Description:

Full day of discovery and history to the town of Silves, in Moorish times the capital of the Algarve; visit the castle which affords magnificent views over the surrounding countryside. The red-toned brick contrast seems to gleam in the sunshine and the sense of living history is palpable. There is time to visit the impressive Gothic cathedral and to wander the narrow streets and alleys. We then continue our ascent into the Monchique Mountains, a haven of green undulating hillsides, majestic cork trees and pungent eucalyptus groves. At the spa village of Caldas de Monchique one can partake of the natural spring waters, claimed to have fantastic medicinal properties. The village is tiny, but its buildings and surrounding areas are very beautiful and perfect for a leisurely stroll. Following the winding road to the highest point in the Algarve - Fóia, standing at 902m above sea-level. The views here are dramatic and the air incredibly pure. Downhill then from Foia, crossing the countryside and stopping in the small village of Marmelete where you have time to enjoy lunch in one of the local restaurants (included). After lunch we go straight to the Costa Vicentina, to visit some magnificent beaches to take some excellent pictures. Then it’s on to the ‘end of the world’ – the town of Sagres – famous home to Prince Henry’s School of Navigation. At Cape St. Vincent (Europe’s most south western point) a tiny lighthouse perches atop the cliffs, where one may marvel the vastness of the landscape.