Itinerary:

Day 1: Portimao

Board your ship this afternoon in Portimao, a bustling Algarve fishing port noted for its harbor side, casual restaurants serving freshly grilled sardines. Shops are filled with local pottery and ceramics. Enjoy a welcome cocktail and dinner onboard the ship tonight.!
Overnight in Portimao.!

Day 2: Portimao to Olhao

This morning will feature a tour of picturesque Silves, a fortified hilltop town that flourished first under the Romans and then the Arabs before the Knights of Santiago took the city in 1242. The town boasts a massive castle whose ramparts afford fine views of the surrounding countryside. Depart in the afternoon for Olhao, a short sail along the coast on a usually delightful and calm sea, passing by seemingly endless sandy beaches. This evening enjoy an onboard performance by a local folk group.!
Overnight in Olhao.!

Day 3: Olhao to Vila Real de Santo Antonio

After breakfast, disembark for a short tour of Faro, the capital of the Algarve Province. Once a prehistoric fishing village, it also became important under Roman occupation and then the Moors. The Old City is easily explored on foot. Faro today boasts many fine 18th and 19th century buildings and ancient city walls. Return to the ship for lunch. Set sail through the peaceful inland channels of the Ria Formosa Natural Park and along the coastal waters of the Algarve. Enter the Guadiana River to the town of Vila Real de Santo Antonio, a planned 18th century city with a modern grid pattern of streets. Today it's a major fishing port and is across the river from Spain's city of Ayamonte.!
Overnight in Vila Real de Santo Antonio.!

Day 4: Vila Real de Santo Antonio to Mertola-Alcoutim

Cruise along the unspoiled and scenic river, which forms a natural frontier separating Portugal and Spain. Small, fortified towns such as Castro Marim and Alcoutim line its banks, a testament to the border wars with Spain. After lunch, stop at Alcoutim for an excursion to the walled city of Mertola, a UNESCO World Heritage City, and the ruins of its extensive Roman and Moorish historical sites. Visit Mertola Castle, perched high above the city. Rejoin the ship upriver in Alcoutim. A *cocktail party and dinner in Alcoutim Castle is the highlight of the evening. The castle offers excellent views of the river valley and the unspoiled village in its idyllic setting.!
Overnight in Alcoutim!
*Dinner included in the months of May, June and July, weather permitting. Confirmation will be given onboard during other months.!

Day 5: Alcoutim to Ayamonte. Excursion to Seville

Sail down river to the Spanish town of Ayamonte and travel by coach to Seville for a full day excursion with lunch. Seville, a UNESCO World Heritage City, is famous not only for its Flamenco dancers and music but also for its wealth of culture and history. Seville Cathedral, one of the largest in Christendom, is definitely worth a visit. So are the La Giralda Tower and the Mudejar Royal Palace. Lunch is included in Seville. Tonight enjoy the Captain�s Dinner onboard the ship followed by a Flamenco show.!
Overnight in Ayamonte, Spain.!

Day 6: Ayamonte to Vilamoura

This morning, sail from the Guadiana River into the Gulf of Cadiz and westward to Vilamoura where the ship docks next to a magnificent beach. Lunch on board anchored at Ria Formosa. Free time this afternoon in the lively resort city of Vilamoura, home to a 1,000-berth marina and surrounded by several luxury hotels, restaurants, up market boutiques and a casino. The Vilamoura Casino is the venue for tonight's dinner and entertainment.!
Overnight in Vilamoura.!

Day 7: Vilamoura to Portimao/Silves

Continue the scenic cruise, arriving after lunch in Portimao. Afternoon excursion to Lagos (la goosh), one of the most interesting towns in the Algarve. Inhabited in turn by Phoenicians, Greeks, Romans and Moors, Lagos later became the launching point for Prince Henry the Navigator's caravels of discovery to Africa. Unfortunately, it was also the site of the first slave market in Europe in 1444. It was the lively capital of the Algarve for almost 200 years, launching a crusade in 1578, incurring heavy damage from England's Sir Francis Drake in 1587 and was flattened by the great earthquake of 1755, which also destroyed much of Lisbon. The city today is a blend of Arab and Portuguese architecture with a well-preserved fort, city walls and old quarter. Tonight, enjoy a cocktail and farewell dinner onboard.!
Overnight Portimao.!

Day 8: Portimao

Your Algarve cruise comes to an end in Portimao after breakfast.!
Combine your Algarve Cruise with a resort stay or pre/post Lisbon package. Please ask us for details!!

Cabins

65 twin/double cabins with individual heat/air-conditioning controls
Twin beds can be joined together to make a large double.
Private bath
TV with satellite channels
Veranda Deck cabins have verandas
Main Deck cabins have panoramic windows!

2008 Algarve Coast and Guardiana River Cruises Sailing Dates:

Cruises operate every Friday to Friday beginning March 21, 2008 and ending October 24, 2008.
Note: The cruise line reserves the right to modify the schedule if necessary.

2008 Algarve Cruise Prices (prices per person)

Sailing Dates	Main deck Double	Veranda Double	Single Supplement
March 21 - 28	$1479.00	$1699.00	$549.00
April 4, 11, 18, 25, May 2	$1589.00	$1859.00	$599.00
May 9, 16, 23, 30	$1629.00	$1899.00	$629.00
June 6, 13, 20, 27, July 4	$1629.00	$1899.00	$629.00
July 11, 18, 25	$1479.00	$1699.00	$549.00
August 1, 8, 15, 22, 29	$1479.00	$1699.00	$549.00
September 5, 12, 19, 26	$1629.00	$1899.00	$629.00
October 3, 10, 17, 24, 31	$1589.00	$1859.00	$599.00

Note: Maximum allowed in a cabin is 2

Includes:

• All meals during the cruise from dinner the first night to breakfast on the last day.
• 2 special dinners ashore at Alcoutim Castle (seasonal) and Vilamoura Casino
• Lunch in Seville
• Shore excursions: Silves, Faro, Mertola, Seville and Lagos
• 3 special shows
• Port taxes

Not included:

• Drinks
• Transfers
• Gratuities
• Airfare

Cabin configuration

Main Deck cabins feature 2 twin beds which can be pushed together to make a large double and a picture window.
Veranda cabins feature 2 twin beds which can be pushed together to make a large double, floor to ceiling glass door to a private veranda.

Ship:

Algarve Cruiser features 4 passenger decks for a maximum of 130 guests, restaurant one seating for meals, sun deck with pool and 2 Jacuzzis, 2 bars, lounge, reception, gift shop and an elevator.
It is fully air-conditioned.

For reservation and information click here to submit a request

You may call us at 800-652-9151 if you reside in the United States. From other countries call 1-209-667-2405