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Guided tour to Silves the Islamic capital of the Algarve
Silves, PT
100% of travellers recommend this
Highlights
- Explore the historical castle of Silves
- Immerse in the local market and products
- Marvel at the magnificent Silves Cathedral
- Discover traces of ancient civilizations in the museum
- Experience the rich history and flavors of Silves
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Guided tour by local expert
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Duration 3 hours
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Includes snacks and all fees
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Small group experience
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Available in English and Portuguese
Experience the rich history and vibrant culture of Silves, the Islamic capital of the Algarve, on this guided tour. Led by a native guide, you will delve into the fascinating past of this ancient town, immersing yourself in its stories, people, and local flavors. The tour includes a visit to the impressive Castelo de Silves, where you will learn about the history behind this fortification. You will also have the chance to explore the bustling municipal market, interact with the local population, and sample the region's finest products. The tour continues with a visit to Silves Cathedral, where you will gain insight into its captivating history and architecture. Finally, you will have the opportunity to explore the museum and discover the diverse cultural influences that have shaped the town. Don't miss out on this unforgettable journey through Silves' storied past.
At a Glance
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Free cancellation
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3 hours
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Instant Confirmation
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Available in English, Portuguese
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Mobile voucher
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Small Group tour
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Guided
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Family friendly
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Featured Reviews
Viator
Aug 24
We very much enjoyed the guided tour with Francisco. Visited the museum, cathedral and castle. Francisco was very kind, native from Silves. Very professional. 100% recommend.
Viator
May 24
This was an amazing and very personal walking tour of Silves - highly recommend! Francisco lead us through the market (met his grandmother who sells produce in the market), the town, by the church, the museum (an amazing guided tour through the museum), and the palace giving us so much information about the history of the area. As a local who grew up in Silves he is incredibly knowledgeable about the area. You will not be disappointed if you take this tour!
Viator
May 24
This is an amazing tour and we would highly recommend! Francisco was an excellent tour guide, providing extensive history of the area. As a local, he was well versed in its history and the surrounding area taking us through Silves and explaining its history, taking in the market, guiding us through the museum and explaining the artifacts, and touring the palace. He spent well over 3 hours with us and did not rush to finish. The tour was topped off with a stop at a local shop for some local treats. This is definitely a tour worth taking!
Viator
Dec 23
What an INCREDIBLE day spent with Francisco and his whole family!
I contacted Francisco after finding his company name on an Airbnb “experience” listing. I knew traveling with a 4 year old and grandmother that the large hike portion of the day wouldn’t be suitable for us so I wanted to see if a different tour could be made for us. Luckily for us, Francisco was able to prepare a day just for us that was perfectly appropriate for our family.
He picked us up at our Airbnb home and drove us to Silves. We toured the marketplace (where we met his grandmother who was selling her farm fresh produce), the Gotchic cathedral, historical museum, and Castelo de Silves. All of this touring was met with historical expertise, cultural information, and personal connections from Francisco.
Then we went to his family’s farm where his beautiful 82 year old grandmother (who had just returned from the market) prepared lunch al fresco for us. What an absolutely amazing treat to be welcomed into the home of a stranger and fed the most beautiful and authentically prepared local cuisine. It was an incredible memory for our family and a true representation of the hospitality that we saw while visiting Portugal. After our meal with Francisco and his grandmother, we traveled to the home of Francisco’s parents. There, we were treated to a traditional Portuguese tile painting workshop by his father as teacher. Everyone in our family enjoyed learning about the tile making process and creating our own unique souvenir from our Portuguese travels. It seems that everyone in Francisco’s family is equally talented! We snacked, we laughed, we enjoyed our time together as families.
We picked up our tiles after they’d been fired (a few days later) and they made it safely home in our luggage.
There was nothing about this day that I felt wasn’t thought out or prepared. Algarvian Roots is a top notch touring and cultural experience. I would recommend a day spent with Francisco and his family any day!
Viator
Sep 22
First time in Silves - a small town deep inside Algarve where I felt and saw the origins of the traditions.
It was hot, but in July is really what we want!
We entered some monuments and we were able to taste some of the traditional flavours of that region. The oranges and oregan still are two of my favorites .
