Lively Adventures of Portugal Tour: Island Getaway to Cultural Hallmarks

To see the Algarve and its surrounding coastal beauty, you will set off across the water from the pearly shoreline within kayaks this morning after breakfast. As you gently paddle across the glittery water of the Ponta da Piedade, its distinct geological features will come into view, soaring above you 20-meters tall and washed in golden colors. Spectacular in every respect, this unspoiled coastline will dazzle you as you whisk past the giant formations to hideaway caves carved into their yellow precipes.

More seaside marvels lay just off the shore for you to discover during your dreamy beach retreat in the Algarve, and today you will hop in a kayak for another riveting paddle across the tranquil water, only this time to the mesmerizing Benagil Cave. As you approach the rocky cavern, you will notice two large openings in the cliff, where you will slowly enter to find a sandy beach concealed within. Light will flood the cavernous beach from a massive opening in the roof of the rocks, enveloping you in warm sunshine while you pan across the stunning scenery.

Algarve’s appeal lies not only on the glistening beaches that fringe its monstrous rocky cliffs but beyond the seaboard towards the countryside where quaint villages have stationed themselves far from the tourist crowds. Today, you will capture the Algarve in all its glory as you soar into the sky on a hot air balloon and enjoy panoramic views of the region. Rolling emerald hills, flowered plateaus, and orange groves will present themselves as you hover overhead, composing a marvelous image of Portugal you will be delighted to capture from these heights.

Today, you will leave the mainland of Portugal and set course for Madeira Island, soon arriving on its spectacular shores and transferring to your accommodation in Funchal. Being the largest city on the Madeira archipelago, Funchal is bursting with energy and overflowing with cultural discoveries you will be thrilled to experience during your stay on the bustling island. From decadent wines produced in the viridian valleys nearby to century-old gothic architecture dominating its districts, Funchal will sweep you away from the get-go.

The majesty of Funchal lies beyond the borders of the city, within the untouched forests and concealed coastal beaches that wrap across the region. Today, you will embrace these wilderness havens on horseback as you follow a guide closely and ride through the Laurissilva forest. Slowly trotting along the pathways weaving through the forest, the sounds of birdsong will fill the air and you will catch glimpses of creatures going about their days from within and beneath the olive-green canopy, where you will stumble upon colossal archaic trees dressed in moss.

Levada is a Portuguese word referring to the gently sloping waterway channels that were created in the 16th-century to carry water through the country. These impressive innovations played a pivotal role in the lives of these Portuguese settlers and are, to this day, a stunning symbol of the country’s past. Those responsible for the creation of these channels were part of the Levadeiro professional network, and today you will delve into the history of this craft as well as witness the coveted constructs during a guided Levada tour.

Funchal is a gateway into nature and, today, you will explore more of the region’s unending wilderness beauty during a thrilling canyoning experience in the nearby forest. Joined by an experienced guide and equipped with the highest quality safety gear, you will leap from cliffs where waterfalls gush over the mossy rocks and slide down sloping rock slides as you course through the forested wonderland. All the while, the chorus of crickets and melodies of birds will ring through the canopy and soundtrack your adventurous day in the forest.

Tuck into breakfast as the sunshine envelops Madeira Island in golden light before packing your belongings and heading to the airport, where you will catch a flight headed for Portugal’s capital city, Lisbon. A cityscape painted in pastel colors and steeped in heritage spotlighted by castles and old-world architecture, Lisbon is a culturally rich destination you will be charmed by as you spend your final few days discovering more about the country’s history. Shortly after arriving, you may begin this unraveling by indulging in traditional Portuguese cuisine on a gastronomy tour leading through the famous food markets.

Today, you will be whisked away through the city to experience life like a local in the buzzing Lisbon neighborhoods and uncover the history that shrouds these ancient districts. Your tour will lead you through Alfama, Graça, and Mouraria, to sites such as the Belém Tower and Jerónimos Monastery. Each iconic landmark will introduce you to the rich heritage that underpins the Portuguese capital while sharing remarkable photo opportunities alongside the distinct architectural styles and gorgeous cityscape views. This evening, awaken your senses as you prepare Portuguese dishes alongside a spirited chef during a cooking class.

Escape to the Mountain of the Moon, Sintra, on a tour leading you through the Romantic Era and showcasing the marvelous wonders created in the city by visionaries of the time. Rising to the summit of Sintra Mountain, you will be besotted by the stately Romantic charm of the gorgeously designed Pena Palace and cherish sweeping vistas of the city below. Your tour will continue down the mountain, and you will venture back to Lisbon where you will tuck into a traditional meal prepared at a Fado, a type of Portuguese music house for an intimate end to your vacation.

As the morning sunshine rises above the horizon, Lisbon’s pastel-colored skyline will dance in the light as shopkeepers open their stores and light up their grills. From the moment the sun is up, Lisbon comes to life and you may lose yourself in the spirited atmosphere after enjoying a breakfast of your own at your accommodation. You will soon be collected by your private transfer and taken to the international airport, so you may make the most of your final minutes in Portugal this morning before you depart.