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From Sun-kissed Beaches to Ancient Marvels: A Journey through Albufeira and Rome

Christian Gramata

Christian Gramata

9 Jan 2024

Embark on a 14-day adventure to the vibrant coastal town of Albufeira and the historic city of Rome. Immerse yourself in the beauty of pristine beaches, explore ancient ruins, indulge in mouthwatering cuisine, and discover the rich history and culture of these two enchanting destinations.

Trip to Albufeira

Day 1Beach Bliss and Cultural Delights in Albufeira
+

$76

·

$ 7

Praia da Galé (Leste)
Sun umbrellas dot this scenic, sandy beach with waves for surfers & a stylish oceanfront restaurant.
8:00 AM - 9:00 AM
•
Free
10 - 12 min

~

Directions

Praia do Castelo
Quaint village beach with summer lifeguards, known for clear water, gold sand & rocky surrounds.
9:30 AM - 10:30 AM
•
Free
11 - 14 min

~

Directions

Elevador do Peneco
Public access to a concrete elevator on a cliffside, with a viewing platform over the beach & bay.
11:00 AM - 11:30 AM
•
Free
5 - 8 min

~

Directions

Igreja Matriz de Albufeira
12:00 PM - 1:00 PM
•
Free
12 - 18 min

~

Directions

O Zuca
1:30 PM - 3:00 PM
•
$38
9 - 14 min

~

Directions

Galeria de Arte Pintor Samora Barros
3:00 PM - 4:00 PM
•
Free
1 - 2 min

~

Directions

Peccati di Gola
7:00 PM - 8:30 PM
•
$38
Day 2Sun, Sand, and Culinary Delights in Albufeira
+

$76

·

$ 10

Praia da Balaia
Intimate, sandy cove set beneath hills & cliffs, accessed by a series of wooden stairs & walkways.
8:00 AM - 9:00 AM
•
Free
21 - 26 min

~

Directions

Praia da Coelha
Rock formations surround this small, sandy cove & swimming beach with shells & a nearby cafe.
9:30 AM - 10:30 AM
•
Free
34 - 41 min

~

Directions

Marinha Beach
Surrounded by cliffs & pit caves, this popular ocean beach is renowned for its rustic beauty.
11:00 AM - 1:00 PM
•
Free
6 - 8 min

~

Directions

Restaurante O Litoral
1:30 PM - 3:00 PM
•
$36
2 - 3 min

~

Directions

O Pescador Benagil
7:00 PM - 8:30 PM
•
$40
Day 3Exploring Albufeira's Old Town and Hidden Gems
+

$89

·

$ 4

Albufeira Old Town
Elegant district of whitewashed buildings housing shops & restaurants, plus traditional plazas.
8:00 AM - 10:00 AM
•
Free
2 - 3 min

~

Directions

Museu Municipal de Arqueologia
Intimate local museum housing finds from a Roman villa, Islamic artifacts & prehistoric objects.
10:30 AM - 11:30 AM
•
$13
3 - 4 min

~

Directions

Praia do Túnel
Accessible via a tunnel linked to the city centre, this beach offers showers & a historic promenade.
12:00 PM - 1:00 PM
•
Free
9 - 11 min

~

Directions

A Sardinha
1:30 PM - 3:00 PM
•
$40
1 - 2 min

~

Directions

Praia dos Arrifes
Intimate beach featuring cliffs & unique rock formations in the water, plus a seasonal eatery & bar.
3:00 PM - 4:00 PM
•
Free
6 - 9 min

~

Directions

Restaurante da Praia de São Rafael
7:00 PM - 8:30 PM
•
$36
Day 4Beach Hopping and Gastronomic Delights in Albufeira
+

$72

·

$ 7

Praia do Evaristo
This blue-flag, gold-sand beach has seasonal lifeguards, rock formations, concessions & toilets.
8:00 AM - 9:00 AM
•
Free
13 - 16 min

