Lagos and Sagres Premium - Shared small group > VTours Algarve
Description
Join us on a real guided tour, with a friendly, passionate, professional, knowledgeable guide, that will guide you thru the natural beauties and interesting history of the Algarve. Cruise the Algarve on board of a luxury, confortable and cozy vehicle. More than a Tour, an Experience!
Tour Options
Itinerary
Drive by the statue with an explanation about the protector of Lagos city.
The cliffs of the Ponta da Piedade headland is one of the finest natural beauties of the Algarve. This dramatic sandstone coastline is formed of sea pillars, fragile rock arches and hidden grottos, all of which have been chiselled-out by savage winter storms. The headland can only be described as stunning.
The fortress was built in the 16th century in order to protect the coast from the frequent attacks by Moorish pirates. It stands on the site of an earlier medieval convent, which have housed the mortal remains of São Vicente (St Vincent). It is a military construction with a polygonal floor plan, with a gateway crowned by the royal shield and which once had a drawbridge. Inside the fortress can be seen the lighthouse of São Vicente which was built in 1904 and is still in operation today, also the stunning view of the cliffs and the Atlantic ocean.
Usually we have lunch in Sagres. It is home to the most impressive landscape in the Algarve. The force of nature is so strong in this south-westerly tip of continental Europe that visitors will soon understand why ancient settlers deemed it sacred, how it lured 15th century Portuguese explorers to set sail into the unknown and how it has managed to retain its original striking beauty. Sagres history has been defined by its geographic location and the stunning landscape of the Sagres and Cape St. Vincent promontories. The lands end fell of these 50 meter high headlands dropping dramatically into the sea were a constant source of mystery and attraction to the region’s successive settlers as the various traces of their presence show. The most influential figure in Sagres history was Henry the Navigator, who found inspiration here to embark on his exploratory journeys, bringing fame to the region and leading to the creation of the town of Vila do Infante. Under his guidance, the area became a hub of maritime activity as cartographers, astronomers and mariners congregated, caravels were built and the exploration of the coast of Africa began.
Usually we have a nice walk by the Marina, over the river draw bridge, along the river side, feeling the cool breeze from the Atlantic. We have the change to purchase some souvenirs by the river or old town.
Lagos is a dynamic and active city, which is justifiably proud of its past and possesses a very rich and well preserved patrimony. The region of Lagos has a long history linking it to the sea. Its original name, Lacobriga, reflects the fact that the first inhabitants of this port, in roughly 2000 years BC, were of Celtic origin. After them came the Phoenicians, Greeks and Carthaginians, but it was the Romans that brought growth and prosperity to the town. The Moors built walls around Lagos in the 10th century. The 15th century was the golden age for the town of Lagos, with its immediate involvement in the period of the Discoveries. Due to the port’s location, directly across from Africa, it became the major point of departure and arrival for the ships that, year after year, set sail in discovery of that continent.
Henry the Navigator founded the school in Sagres, where the navigators could learn more about sailing. He had update elaborated maps, went to get famous cartographers, navigators, geographers and naval builders to bundle all this information with the news brought by the arriving sailors. He made sure each expedition learned with the previous and motivated them to use navigation instruments, such as the sea compass, the astrolabe and the quadrant that helped determine latitude.
Enter and appreciate this simple church built in the 15th century, with a rectangular layout, single nave, and elevated main chapel, baptistery and high choir. The high altar is painted in a surprising manner - with luminous colors and biblical scenes.
Highlights
What's included
Pickup Locations & Times
We will pick you up at 09h30 where you are staying within the pick up geographic area assigned for this tour (between Faro and Lagos), send the address and the name of Hotel/Hostel/BNB. Bring hat, sunglasses, sunscreen, comfortable shoes and clothes.
Traveller Ratings
Important Information
- Infants and small children can ride in a pram or stroller
- Service animals allowed
- Public transportation options are available nearby
- Specialized infant seats are available
- Suitable for all physical fitness levels
Reviews(61)
Very friendly, knowledgeable and courteous guide. Visited the locations as advertised and spent appropriate time at each. Transportation was very comfortable adding significantly to the experience.
