Tour Highlights:
Private, comfortable transport with hotel pick-up & drop-off.
Explore Faro’s historic Old Town
Igreja do Carmo & the Chapel of Bones
Private Boat Tour of Ria Formosa Natural Park
Optional visit to a local oyster farm
Ria Formosa & Faro City Tour Itinerary
Although every tour at Guided Portugal Tours can be customized to your personal taste, we have created a sample itinerary to show you what to expect from a day trip to Faro City & Ria Formosa Natural Park from the Algarve.
Pick Up in the Algarve
Your private driver guide will collect you from your Algarve accommodation in a luxury executive vehicle as your exciting day tour begins! You will journey east towards Faro while your guide shares stories about the Algarve’s hidden history, the Moorish influence on local architecture, and what makes this region one of Europe’s best-kept secrets.
Faro Old Town & Arco de Vila
Your private tour begins in the peaceful Faro City, the capital of the Algarve region. Although it is technically a city, you’ll feel like you’re walking through a small town, especially in the old historic center. Notable attractions include:
Arco da Vila: Your first attraction is the stunning 19th-century neoclassic archway, with remains of the original Moorish wall that leads to the old town. Your guide will take you through the Arco’s hidden inner passage, where you’ll see ancient stonework from the 9th century.
Faro Old Town: Embark on a walking tour with your private guide of the peaceful old town, walking through cobbled streets, ancient walls, and whitewashed buildings. Enjoy a more authentic experience away from the crowds and get a sense of Portuguese life.
Faro Cathedral: As you explore the old town, visit the historic 13th-century Faro Cathedral. Climb the bell tower to be rewarded with some of the best views in Faro, sweeping across the Ria Formosa lagoon, the old town rooftops, and the marina.
Igreja do Carmo & the Chapel of Bones
Visit Igreja do Carmo—also known as the Carmo Church for one of Faro’s most unforgettable and unique experiences. Begin outside the church, where you can admire the stunning baroque architecture. The church’s interior is just as impressive, with lavish woodwork and painted ceilings.
Most people visit this location for the iconic site behind the main church, the Chapel of Bones. The chapel was built using the skulls and bones of over 1,000 monks, with the walls and ceilings fully lined with human remains in intricate patterns. It was built as a reminder of mortality, with the inscription on the entrance translating to “Stop here and consider, for this is the state you will reach. This is an incredibly unique and spiritual experience, where you can stand in a church filled with gold before visiting the chapel lined with bones.
Private Boat Tour of Ria Formosa Natural Park
For the most luxurious experience of the day, enjoy a 2-hour cruise of the breathtaking Ria Formosa lagoon. This peaceful, immersive experience gives you an up-close look at the raw natural beauty and biodiversity of one of Europe’s most unique coastal ecosystems. Here’s what to expect from your boat cruise:
Cruise past emerald islands, sandbanks, and hidden fishing villages, and your guide will share insights into the park’s ecosystem.
Look closely, and you may spot flamingos, storks, and even seahorses.
You can sunbathe on the boat deck or disembark on a secluded beach on Ilha Deserta for a walk on untouched dunes.
Oyster Farm (Optional)
You have the option to extend your boat tour to visit an oyster farm. Meet a local mariscador (shellfish farmer), learn how the famous Ria oysters are cultivated, and enjoy a fresh oyster tasting on a floating platform with a crisp glass of Vinho Verde. If you’re looking for an intimate and authentic Portuguese experience, we recommend visiting an oyster farm during your private tour.
Return to the Algarve
Finish your day by spending some leisure time back in the Old Town or Faro Marina. Once you are ready, your driver guide will depart Faro and return you to your Algarve accommodation or a location of your choosing. Reflect on your day on the scenic drive after a day filled with adventure, history, and luxury.
