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_w=4994_h=3329.jpg?v=202412060931 "White buildings with purple flowers growing on them in the streets of Tavira, Algarve, Portugal")
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_w=5760_h=3840.jpg?v=202412060931 "Boats docked alongside river near row of buildings, Tavira, Portugal")
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_w=4000_h=3000.jpg?v=202412060931 "Female walkers descending footpath with trees growing either side, Algarve, Portugal")
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_w=2304_h=3456.jpg?v=202412060931 "Blue and grey tiled house with woman walking past, Tavira, Algarve, Portugal")
_w=3264_h=2448.jpg?v=202412060931 "Ramble Worldwide walking holiday group of walkers strolling along sandy beach on Tavira Island, Algarve, Portugal")
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_w=4032_h=3024.jpg?v=202412060931 "Beach at Santa Luizia and Salt Pans, Tavira, Algarve, Portugal")
_w=5760_h=3840.jpg?v=202412060931 "Small boat docked with houses in background reflecting golden glow onto calm waters, Tavira, Portugal")
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_w=3045_h=2174.jpg?v=202412060931 "Sailers on docked boat in Tavira with distant buildings reflecting in calm water, Portugal")
_w=4288_h=2848.jpg?v=202412060931 "Group of walkers sat in shade of trees enjoying lunch, Algarve, Portugal")
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_w=4288_h=2848.jpg?v=202412060931 "Group of ramble worldwide walkers ascending hill on the Via Algarviana walking route with shrub-covered hills in background, Algarve, Portugal")
_w=3024_h=2195.jpg?v=202412060931 "Boat ride to Tavira Island depicting blue sky and waters with small boats floating in distance, Algarve, Portugal")
_w=1440_h=1080.jpg?v=202412060931 "Sandy golden beach with clear blue skies, Tavira island, Portugal")
_w=4032_h=3024.jpg?v=202412060931 "High view of Tavira Salt Pans with meandering pathways below in Santa Luizia, Portugal")
_w=3024_h=2513.jpg?v=202412060931 "Giant knitted orange displayed in cobblestone street of Silves, Algarve, Portugal")
Tavira, Pearl Of The Algarve
8 Days Starting and ending in Faro, Portugal
Visiting: Tavira, São Brás de Alportel, Algarve, Faro
Tour operator:
Guide Type:
Fully Guided
Group size:
10 - 16
Age range:
12-99
Tour operated in:
EnglishTrip Styles:
Interests:
Activities:
Tour Overview
If you are looking at this one week holiday why not make your stay two weeks by joining us on Algarve Odyssey.
The scent of orange groves and pine trees accompanies you as you stroll along ancient paths fringed with abundant wild flowers, to a viewpoint where you can rest and drink in beautiful scenery and the silence.
Tavira straddles the Rio Gilão as it meets the Atlantic Ocean and flows into the shallows of the offshore Ria Formosa Natural Park. Tavira itself is, to say the least, is a very charming town. The ancient Ponta Romana spans the Rio Gilao, separating the two sides of the town. Narrow streets lead between whitewashed buildings, decorated with colourful Arab style tiles, flower filled balconies and painted strips of blue and yellow decorating door and window frames. Keep an eye out at the individual door knockers on every building, influenced by Moorish design and were once believed to protect the house from evil spirits. At the centre lies the lovely Praca da Republica, bordered by trees, fountains and restaurants. A short boat ride across the turquoise sea takes you to tranquil Tavira Island, a beautiful oasis in which to sit back and watch the world go by. Enjoy walking to Tavira's local restaurants for dinner, giving you the opportunity to sample the wonderful Portuguese cuisine and wines.Â
Trails take you to Tavira Island in the Natural Park, taking in one of the most beautiful beaches in the world, and to pretty coastal villages such as Santa Luiza, Cabanas and Cacela Velha. Inland wind your way between hills and valleys to the low peak of Zimbral, with some rewarding views. Ancient trails take you past farms, through an intricate patchwork of orange groves, olive and carob orchards. Sometimes you'll walk beside rivers; other times amongst the pines and cork oaks. Throughout the season, immerse yourself in the ever-changing spectacle of beautiful flowers, creating a truly enchanting experience.
Highlights
Itinerary
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Day 1 : Welcome To Tavira
Location: Tavira
Accommodation Name: Maria Nova Lounge Hotel
Meals Included: Dinner
Fly from the UK to Faro, on Portugal's beautiful Algarve. A private coach transfer takes you along the coast to the hotel in Tavira. Depending on flight arrival times, there may have an orientation walk of the town before dinner at a local restaurant.