~

Directions

Praia dos Pescadores
Beach divided by a cliff featuring a concrete pier, an outdoor escalator & two parks nearby.
9:30 AM - 10:30 AM
•
Free
7 - 10 min

~

Directions

Miradouro do Pau da Bandeira
Lookout point accessed by sightseeing train or escalator, with sunset views & bars nearby.
11:00 AM - 11:30 AM
•
Free
16 - 24 min

~

Directions

Praia dos Alemães
Long stretch of sandy beachfront with parasols & sun loungers for hire, backed by clifftop bars.
12:00 PM - 1:00 PM
•
Free
7 - 9 min

~

Directions

Restaurante Santa Eulália
1:30 PM - 3:00 PM
•
$36
12 - 17 min

~

Directions

Praia Santa Eulália
Reached by boardwalks, this golden-sand beach backdropped by cliffs offers lifeguards & restaurants.
3:00 PM - 4:00 PM
•
Free
9 - 14 min

~

Directions

Rm
O Restaurante RM veio revitalizar o antigo Restaurante Martins. Na estrada que liga Albufeira aos Olhos de Água, junto ao Grande Real de Santa Eulália, vai encontrar este extraordinário templo da Gastronomia Portuguesa.
7:00 PM - 8:30 PM
•
$36
Day 5Thrilling Adventures and Coastal Charm in Albufeira
+

$153

·

$ 10

Zoomarine Algarve, Portugal
Marine park with seal & dolphin shows, an aquarium & a sandy beach with slides & a wave pool.
8:00 AM - 12:00 PM
•
$75
18 - 22 min

~

Directions

Veneza
12:30 PM - 2:00 PM
•
$40
8 - 10 min

~

Directions

Castle of Paderne
This 12th-century sandstone Berber fortress is 1 of 7 that appear on the Portuguese flag.
2:00 PM - 3:30 PM
•
Free
10 - 12 min

~

Directions

Restaurante Zip Zip
7:00 PM - 8:30 PM
•
$38
Day 6Tranquil Beaches and Riverside Delights in Albufeira
+

$76

·

$ 10

Ponte medieval de Paderne
8:00 AM - 9:00 AM
•
Free
22 - 27 min

~

Directions

Praia do Barranco das Belharucas
Serene sandy beach with a backdrop of cliffs, plus sunbed rentals, lifeguards & refreshment vendors.
9:30 AM - 10:30 AM
•
Free
14 - 17 min

~

Directions

Quarteira River
Narrow river with a hiking trail along its bank, with fishing opportunities in scenic surrounds.
11:00 AM - 12:00 PM
•
Free
88 - 106 min

~

Directions

Praia da Rocha Baixinha Nascente
Wide, sandy beach surrounded by ocher rock formations & a pine forest with wildlife.
12:30 PM - 1:30 PM
•
Free
5 - 8 min

~

Directions

Gomes Na Praia
2:00 PM - 3:30 PM
•
$36
5 - 8 min

~

Directions

Thai - Beach Club
7:00 PM - 8:30 PM
•
$40
Day 7Sun-soaked Beaches and Gastronomic Delights in Albufeira
+

$74

·

$ 10

Praia Maria Luísa
Sandy beach popular for swimming, sunbathing & sports like windsurfing & water skiing.
8:00 AM - 9:00 AM
•
Free
14 - 17 min

~

Directions

Praia da Falésia
Miles of golden beach edged with red & white cliffs, plus sun beds, watersports, a restaurant & bar.
9:30 AM - 10:30 AM
•
Free
11 - 14 min

~

Directions

Praia da Rocha Baixinha
Backdropped by cliffs, this long golden-sand beach is a popular swimming spot with a lifeguard.
11:00 AM - 12:30 PM
•
Free
27 - 33 min

~

Directions

Thai
1:00 PM - 2:30 PM
•
$36
9 - 14 min

~

Directions

Praia de Vilamoura
Sheltered sandy beach with lively bars & restaurants, plus sun lounger & umbrella rentals.
2:30 PM - 3:30 PM
•
Free
9 - 14 min

