“Learn to cook traditional Portuguese dishes!”
7 Days Taste, Cook and Experience the Real Algarve Culinary Holiday in Portugal
Olhão, Portugal
Authentic Food Tour in Portugal
Experience and discover the real Algarve. Taste local produce, drinks and traditional dishes, visit heritage sites and participate in culinary activities. If you are passionate about the people’s culture and gastronomy and want to learn how to cook the most traditional Portuguese dishes, this itinerary is for you.
Highlights
- Award-winning olive oil tasting
- Local market visit and boat drive to islands
- Cooking classes, food tour, and pastry workshop
- Learn about Algarve's history, culture and cuisine
- Enjoy authentic experiences supporting local suppliers
- Discover one of the Seven Wonders of Portugal
- 6 nights accommodation with breakfast
- Airport pick up and drop off
Skill level
- Beginner
Styles
7 days with instruction in English
The organizer also speaks: French, Portuguese
Group size: Maximum of 12 participants
Airport transfer included:
Faro Airport
Accommodation
Check-in Time:
15:00
Check-out Time:
11:00
Facilities
- Air-conditioned rooms
- Kitchen
- Terrace
- Conference room
- Free bicycle
- Free Wi-Fi
- Internet access
GuestMar
GuestMar is an authentic guesthouse, located in the historic center of Olhão, a traditional fishermen town. The building is from the XIX century and it was a gift from an important canning businessman to his daughter. The house was carefully renovated to become a guest-house keeping the original architecture. It has a privileged location, guests are just five minutes walking distance from the markets, the Marina, restaurants and from the pier departure to the Ria Formosa islands.
Room types
- “Marinheiro” double room
- “Comissário” large double room
- “Comissário” large double room
- “Mestre” comfort triple room
- “Capitão” suite with balcony
Real Marina 5-star Hotel and Spa
Real Marina 5-star Hotel and Spa has a privileged view over the Ria Formosa National Park, a natural reserve stated as one of Portugal’s 7 Natural Wonders. Located in front of Olhão Marina, the hotel features indoor and outdoor pools with panoramic sea views. Guests can relax at the spa facilities, filling a unique experience in the Real Spa Therapy.
Room types
- Standard room with river view
- Junior suite with river view
Program
Brief itinerary
- Day 1: Arrival in Olhão - Stay in an authentic guesthouse or 5-star hotel and spa
- Day 2: Algarvian food tasting and cultural tour
- Day 3: Olive oil secrets and Traditional Sweets Workshop
- Day 4: Ria Formosa Island Wonders
- Day 5: Algarvian cooking classes from Market-to-Table in Faro
- Day 6: Free day in Olhão
- Day 7: Departure
Cooking and Food Holiday in Algarve Itinerary
Day 1: Arrival in Olhão and wandering the Old Town
As you touch down at Faro airport, you will see the fascinating view of the Ria Formosa lagoons, one of the 7 Natural Wonders of Portugal. Meet your private chauffeur at the airport and drive 20 minutes to the traditional fishing village of Olhão, where you can sense the daily life of one of the most genuine towns of the Algarve.
Enjoy a leisurely day in a charming cozy guesthouse located in the historic heart of the city. Wander in the old town or simply relax on the beautiful sundeck, overlooking the town.
Or you can enjoy a leisurely day in a 5-star hotel and spa relaxing from your journey. Wander in the old town or simply relax at the spa or the pool overlooking the beautiful Ria Formosa.
Day 2: Algarvian food tasting and cultural tour
Today, you will visit the cubist fishermen village of Olhão on a private guided tour, and learn about its culture and legends. Take a stroll around the iconic fish and fruits markets and enjoy the rich seasonal produce they offer, meeting with local charismatic vendors. At lunchtime, walk around the town and eat in typical “tascas”, typical Portuguese tapas restaurants, where you will taste Algarvian delicacies and regional wines. You will also discover through your journey a traditional female garment, “Bioco,” and visit a thousand-years-old cannery.
