Portugal Long Stay Winter 2025 - Algarve

Multi-day Tours / by Air and Land
29 Day

    • Itinerary

     
    PORTUGAL LONG STAY WINTER 2025 – Algarve (Southern Portugal)

    THIS TOUR WILL BE OPEN FOR BOOKING IN MAY 2024

    Date: 14 FEB - 15 MAR, 2025 (30 days/28 nights)
    Group size: Approx 30 participants 
    This Package includes Airfare, Accommodation, Transfers, the services of the Tour Host, and all Taxes.
    Your tour conductor will travel with you from Toronto. He will be your host during your entire stay.  
     
    **************** FLIGHT INFORMATION **********
    Direct flights on Air Transat
    FRI 14-FEB-2025: Toronto (YYZ) - Faro (FAO) by TS232 @ 19:45 07:50 +1 (duration: 7h 5min) - Flight arrives next day. THE AIRCRAFT IS: A330-200
    SAT 15-MAR-2025: Faro (FAO) - Toronto (YYZ) by TS233 @ 8:35 13:05 (duration: 8h 30min) - THE AIRCRAFT IS: A330-200
     
    ******** BRIEF ITINERARY ********
     
    DAY 1) SAT 14 FEB 2025: Flight Toronto >> FARO
    Flight from Toronto Pearson Airport to Faro (in Algarve region of southern Portugal)
    Direct Flight by Air Transat: Toronto (YYZ) - Faro (FAO) @ 19:45 07:50 +1 (Flight arrives next day) Flight# TS232, (duration: 7h 5min)
    Your tour conductor will meet you at Toronto Pearson International Airport 1 hour before departure at the gate. He will travel with you from Toronto and will be your host during your entire stay.
     
    DAY 2) SUN 15 FEB 2025: Arrive in Faro
    Arrive at Faro Airport @ 7.50 AM. Our local representative will meet and greet you at the airport and lead you outside the terminal to our private motorcoach. You will be transfer to the resort (Alfagar Village). Although the hotel’s official check-in time is 3:00 PM, they start to check us in one by one when we arrive. However, they do not guarantee to give out all keys before 3 PM.
     
    The Apartments' Facilities are mentioned at the bottom of this page*  
     
    The Algarve, Portugal’s southernmost region, is known for its Atlantic beaches and golf resorts. Whitewashed fishing villages on low cliffs overlooking sandy coves were transformed in the 1960s, and now its central coast between Lagos and Faro is lined with villas, hotels, bars, and restaurants.
     
    During your 28-night stay at the resort, we suggest the following optional tours in Algarve. Also, your tour host will help to arrange some optional activities for the group.
    • * BY LAND & BY SEA (7 Hanging Valleys Trail + 2 Hours Cruise) - Full-Day Tour
    • * LOULÉ Guided City Tour and Traditional Market - Half-Day Tour
    • * Treasures of the East (Faro, Olhão, Tavira) - Full-Day Tour
    • * Best of the West (Lagos & Sagres) - Full-Day Tour
    • * Taste of Algarve (Monchique and Silves) - Full-Day Tour
    • * Jeep Safari (Algarve beautiful roads) - Half-day Tour
    • * Fado dinner at Cepa Velha  
    * NOTE: the brochure of local sightseeing tours will be sent to you 2 months before departure. At that time we can book your selected optional tours for you.
     
