A private, two-day tour from Lisbon through the Algarve, with an English- and Portuguese-speaking driver-guide and a vehicle just for your group. Day one crosses to the eastern Algarve; day two covers the western coast, including a boat trip to the Benagil sea cave, before returning to Lisbon.
Pickup is anywhere in the greater Lisbon area, at no extra charge — just share your hotel name and address when you book. The overnight stay between the two days isn't included, so you're free to choose your own hotel — staying somewhere between Vilamoura and Albufeira tends to fit the two days best.
Trip Highlights at a Glance
- Two days, one night on the coast (accommodation not included)
- Day 1: the eastern Algarve, Vila Real de Santo António, Cacela Velha and Faro
- Day 2: the western coast, the Seven Hanging Valleys cliffs at Algar Seco, the Benagil sea cave boat trip and Ponta da Piedade
- Pickup anywhere in the Greater Lisbon area, at no extra charge
Duca has been running private multi-day tours across Portugal since 2003, and this Lisbon-to-Algarve route is one we drive often, so we know realistic timings for the road, when the Benagil boat trips run, and which coastal towns are worth the stop.
Itinerary
Day 1 — Lisbon to the Eastern Algarve
Vila Real de Santo António
After about three hours on the road, our first stop in the Algarve is Vila Real de Santo António. Several of its buildings date back to the time of the Marquês de Pombal, the same statesman who planned downtown Lisbon, and the town is known for its shops selling Portuguese towels.
Show mapAltura
A short stop at one of the Algarve's beaches, just to get a first look at the coast. If you'd like, it's a good spot for your first swim of the trip.
Show mapCacela Velha
One of the best-preserved coastal villages in the Algarve, with views over the Ria Formosa and a history that goes back to the Moorish period.
Show mapFaro
We'll walk through the old town of Faro, the Algarve's capital, before continuing on to your city for the night.
Show mapOvernight on the coast
Albufeira sits on the central stretch of the south coast, with plenty of restaurants and hotels — an easy base for the night, with the beach or an evening stroll close by. We usually suggest somewhere between Vilamoura and Albufeira for a bit more variety. Let us know after booking if you'd like suggestions.
Day 2 — Cliffs, Caves and the Way Back
Algar Seco
We start the day with a short walk along the Seven Hanging Valleys cliffs at Algar Seco. Among the rock formations is a small, man-made cave with a double window that's become a popular photo spot, and further along, natural arches and pillars shaped by the sea.
Show mapCarvoeiro
Once a small fishing village, Carvoeiro is now one of the best-known towns on this stretch of coast.
Show mapBoat departure in Portimão
We board the boat here for the trip out to the sea caves, including the well-known Benagil Cave.
Show mapBenagil Cave
Benagil is one of several sea caves we'll visit on the boat trip, which runs 75 to 90 minutes in total. The boat is shared with other guests.
Show mapPonta da Piedade
Near Lagos, a stretch of coast known for its limestone cliffs and rock formations, with small beaches tucked between them.
Show mapDona Ana Beach
Dona Ana has been named one of the most beautiful beaches in the world more than once. Between Praia da Rocha and Dona Ana there are several beaches worth a stop if you'd like to relax for a while.
Show mapThe Return to Lisbon
If there's still daylight, you can choose the way back: the west coast road, which is slower but scenic, or the highway, which gets you to Lisbon sooner. It's up to you, depending on how much time you have left in the day.
What's included?
- Private transportation in an air-conditioned vehicle for both days
- A dedicated driver-guide
- WiFi on board
- Bottled water
- Shared boat trip to the Benagil sea cave
- Insurance required by the Portuguese Tourism Board
Exclusions
- Accommodation
- Meals
Please note
Pickup is anywhere in the Greater Lisbon area, at no extra charge — just share your hotel name and address when you book, and if it isn't listed we'll sort it out afterward. An infant seat can be provided on request; by law, infants can't travel on laps, so let us know the ages when you book. The vehicle isn't wheelchair- or stroller-accessible, and it isn't set up for pets. Several of the stops on this route have no public transport nearby, so the tour relies on the private vehicle throughout both days.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is this a private tour?
The vehicle, driver-guide and pickup are private, just for your group. The boat trip out to the Benagil Cave is shared with other guests.
Where do you pick us up?
Anywhere in the greater Lisbon area — just give us your hotel name and address when you book. There's no extra charge for pickup.
What about the overnight stay between the two days?
It isn't included, so you're free to book your own hotel. We usually suggest somewhere between Vilamoura and Albufeira for a bit more variety — write to us after booking if you'd like suggestions.
How long is the boat trip to the Benagil Cave?
Between 75 and 90 minutes, sharing the boat with other guests.
Can we bring an infant?
Yes — just let us know the ages when you book, since infants can't travel on laps by law. We'll bring a proper seat.
Is the vehicle wheelchair accessible?
No, the vehicle isn't wheelchair- or stroller-accessible, and it isn't set up for pets.
How much free time do we have at each stop?
It varies by stop. Vila Real de Santo António, Cacela Velha and Faro on day one, and Algar Seco and Carvoeiro on day two, are short walking stops of 20 to 40 minutes. The Benagil boat trip runs 75 to 90 minutes. Your driver-guide keeps the day moving so both days stay within daylight hours, but the pace is yours to set within that.
What happens if the sea is too rough for the Benagil boat trip?
The boat trip depends on sea conditions on the day. If it can't run safely, we'll let you know and adjust the day's plan on the ground rather than skip the stop without explanation.
