Join us in 2019 as we take you on one of our favorite Club Events to the beautiful Algarve in Portugal. You’ll enjoy daily activities and excursions in the company of your fellow members as you discover the surrounding scenery and Portuguese culture while staying at our own resort, Vilar do Golf Resort. The Algarve has much to offer – a wonderful climate, golden beaches, tree-cloaked mountains and a traditional village, so book your place today and we’ll see you in Portugal soon!
Itinerary
Day 1
Most of you will arrive on Saturday throughout the day. If you have provided your flight details, there will be a shuttle bus at Faro Airport to transport you to Vilar do Golf Resort. When you exit the luggage area, you will be greeted by a Diamond Resorts representative. Don’t be concerned if your flight is delayed along the way; as long as we have your flight details, we will make sure transportation is ready when you arrive. The rest of the day is at your leisure.
Day 2
This morning, we will begin our day at the on-site restaurant with a welcome buffet breakfast giving you an opportunity to meet your fellow Club members and Diamond Resort representatives, and to get an overview of the exciting week ahead! Today will be a day that is full of fun, excitement and adventure as we veer off the beaten track into the heart of the Algarve in a convoy of open top jeeps! As we go up hills and down dales, crossing streams and traversing meadows in a roller-coaster ride through the countryside, you can enjoy the spectacular scenery of an area almost untouched by time.
Along the way, we will stop for lunch and visit a small local distillery where the brave can sample "medronho" - a very potent local drink, and where you can see honey being made the old way.
Day 3
We leave the resort on a journey of discovery of the inland Algarve, specifically the area known as "Barrocal," This area will delight your senses, awaken your curiosity and whet your appetite. We will visit the small town of São Brás de Alportel – a typical town of the Algarve. We will learn about one of Portugal’s biggest exports, cork, which is harvested in the surrounding area and brought to the Cork Factory, prepared, treated and then exported. Lunch is included.
Later in the day there is an excellent opportunity to sample the delights of this fascinating region as we visit a large estate where biological agriculture is practiced. Here you can learn the secrets of the region’s famous preserves and also sample some of the delicious local produce.
Day 4
Today we will travel by coach approximately 1 hour from Vilar do Golf and spend our day at Quintos dos Vales Winery and Art Center. This unique destination has a winery to tour and beautiful art and sculpture displays. While there you will enjoy a four course mid-day meal, and sample three different wines made on-site. If you are a wine connoisseur, there will be a variety of wines available for purchase.
Day 5
Today we offer you the opportunity to discover one of the less-known areas of the eastern Algarve! First, we visit Olhão - a traditional Portuguese fishing village - renowned for its cube-shaped white-washed houses, contrasting with the golden sands and the blue sky and sea. Here you have an opportunity to explore the famous market with its huge selection of fish.
Next, it’s time to get on a boat and start our wonderful trip along the waterways of the Ria Formosa Natural Park, one of the most impressive in Europe with rich and varied flora and fauna.
We will stop on one of these Islands where you can enjoy lunch and a stroll along the pristine sands, soak in the sunshine and marvel at the natural sculptures of the sand dunes. See traditional style fishing cabins, salt flats and, of course, many species of birds. An unforgettable day is guaranteed!
Day 6
This morning, enjoy either a morning at leisure at the resort or join us on a visit to the nearby town of Faro, the capital of the Algarve. Faro is a treasure trove of history, with cathedrals and architecture dating back to the 13th and 14th centuries, next to modern shopping and fabulous cafes! In the evening, we will gather at the resort restaurant to spend our final Algarve evening together, sharing an international buffet dinner and exchanging emails before enjoying some Portuguese dancing!
Day 7
All good things must come to an end and today is the end of the event. There will be a few scheduled departure transfers from Vilar do Golf Resort to Faro Airport for your journey home or your onward travel plans.
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