FARO & THE DESERT ISLAND
Departure from your Hotel by bus towards Faro, the Capital of the Algarve to visit the old town with a walk through the streets that huddle in the shade of the city walls, the whitewashed houses surrounded by the walls of the town dating back to Moorish and medieval times; the vestiges of the past can still be seen in churches and museums, the outline of noble residences bear witness to Faro’s splendor in centuries past; narrow streets of whitewashed houses that recall the town’s Moorish heritage: these are among the sights to be savored on a walk around the old town of Faro, a city where there is lots to see, to enjoy and to remember. The harbor is situated in the old town; here the group will meet the boat to proceed for a ride of 40 minutes along Ria Formosa, an extensive lagoon system protected from the sea by beaches and dunes. The catamaran will take the group to Ilha Deserta, which is a sandy island surrounded by the clean and crystal waters, both belonging to the Atlantic Ocean and Ria Formosa. Once the group arrives to the island there will be free time to sunbathing and swim, then lunch will be served in the only existing restaurant, which offers a wide variety of fresh fish dishes from the Ria Formosa and the Algarve.
Return to the Hotel in the Afternoon.
Duration: Full Day
Date: 6th October 2012 / 12th October 2012
Price: Euro 72,00 / per person
Including: Entrance fee at the Cathedral, boat ride in the Lagoon area and lunch (3 Course menu, drinks not included)
HISTORICAL TOUR TO LAGOS & SAGRES
Depart from the Hotel and drive along the coastal area of the Algarve. The West Coast offers dunes framed by inspiring cliffs that shelter golden-sandy beaches.
Visit Lagos, which is a bustling town full of activity and history. The monuments and architecture, which take us, back to the many different peoples who have settled here and to the many maritime adventure which have started in Lagos' impressive natural harbour. During the walking guided tour you will be able to visit the Golden Church of Saint Anthony, the Museum, the old walls of the Castle and the slave market building.
The nearby beaches are among the best in the region and the rocky headland of Ponta da Piedade is outstandingly beautiful.
After lunch, continue to Sagres, situated in the Southwest Alentejo and Costa Vicentina Natural Park. To the Romans this location was known as "Promontorium Sacrum - the end of the world where the waters of the ocean boil at sunset". Today, this small town is close to the most south-western point of Europe known as Cape St. Vincent.
Duration: Full Day
Date: 7th October 2012 / 13th October
Price: Euro 57,00 / per person
Including: Entrance fee at Saint Antony Church and lunch (3 course menu, drinks not included)
CULTURAL VISIT TO TAVIRA
Depart from the Hotel towards Tavira, which is a picturesque and ancient town, famous for its architecture: Admire the so many churches and convents, the houses and the bridges. Explore the oldest part of the town; visit the walls of the castle and the church of Santa Maria. The Church of Santa Maria do Castelo is the central church of the city and contains an array of beautiful and intriguing features dating back from the 13th Century when it was built. It was built as a Gothic Church on the site of a previous Moorish mosque and holds the remains of Dom Paio Peres Correia and 6 of his knights after they expelled the Moors from the land.
The visit ends at the roman bridge, which is one of the most emblematic monuments of the city, and where the group can have some time for shopping.
Stop for tea and taste the traditional pastry produced in this town.
Duration: from 09:00 to 13:00 Hrs
Date: 6th October 2012 / 12th October
Price: Euro 30,00 / per person
Including: Entrance fee at Saint Mary Church
Tea and traditional pastry
HISTORICAL TOUR TO SILVES
Depart from the hotel in a modern coach for an escorted tour to the inland of the Algarve. Arrive in Silves, which is a charming town situated on the banks of the River Arade, the town was once the capital of the whole district and that was still referred to in the 19th Century as the “Kingdom of the Algarve”. So much history is attached to Silves and its surrounding area. Once the group arrives to Silves they will be guided through the old town where the most important monuments are situated: The Castle, the Cathedral and the cross of Portugal.