Day 2 : Zimbral And Fonte Salgada
Accommodation Name: Maria Nova Lounge Hotel
Meals Included: Breakfast & Dinner
The itinerary is expected to follow the daily schedule outlined below but please bear in mind that the order of the days may be amended, or walks substituted, due to weather conditions, attraction opening times, public transport timetables or changes beyond our control.
Walks
Distance: 9.5 miles
Time: 5 hours
Ascent: 200
Descent: 400
Today's delightful walk traverses expansive rolling hills that unveil spectacular views, allowing a tremendous appreciation for the region. Wander through captivating villages, each with its own unique charm, and descend to conclude your day in a serene valley adorned with flourishing orange and lemon trees. Immerse yourself in the picturesque landscapes, allowing the unfolding scenery to captivate your senses. miles
Day 3 : Santa Luzia And Tavira Island
Location: Tavira
Accommodation Name: Maria Nova Lounge Hotel
Meals Included: Breakfast & Dinner
Walks
Distance: 9.5 miles
Time: 4 hours
Ascent: 300
Descent: 300
Today's remarkably varied walk leads you through Tavira's ancient salt pans, steeped in history dating back thousands of years. Continue to the picturesque fishing village of Santa Luzia, renowned for its glorious waterfront.Â
After a well deserved coffee break, take a short boat ride across  to the beautiful Tavira Island, where you have the chance to stroll along the island's beach, an expanse of golden sand and sparkling blue waters that many consider among the world's finest. Revel in the beauty of the coastal landscape before catching the ferry back to Tavira. miles
Day 4 : S. Bras Do Alportel
Location: São Brás de Alportel
Accommodation Name: Maria Nova Lounge Hotel
Meals Included: Breakfast & Dinner
Walks
Distance: 8.5 miles
Time: 4 hours
Ascent: 350
Descent: 300
Travel inland to the ancient town of S. Bras do Alportel, the heart of the Algarve's cork production. You'll notice cork trees with sections cut and removed for cork production. The walk unfolds amidst wooded hillsides and lush rolling valleys. Take time to explore the charming narrow streets of the old town. Here you'll find local carob and almond cakes, which are the stars of the show! miles
Day 5 : Santa Catarina, Mesquita And Bengado
Location: Algarve
Accommodation Name: Maria Nova Lounge Hotel
Meals Included: Breakfast & Dinner
Walks
Distance: 8.5 miles
Time: 3.5 hours
Ascent: 350
Descent: 300
Follow a picturesque trail, much of it marked by the titled route "Routes and Crossroads to the Fountain." This intricately woven mix of paths and tracks leads you through wild open hillsides, revealing the untouched beauty of nature. Traverse intimate small holdings and experience the charm of quintessential Algarve hamlets along the way. miles
Day 6 : Free Day
Location: Tavira
Accommodation Name: Maria Nova Lounge Hotel
Meals Included: Breakfast & Dinner
There will be a free day during your week in Tavira. Your group leader will confirm which day is best based on the walking programme, it can change during the season.Â
On your free day you will be able to have more time to explore Tavira, perhaps take the water taxi over to Tavira island for a day at the beach. Maybe take the train into Faro or perhaps visit Vila Real, on the border with Spain.Â
Tavira's cobbled streets, cafes, shops museums, churches and castle are good to visit or you may also want to take a boat trip.Â
The hotel offers an indoor and outdoor swimming pool as well as a spa, so maybe just sit back and relax at the hotel!
Walks
Distance: 7.5 miles
Ascent: 200
Descent: 300
Day 7 : Santa Catarina, Ceramicas And Pego Do Inferno
Location: Algarve
Accommodation Name: Maria Nova Lounge Hotel
Meals Included: Breakfast & Dinner
Walks
Distance: 8 miles
Time: 7.5 hours
Ascent: 200
Descent: 300
Your last day is spend enjoying an inland walk through one of the most beautiful and interesting valleys in the Algarve. Santa Catarina is one of the centres for the production of carob, almond, fig, olive oil and medronho and the surrounding countryside reflects this. Notice the tiny brick and tile works that line the path, whose hand-made craft dates back to before Roman times. miles
Day 8 : Departure Day
Location: Faro
Meals Included: Breakfast
Say goodbye to beautiful Tavira and transfer to Faro Airport for the return flight to the UK.
What's Included
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Airport Transfer
A private coach transfer from Faro Airport to the hotel in Tavira is included.
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Accommodation
Accommodation at Maria Nova Lounge Hotel is included for the duration of the tour.
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Meals
Breakfast and dinner are included daily during the tour.
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Guided Walks
Guided walks through various scenic and historical locations in the Algarve are included.
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Boat Ride
A short boat ride to Tavira Island is included on Day 3.
What's Not Included
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Lunch
Lunch is not included in the tour package.
