PONTA DA PIEDADE GROTTO TOUR IN LAGOS BY VIATOR

GREAT VALUE AND SAFE AT SEA WITH SUPER PROFESSIONAL

ENGLISH SPEAKING GUIDE

As most of you know, Viator works with thousands of subcontractors.

They are up front about telling you what sub is conducting your tour.

When I arrived at the docks, an English speaking person told me I was the only one that booked for my time.

I feared I would be left to fend for myself, despite having a very tight daily schedule.

No, he placed me on another boat with a top notch captain and English speaking guide.

All was well.

No worries with Viator.

PONTA DA PIEDADE GROTTO TOUR IN LAGOS BY VIATOR

GREAT VALUE AND SAFE AT SEA WITH SUPER PROFESSIONAL

ENGLISH SPEAKING GUIDE

I have been in some of the most exotic parts of the world -- done on my own and without a guide.

So when I swear by Viator -- that means the company is doing something right.

We left right on time, returned right on time and every moment at sea felt safe and sound.

The narration was spot on.

Going out the channel gives a great view of Old Lagos.

Getting out to the rock formations and grottos -- on the way to and at Ponta da Piedade, gives you a picture post card view from the Atlantic up to the amazing cliffs and openings.

BENAGIL CAVES SPEEDBOAT TOUR FROM PORTIMÃO BY VIATOR

GREAT VALUE, SAFE AT SEA AND HIGHLY ENTERTAINING 

WITH SUPER PROFESSIONAL ENGLISH SPEAKING GUIDE

The Viator guided boat stopped at so many hidden coves and sea caves that were as good or better as the famous Benagil.

The guide took photos of each person that wanted one of them at Benagil.

On the speedy return to port, he gave tips on what else to see and where to eat in the area.

This allowed me to visit the amazing network of boardwalks near Carvoeiro to Algar Seco, based on his insights.

The trip was a great value and felt very safe at sea.

BENAGIL CAVES SPEEDBOAT TOUR FROM PORTIMÃO BY VIATOR

GREAT VALUE, SAFE AT SEA AND HIGHLY ENTERTAINING 

WITH SUPER PROFESSIONAL ENGLISH SPEAKING GUIDE

I am NOT a group tour person.

So when Viator impresses me, it means its tours are the best of the best.

The Benagil Caves by speedboat left right on time.

We saw everything advertised and then some.

The guide had perfect English.

He was the ideal blend of informative about history, culture, etc. -- while also being humorous.

MONTE GERAÇÕES ALMANCIL ALGARVE PORTUGAL

TRANQUIL STAY, LUXURY HEATED POOL, PERFECT LOCATION 

CREATED BY A WARM AND KNOWLEDGEABLE HOST

Monte Geracoes has 5 units on its rustic site, but I NEVER heard another person.

The property is within 15 minutes walking distance to a commercial strip in Almancil.

There are major discount and gourmet grocery stores a 5 minute drive away.

The town has its share of great restaurants and the owner happily shared his favorites and what they specialize -- in a WhatsApp text before my arrival, so I could plan.

The greatest asset of all was something I really did not book based on. That is a very large, heated pool.

I'm usually on the go, so a pool is not a big deal -- plus, the Atlantic Ocean was 15 minutes away and part of half the towns I toured.

But getting back between 8 and 9 p.m. and doing an hour in the pool at sunset and moonrise -- it was divine.

MONTE GERAÇÕES ALMANCIL ALGARVE PORTUGAL

TRANQUIL STAY, LUXURY HEATED POOL, PERFECT LOCATION 

CREATED BY A WARM AND KNOWLEDGEABLE HOST

The Monte Geracoes owner fielded my myriad questions about best cities to visit based on what I love (history, architecture, authenticity).

He came by the property to chat and make sure I got in okay (there is a gated entry and you need a clicker to open it) and was set up -- arriving in less than an hour after I did.

The owner checked in throughout my trip.

He suggested an amazing, and fair priced seafood place in a hill town.

I was thinking coastal for fin and shell fish, but he was spot on with his recommendation, even suggesting I go for dinner instead of lunch -- so I saw the lights illuminating the city's dramatic Moorish castle.

MONTE GERAÇÕES ALMANCIL ALGARVE PORTUGAL

TRANQUIL STAY, LUXURY HEATED POOL, PERFECT LOCATION 

CREATED BY A WARM AND KNOWLEDGEABLE HOST

The only minus against 100 pluses at Monte Geracoes was the thinness and hardness of the mattress.

I realize this is a very personal thing -- as some folks like to sleep on something firm as concreate and others want mushy marshmallows under them.

I have a firm mattress at home, but I woke up with hip pain and was gobbling Tylenol the whole trip.

The overly hard mattress had to be the cause.

Maybe a mattress topper at the ready, would be a solution?

MONTE GERAÇÕES ALMANCIL ALGARVE PORTUGAL

TRANQUIL STAY, LUXURY HEATED POOL, PERFECT LOCATION 

CREATED BY A WARM AND KNOWLEDGEABLE HOST

I can't say enough about the property. It's perfectly located in the heart of the Algarve.

I rented a car at the Lisbon Airport and drove down. It was less than a 90 minute drive to the farthest point west -- Sagres and only an hour to Alcoutim at the boarder of Spain to the east.

All of the hill towns, which often are less overdeveloped than the beach and golf course communities, were an hour's drive from the property.

The kitchen was outstanding and clean.

I appreciated the full size fridge, microwave, utensils, plates and more.

The bedroom was large, well lit, etc.

It really is a small house, far larger than a hotel unit.