.
Review by Spencer who travelled 06-October-2024
Travel Editions feedback:
We are very pleased you enjoyed the tour. The delays you experienced at check in at Faro on the return were unusual, and we understand that there was systems issue which caused this.
Review by Anonymous who travelled 06-October-2024
The local guide was so knowledgeable and the trip to the cork forest was the highlight as we had no idea how Cork was collected and used. Ellen was so helpful and made everything so easy for us. We were particularly grateful that she tried to keep us dry and visiting Faro was amazing with all the history that we would never have seen.
Review by Rushton who travelled 06-October-2024
Travel Editions feedback:
Thank you so much for your feedback and we are delighted you enjoyed it. We are pleased that the decision to go to Faro seems to have been popular and delighted that the cork oak forest was the highlight.
This was an excellent tour, one of our best. We thoroughly enjoyed the varied lunch and dinner experiences, as well as the range of included sightseeing tours. Ellen, our tour manager, steered the group efficiently and patiently, with a warm sense of humour. She coped admirably with last minute changes in itinerary because of the wet weather. Luis, our local guide, seemed to have an encyclopaedic knowledge, and added enormously to the enjoyment of the trip.
Review by Rathband who travelled 06-October-2024
Travel Editions feedback:
Thank you so much for your feedback and we are very pleased you enjoyed the tour so much.
A fascinating week looking at aspects of the Algarve which many people are unlikely to see. Luis was the "star of the show" - highly knowledgeable about so many things - flora, fauna and history.
Review by Rees who travelled 21-April-2024
Travel Editions feedback:
Thank you so much for your comments, they are very much appreciated, and we are delighted that you enjoyed the tour. We hope to see you again soon.
We were particularly impressed by the the Tour Manager and the Guide - first class
Review by Anonymous who travelled 21-April-2024
Travel Editions feedback:
Thank you so much for your comments and we are delighted that you enjoyed the tour. We hope to see you again soon.
A very enjoyable and very interesting holiday. Tavira is a lovely town and the hotel was in a good position
Review by Brown who travelled 21-April-2024
Travel Editions feedback:
Thank you so much for your feedback and we are delighted that you enjoyed the tour. We hope to see you again soon.
With Ellen as our friendly and very efficient tour manager, and local guide Luis leading all our tours, we were in excellent hands. Luis was wonderfully knowledgeable on birds and flowers, great at explaining historical matters; and a highlight was his talk on cork production, and visit to cork oak trees. He also led us on a delightful walk from the highest point of the Algarve, and, during a boat trip, explained all the fishing techniques we were seeing. It was a well constructed tour, and with first-rate leadership.
Review by Turnbull who travelled 21-April-2024
Travel Editions feedback:
Thank you so much for your feedback and we are delighted that the tour was such a success and you enjoyed it so much. We hope to see you again soon.
Tavira was a good base. The hotel was comfortable and we valued having a swimming pool as the weather was so hot. The inclusive meals were a great introduction to Algarve cuisine. The final meal was devastatingly good! Outings were varied and interesting. Only the one to the site of the tuna-fishing village was rather disappointing. Luis was an excellent guide, very knowledgeable and enthusiastic. Not all the outings were quite what we expected – eg the walk in the National Park was advertised as 7.5km long but in fact it was a slow bird-watching walk, possibly around 3km. We were both happy with the outing as it turned out – it’s just that it wasn’t what we expected! Ellen’s knowledge and experience were invaluable, and her willingness to adjust plans to cater for unexpected circumstances and the needs of individuals made the holiday run very smoothly. We were with a very friendly, supportive group of fellow-travellers which always helps a holiday along.