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Personal Expenses
Personal expenses such as souvenirs, additional activities, and tips are not included.
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Travel Insurance
Travel insurance is not included and should be arranged separately by the traveler.
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Optional Activities
Optional activities on the free day, such as boat trips or visits to other towns, are not included.
Mode of Transport
Travel from the UK to Faro, Portugal, with a private coach transfer along the coast to your hotel in Tavira. Enjoy convenient transportation throughout the tour, including a short boat ride to Tavira Island and a ferry back to Tavira.
Accommodation
Stay at the Maria Nova Lounge Hotel in Tavira, offering comfortable accommodations with access to indoor and outdoor swimming pools and a spa. Enjoy a relaxing atmosphere after a day of exploring the beautiful Algarve region.
Check out our Q&As
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What type of accommodation is provided during the tour?
The tour includes accommodation at the Maria Nova Lounge Hotel in Tavira, which offers comfortable rooms with access to indoor and outdoor swimming pools and a spa.
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Are meals included in the tour package?
Yes, breakfast and dinner are included daily during the tour. However, lunch is not included.
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Is transportation provided during the tour?
Yes, transportation is provided, including a private coach transfer from Faro Airport to the hotel in Tavira and a short boat ride to Tavira Island.
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What activities are included in the tour?
The tour includes guided walks through various scenic and historical locations in the Algarve, a boat ride to Tavira Island, and a free day to explore Tavira or nearby areas.
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What can I do on the free day during the tour?
On the free day, you can explore Tavira further, take a water taxi to Tavira Island for a beach day, visit Faro or Vila Real, or relax at the hotel using its swimming pools and spa facilities.
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What is the main focus of the walks during the tour?
The walks focus on exploring the natural beauty and cultural heritage of the Algarve, including rolling hills, ancient salt pans, fishing villages, and historic towns known for cork production.
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What documents will I receive before I travel?
Once you have paid your deposit, and all of the elements of your holiday are confirmed, we will provide a Confirmation of Booking and Invoice Pack. The confirmation of booking confirms your holiday arrangements, any special requests, and the balance due date. Please take the time to check this document carefully and please let us know immediately if there are any inaccuracies. As part of this pack, you’ll also receive a Holiday Information Sheet with more detail about your holiday. We will send reminder(s) for any missing details, which are important for your booking, so please update us as soon as you can. A MONTH BEFORE DEPARTURE Now’s the time to really start looking forward to your holiday, and 3-4 weeks before departure we’ll send out any updated information relating to your trip, including any local information. If you have any questions regarding your holiday arrangements, please get in touch with us. THREE WEEKS BEFORE DEPARTURE We aim to send out your Travel Documents and joining instructions 3 weeks before departure, please take the time to read through these documents and note your up-to-date flight schedules (if/where relevant), check-in times, and luggage allowance.
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What happens if I need to change my holiday date once I’ve booked?
You may be able to change your dates. Please refer to Section 5 of our Booking Conditions for more details or message us for assistance. Note that charges and limitations may apply.
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Do I need to have travel insurance?
It’s a condition of booking that you obtain adequate travel insurance, from a reputable provider, to undertake the holiday, including UK trips chiefly due to the cancellation element of cover. The policy must cover the period from the date of booking to the last day of your trip and should include, as a minimum, cover for: medical expenses (including the consequences of a Covid positive test result), mountain rescue including helicopter rescue, death, repatriation, cancellation and curtailment and shall not have exclusion clauses limiting cover for the activities you will partake in on your trip, including altitudes reached in the holiday arrangement. It is your responsibility to check that your policy is adequate for the nature and destination of the holiday booked. Once you have obtained your travel insurance, please provide us with the name of your travel insurer, the policy number and the insurer’s 24 hour emergency assistance number. In the event that you fail to obtain suitable Travel Insurance we shall not be liable for any costs incurred or claims made against us due to your failure to comply with this term. If travelling outside the UK you must carry proof of insurance with you and produce it if reasonably requested to do so by Ramble Worldwide staff, tour leaders or suppliers. No refunds will be made should you be excluded from the walking programme through being uninsured or you being unable to demonstrate that you are insured.
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Low Deposit
Ramble Worldwide requires a minimum deposit of 350 GBP per person or the full booking value, whichever is less, with the final balance not due until 98 days before departure.
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Cancellation Policy
We don't charge a cancellation fee, here is a summary of ramble worldwide charges.
Up to 71 days before tour starts: Forfeit 100% of deposit.
At 70 days before tour starts: Forfeit 30% of booking price.
At 56 days before tour starts: Forfeit 50% of booking price.
At 42 days before tour starts: Forfeit 80% of booking price.
At 14 days before tour starts: Forfeit 100% of booking price.
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