    DAY 30 (LAST DAY): SAT 15 MAR 2025: Albufeira >> Faro >> Toronto
    Transfer to Faro Airport at 5.00 AM. The ride will take approx. 40 min. The flight departs Faro at 8:35 and Arrives in Toronto at 13:05. Flight# TS233, Duration 8h 30m
     

    Price & Inclusions

    BASIC Package includes (Airfare, Accommodation, Transfers, the services of the Tour Host, and all Taxes.)
    Accommodation Type  Per person in Double Occupancy  One person in Single Occupancy Availability
    One-bedroom Garden-View Apartment  $ 3500 $ 4500  
    One-bedroom Partial Sea-View Apartment TBA TBA  
    Two-bedroom Garden-View Apartment   TBA -----  
    Two-bedroom Partial Sea View Apartment TBA -----  
    >> Prices are in CA$
    >> Taxes are included
    >> If you need a roommate, you can use the Meetup Platform to find one. We can not match you with other tour participants. You must have/find your roommate if you don't want to pay a single Supplement.
    >> If you are two people/friends and want to pay separately, PLEASE place separate orders from the beginning!
    >> Prices are subject to change without notice. 
    >> Your preferred apartment's floor can be requested but the resort NEVER guarantees it.
     
    What’s Included:
    o Round-trip airfare (Direct Flights on Air Transat, Toronto - Faro - Toronto) - Standard seat
    o Airport Transfers
    o 28 nights in an apartment with a kitchen, balcony, or terrace at the Alfagar Village, in the Algarve region - Resort Facilities are listed under "Tour Attractions"
    o Housekeeping three times weekly, linens changed once per week, towels twice weekly
    o Free internet in your room, the bar, and the reception area 
    o All Airport taxes
    o Service of your Tour Host  
     
    What’s NOT Included:
    o Meals  
    o OPTIONAL Tours and activities
    o Gratuities
    o Travel Insurance
     
    *****************************************************
    Payment & Cancellation Schedules:
    * A non-refundable deposit of $300 is required to secure your hotel and flight - due at the time of booking.
    * The balance is due (by 13 OCT 2024). You can pay the balance HERE *You will receive a Balance payment Reminder!
    * If you book after this date (if it's available), full payment is required at the time of booking.
    * 50% Penalty if canceled between 14 OCT 2024 and 14 NOV 2024.
    * 100% Penalty if canceled between 15 NOV 2024 and the departure date.
    ****************************************************************
     
    NOTE ABOUT ALFAGAR VILLAGE:
    >> The 1-bedroom apartment has 2 single beds inside the room. In the living room, there is a sofa bed, with a pull-out.
    >> Alfagar Village has no elevators. All 1-bedroom apartments are either on the ground floor /OR/ on the first floor. You can choose your desired floor at the time of booking. We will request it, and the resort will try to accommodate it, BUT they never guarantee the floor. 
    >> The number of FULL Sea view apartments in Alfagar Village is very limited. That's why they only guarantee the PARTIAL Sea view.
    >> If you need a roommate, please ask. Not guaranteed. If we couldn't find a roommate for you, you will be notified before DEC 1, 2023.
    >> If you are a family of 3 or 4 people, and need to stay in 1 apartment, please contact us to get the quote.
     
    ***************************************************** 
    Your Tour Host will travel with you from Toronto. He will be there to make sure everything goes smoothly, and answer questions. The primary role of the host during a long stay is a point of contact for assistance. Due to the number of participants in the group, the host will be located mainly in the resort to be available to assist. 
    Here is a list of his responsibilities during your stay:
    1) Travel with the group to the resort and make sure everyone has the appropriate room
    2) Give a tour of the resort
    3) Provide SIM cards to those interested
    4) Suggest day trips around the Algarve 
    5) Provide information on nearby shopping, grocery stores, entertainment, restaurants
    6) Arrange some group activities
     
    **************** FLIGHT INFORMATION **********
    Direct flights on Air Transat 
    FRI 14-FEB-2025: Toronto (YYZ) - Faro (FAO) by TS232 @ 19:45 07:50 +1 (duration: 7h 5min) - Flight arrives next day. THE AIRCRAFT IS: A330-200
    SAT 15-MAR-2025: Faro (FAO) - Toronto (YYZ) by TS233 @ 8:35 13:05 (duration: 8h 30min)
    THE AIRCRAFT IS: A330-200 -SEAT MAP
     
    TICKETS: You will receive your flight e-tickets 1 month before departure 
    ONLINE CHECK-IN: You will be able to check in and change/upgrade your seats individually 24 hours before the departure HERE.
     