Review by McBrayne who travelled 07-October-2023
Loved the variety and the staff who travelled with us. Was impressed at the consideration shown to a mixed group, enabling everyone to join in and enjoy themselves. Small details were important, such as the inclusion of a marine biologist on the boat journey, which was my favourite. Ellen’s choice of restaurants was superb, some of the best food we have eaten on an organised tour. Go and see for yourself. Lorraine Hellen
Review by Hellen who travelled 07-October-2023
We were disappointed not to go to a pottery, and that some trips were curtailed (we’d hoped to do more walking) or shortened because some of the group were not up to the walking. Also I understand it was a bit hot, but we felt we had missed out on a couple of sights. I’m pleased to see that 2024’s Tour is described as not suitable for those with walking difficulties. However, Ellen and Luis were wonderful and we did very much enjoy the tour. The lunch and dinner restaurants were excellent. Maybe the hotel was a little too large, but good.
Review by Clarkson who travelled 07-October-2023
A most enjoyable tour. Less strenuous than we were led to believe, which was no bad thing, especially as it was so hot! Ellen and Luis ran the trip very well.
Review by Winter who travelled 07-October-2023
Excellent local guide. Good food. Varied activities. But hotel too large. Some of the town walks not that interesting. Some of the group members could not walk at a normal pace so two major walks were curtailed.
Review by Anonymous who travelled 07-October-2023
Tavira is a lovely town with a river and a short boat ride to a beautiful beach. The Tour provided lunches so evenings were free to experience the multitude of restaurants in the town which was ideal. As a female solo traveler I felt totally safe. The hotel was central. The trip to Sao Braz and Moncarapacho and the day on the Ria Formosa Islands were my favourites. Ellen, the Tour Leader, was excellent and the Local Guide, Luis, very knowledgeable and enthusiastic about his home region. There were 19 on the Tour and about half had varying degrees of mobility issues which slowed down a lot of the walking.
Review by Hogan who travelled 07-October-2023
Fascinating trips, all so different, and a wonderful local guide, Luis Gonçales.
Review by Foster who travelled 07-October-2023
Difficult to describe, in the brochure, the hotel that was a reconstruction of the tuna fishing community. Much more interesting that the brochure description led me to believe.. Good variety of days out. Food was very good. My overall enjoyment enhanced by the great group of participants. Ist evening and lunches enabled the group to gell and mix. This was missing with the Nice Festival (Feb) as the timing was such that we were more or less' on our own' for the first couple of days or so.
Review by Anonymous who travelled 16-April-2023
Our holiday was blessed with a lovely group of fellow travellers, perfect weather and an excellent hotel in a very attractive town. Ellen, our Tour Leader was first class and our local guide Luis was engaging and passionate about his subject. We didn't walk quite as much as I had anticipated and one walk was somewhat perilous underfoot, particularly in its descent. We roamed around some gorgeous little villages and had some exceptional visits - the olive farm tour and tasting stands out. Our day on the Ria Formosa lagoon was fabulous. The organised meals were memorable. In summary, an excellent addition to the Travel Editions portfolio. Ann Wittering.
Review by Wittering who travelled 16-April-2023
10/10 Gold Star
Review by Anonymous who travelled 16-April-2023
Excellent tour overall and great value, well lead with the addition of a very knowledgeable and personable local guide. The standard of coach and drivers was exceptional. It’s worth mentioning that the walk on the Cero de Cabeca trail is rocky and loose in places underfoot and the descent has steep steps. The trip to Monchique had spectacular views and it would have been nice to have had more time at the top. In all a well organised trip with excellent standards of lunch meals and a spectacular farewell dinner!
Review by Cox who travelled 16-April-2023
We were the inaugural group of 20 travellers on this tour, but you would never have known, it ran like clockwork thanks to the tour manager Ellen Walker and our Portuguese guide . It was a wonderful snapshot of times past and also championed the flora ,fauna wildlife & landscapes of this beautiful area of the Algarve. The food venues were well chosen,with carefully thought out menus and all the offerings were of good quality. The hotel in Tavira was a mix of classic moorish and modern day amenities, in an excellent position within walking distance of both old and new towns. Our coach and driver were a welcome sight after a day of exploring, it was clean and very comfortable. The itinerary was varied and interesting and really did reflect the feel of the Authentic Algarve .
Review by Hilliard who travelled 16-April-2023
