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Half Day Historical Tour to Silves and Monchique: Discover Moorish Influences and Landscapes
4.6
25 Ratings
Albufeira
Immerse yourself in the rich history and stunning landscapes of the Algarve with a half-day historical tour to Silves and Monchique. Explore the Moorish influences at Silves Castle and enjoy the scenic beauty of Caldas de Monchique and Foia de Monchique.
Duration:
4 hours
Cancellation:
1 day
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Highlights
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Silves - Visit the city of Silves, the former Moorish capital. Al-Shilb was the city of Silves during Muslim rule.
After several attempts to win back the city from the Muslims, only in 1242, D. Paio Peres Correia finally won it back to the Portuguese.
In Silves we will have the opportunity to visit the Castle and its Cathedral. - Castelo de Silves - Castelo de Silves most beautiful example of Islamic military architecture in the country.
The first fortifications built at the Castle of Silves may have originated in the Roman period.
- Silves Cathedral - Visit the former cathedral site, this may have been built on the site of an ancient mosque. Mostly built in the 15th century and classified as a national monument in 1922. Magnificent place where we can enjoy history.
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Caldas de Monchique - Visiting the Monchique thermal springs are located in the interior of the western Algarve. The place is recognized since the time of the Roman Empire.
The Monchique hot springs are fed by sources, providing super alkaline water, with a pH of 9.5. - Capela de Santa Teresa - In the same place we can see the Chapel of Santa Teresa, better known as Chapel or Chapel of Caldas de Monchique, was built in 1940.
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Mount Foia - Visit to Serra de Monchique is a mountain range in the west of the Algarve, whose highest point, Foia, with 902 m altitude is the highest in the Algarve.
Where we can see the magnificent panoramic landscape of the mountains. Great place for photos and enjoy nature. - Monchique - Visit to Vila de Monchique, in the center of two great mountains. Monchique enters history with the presence of the Romans in Caldas de Monchique. Traditional Algarvian village since 1773, where we can see its regional architecture.
What's Included
- On-board WiFi
- Knowledgeable Driver/Guide
- Comfortable in-vehicle air conditioning
- Convenient hotel pickup and drop-off in Albufeira
What's Not Included
- Entrance to the Castle of Silves - €2.80 per person
Additional Information
Explore the traces of Moorish culture as you tour the city of Silves and its 11th-century castle, a remarkable Moorish stronghold in the Algarve region.
Additionally, the trip includes a delightful stopover at Caldas de Monchique, known for its therapeutic waters and stunning scenery. The journey advances to the apex of Algarve, Foia de Monchique, standing tall at 902 meters, offering a panoramic perspective of the whole Algarve.
Location
Albufeira
Depart from your Hotel or location in Albufeira.
If you are outside the Albufeira area we can arrange a meeting point in Albufeira.
Cancellation Policy
For a full refund, cancel at least 24 hours before the scheduled departure time.
Customer Ratings
4.6
(25 Ratings)
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Fatoumata_s
May 22, 2024
Fun!!! - The guide was very nice, kind, and with a strong knowlege.
Always with the smiling, we spent a nice day with sergio.
Stay as u are.
Review provided by Viator
Peterji5223ri
Apr 16, 2024
Great Sierra trip - We took jeep tour into the Monchique Sierra using the side and logging roads [Nature Tours ?]. Fabulous.
Pristine forest, isolated farmhouses and homes, olive and cork orchards, yellow and white [Esteva] flowered bushes everywhere.
Steep winding roads up to Monchique and then to the top [3000 feet] where there is a NATO com centre and a 360 degree panorama to the coast and the sierra.
Review provided by Tripadvisor
Adrian_d
Mar 9, 2024
Lovely tour with a great guide - We had a great tour with Sergio .. he made the tour so interesting . He was so friendly , funny and informative . The villages were pretty and set high in the mountains . Unfortunately the view was spoiled by the cloudy weather . I loved seeing the storks and their large nests high on the telegraph poles .
Review provided by Viator
Loretta_g
Sep 15, 2023
A good trip - Thi is a very interesting trip. Wonderful views. Available and nice guide. Punctuality. Tour really to recommend.
Review provided by Viator
Amy_j
Jun 8, 2023
Wonderful Day Trip - Breath taking views of Slives Castle, Storks nesting and tending their young. Friendly knowledgable tour guide who made you feel comfortable.
Review provided by Viator
Jorge_n
Apr 7, 2023
Great! - Very nice trip. Sergio was very knowledgeable and easy to understand. We definitely recommend it. We had just the right time at every stop to enjoy it.
Review provided by Viator
Chanel_h
Mar 10, 2023
Great Tour! Would Do It Again - Loved the tour! Sergio (I hope I spelled it correctly) was really nice and gave us a great tour of the villages and the mountains. Would absolutely do it again!
Review provided by Viator
Suzannegale1977
Feb 9, 2023
Stunningly beautiful - Fantastic trip to Silves, the castle was €1.62 to enter, mainly ruins, but still worth the visit. Monchique is a pretty village with cafes & the scenery up the mountain is calming & beautiful. Pack a cardi, it was chilly up the top.
Review provided by Tripadvisor
Ambassador303803
Jan 5, 2023
Great trip - Sergio our guide was fabulous! The trip was beautiful we learned a lot about the history of and nature in the area
Review provided by Tripadvisor
Tina_b
Sep 9, 2023
Traumatic experience! - Absolutely horrendous trip. Its was all going fine until the drive home. Our driver fell asleep at the wheel and crossed the road into on coming traffic. We had to wake him in a panic to get onto our own side avoiding an accident. We asked him was he ok, was he falling asleep. He said he was fine. He continued to veer to the left for the whole trip back on the motorway crossing the line and then pulling back into his own lane. He also pulled out in front of car. We got out once we were within walking distance of our hotel. The tour company issued a full refund when we contacted them, which we appreciate but have not contacted us since offering any explanation for what happened. To say we were traumatised is an understatement.
Review provided by Viator