    **********************************************
    Our Group booking includes 1st Checked bag FREE
    Max. weight per bag: 23kg (50lb)
    Max. linear dimensions per bag: 158 cm (62in)
    If you have any questions about baggage allowance (Fees, Weight, and Dimensions), please check Air Transat’s baggage allowance

    **We need the following information from each participant. BASED ON PASSPORT DETAILS after making the final payment. 
    Please email the information to: info@FunTours.ca
    LAST NAME // FIRST NAME // MIDDLE NAME // TITLE (Mr. Ms, Mrs...) // GENDER // DATE OF BIRTH
    ****************************************************
     
    SEAT SELECTION: You will be able to check in online and choose your seats (Aisle/Window) for FREE individually 24 hours before the departure 
     
    IMPORTANT NOTES ABOUT YOUR FLIGHT BASED ON OUR GROUP BOOKING    
    • o A "standard" seat will be assigned for you automatically by Air Transat. But we don't know what seat you will get (Aisle/Middle/Window) until 24 hours before the departure (when you do your online check-in). At that time you can either keep your assigned seat if you like it, or change it to your preferred seat (if available). 
    •  o The Group seat block is located in the middle to the back of the aircraft typically over the wing. The block does not include any exit row or special request seating.   
    • o Please note that based on Air Transat policy, if you use the first leg of your flight (YYZ-FAO), the 2nd leg (FAO-YYZ) will be automatically non-refundable. This is the Air Transat rule that applies to all of their European flights.
    • o All seats in our group block are standard seats. If you need a Club class (First Class seat) // or // Bulkhead Seat (extra legroom), you need to book your own flight directly through Air Transat. 
    • o If you book your own flights, CA$ 1350  will be deducted from your package price.
    • o This package has a FIXED Departure Date, FIXED Return Date, and FIXED Inclusions. No deviation can be accepted!
    • o If you would like to extend your stay by going earlier (or) returning later, you need to book your own flight and accommodation and transportation for pre or post-tour.
    • o Airport transfers for the group will be arranged based on the group flight details (above). If your departure or return flight is different, you need to make your own Airport Transfer arrangement.
     

    Pickup

    You will see your tour conductor at Toronto Pearson International Airport, at the departure gate, 1.5 hours before the flight. He will travel with you from Toronto. He will be your host during your entire stay.  

    Tour Attractions

    ACCOMMODATION 

    ALGARVE: ALFAGAR VILLAGE (3 Star) - 28 nights
    Albufeira, Algarve
    This popular, centrally located resort is set in a protected area of natural beauty made up of 11 hectares of gardens, within the Algarve Region. Enjoy a stunning cliff-top location overlooking the sea, with direct access to Santa Eulalia beach via private steps and just a five-minute drive from Areias de São João’s shopping and entertainment areas. The Alfagar Village is located within the exclusive Balaia area, just 40-minutes from the Faro International Airport.

    Resort Facilities:
     Private access to Santa Eulalia Beach via path and steps (Praia de Santa Eulália (10 min walk)
     2 Outdoor Pools for adults and 1 for Children, sunbeds, parasols, modern Playground, transport to the centre of Albufeira, Bar, Restaurant, Supermarket, Tennis courts, Football, Game room, daytime and evening entertainment, free Wifi in bar...
     Clients are free to use all the facilities of Alfagar II Aparthotel (Bars, Restaurants, Swimming pools, Sunbeds, Parasols, Indoor Heated pool, sauna*, Turkish bath*, Fitness room, Supermarket, Tennis courts*, Game Room*, Self-serve Laundry machines*, etc...).
    *Some facilities are seasonal and with charge. PETS are NOT allowed. 


