Food Tour of the Algarve - 7 Days

Day 1: Arrive in Olhão, Explore

Welcome to Portugal! Arrive at the Faro Airport, located on the shores of the Ria Formosa Lagoons, one of Portugal's top natural wonders. Transfer to the traditional fishing village Olhão, located 20 minutes, to check in to your accommodation. Go for an afternoon stroll in town or simply relax by the pool. 

Day 2: Algarvian Food Tasting & Cultural Tour

Tour the village to learn about local culture and traditional fishing culture. Visit the market to shop for fresh fruits and vegetables, then head to a typical tasca, a Portuguese tapas restaurant, to sample Algarvian specialties and regional wines. Visit a thousand-year-old cannery to see the ancient practice of canning before spending a relaxed afternoon by the pool or at a streetside café. 

Day 3: Olive Oil Secrets & Regional Sweets Workshop

Visit a local olive oil farm and learn about the history of olive cultivation and the traditional techniques used to produce award-winning olive oil. Walk through the peaceful olive groves, then head back to the tasting room to try different Mediterranean varieties accompanied by a light tapas lunch. 

After lunch, visit the sleepy village of Moncarapacho for a coffee and a stroll around town, then head deeper into the Algarvian countryside to the village of Azinhal to join a pastry chef for their day in the kitchen. Spend the afternoon learning how to prepare traditional Algarvian sweets, sample local delicacies, and enjoy the casual Mediterranean atmosphere.

Day 4: Cruise the Ria Formosa Islands & Seafood Lunch

In the morning, head out onto the water on a private cruise to explore the islands of the Ria Formosa lagoons, one of the Algarve's top natural highlights. Learn about the local wildlife and plants, visit a shellfish farm, and keep an eye out for rare bird species.

Enjoy a lunch of fresh-caught seafood and grilled fish at one of the region's top restaurants, then spend the afternoon exploring sandy beaches and visiting small local fishing villages. 

Day 5: Algarvian Cooking Class in Faro

After a few days of sampling Portugal's best delicacies and learning about traditional harvest and production methods, try your hand at cooking your own three-course meal during a traditional cooking class. A private chef will be on hand to instruct you on techniques as you prepare a traditional Algarvian seafood dish—the Cataplana seafood stew.

Your day will begin at the Faro fish and fruits market as you go shopping with the chef to purchase the fresh ingredients for your meal, then head into the kitchen to begin the day's culinary experience. After enjoying your freshly-prepared lunch, spend a relaxing afternoon shopping or sunbathing on the beach. 

Day 6: Free Day in Olhão

Wake up to the peaceful sounds of the ocean and birds. Spend a lazy morning at the hotel, enjoying a freshly prepared breakfast made with local produce.

Today is a free day to explore. Try the wine-tasting workshop, head out to see wild dolphins or go bird-watching, join a catamaran cruise to visit hidden coves, or relax by the pool in the warm Mediterranean sunshine. 

Day 7: Depart Olhão

Time to say goodbye to the beautiful beaches and unforgettable hospitality of the Algarve. Transfer to the airport for your flight home. Safe travels! 

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