The Castle is the best preserved castle in the Algarve. It was probably built, on the site of late Roman or Visigoth fortifications from the 4th/5th centuries, during the Moorish occupation, which started around 715, and was part of the city walls that surrounded the town.
The Cathedral is situated in a lovely square; this monument is considered the most important gothic monument in the Algarve. The origins of the monument are still unknown. Some documents refer that in 1189, when Silves was taken by the Christian troops to the Moors, the Cathedral was built over the ancient Mosque.
The Archeology Museum was build in order to incorporate an important water reservoir that dates back to the 12th and 13th century, from the Almoade period. The collections in the museum include Roman remains and artifacts.
Duration: Half Day
Date: 7th / 13th October 2012
Price: Euro 30,00 / per person
Including: Entrance fee at the Cathedral, Castle and Museum
WINE TOUR
Wine production is a big tradition in Portugal dating back to thousands of years ago. Several invading cultures gave their input in the evolution of the Portuguese wine of today. In recent years the Algarve has gained market acceptance for some excellent wines which started to become known by wine enthusiasts.
The Algarvian wines with focus of the wine from Lagoa have always been popular within Portugal as the region has geographical advantages like few other areas in Portugal. The southerly location with an average sunshine of more than 3.000 hours per year develops a special micro climate assisted by the sea on one side and the mountains of the Serra of Monchique on the other side. While the mountains protect against the cold winds from the north, they establish also the basis for a kind of south-facing amphitheatre, guaranteeing a perfect climate for a perfect wine with a well defined fruity taste, higher alcohol levels and lower acidity contents.
Depart from the Hotel towards the country side of the Algarve, the journey is very interesting as you will be driven through little villages and farms, arrive at one of the best wineries in the Algarve. Meet the wine experts and learn all about the wine production in this region. After visiting the winery you will be invited for a wine tasting in a lovely room facing the vineyards.
Duration: from 14:00 to 17:00 Hrs
Date: 8th October 2012 / 12th October
Price: Euro 55,00 / per person
Including: Guided visit to the winery and wine tasting
TILE PAINTING WORKSHOP
The Azulejos are one of the most expressive and traditional forms of art from Portugal.
During the activity we invite you to a hands-on unique experience where you will get familiar with the ancient techniques of making and decorating ceramic tiles and plates from Portugal.
The Artisan will assist you in order to help you to create a true piece of art. You can either free your creativity and create a real piece of art or use one of our models in order to get a Portuguese traditional pattern.
After being glazed in a traditional ceramic kiln the tile will be given to you to take home!
Duration: from 15:00 to 17:00 Hrs
Date: 8th October 2012
Price: Euro 35,00 / per person
Including: All material for the workshop
TAILOR MADE ITINERARIES
Beside these options we may offer you an exclusively designed package. If you are planning to travel throughout Portugal before or after the conference, please send us your travel details and we will find the itinerary that best fits your needs.
BOOKINGS:
XPTO MARKETING
Tel: + 351 289417092
Fax: + 351 289417078
iros2012tours@xptomarketing.pt
Note for all Tours
1. The tours have been specially designed for the IROS 2012 Congress and will be made in private A/C Motor Coaches and conducted by English speaking official guides.
2. Rates are in Euros (€) including VAT and taxes.
3. Reservation requests will be confirmed on a first come, first served basis.
4. The tours require a minimum of 20 participants. If minimum numbers are not reached, the tour will be cancelled and participants will receive full payment reimbursement. Reimbursements will be made on site at the TOURS DESK.
5. All tours departure from, and return to, Tivoli Marina Hotel in Vilamoura.
6. Additional tickets may be purchased on site at the tours desk operated by XPTO MARKETING (subject to availability).
7. It is not possible to refund tickets in the case of cancellation or failure to arrive on time.
8. Full payment is required at the time of reservation
9. Cancellations received up to 31st September 2012 - full refund. All refunds will be made on site at the TOURS DESK.
10. Cancellations received after 01st October 2012 - No refund will apply
11. Pre-booked tickets will be included in the participant’s personal envelope, which is handed over upon registration.