    * Apartments Facilities:
    All apartments are composed of a living room with:
     Convertible sofa bed for 2 persons
     Dining area; Open kitchen (4 electric rings, oven, microwave, electric kettle, toaster, coffee machine, fridge)
     and all kitchen tools/utensils;
     All have a balcony or terrace,
     Safety deposit box*
     Satellite TV (With deposit for remote control at reception)
     All the bedrooms have twin beds and a wardrobe;
     All one-bedroom apartments have one large bathroom with a hairdryer
     air conditioning/heating.
     A simple internet is free in all apartments. You can pay extra for premium speed: 3€ euro per night per device

    Turismo de Portugal

    Clean & Safe
    In tourism, the “Clean & Safe” seal was implemented allowing tourists to have increased security and confidence in the use of accommodation establishments, in the various tourist services, and tourist attractions.

    Notes for you to keep in mind during your stay.
    o Accommodations: One-bedroom garden view unit with twin beds in bedroom plus a sofa bed in living-room, balcony or terrace, dining area, complete kitchenette including refrigerator, four-electric rings, oven, microwave, kettle, toaster, coffee machine and utensils.
    o You will have access to satellite TV, radio, in-room safe box (€40 for 28-day stay, credit card deposit is required), mini-bar, air-conditioning, WiFi, and a bathroom with hairdryer, iron and ironing board. Please bring your own supply of toiletries, we suggest that you consider packing your favourite necessities such as tea towels, face towels, your favourite soap, shampoo etc.
    o  Amenities & Services: Self-service laundry at €5 for each load wash or dry. Alternatively, public laundromats are available in the centre of Albufeira. There is free access to the indoor heated pool, however, a Turkish bath and sauna is €6 p.p. for 25 minutes of use. Please note a swimming cap is mandatory if you want to use the indoor swimming pool. Beach towels are available at €5 each (€2.50 for a refresh), plus a €20 refundable deposit. The outdoor tennis court is €5 per hour/court, racket hire is €2 each and €1 for balls. Shuttle service to Albufeira (€1 each way).

    SUPERMARKET: There is also a supermarket inside the village. Also, an "Intermarche Supermarket" is outside the village 1.3 km = 15 min walk from Alfagar Aparthotel 

    WATCH THE VIDEO OF THE RESORT HERE: 

     OPTIONAL - Private Sightseeing Tours in Algarve

    The Algarve is one of the best-kept secrets in Europe known for its spectacular coastline and sandy beaches bound by golden cliffs in small bays and nestling between rocks providing many stunning backdrops for an unforgettable holiday.
     
    HALF-DAY TOUR: LOULÉ Guided City Tour and Traditional Market (in ALGARVE REGION)
    Enjoy a guided tour of Loulé historic center, the main church S. Clemente, visit the ruins of Loulé Islamic baths, pass by the Moorish Castle walls, and visit the Chapel of Our Lady of Conception. And finish with free time to visit the traditional and colorful market of Loulé, and walk around. Portugal is one of the few remaining European countries that still operates functional produce markets. The focal point of Loule is the Arabic-inspired market, with outdoor and indoor stalls selling local produce, fresh fish, and regional handicrafts. The market is surrounded by busy shopping streets and a warren of medieval alleys and beautiful traditional houses that make for a great day out.
     
     
    Full-Day Tour: "Treasures of the East"   
    • Visit the beautiful and charming villages facing Ria Formosa. • Learn about Olhão and its history. • Tavira’s charming old town with unique “scissors roofs”.  • Get to know Faro, Algarves capital
    The East is still the picturesque side of the Algarve! We start this special day by visiting one of the most ancient towns in the Algarve - OLHÃO. The town is known for its peculiar cubist houses placed in a type of labyrinth. Olhão it’s the heart of Ria Formosa Natural Park. A natural environment highly important to the economy of the town and region. It’s also a fishing village with the second most important fishing harbor of the Algarve. The visit to the markets considered the “ex-libris” of the town is something you cannot miss. Tavira known as the “Venice of the Algarve” has 32 churches and houses with peculiar roofs named “4 águas”. To reach the old town one has to cross the Roman bridge. Tavira’s atmosphere is perfect to invite you to assist a session of FADO “the National Portuguese song” where you will discover the origins and the evolution of this singular song (entrance fee included). At Faro visit the interesting Old part of the town, the Arch of the Villa - one of Faro´s ex-libris, the arch marks the entrance to Vila Adentro (Inner Town), the city’s historic center.
     
