Taste, Cook & Experience the Real Algarve

2 customer reviews

Day 1

Airport Pick up + Hotel check in

As your flight lands at Faro Airport, take in the captivating views of the Ria Formosa lagoons, one of the 7 Natural Wonders of Portugal. Upon arrival, meet your private chauffeur and enjoy a short 20-minute drive to the traditional fishing village of Olhão, where you can experience the authentic daily life of one of the Algarve’s most genuine towns. From there, proceed directly to your chosen accommodation for check-in.

Authentic Guest House

Enjoy a leisurely day at GuestMar, a charming and cosy guesthouse nestled in the historic heart of the city. Take a stroll through the picturesque old town or simply unwind on the beautiful sundeck, offering stunning views over the town.

Overnight: Olhão

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5* Hotel & Spa

Enjoy a leisurely day at the Real Marina 5 Hotel & Spa*, the perfect retreat to unwind from your journey. Take a stroll through the charming old town, or indulge in relaxation at the spa or pool, both offering stunning views of the beautiful Ria Formosa.

Overnight: Olhão

Day 2

Algarvian Food Tasting & Cultural Tour

Explore the cubist fishermen’s village of Olhão on a private guided tour and immerse yourself in its rich culture and captivating legends. Stroll through the iconic fish and fruit markets, filled with vibrant seasonal produce, and meet the charismatic local vendors who bring the market to life.

At lunchtime, wander through the town and dine at traditional “tascas”—authentic Portuguese tapas restaurants—where you’ll savour Algarvian delicacies paired with regional wines. Along your journey, discover the story behind the traditional female garment “Bioco”, and visit a thousand-year-old cannery, a true testament to the town’s enduring traditions.

Included: 9 food tastings, 4 beverages and visits to 3 historic sites

Overnight: Olhão

Meals included: Breakfast, Lunch

Day 3

Olive Oil Secrets & Regional Sweets Workshop

Visit a local olive oil farm and discover the fascinating history and techniques behind their award-winning olive oil. Explore the beautiful olive grove and sample different varieties specially adapted to the Mediterranean climate of the Algarve.

After a traditional lunch in the charming village of Moncarapacho, continue your journey to your next destination. Here, take part in a traditional workshop hosted by a local expert, where you’ll uncover the secrets of Algarvian sweets and become a pastry chef for the day. End the experience by indulging in the delicious sweet treats you’ve created.

Overnight: Olhão

Meals included: Breakfast

Day 4

Ria Formosa Island Wonders

Embark on a private taxi boat and cruise through the enchanting islands of the Ria Formosa lagoons, a hidden gem of the Algarve. Guided by an experienced skipper, you’ll learn about the area’s unique fauna, flora, and fascinating ecosystem. Observe shellfish farms and spot a variety of bird species in their natural habitat.

At lunchtime, savour the freshest seafood and grilled fish, straight from the sea. Your meal will be served at one of the finest restaurants on the islands, complete with drinks, dessert, and coffee.

Discover wild sandy beaches and immerse yourself in the charm of traditional fishing villages. Surrounded by the unspoiled beauty of nature, you’ll find yourself falling even more in love with the Algarve.

Trip includes 3 main islands: Armona, Farol, Culatra

Overnight: Olhão

Meals included: Breakfast, Lunch

Day 5

Algarvian Cooking Class from Market-To-Table in Faro

After days of indulging in Portuguese delicacies and discovering how traditional products are harvested and crafted, it’s time to put your skills to the test by cooking a three-course meal from scratch, featuring one of the Algarve’s most iconic seafood dishes—Cataplana! A private chef will guide you through this hands-on gastronomic experience, culminating in the chance to savour your delicious creations.

Start your day at the famous Faro market, where, alongside the chef, you’ll select the freshest ingredients for your dishes. Learn about the history of the Cataplana, an emblematic seafood specialty of the Algarve. Then, dive into your Cooking Class, preparing and enjoying the delicacies you’ve made under the chef’s expert guidance.

At the end of the session, take home a certificate as a memento of your culinary accomplishment and keep your apron as a cherished souvenir!

Overnight: Olhão

Meals included: Breakfast, Lunch

Day 6

Free Day in Olhão

Wake up to the gentle sound of birds and serene views, and enjoy the soft morning light with a delightful breakfast prepared from fresh local produce.

Today is yours to spend as you wish—whether you choose to relax by the pool or embark on an adventure. Consider activities like a Wine Tasting & Blending Workshop, Wild Dolphin Observation, Birdwatching, or, for something more daring, a Catamaran Cruise to explore hidden caves. The choice is yours to make it a day to remember!

Overnight: Olhão

Meals included: Breakfast

Day 7

Departure

It is time to bid farewell to the stunning Algarve and prepare for your private airport transfer. You leave richer in experiences, emotions, and unforgettable memories that will stay with you for a lifetime. As your flight takes off, relax and look out over the lagoons, feeling grateful for the wonders you’ve discovered. Promise yourself, “I’ll be back.”

Meals included: Breakfast

Book Your Trip

• Activities are subject to changes and can be replaced to a similar one in case of no availability.
• Hotels & room types are subject to availability and to rate changes. In case a particular hotel or room type is fully booked for your desired dates, we will replace it with a hotel/room type of equal or higher value and quality level. Before final confirmation, we will provide you with all the details and the trip price will be adjusted accordingly. The same happens in case a hotel has made adjustment to their rates on your desired dates.

Read Customer Reviews

Christina
Travelling dates 23th-29th April 2019
Taste, Cook & Experience the Real Algarve

"What a great trip! Just WOW. Excellent hotel location, great choice of activities (we loved the cake workshop!) and a high-standard service of transport with private chauffeur. This is really different to any tours we have been on before... It highlights the authenticity of the country and its people and helped us to sense the local daily life and traditions. Iberian Escapes staff was so helpful from start to the end. I would recommend this to anyone who is a foodie and wants to discover the gastronomy of the Algarve."

George
Travelling dates 10th-16th April 2019
Taste, Cook & Experience the Real Algarve

"Far away from canned programme, Iberian Escapes offers authentic foodie experiences, highlighting the fantastic gastronomy and culture of the Algarve. Iberian Escapes performed fantastically well and I am very pleased in my experiences. I gave all 5stars because the team did such an outstanding job in coordinating all the experiences and the changes I´ve asked. Thank you very much for making this trip to Portugal one I will long remember."