My husband and I were thrilled with Pedro of VTours as our guide. His knowledge of Lagos, Sagres, and Cape St. Vincent was truly exceptional. From the dramatic beach rock formations in Lagos to Sagres then to wind swept Cape St. Vincent (“the end of the world”) were all breath taking. He made an excellent recommendations, including a lunch stop at a rooftop restaurant with sweeping ocean views and great food. Ending the day with a stop at a well known bakery in old town Lagos. A truly enjoyable day!!
Professional, Perfect Pedro, Pedro picked us up from our Villa in Carvoeiro in his large Mercedes people carrier. It was very well kept and sparkling inside. We had the pleasure of meeting Cynthia and Mark from Pensylvannia. Pedro took us on a day of pleasure. His knowledge of the area Sagres and Lagos was excellent. He is a very charming and intelligent young man with many talents ! Our stop off at Sagres was met with a mist that meant our view was like Scots mist- just like home ! The meal we had in Sagres was the ‘best’ my sisters prawns were deemed delicious! I loved Lagos and would like to return another time. The whole day was just first class. Pedro is totally perfect and I would seriously book should you be in the area. I wish Pedro every success for the future and wish him well. Kathryn, Pat, Mo and Anne. 😎
Pedro provided us with the most memorable and exciting day ever! He is knowledgeable, interesting and fun. He expertly guided us to the most wonderful and picturesque spots in the Algarve. His commentary throughout the day was as enchanting as the scenery. His recommendations were spot on all day long! I recommend Pedro very highly; we will tour with him again!
Pedro is a superb guide, knowledgable, considerate, engaging and thorough. We had a private tour for just two passengers, travelling in comfort and style in his beautiful BMW, visiting key sites along the extraordinary Algarve coastline west of our hotel in Villamoura and reaching ‘the end of the world’ - as far south west as one may travel in mainland Europe. We had a delicious lunch at Sagres, overlooking the harbour followed by a delightful guided tour of the old town area of Lagos - fascinating and lovely. Pedro provided multiple bottles of refreshingly cold water, took great photos and answered a million questions with expertise, wit and enthusiasm. Pedro’s love of the Algarve shines through every part of the tour - we could not have wished for a better guide. He kindly added a brief stop at a local supermarket, as we did not have our own car, and even recommended some great value local wines. An unforgettable experience!
Our tour guide Pedro was awesome! It was just my boyfriend and I on this tour. Pedro was really knowledgeable and showed us the best locations. The views were gorgeous and he knew all the best viewing spots at each stop. Conversations during the tour were great. I highly recommend him and this tour.
A great personable, knowledgeable guide Very engaging The day was great. Pedro really helped us appreciate and enjoy the area Highly recommend
I don’t even know where to begin when I tell you this was the most amazing two days with Pedro!! He picked us up in a impeccably clean vehicle, kept us hydrated with water the whole trip, and was extremely informative about every detail that involved each town we visited and made sure we didn’t miss anything! He is extremely polite and professional, and never misses a beat with his fantastic photography! We never felt rushed whatsoever, and he took so much time pointing out the coolest and beautiful parts of the coastal towns we visited ❤️ I would highly recommend Pedro if you’re looking for a fantastic experience with VIP treatment!!! We absolutely loved every minute with Pedro, and we were sad we didn’t have more time to spend him. He offers many different types of tours, and I promise you won’t be disappointed! We Love you Pedro!!!🥰
This is a trip you want to go on to see the coastal sites on the southeastern part of Algarve. Pedro, our guide is a wealth of knowledge about the areas including the history of the places we saw. It’s a pleasant and easy way of seeing amazing cliffs, beaches, Sagres, ‘the end of the world’ most southern point of Europe and Cabo da Roca, the most eastern point of Portugal where also saw surfers. We had authentic Portuguese dishes at a Micheline rated restaurant for lunch and walked around the town of Lagos, stopping at a local bakery and liquor store where we had a sip of cherry liqueur in a chocolate cup which is a staple in Portugal. We were never rushed and Pedro answered all our questions and made us feel like we were not tourists. The ride was comfortable in his clean new van. We highly recommend this tour and we’d do it again!
Pedro was an excellent guide, he knew all the best locations for the best photographs. We now have so many beautiful photos to help us remember our trip to Lagos and Sagres. Pedro is knowledgeable, courteous and professional. We highly recommend this tour.