    FULL-DAY TOUR: BY LAND & BY SEA (7 HANGING VALLEYS TRAIL + 2 HOURS CRUISE) 
    The Algarve is not all golden beaches and sparkling seas – there is much, much more!
    Duration: 7 hours
    If you want to get closer to nature join us on a walking tour through some of the most beautiful scenery in the Algarve – the 7 hanging valleys trail, followed by a fantastic cruise to visit the famous Benagil grottoes. Elected as the best hiking trail in Europe by European Best Destinations based on votes from over 28.000 travelers from 153 countries, it is described as “breathtaking & unforgettable”. This scenic route is situated in Carvoeiro area and offers a string of notable stops at Benagil and Carvalho beaches, among others. The walk takes place along the top of coastal cliffs defined by deeply sculpted shapes and beautiful ocher and golden Cliffs. Crowning the cliffs near Praia da Marinha, the dense juniper and mastic undergrowth provides shelter to a variety of animals that include rabbits and several species of birds and butterflies. All this greenery bursts into flower in early spring, making for an especially perfumed and colourful ambiance. The hike is led by an experienced guide. Moderate/medium-high difficulty; some stretches can be more difficult for the elderly. Length: 5,7 kms; Average Completion Time: up to 3 hours. Our next Experience is the visit to the beautiful grottoes of the Algarve in our comfortable boats! We depart from Ferragudo and cruise at ease towards east to Carvoeiro, passing by beautiful secluded beaches. Relax and enjoy the beautiful coastal scenery along the way… Cruising towards Algar Seco and Benagil we will take you into different grottoes, where you will find natural rock formations that have been formed due to the sea and wind erosion to amaze us with their beauty. Don’t forget your camera to capture the beautiful coastal scenery along the way. Don’t miss this magical experience!

    ** Recommended to bring: **
    • Comfortable clothing and hiking shoes, water, sunscreen, and sunglasses.
    • This route/activity is moderately arduous. Good physical condition is necessary.
    • The boat trips will run throughout the Winter. Please bring a good coat. The average temperature in Algarve is 13*C in February.
    ** This activity is not recommended for pregnant women/people with heart problems and other sensitive conditions. **
    Tour includes:
    - transport of the group in exclusive from the Hotel to the start of the Trail and back
    - guided walk with our specialized guides
    - the Benagil grottoes cruise with an approx duration of 1,5 to 2 hours
    SCHEDULES
    - The tour starts from your hotel at 9:00 AM and ends around 4:00 PM.
    - For the non-hikers, we would suggest doing only the last part of the tour (the Benagil grottes cruise 2 hours). You will be picked you up at the Hotel at 01:45 pm. and transferred to the Harbour to meet the rest of the group.
     
     
    Full-Day Tour: Best of the West (Lagos & Sagres)  
     
    Full-Day Tour: Taste of Algarve (Monchique and Silves)  
     
    Half-Day Tour: Jeep Safari (Algarve beautiful roads) 
     
    Experience: Dinner with Traditinal Live Music (Fado dinner at Cepa Velha)  
    The price is 40€ 
    The show starts between 8PM AND 8H30 PM till +/- 11 PM - 1st part traditional folklore music and 2nd part fado music
    Set Menu includes:
    Caldo verde, (Tipical Portugues soup)
    Fish filet or Porc loin in oven
    Dessert of the house or fruit
    Water and wine or beer/soft drink
     
