Portugal in the western extremity of the Iberian Peninsula has existed within borders virtually unchanged for nearly 800 years. Its ten million people speak their own language, follow their own unique cultural traditions, and have a centuries-old history of proud independence from neighboring Spain. The Algarve Region is situated on the extreme South of Portugal. The Algarve has a climate culture and scenery very different from the rest of Portugal. Its stunning coastline and year round mild climate make it a popular tourist destination.

Today visit the Western Algarve starting with the Moorish City of Silves. The city is surrounded by many picturesque orchards growing orange and lemon trees. Above the town the red walls of the impressive castle stand out against the skyline. Visit the castle where wonderful views of the town and countryside which can be gained from the massive ramparts and the Cathedral which dates back to the 13th century. Be sure to visit the village of Porches, famous for its pottery. The main road has a large number of shops along its sides and close to the town. This is probably one of the best places if you want to buy pottery to take home.

Outside the village of Almancil lies one of the Algarve’s gems, the 18th century “Igreja Matriz De Sao Lourenco” It’s interior is an outstanding masterpiece of decoration in azulejo panels. The blue and white tiles were designed by master craftsmen in Lisbon and shipped down, they cover the church to stunning effect and depict the episodes in the life of St.Laurence, who answered the local inhabitants prayers for water. Visit the Roman Ruins at Milreu outside the village of Estoi. The ruins date back to 1st century AD. While in Estoi take time to drop by the Palacio de Estoi, just off the main square by the church. It is currently being restored with a view to becoming a Pousado, a small state run country inn offering hospitality in keeping with the style and tradition of the area.

Take time to explore the pretty town of Tavira in the Eastern end of the Algarve. The town is full of historic churches and fine mansions with filigree balconies that lie along both sides of the Gilao River linked by a bridge of Roman Origin. The town has a wide and varied history while the best views can be had from the walls of the Moorish Castle in the old Arab centre. A stroll along the embankment takes you past a small public garden to the market and fish auction.

Outside the village of Almancil lies one of the Algarve’s gems, the 18th century “Igreja Matriz De Sao Lourenco” It’s interior is an outstanding masterpiece of decoration in azulejo panels. The blue and white tiles were designed by master craftsmen in Lisbon and shipped down, they cover the church to stunning effect and depict the episodes in the life of St.Laurence, who answered the local inhabitants prayers for water. Visit the Roman Ruins at Milreu outside the village of Estoi. The ruins date back to 1st century AD. While in Estoi take time to drop by the Palacio de Estoi, just off the main square by the church. It is currently being restored with a view to becoming a Pousado, a small state run country inn offering hospitality in keeping with the style and tradition of the area.

Visit the Western Algarve starting with the Moorish City of Silves. The city is surrounded by many picturesque orchards growing orange and lemon trees. Above the town the red walls of the impressive castle stand out against the skyline. Visit the castle where wonderful views of the town and countryside which can be gained from the massive ramparts and the Cathedral which dates back to the 13th century. Be sure to visit the village of Porches, famous for its pottery. The main road has a large number of shops along its sides and close to the town. This is probably one of the best places if you want to buy pottery to take home.

Take time to explore the pretty town of Tavira in the Eastern end of the Algarve. The town is full of historic churches and fine mansions with filigree balconies that lie along both sides of the Gilao River linked by a bridge of Roman Origin. The town has a wide and varied history while the best views can be had from the walls of the Moorish Castle in the old Arab centre. A stroll along the embankment takes you past a small public garden to the market and fish auction.

Known as the Venice of Portugal, Aveiro is surrounded by salt-flats, beaches and lagoons and dominated by the Central Canal running through town. Famous for its moliceiros, typical fishing boats with gaily painted prows, Aveiro was once a busy and prosperous port town several centuries ago. The silting up of the entrance to the harbour by deposits brought down by the River Vouga, combined with a build-up of sand from the sea, meant that by the end of the 17th century, following some exceptionally rough seas, the port became landlocked. In 1808, a successful attempt was made to pierce an entrance to the sand-bar, but it is unlikely that Aveiro will ever become a major port again. What to see: Aveiro's main museum, housed in the former Jesus Monastrey, is full of mementoes of King Afonso V's daughter, Santa Joana, who died here in 1490. Within short walking distance stands the city's 15th century São Domingos cathedral and the Carmelite Church, decorated with paintings depicting the life of St Teresa. Also worth seeing is the Misericórdia Church, which dates back to the 16th century.

