Escorted Tours
Christmas in Portugal Tour
A festive highlight in our collection of Christmas tours is this enchanting tour, crafted by our resident Portuguese expert, Ellen Walker, who has celebrated many Christmases in the Algarve.
Based in Faro, the historic and vibrant regional capital, this unique tour leads you beyond the usual attractions to discover the hidden charms of the region.
With its mild winter climate, averaging six hours of sunshine a day even in December, this delightful tour promises a warm and memorable holiday experience.
From
£2,395
per person
what’s included
At A Glance
Meet Your Expert TOUR GUIDE
Ellen Walker
Ellen Walker is Travel Editions’ Head of Sales & Marketing and a passionate Portugal specialist. After almost four decades in travel and countless visits to the country, she has developed an intimate knowledge of its landscapes, culture, cuisine and people.
Portugal is Ellen’s second home, and her longstanding relationships with local suppliers have grown into lasting friendships. She has created several Travel Editions itineraries, including Portugal Uncovered, Hidden Portugal and the Authentic Algarve, designed to reveal places beyond the familiar tourist routes. Ellen also acts as tour manager on many departures, sharing her warmth, experience and enthusiasm with travellers throughout.
itinerary & excursions
Your Itinerary
Explore this incredible tour in detail and discover what makes each day so special. Below, you’ll find a full day-by-day breakdown of your journey, from the moment you arrive to your final farewell. Learn more about the highlights you’ll experience, the unforgettable places you’ll visit, and the unique moments that bring each destination to life. Whether you’re drawn by rich history, stunning landscapes or unforgettable cultural encounters, this itinerary gives you everything you need to picture your adventure and look forward to every step of the way.
Day 1: Fly from Gatwick to Faro
Fly from Gatwick to Faro and transfer to hotel in the city centre for seven-night stay. This afternoon enjoy a walking tour of Faro Old Town. Welcome drink and dinner with wine.
Day 2: Tavira & Cacela Velha
This morning enjoy a walking tour around Tavira. The town combines two Mediterranean staples: Moorish architecture and a golden sand beach. Here a labyrinth of cobbled streets wind past houses tiled in the traditional Portuguese style and the pace of life flows as gentle as the Gilão River.
Lunch will be at a local restaurant. In the afternoon travel by coach to pretty, whitewashed, hilltop village of Cacela Velha, which offers lovely views of the easternmost lagoon of the Ria Formosa.
Day 3: Loulé Rocksalt Mines & Quinta da Tor Vineyard
In the Campina de Cima rock salt mine, beneath the city of Loulé, lies a giant labyrinth. The four-levelled maze dug by miners over the last 50 years is rich in salt. Now, this underground Pombaline town offers visitors an unusual, entertaining and educational experience. Learn about the life and legacy of Saint Barbara, the miner’s patron, through an engaging artistic exhibition inside the mine.
Then to the Quinta da Tôr vineyard to enjoy a tour, wine-tasting and tapas lunch.
Please note: The underground path covers some 1.4km so may be unsuitable for those with walking difficulties.
Day 4: Lagos, Cape St Vicente – the “End of the World” and Sagres with lunch
We start the day in Lagos, an historic city situated on the beautiful Western Algarve coastline. One of the most popular tourist destinations in the Algarve, it has retained its charm and character, with cobbled streets lined with whitewashed buildings.
Then to Cape St Vicente, the south-westernmost point of Portugal and Europe, heading out into the Atlantic, topped with a dramatic lighthouse. It is often referred to as “the end of the world.”
The nearby village of Sagres has a fort, harbour, local beaches and a host of appealing restaurants, where we will include lunch.
Day 5: Faro, Free Day to Explore the City
Christmas Eve is free to explore the lovely city of Faro, capital of the Algarve region and overlooked by the vast majority of tourists who flock to its airport and on to other destinations up and down the coast. It is their great loss, as it is a charming, historic and cultural city with a wealth of attractions including an atmospheric old town with Gothic Cathedral, Paco Episcopal Palace and decorative Arco da Vila gateway.