    **********************************************
    NOTE ABOUT THE ABOVE SUGGESTED TOURS:
    * Prices will be published later
    * The above tours are ALL Private. It means they are being operated only for our group in English. Not only we will be picked up from our hotel, but also, our hotel is the ONLY pickup/drop-off location of these private tours. Therefore, we will have more quality time at the destination.
    * It is possible to pick and choose among the above-mentioned private tours.
    * All of the above private tours can be booked up to 1 month before departure. You will pay in EUR when you get there.  
    **********************************************
    Optional PUBLIC Tours from the Algarve
    You can purchase your optional tours/excursions from different suppliers through different channels, online or in person: Viator/TripAdvisor, OR Follow Me Tours, OR hotel's front desk, OR local sales reps. When you book any public tour, please make sure they have a pickup close to our resort. Also, check their reviews and ratings online. Public tours can be multilingual, make sure the English language is guaranteed. Some have many pickups, so the quality time at the destination will be limited.
     
    List of PUBLIC GUIDED TOURS FROM ALGARVE REGION
    HALF-DAY TOUR: LOULÉ MARKET (ALGARVE REGION)  
    FULL-DAY TOUR: BY LAND & BY SEA (7 HANGING VALLEYS TRAIL + 2 HOURS CRUISE) 
    HALF-DAY TOUR: QUARTEIRA MARKET & VILAMOURA (ALGARVE REGION)
    HALF-DAY TOUR: FARO SHOPPING
    HALF-DAY TOUR: LAGOS & CAPE ST. VINCENT (ALGARVE REGION)
    HALF-DAY TOUR: SILVES & MONCHIQUE (ALGARVE REGION)
    FULL-DAY TOUR: HISTORICAL WEST ALGARVE (Silves/Monchique/Lagos/Sagres)
    FULL-DAY TOUR: WESTERN ALGARVE (LAGOS & SAGRES)
    FULL-DAY TOUR: BEST OF THE EAST ALGARVE
    FULL-DAY TOUR: SECRETS OF THE EAST ALGARVE WITH LUNCH (SALT PLAN & OLIVE OIL)
    FULL-DAY TOUR: ALGARVE LANDSCAPES & WINERY
    FULL-DAY TOUR: FLAVOURS & TRADITIONS OF THE ALGARVE (CORK)
    FULL-DAY TOUR: ÉVORA (ALENTEJO REGION)
     
    List of PUBLIC GUIDED MULTI-DAY TOURS FROM Albufeira
    3 day/2 nights Seville, Gibraltar, Tangier (3 countries in 3 days)
    4 days/3 nights Porto, Centre of Portugal 
    3 day/2 nights Lisbon and Sintra 
     

    Note

    • >> Please READ the itinerary and make sure it suits your interests before making any booking
    • >> You will be invited to a WhatsApp group chat 1 month before the trip. We believe this is a great way to connect, deliver information and updates in real time, and distribute photos during our trip.
    • >> You will receive your flight e-tickets and the final itinerary 1 month before the trip.
    • >> Itinerary Changes: The itinerary is subject to change at any time without prior notice due to various circumstances including weather conditions.  
    • >> We strongly recommend comprehensive Travel Insurance to protect the investment you made on your trip. 
    TRAVEL PROTECTION PLANS
    For your protection, we strongly recommend that you purchase Comprehensive Travel Insurance with Emergency Medical, Trip Cancellation, and interruption (and ask them about their COVID-19 Pandemic Travel Plans). Here is a list of some Travel Insurance companies for Canadian Travellers:
    Travel Insurance Coverage on your credit card: If you have travel insurance on your credit card, please make sure about the details of their insurance coverage.
     
     
    Entry requirements to Portugal
    You don't need a visa for Portugal if you have a Canadian passport. No proof of vaccination/negative test is required for Portugal. Source: https://www.visitportugal.com/en/node/446781 
    • >> Your passport must be valid for 6 months beyond the date of leaving Europe.
     

    WEATHER in Algarve, Southern Portugal

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    If you have any questions, please email to info@funtours.ca  - or call: 416-897-3020