~

Directions

Social. Wines & Portuguese Small Bites (Social. Vinhos & Petiscos)
7:00 PM - 8:30 PM
•
$38

Budget breakdown: $2045 In total

Activities & Food:$1952
Transport:$93

Trip to Rome

Day 1Beach Bliss and Cultural Delights in Albufeira
+

$210

·

$ 7

National Museum of Rome - Baths of Diocletian
Vast thermal baths now housing funereal artworks & decorations dating back to the Aurelian period.
8:00 AM - 11:00 AM
•
$26
11 - 14 min

~

Directions

Colosseum
Monumental 3-tiered Roman amphitheater once used for gladiatorial games, with guided tour option.
11:30 AM - 12:30 PM
•
$36
6 - 8 min

~

Directions

Elleniko
cucina greca
1:00 PM - 2:30 PM
•
$58
13 - 20 min

~

Directions

Baths of Caracalla
Ruins of a vast rectangular-shaped Roman thermal bath complex used from around 216 A.D. to 537 A.D.
2:30 PM - 4:00 PM
•
$30
15 - 22 min

~

Directions

Apuleius
Cucina Italiana all'Aventino
7:00 PM - 8:30 PM
•
$60
Day 2Sun, Sand, and Culinary Delights in Albufeira
+

$184

·

$ 7

Basilica di San Giovanni in Laterano
Landmark cathedral, the Pope's official seat, with ornate 1700s facade & statues of the Apostles.
8:00 AM - 10:00 AM
•
Free
11 - 14 min

~

Directions

Basilica Papale di Santa Maria Maggiore
Landmark papal basilica founded in the 5th century & known for its Roman mosaics & gilded ceiling.
10:30 AM - 11:30 AM
•
Free
13 - 16 min

~

Directions

Roman Forum
Vast excavated area of Roman temples, squares & government buildings, some dating back 2,000 years.
12:00 PM - 1:00 PM
•
$34
16 - 24 min

~

Directions

Pizza in Trevi
1:30 PM - 3:00 PM
•
$60
4 - 6 min

~

Directions

Trevi Fountain
Aqueduct-fed rococo fountain, designed by Nicola Salvi & completed in 1762, with sculpted figures.
3:00 PM - 3:40 PM
•
Free
9 - 14 min

~

Directions

Piazza di Spagna
Refined 18th-century square, location of the Spanish Steps & the Church of Trinità dei Monti.
4:10 PM - 4:50 PM
•
Free
15 - 22 min

~

Directions

Pantheon
Iconic temple built circa 118 to 125 A.D. with a dome & Renaissance tombs, including Raphael's.
5:20 PM - 5:50 PM
•
$32
6 - 9 min

~

Directions

Piazza Navona
Elegant square dating from the 1st century A.D., with a baroque fountain, street artists & bars.
6:20 PM - 7:00 PM
•
Free
2 - 3 min

~

Directions

Ponte e Parione
7:30 PM - 9:00 PM
•
$58
Day 3Exploring Albufeira's Old Town and Hidden Gems
+

$230

·

$ 7

National Roman Museum - Palazzo Massimo
Neo-Renaissance palace with a classical art collection including sculptures, mosaics & gold jewelry.
8:00 AM - 12:00 PM
•
$74
10 - 12 min

~

Directions

Villa Borghese
Vast urban park with formally landscaped gardens, a lake & villas now housing important museums.
12:30 PM - 1:30 PM
•
Free
11 - 14 min

~

Directions

Le Sicilianedde
2:00 PM - 3:30 PM
•
$62
11 - 16 min

~

Directions

Bioparco di Roma
Zoo with elephants & Komodo dragons, animal feeding sessions, a theater & summer camp for children.
3:30 PM - 5:30 PM
•
$36
13 - 20 min