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Guided tour to Silves the Islamic capital of the Algarve
Explore the rich history of Silves, the Islamic capital of the Algarve, with a guided tour featuring local flavors and fascinating stories.
Included
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Snacks -
All fees and taxes
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Interpreted guided visit with a local guide
Excluded
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Entry to the castle, cathedral, and museum. additional cost of €5.90 per adult.
What to expect
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Mercado Municipal de Silves
Entrance to the municipal market, contact with local products and the local population.
30 minutes
2
Museu Municipal de Arqueologia
Visit to the museum, it will be possible to see different traces of the various peoples that lived here.
30 minutes
Admission Included
3
Cathedral of Silves
Entrance to Silves Cathedral, interpretation of history and architecture.
20 minutes
Admission Included
4
Castelo de Silves
The visit includes entrance to the castle of Silves, we will explain the history behind this fortification.
40 minutes
Admission Included
The experience can be subject to change due to bad weather or unforseen circumstances. We always endeavour to give you the best possible experience.
Additional Information
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Service animals allowed -
Public transportation options are available nearby
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Not recommended for participants with spinal injuries
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Not recommended for pregnant participants
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Not recommended for participants with poor cardiovascular health
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Participants should have at least a moderate level of physical fitness
Provided by AlgarvianRoots
What our experts say
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Try local pastries at Mercado Municipal -
Visit the castle early for fewer crowds
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Bring a water bottle for the tour
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Wear comfortable shoes for walking
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Plan lunch at Ponte Romana after the tour
More About this Experience
Introduction
Discover the enchanting history and cultural heritage of Silves, the Islamic capital of the Algarve, on a guided tour led by a knowledgeable native guide. Delve into the ancient town's fascinating past, learn about its people, and savor the local flavors that make Silves truly unique.What to expect?
During this 180-minute tour, you can anticipate an immersive experience that takes you through Silves' most significant landmarks and attractions. From the moment you meet your guide in front of the renowned restaurant "Ponte Romana," you'll embark on a journey back in time. The itinerary includes a visit to Castelo de Silves, where you'll explore the history behind this impressive fortification. You'll also have the opportunity to interact with the locals and experience the vibrant atmosphere of the municipal market. A visit to Silves Cathedral will provide insights into its captivating history and architectural wonders. Finally, a trip to the museum will unveil the traces left by the various peoples who once called Silves their home.Who is this for?
This guided tour to Silves is perfect for history enthusiasts, culture lovers, and curious travelers seeking a deeper understanding of the region's heritage. Whether you're a solo adventurer, a couple, or a group of friends, this immersive experience is designed to captivate and educate visitors of all ages and backgrounds. Don't miss the opportunity to uncover the hidden gems of Silves and gain a unique perspective on its rich Islamic history.Why book this?
By booking this guided tour, you'll gain invaluable insights into Silves' captivating past, brought to life by a native guide with extensive knowledge. The immersive itinerary allows you to explore the iconic Castelo de Silves, engage with the local market and its products, discover the architectural marvels of Silves Cathedral, and delve into the museum's extensive collection. This experience offers a unique blend of history, culture, and local flavors, ensuring an unforgettable journey into the heart of Silves.Good to know
During the tour, make sure to wear comfortable shoes and dress appropriately for the weather, as you'll be exploring both indoor and outdoor sites. The meeting point is conveniently located in front of the renowned restaurant "Ponte Romana." After the tour, you'll find yourself in the same spot, allowing you to continue your exploration or enjoy a well-deserved meal at this picturesque establishment. Grab your camera, an open mind, and get ready to immerse yourself in the captivating history and vibrant atmosphere of Silves.Reviews
Customers who have experienced this guided tour to Silves have praised the knowledgeable and passionate native guides who bring the town's history to life. Visitors were particularly impressed by the stunning views from Castelo de Silves and the opportunity to taste the local flavors at the municipal market. The engaging interpretation of Silves Cathedral's history and architecture left a lasting impression on travelers, as did the diverse exhibits at the museum, which showcased the multicultural heritage of the town. Overall, participants described the tour as an enriching and immersive experience that deepened their appreciation for Silves' significance in the Algarve region.
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