Festive dinner with wine at the hotel and option to attend Midnight mass in the glorious Se Cathedral.
Day 6: Christmas Day
With festive lunch at a local restaurant including wine. The temperate Algarve climate will mean that you can enjoy working up an appetite for Christmas Day lunch with a Christmas morning walk either around the marina and old city or even head to Faro beach.
Day 7: Ria Formosa Boat Cruise and fishing port of Olhão
The harbour opens onto the calm lagoons and waters of the Parque Natural da Ria Formosa, a small group of barrier islands. Embark on a boat tour and cruise among the fascinating islands of the Ria Formosa lagoons, a hidden gem of the Algarve. See local fishermen at work, shellfish farms and enjoy the bird life.
In the afternoon there will be a guided tour of Olhão, a picturesque fisherman’s town with Moorish inspired whitewashed buildings and bustling old quarter. There will be free time before returning to the hotel with time to freshen up before our farewell dinner at the Vila Adentro restaurant inside the Roman Walls.
Day 8: Return flight to Gatwick
Transfer to the airport for return flight to Gatwick.
our guests say
Recent reviews
“This was my tenth trip with Travel Editions, so I had high expectations, and it certainly didn’t disappoint! Every aspect of the holiday was enjoyable, from the fascinating salt mine visit (apparently beneficial for my asthma) to exploring the lively market in Loulé and enjoying the fresh orange juice straight from the abundant local groves. The local guide, Luis, was superb, his knowledge of Portuguese culture, history, and even the vehicle registration system is incomparable. Tour Manager Ellen also deserves high praise; her passion for Portugal was evident throughout. The extra Fado evening was a delightful cultural treat, and the mix of people in the group made the experience even more enjoyable.”
Joel Kosminsky, December 2025
“The Fado evening was a standout experience on our holiday, full of atmosphere and Portuguese charm. The boat trip along the coast was equally enjoyable, offering beautiful views and a relaxing way to take in the scenery.”
Mr M, December 2025
“Going down the salt mine in a lift, nose-to-nose with five strangers, was certainly an unforgettable highlight of the trip! While Faro itself offered little to do, a visit to the nearby town of Olhão proved very attractive and well worth exploring.”
Stewart Roberts, December 2025
“The Fado night was excellent, with great entertainment and a wonderful restaurant atmosphere that made it truly memorable. Travel Editions provide excellent customer service: pick up the phone and make arrangements, very easy and efficient.”
Phillip Wright, December 2025
“Highlights of our holiday included the impromptu ferry trip to Ria Praia from Faro, the salt mine visit, the vineyard tour with tasting, and the excellent museum at Cape St. Vincent. Ellen was an outstanding Tour Manager, going above and beyond to ensure everyone’s wellbeing, and Luis was an extremely knowledgeable and personable guide, whose insights added great value to the trip.”
Mr P, December 2025
Availability
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HOTELS
Tour Accommodation
AP Eva Senses Hotel, Faro
Modern, four-star hotel overlooking the marina and Ria Formosa in the heart of the city, just 600m from the Se Cathedral. Facilities here include rooftop bar, restaurant and very comfortable bedrooms with all modern amenities.
Hotel Website
our regular tours
Mobility Information
This tour has a moderate fitness rating, reflecting a fuller itinerary with a good balance of visits, walking and time spent exploring on foot.
Some visits may involve cobbled streets, uneven paving, slopes, steps, stairs, limited seating, or walking from the coach drop-off point to the entrance of a site or attraction. The exact demands will vary from day to day, and we highlight specific practical details within the itinerary wherever possible.
You should feel comfortable walking at a steady group pace, standing during visits and enjoying a full day of sightseeing.
If you are unsure whether this tour is right for you, please contact us before booking.
Your questions answered
Tour FAQ
If you have a question, we are more than happy to answer it via email or phone, but you may find your answer below more quickly.
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Industry-leading guides, some since day one, who speak local languages and have detailed knowledge.
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