~

Directions

San Marco
7:00 PM - 8:30 PM
•
$58
Day 4Beach Hopping and Gastronomic Delights in Albufeira
+

$154

·

$ 14

Giardino degli Aranci
Secluded public square with fragrant orange trees, medieval walls & views over the city & Tiber.
8:00 AM - 8:45 AM
•
Free
28 - 34 min

~

Directions

Vatican Museums
Multiple galleries of classical & Renaissance art masterpieces, plus the Sistine Chapel frescoes.
9:15 AM - 11:15 AM
•
$34
13 - 20 min

~

Directions

St. Peter's Basilica
Late Renaissance church by architects including Michelangelo & holding up to 20,000 worshippers.
11:45 AM - 1:15 PM
•
Free
15 - 18 min

~

Directions

La Gatta Mangiona
1:45 PM - 3:15 PM
•
$58
5 - 6 min

~

Directions

Villa Doria Pamphili
Landscaped park on ancient noble Roman estate, with open-air concerts, nature trails & fountain.
3:15 PM - 5:15 PM
•
Free
5 - 6 min

~

Directions

Gizzi Simone
7:00 PM - 8:30 PM
•
$62
Day 5Thrilling Adventures and Coastal Charm in Albufeira
+

$188

Janiculum Hill
This historic, well-known hilltop terrace offers panoramic views of Rome.
8:00 AM - 9:00 AM
•
Free
17 - 26 min

~

Directions

Campo de' Fiori
Popular local produce market in a public square, selling fruit, vegetables & general goods.
9:30 AM - 10:30 AM
•
Free
12 - 18 min

~

Directions

Capitoline Museums
Classical Roman, Greek & Egyptian sculptures & Renaissance art in Michelangelo-designed palaces.
11:00 AM - 2:00 PM
•
$34
7 - 10 min

~

Directions

Scholars Lounge
2:30 PM - 4:00 PM
•
$60
6 - 9 min

~

Directions

Campidoglio
Hilltop square designed by Michelangelo, lined with museums & offering views of the Roman forum.
4:00 PM - 4:45 PM
•
$34
7 - 10 min

~

Directions

La Cabana
7:00 PM - 8:30 PM
•
$60
Day 6Tranquil Beaches and Riverside Delights in Albufeira
+

$224

·

$ 7

Castel Sant'Angelo
Circular, 2nd-century castle housing furniture & paintings collections in Renaissance apartments.
8:00 AM - 10:00 AM
•
$42
11 - 14 min

~

Directions

Piazza del Popolo
Grand, landmark square centered by Rome's oldest obelisk & the site of the city's northern gate.
10:30 AM - 11:30 AM
•
Free
15 - 22 min

~

Directions

National Etruscan Museum of Villa Giulia
16th-century palace exhibiting rich, Etruscan antiquities, including ornate jewelry & sarcophagi.
12:00 PM - 2:00 PM
•
$22
10 - 12 min

~

Directions

Galbi
2:30 PM - 4:00 PM
•
$62
6 - 9 min

~

Directions

Borghese Gallery and Museum
Villa housing 15th- to 18th-century artworks with pieces by Bernini & Caravaggio. Booking essential.
4:00 PM - 6:00 PM
•
$40
8 - 12 min

~

Directions

San Marco
7:00 PM - 8:30 PM
•
$58
Day 7Sun-soaked Beaches and Gastronomic Delights in Albufeira
+

$146

MAXXI - National Museum of 21st Century Art
National museum of contemporary art & architecture in eye-catching, Zaha Hadid-designed building.
8:00 AM - 12:00 PM
•
$26
7 - 10 min

~

Directions

20MQ Design & Derivati
1:00 PM - 2:30 PM
•
$60
4 - 5 min

~

Directions

Tiepolo
7:00 PM - 8:30 PM
•
$60

Budget breakdown: $2045 In total

Activities & Food:$1952
Transport:$93