Carvoeiro and Silves Premium - Shared small group > VTours Algarve
Description
Join us on a real guided tour, with a friendly, passionate, professional, knowledgeable guide, that will guide you thru the natural beauties and interesting history of the Algarve. Cruise the Algarve on board of a luxury, comfortable and cozy vehicle. More than a Tour, an Experience!
Tour Options
Itinerary
Not far from Carvoeiro old town we find the hidden Algar Seco, with its naturally carved pool, opened to the Atlantic, also has a jumping area from the sandstone cliffs to the ocean, with steps carved in the rocks to get back to land. While exploring the area, if you pay attention you can spot fossil shells on the walls of the cliffs. A true wonder of nature carved for hundreds of years by the wind, rain and waves, with spectacular views.
Just on the side of Algar Seco we go thru "A Boneca" short tunnel carved on the cliff that opens and lights ups to a small room with two windows with the ocean view. This famous rock formation known as “The Doll", is a rock shaped like an inverted cone which looks like a doll when seen from the sea, where the two windows resemble the eyes. The view from this cave is absolutely spectacular and it will help you understand why Algar Seco is one of the most beautiful areas on Portugal.
The Carvoeiro boardwalk is a wonderful cliff top walk that leads to the Nossa Senhora da Encarnação fort. This ten minute short walk is along an elevated wooden pathway, which skirts the top of the cliffs and offers gorgeous views over the coastline. You can find signs along the way explaining the fauna and flora that is possible to spot in the area.
The boardwalk ends at the main entrance of the fort with the chapel, both are sitting on top of the hill, that overlooks the beach of Carvoeiro. Religious and military functions shared this space. The church already existed when, in 1675, the defensive military device was built here, in the form of an irregular polygon, possibly in the place where a watchtower would have existed.
From the fort we start descending, stopping right after at the view point which overlooks the beach and the old town. Here it is possible to admire the typical Algarve construtions and take pictures. Next we get to the old town where usually you get 30 minutes by yourselves to walk freely, you can go to the beach and also explore the old town, go shopping for souvenirs. Then it is time for lunch, at a typical Portuguese restaurant not far from the old town.
We do a quick stop at a view point that overlooks the Arade river, the farms, the city and the mighty castle on top of the hill, take a few photos. Also some explanation about the history of Silves castle. Then we go to Silves old town, to visit the castle.
Built on top of a hill, the imposing Silves Castle is Roman in origin, but it was the Arabs who built the magnificent castle we see today, between the 8th and 13th centuries. We will enter the castle and walk around the patrol route on top of the castle walls. We will visit the remains from the period of Muslim occupation on the inside of the castle, in particular a silo which was used for storing cereals and a cistern covered by a vault seated on five semi-circular arches. Silves Castle is the best example of Arab military architecture in Portugal.
In 1266, work began to build Silves Cathedral on the site of a former mosque. The cathedral is built in Gothic style and the high altar was rebuilt in Manueline style after the 1755 earthquake. We will walk by the cathedral, you can take photos.
Highlights
What's included
Pickup Locations & Times
We will pick you up at 09h30 where you are staying within the pick up geographic area assigned for this tour (between Faro and Portimão), send the address and the name of Hotel/Bnb/Hostel. Bring hat, sunglasses, sunscreen, comfortable shoes and clothes.
Traveller Ratings
Important Information
- Specialized infant seats are available
- Service animals allowed
- Public transportation options are available nearby
- Infants and small children can ride in a pram or stroller
- Suitable for all physical fitness levels
Reviews(13)
What a wonderful way to get to experience and learn about algarve! We had a wonderful guided tour through some coastal cities. Got to see and 1000 year old castle, had lunch at a lovely beach town and finished the day with a stop to see the caves at the beach. Breathtaking! The caves were definitely the highlight for everyone involved. Pedro was great at taking pictures and creating memorable moments. It took a lot of stress off to not worry about capturing the moments knowing you are in good hands and you’ll get some good pictures. You can just enjoy the experience.
We had a fantastic day with Pedro. We spent a full day with him touring the Algarve. He was very knowledgeable, accommodating and very cheerful. He is a great photographer so we enjoyed all the expert pictures he took throughout the day. Our day included the Eco-Cork Factory, Silves, Loulé and some sea side walks. We highly recommend him if you are looking to do a private tour.
Pedro was a fantastic guide. We had a full day filled with informational and beautiful stops. Pedro takes the time to take many pictures and provides them free of charge. His car is upscale and clean and Pedro is very knowledgeable of the area and the information he provided . This was a friend’s trip and we had the best time. With many memories to cherish for the future.
We had a great day out with Pedro, he collected us from our apartment and tailored the trip to our needs. We went to Silves first in the cool of the morning, looked around while Pedro guided us through the town and around the castle. We went for lunch in a lovely local restaurant that we would never have found ourselves. In the afternoon we went to Carvoeiro and Pedro was really knowledgeable about the history of the area. We saw places we never would have known to visit on our own. If you’re visiting the Algarve we’d highly recommend booking a tour with Pedro.
Pedro provided an amazing day showing some of the highlights the Algarve has to offer. The day started with a pick up at the hotel I was staying at in Faro. There was some high surf and high wind advisorys the day we toured so Pedro had some alternatives in mind as the itinerary slightly changes and those did not disappoint. The hikes in the morning to various picturesque points along the cliffs and down stairs closer to waves crashing on rocks were just breath taking. Aftrer lunch the drive out to Silves to see the castle was in itself a treat. Seeing the arab architecture was so unique as you don't expect that in the Algarve.
This tour includes the amazing boardwalk at Carvoeiro with its truly fabulous views. Pedro is a very knowledgeable guide and provides great historical insights into this beautiful area of Portugal. Silves Castle provides a panoramic view of the town and is definitely worth visiting. We would definitely recommend this tour and will certainly book a tour with this company, as Pedro is a great guide and went out of his way to ensure that we had a good time.
Great tour. Was the highlight of our trip. Pedro was very knowledgeable and professional. The whole family had fun. Pedro took a lot of pictures for us. Best tour in Portugal.
Our family of six enjoyed a wonderful day touring the Algarve with Pedro and VTours. Pedro picked us up at our hotel in Lagos. His van is high end and accommodated our group comfortably with room to spare. Pedro is full of knowledge, providing so much insights about the history of the region. The sights were beautiful and everything was so authentic. Highly recommend Pedro for his expertise.
What an amazing day!! Pedro was awesome! He showed us the beautiful Carvoeiro & Silves. Kept us entertained, engaged and gave us a history lesson. A memorable experience. 100% recommend.
This trip gave you coast and country. We enjoyed breathtaking views of the ocean, amazing caves, hill top villages……. Pedro knew all the best vantage points, the best places for lunch, for wine tasting, etc. We really enjoyed our day out with Pedro and will be booking him on our next visit to Algarve.
Thank you so much Joan, i also loved spending those days with you guys. See you next time