Where the monastery of Sao Francisco once stood the city merchants built the stock exchange or Bolsa in 1842. The Tribunal do Comercio, where Porto’s mercantile law was upheld, is full of historical interest and has a small picture gallery. The glittering highlight is the Arabian Room, a galleried salon with blue and gold arabesques inspired by Granada’s Alhambra.

Nestling in a deep gorge, Porto is implausibly picturesque, particularly its Old Town, a UNESCO World Heritage Site. To get the lie of the land, climb the 240 steps of the Torre dos Clérigos, an 18th-century tower designed by Italian architect Nicolau Nasoni. From here you can see everything from the Romanesque cathedral, or Sé, on its bluff in the east to the pretty beach at Foz do Douro, where the river runs into the Atlantic. On the south bank in Gaia, port wine lodges offer guided tours. Down below, beyond a patchwork of red rooftops, the neo-classical Palácio da Bolsa dates to 1842. The glass-domed former stock exchange has a neo-Moorish ballroom that took 18 years to build and is gilded with 40 pounds of gold. The fortress-like Cathedral commands the Old Town. Founded in the early 12th century, rebuilt in the 13th and again in the 18th, offers fine views from both chapterhouse and courtyard. From here, a series of narrow, steep streets cascade down to the waterfront Ribeira district. Porto is proud to be known as the city of work. Actually, its inhabitants have always been in the front line to defend national causes and greatly contributed to the Discoveries as well as to the regions's economic development as one of the most dynamic areas in the country's entrepreneurial tissue. The roughness of hard work, however, is counter-balanced by the honest and hospitable spirit of its people. The dynamism of the Porto population reveals their passion for simple things, which gives them an authentic and respectable image.

The church and tower are an unmistakable landmark. Built in the 18th century, the tower complements the churc. At 246 ft is remains one of the tallest buildings in Portugal. The dizzying 240 step climb is worth it for the superb views of the river, coastline and the Douro Valley.

The bustling suburb of Vila Nova da Gaia lies opposite Porto on the steep south bank of the mighty River Douro. Gaia today is dominated by the Port wine lodges, with over fifty wine companies based in its narrow, twisting streets. Here, the ageing and blending of most of the world's supply of Port wine takes place beneath a sea of red roofs emblazoned with some of the most famous names in winemaking. A tour of the cellars is a must for any visitor to Vila Nova da Gaia, followed by a wine-tasting. One of the best-organised lodges is Sandeman, founded in 1790 and housed in a former 16th-century convent with a small museum. Taylor's, one of the last privately-owned English wine companies, offers a lively, informative tour of the premises and impressive views from its spacious outdoor terrace.

Granada (Full Day Tour)

Today visit the wonderful city of Granada. Standing 2,200 ft above sea level in the foothills of the snowcapped Sierra Nevada, Granada sprawls over two main hills, the Alhambra and the Albaicín, and is crossed by two rivers, the Genil and the Darro. This former stronghold of Moorish Spain is full of romance and folklore. Granada has the Alhambra which is considered to be one of the 10 wonders of the world. The Alhambra is a massive castle constructed over many centuries. It consists of gardens, fortifications and sumptuous palaces. It was the home of many of the Arabic Sultans who ruled the whole province. It receives 8000 visitors per day and is Spain's most visited monument. The Albaicín is the old Arabic quarter located on the hill opposite the Alhambra. It is characterised by cobble stoned streets with white washed houses. There are many squares with terazas and places to laze about and have a bite to eat. The Albaicín is an oil painter's paradise and almost at every turn of the head there is an attractive view, almost always involving glimpses of the Alhambra.

Ronda (Half Day Tour)

Drive from Marbella into the Andalusian Mountains (1hr) for a visit to Ronda. One of the most spectacularly located cities in Spain. Ronda sits on a massive rocky outcrop, straddling a deep 330ft gorge. The New Bridge (Puente Nuevo) separates the old and the new Ronda. On the south side perches a classic Moorish city of cobbled alleys, window grilles and dazzling whitewash, while in the newer town lies “El Mercadillo” one of the oldest bullrings in Spain. Be sure to visit the Palacio Mondragon with its arcaded patio adorned with original mosaics and the Puente Nuevo where you can get inside the bridge and learn of its impressive construction and history.

Marbella #1

Drive from Marbella into the Andalusian Mountains (1hr) for a visit to Ronda. One of the most spectacularly located cities in Spain. Ronda sits on a massive rocky outcrop, straddling a deep 330ft gorge. The New Bridge (Puente Nuevo) separates the old and the new Ronda. On the south side perches a classic Moorish city of cobbled alleys, window grilles and dazzling whitewash, while in the newer town lies “El Mercadillo” one of the oldest bullrings in Spain. Be sure to visit the Palacio Mondragon with its arcaded patio adorned with original mosaics and the Puente Nuevo where you can get inside the bridge and learn of its impressive construction and history.

