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Cox & Kings · Tailor-Made Journey

Lisbon to the Algarve by Rail

8-day tailor-made rail trip from Lisbon to the Algarve coast

Illustration of Lisbon to the Algarve by Rail

Cox & Kings runs this 8-day, 7-night tailor-made rail trip from Lisbon to Portugal's Algarve coast. The first three nights are spent in Lisbon's Belem district at the Palacio do Governador (or similar), with a guided driver-guide tour on day 2 taking in the UNESCO-listed Tower of Belem, the narrow streets of the Alfama district, and the Jeronimos Monastery, where explorer Vasco de Gama is buried. On day 4, the trip transfers to Santa Apolonia station for a scenic three-hour train ride to Faro, then on by private transfer to four nights at the Bela Vista Hotel & Spa (or similar) on the Algarve coast. Beyond day 2's guided tour, every day is at leisure, with the operator suggesting Albufeira's old town or the Sao Joao neighbourhood as options. The operator describes the accommodation as five-star throughout. This suits travelers who want one scenic rail journey linking a culture-focused city stay with an unstructured beach stay, rather than a fully guided tour.

What to know before you look closer

  • Both named hotels, the Palacio do Governador in Lisbon and the Bela Vista Hotel & Spa in the Algarve, are listed as 'or similar', so the specific property used may vary.
  • Only one leg of this 8-day trip, the Lisbon to Faro journey, is by train; the rest of the trip is by international flight and private road transfer.
  • Beyond the guided Lisbon tour on day 2, every other day is at leisure; the operator offers the support of an English-speaking local representative if needed, rather than a tour guide.
  • Pricing varies by season, from £2,145 per person for an April departure to £2,245 for a July departure.

Day by day

  1. Day 1overnight: Lisbon

    Fly to Lisbon.

    Arrive and transfer to the Palácio do Governador Hotel (or similar) in the Belém district for three nights. Set in a quiet, spacious area of the city, the hotel has a lovely garden and pool. Enjoy time at leisure to explore Belém, including the Centro Cultural modern art museum.

  2. Day 2overnight: Lisbon

    Lisbon

    Enjoy a morning tour of Lisbon with a driver-guide. Visit the UNESCO-listed Tower of Belém; explore the narrow winding streets of the charming Alfama district; and take a stroll through the Jerónimos Monastery, the final resting place of explorer Vasco de Gama.

  3. Day 3overnight: Lisbon

    Lisbon

    Your day is at leisure to further explore the Portuguese capital.

  4. Day 4railovernight: Algarve (Portimão)

    Lisbon - Faro - Algarve

    This morning, transfer to Santa Apolónia Railway Station to catch your train to Faro, a scenic three-hour journey away. Privately transfer to your hotel on the beautiful Algarve coast. Stay four nights at the Bela Vista Hotel & Spa (or similar).

  5. Day 5overnight: Algarve (Portimão)

    Algarve

    The next three days are at leisure. We recommend visiting Albufeira, whose old town is a picture of cobbled streets lined with boutiques, cafes and restaurants; while the São Joao neighbourhood is known for its lively nightlife.

  6. Day 6overnight: Algarve (Portimão)

    Algarve

    Day at leisure.

  7. Day 7overnight: Algarve (Portimão)

    Algarve

    Day at leisure.

  8. Day 8

    Fly back to the UK.

    Transfer to Faro airport for your flight.

The moments this trip is built around

  • Day 2A guided morning tour of Lisbon with a driver-guide, visiting the UNESCO-listed Tower of Belem, the Alfama district's narrow winding streets, and the Jeronimos Monastery, the resting place of explorer Vasco de Gama.
  • Day 4A scenic three-hour train ride from Lisbon's Santa Apolonia station to Faro, followed by a private transfer to the Algarve coast.
  • Day 5The operator recommends visiting Albufeira's old town, with its cobbled streets, boutiques, cafes, and restaurants, or the Sao Joao neighbourhood for its nightlife.

Included

  • Accommodation, itinerary & meal basis as described
  • Rail travel between Lisbon & Faro
  • Private transfers as described
  • The support (if required) of an English speaking local representative
  • Local guides and entrance fees where applicable
  • International flights (and domestic flights if applicable)
  • UK departure and overseas airport taxes

Questions travellers ask

Is train travel included?
Yes, rail travel between Lisbon and Faro is included, a scenic three-hour journey.
Is it escorted or independent?
It is a tailor-made journey. Only day 2 in Lisbon includes a guided driver-guide tour; all other days are at leisure, with the optional support of an English-speaking local representative.
What hotels are included?
The Palacio do Governador in Lisbon (or similar) for 3 nights, and the Bela Vista Hotel & Spa in the Algarve (or similar) for 4 nights.
When does it run?
The trip is priced for April (from £2,145) and July (from £2,245) departures.
How much walking is involved?
The operator rates the trip's activity level as Moderate, with a walking tour through the Alfama district's narrow streets and the Jeronimos Monastery on day 2.

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