- Included: 9 food tastings, 4 beverages, and visits to 3 historic sites.
- Meals included: Breakfast and lunch
Day 3: Olive oil secrets and regional sweets workshop
Visit a local olive oil farm and learn about the history and techniques used to produce their award-winning olive oil. You'll visit the beautiful olive grove and taste different varieties adapted to the Mediterranean climate of the Algarve, along with Portuguese tapas. Head to the historic town of Loulé, and enjoy a typical lunch before starting your Traditional Sweet Workshop, where you will discover the secrets of Algarvian sweets by becoming a pastry chef for the day! You will enjoy the sweet delicacies that you made.
- Meals included: Breakfast, afternoon sweets
Day 4: Wonders of the Ria Formosa Islands
Embark on a private taxi boat and cruise among the fascinating islands of the Ria Formosa lagoons, the hidden gem of the Algarve. You'll be led by an experienced skipper, who can teach you more about the local fauna and flora. You can observe shellfish farms and have the opportunity to see several species of birds. At lunchtime, taste the best fresh seafood and grilled fish straight from the sea. Your meal will be served in one of the best restaurants of all the islands. Explore wild sandy beaches and feel the soul of the local fishermen villages as you immerse yourself into the wild natural surroundings. You'll find it hard not to fall in love more and more with the Algarve.
- This day includes visits to three main islands: Armona, Farol, and Culatra
- Meals included: Breakfast and lunch
Day 5: Algarvian cooking class from Market-to-Table in Faro
After a few days tasting Portuguese’s delicacies and learning how the most traditional products are harvested and produced, you will finally be able to cook a 3-course meal from scratch including one of the most traditional Algarvian dishes - Cataplana with meat and shellfish. (Optional: Upgrade for a Fish and Shellfish Cataplana as an extra charge). A private chef will accompany you through this gastronomic experience and you will have the chance to savor your delicious meals.
- Meals included: Breakfast and Lunch
Day 6: Free Day in Olhão
Wake up to the sound of birds and serene views. Enjoy the soft morning glow, having breakfast prepared with local produce. Today, you are free to do anything you like, either relaxing by the pool or booking other activities such as wine tasting and blending workshop, wild dolphin observation, birdwatching or even be more adventurous trying the Catamaran cruise to visit hidden caves!
- Meals included: Breakfast
Day 7: Departure
It is time to say goodbye to the beautiful Algarve and get ready for your private airport transfer. You are now richer in experiences, in emotions and have made unforgettable memories for the rest of your life. Get comfortable in-flight and watch over the lagoons feeling grateful for what you have discovered. Promise yourself “I’ll be back”.
- Meals included: Breakfast
Note
Please note if Algarve Lifestyle doesn't have other bookings on your departure date, you will be experiencing this tour independently, but still mixed with other people in some activities.
Location
Food
During this culinary holiday in Portugal, you will have daily breakfast, four lunches, nine food tastings, and four beverages.
The following meals are included:
- Breakfast
The following drinks are included:
- Water
The following dietary requirement(s) are served and/or catered for:
- Vegetarian
- Seafood
If you have special dietary requirements it's a good idea to communicate it to the organiser when making a reservation
What's included
- 3 lunches
- 6 nights stay in Olhão with breakfast included
- All activities (you will be mixed with other people for some activities)
- All transports between activities
- Private guides during activities
- Round-trips to Faro Airport (FAO)
What's not included
- Dinners
- Flights
How to get there
Recommended Airports
FAO
Faro Airport
11 km
Transfer included
Airport: Faro Airport
Airport transfer included: Faro Airport
No additional charges. You can request this in the next step.
Cancellation Policy
- A reservation requires a deposit of 30% of the total price.
- The deposit is non-refundable, if the booking is cancelled.
- The rest of the payment should be paid on arrival.
For this organizer you can guarantee your booking through BookCulinaryVacations.com. All major credit cards supported.
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