Skip to content
The old bridge over the river in Tavira

Private day tourEastern Algarve Private Tour: Faro, Tavira and the Ria Formosa

8h, from 07:00
Up to 16 people
Your hotel anywhere in the Algarve
Free cancellation, 24h

The quiet half of the Algarve: Faro’s walled old town, the lagoons of the Ria Formosa, the clifftop village of Cacela Velha, and Tavira on both banks of its river.

The day

Less coast road, more towns and water. The east is flatter and calmer than the west.

07:00

Your hotel

Collected anywhere in the Algarve. The times here are from Vilamoura.

08:00

Faro old town

Through the Arco da Vila into the walled town, to the cathedral square and the Chapel of Bones at Carmo.
Chapel entrance not included

09:45

The Ria Formosa

A lagoon of channels, salt pans and barrier islands protected as a natural park. Boats go out to the islands from Faro and Olhão.
Boat trip not included

12:00

Tavira, and lunch

Whitewashed houses on both sides of the Gilão, the old bridge between them, and the castle garden above. Lunch by the river.

13:45

Cacela Velha

A tiny village on a cliff above the lagoon, with a fort, a church and one of the best views in the Algarve.

15:00

Back to your hotel

In the afternoon.

The old bridge over the river in Tavira
The old bridge over the river in Tavira
Houses along the river in Tavira
Houses along the river in Tavira
Tavira at sunset
Tavira at sunset

Photos by Richard James on Unsplash

In the price

  • Private vehicle and driver for the whole day
  • Fuel, tolls and parking
  • Itinerary changed on the day

Not in the price

Boat trips on the Ria Formosa, entrances and lunch are not included.

Before you book

Tides
Cacela Velha is best at low tide, when you can walk out across the sandbank.
Spain
The border is half an hour beyond Tavira. Seville is possible as a separate, longer day.
Start time
Starts at 07:00, every day. Every tour is customisable: a different start time, extra stops, more time where you like it, or a longer day. Tell us when you book.
Language
Guided in English. Other languages on request, if we have notice.
Cancellation
Free up to 24 hours before, refunded in full.

Questions

Yes. The tour is private, and the price depends on how many of you travel, starting from €240. Choose the number of people when you book.

Yes. We can drop you at the jetty in Olhão or Faro and collect you when you are back.

Yes. Our Benagil, Lagos and Sagres day covers the west.

Two vehicles travelling together, on one booking. Message us and we will price it.

Yes. Every tour is customisable: a different start time, extra stops, more time where you like it, or a longer day. Tell us when you book.

Message us and we'll move it if we can — we work with several drivers, so there is usually room. More than 24 hours ahead costs nothing.

More in Portugal

Not sure which to pick? Read our guide to private tours in the Algarve

from €240 Up to 16 people, 8h