Historical Algarve

 

Test your knowledge on Portuguese history as you relieve historic events and visit all the iconic places from the past. This tour is a magical insight to life throughout the ages. Start the tour in the enchanting town of Silves, a place full of history and orange trees. Sitting on the banks of the River Arade, we’ll visit its two main highlights: the castle and the cathedral. Castelo de Silves is the best preserved castle in the Algarve, with 11 towers and covering an area of 12,000m2 it provides incredible views of the surrounding area. Test your knowledge on Portuguese history as you relieve historic events and visit all the iconic places from the past. This tour is a magical insight to life throughout the ages HIGHLIGHTS: * Visit the little town of Silves and see the cathedral and castle * Explore Lagros and stop by the ancient slave market and St Anthony’s church * Look over “the End of the World” and discover Europe’s most powerful lighthouse Start the tour in the enchanting town of Silves, a place full of history and orange trees. Sitting on the banks of the River Arade, we’ll visit its two main highlights: the castle and the cathedral. Castelo de Silves is the best preserved castle in the Algarve, with 11 towers and covering an area of 12,000m2 it provides incredible views of the surrounding area. Sé de Silves, the cathedral, is one of the few remaining gothic architecture structures with an abundance of ancient tombs and narrow little cobbled streets around it that take you back to the town. This is really a charming little visit. After lunch (not included), we’ll journey over to Lagos, a historic and lively city, situated on the Western coast of the Algarve. Famous for its sandy beaches, rich historic center and buzzing nightlife, it has retained its character and charm over the years and is loved by all who visit. Here we’ll make a stop at the church of St. Anthony, recognized as a national monument due to it being the finest church in Portugal. Admire the Baroque masterpiece, full of dramatic paintings, intricate wood carvings and white and blue azulejos. Witness a crucial part of history by visiting Europe’s first ever slave market. Built in 1444, retrace the steps of the first ever Africans imported to Europe to be sold, where they were disrespected and brought in a considerable amount of income to the Portuguese Monarchy. Our last stop will be to the most powerful lighthouse in Europe in the picturesque town of Cape Saint Vincent in a breathtaking spot named “the end of the world.” Explore the Sagres fortress, built to protect the town from North African invaders and with hair-raising panoramic views over the ocean. Such a lovely place to end our tour. Meeting/pick-up point: Outside hotel reception, to be reconfirmed by customer. Duration: 9 hours approx. Start/opening time: At 9am. End/closing time: At 6pm. Languages:English, Portuguese, French, German and Spanish. Others: Entrance fees to the monuments are not included.