Casares is a picture postcard village with a population of just three thousand and the view from the approach is definitely worth a photo. There is something very special about the sight of Casares that causes the visitor to park the car and simply stare or take a photo. Easily accessed from the coast road from Marbella by turning inland at Km.147 (between Estepona and Sabinillas) near Torre de la Sal and head inland for 15 km. The scenery is picturesque, suddenly you turn a bend in the road, and are treated to a spectacular view of the village with its medieval fortress. Park the car and climb down one of the footpaths that lead into the village and the main square. Those wanting a rewarding experience will follow the narrow street adjacent to the Virgin del Rosario chapel keep climbing and eventually you will have reached the top of the town of some 1,400 feet above sea level. There is an old fortress here and a derelict church, as well as a marvelous view overlooking the rooftops of the village. Watch for peregrine falcons and kestrels and, on a clear day, you will be able to spy on the African coast with the Rock of Gibraltar looming craggily in the foreground.

The Costa Del Sol is part of the Andalusia area of Southern Spain and where all Spain’s stereotypes meet. Bullfighters, beaches, flamenco, white villages, cave houses, religious processions, tapas and sherry all here in abundance.

Enjoy a full day out with a visit to Jerez de la Frontera. Jerez is the capital of sherry production and many bodegas can be visited. Among the best is Gonzalez Byass where a comprehensive explanation of the sherry wine making process is conducted in a guided tour. The city is also famous for the “Real Escuela Andaluza de Arte Ecuestre”, a school of equestrian skills. Try and plan your visit on a Thursday when there is a truly spectacular public display. This is a fully fledged equestrian ballet, featuring choreography adapted from the training exercises of classical dressage, with traditional Spanish music and costumes which date back to the 18th century.

Enjoy a full day out with a visit to Jerez de la Frontera. Jerez is the capital of sherry production and many bodegas can be visited. Among the best is Gonzalez Byass where a comprehensive explanation of the sherry wine making process is conducted in a guided tour. The city is also famous for the “Real Escuela Andaluza de Arte Ecuestre”, a school of equestrian skills. Try and plan your visit on a Thursday when there is a truly spectacular public display. This is a fully fledged equestrian ballet, featuring choreography adapted from the training exercises of classical dressage, with traditional Spanish music and costumes which date back to the 18th century.

Take a trip to Mijas, a town situated on the edge of the mountains, facing the Mediterranean Sea and surrounded by pine trees. Mijas is a classical village with strong Andalusian flavour and offers incredible views over the coast. All the houses are painted white and the structure of the streets has been done in such a way to protect the houses and their inhabitants from the speedy winds of the area. ‘Donkey-taxis’ and the beautiful local crafts will capture your attention.

Today visit the wonderful city of Granada. Standing 2,200 ft above sea level in the foothills of the snowcapped Sierra Nevada, Granada sprawls over two main hills, the Alhambra and the Albaicín, and is crossed by two rivers, the Genil and the Darro. This former stronghold of Moorish Spain is full of romance and folklore. Granada has the Alhambra which is considered to be one of the 10 wonders of the world. The Alhambra is a massive castle constructed over many centuries. It consists of gardens, fortifications and sumptuous palaces. It was the home of many of the Arabic Sultans who ruled the whole province. It receives 8000 visitors per day and is Spain's most visited monument. The Albaicín is the old Arabic quarter located on the hill opposite the Alhambra. It is characterised by cobble stoned streets with white washed houses. There are many squares with terazas and places to laze about and have a bite to eat. The Albaicín is an oil painter's paradise and almost at every turn of the head there is an attractive view, almost always involving glimpses of the Alhambra.

Marbella is a favourite location with the rich and famous, however Marbella has a down to earth side as well, an air of individuality which can be best appreciated by exploring back streets in the old part of town. One of the prettiest places is the fabled 'Orange Square' which is located just off the main street in the older district and is also home to the 16th century town hall and tourist office where you can pick up a detailed map and visitor information.

Take a trip to Mijas, a town situated on the edge of the mountains, facing the Mediterranean Sea and surrounded by pine trees. Mijas is a classical village with strong Andalusian flavour and offers incredible views over the coast. All the houses are painted white and the structure of the streets has been done in such a way to protect the houses and their inhabitants from the speedy winds of the area. ‘Donkey-taxis’ and the beautiful local crafts will capture your attention.