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Frequently Asked Questions

Do I have to purchase tickets in advance? Can I walk up and pay in cash?

Bookings must be made in advance of the tour, for us to take care the logistics to assure the best experience and food tasting samples on the day. Our food tours and cooking classes tend to sell out. We do not accept walk-ins. Payment must be done in Euros, in advance when booking by Credit Card or by cash on the day.

If a food tour/cooking class is sold out, can I get on a waiting list?
We do not provide a waiting list. Please notify us by email and we will let you know what the options are if we are unable to get you on the tour/cooking class of your choice.



When is the best time to take the tour/cooking class?
We highly recommend taking our food tours at the beginning of your visit to allow you to have plenty of time to revisit on your own pace the wonderful neighbourhoods off the beaten path and also enjoy returning to your favourite food tasting locations. Cooking classes you can take any time. Since tours and cooking classes usually sell out well in advance, there is not a specific better day of the week you should be aware to consider.

What happens if it rains?
Tours are held raining or shining. The tastings will occur indoors, however, we advise you to check the weather beforehand and dress appropriately.

How much food is served on the tours?
Over the course of the tour you will be enjoying at least 10 food tasting samples, 2 wine and 1 spirit tasting samples, which is equivalent to a very large-sized lunch or dinner . You will not leave hungry! 


Are there vegetarian options?
Sadly for the moment no.  Portuguese cuisine is based on a Mediterranean dietary - fish, meat, vegetables, dairy, eggs and bread - and is somewhat veggie-friendly. However traditional local cuisine doesn't offer a full vegetarian option for the food tours.There are some starters you can find like soup, cheese, salads, etc but we believe that these options will not give the same insight on local cuisine as the regular diet and its unique ingredients do. We are trying to build a valid vegetarian alternative for the tour with our local partners as there are more and more requests for it and we believe that soon we might be able to accommodate such a request :)


What if I have dietary restrictions or allergies?
Please be sure and let us know if you have a dietary restriction (e.g. vegetarian, diabetic, allergy, etc.) when you purchase your tickets. As long as we know in advance, we will do our best in advance to accommodate your needs.

Vegans: the Portuguese cuisine is hardly adaptable to this type of dietry. Vegans are welcome to our experiences, but we don't adapt the tastings.



Are any beverages served on the tour? Are any beverages served on the tour / cooking class’ dinner?
All our activities have drinks tasting – water, non-alcohol beverages and alcoholic beverages – included.



Do I need to purchase a ticket if I’m not eating?
Yes. All guests must purchase a ticket whether they plan to partake in the food tastings or not. Non-paying individuals will not be able to join the tour for any reason. The ticket fees help cover the costs of all the food samplings and also to pay for your tour guides wages, whom are offering valuable commentary on historical, architectural, cultural and restaurant information during the tour and assisting you during cooking classes.



How much walking is involved about tours? What is the pace?
Tours generally last about 3.5 hours. We walk at a moderate pace and also provide at least two sit-down locations on all of our tours for at least 40 minutes in total during the tour.



Are young children allowed to participate on your activities?
Yes, children are allowed on our activities. Cooking classes are a family’s friendly and oriented experience, and accommodate perfectly children participation. However, we ask you to use your judgment to determine if the tour, in particular, is appropriate for them: please take into consideration that it is 3.5 hours tour during which we are either walking or standing for the majority of the time.



Are bathrooms available during the tour?
Yes, bathrooms are available during the tour at selected tasting locations.



Is the tour wheelchair and baby stroller accessible?
We will be walking in ancient hilly cities- due to steep inclines, ancient, cobble stone streets and inaccessibility of the tasting locations, it might be difficult for wheelchair or baby strollers, however, if you let us know in advance we will make the necessary adjustments.

Are tours/cooking classes offered only in English?
English is the default language for our activities; Portuguese is also spoken by request.



Do your tours and cooking classes have anything to offer a native Portuguese?

Yes. There is a great deal for locals on come and (re)discover these neighborhoods and the city, where they are living in or just passing by, with us. You will get surprised! Besides updating your knowledge while exploring culinary recipes and off the beaten path and backstreets, you will get aware and the best specialty food store locations and local restaurants. You can choose to follow our blog or to subscribe our newsletter to be up to date and learn more.

Can I shop during the tour?
We ask that you please wait to shop until after the tour so that we can stay on our food-tasting schedule and continue with the informative tour and food tastings in a timely manner. The tours are on a schedule to arrive at each tasting location so it is important to stay on schedule so the food is freshly prepared for the participants. The tour route will end not far from the starting point, so you may easily return to your favorite locations and stores.



Does the tour leader accept gratuities?
Gratuities are greatly appreciated, although not mandatory. It is up to you do it and on how pleased you feel with your guide´s assistance and performance at the final of your experience with us.



Is there parking near the tour meeting point?
Yes, there is both private and public parking located near the meeting point. Specific parking details are included in the meeting location directions after purchasing ticket with location, pricing, and hours.



What is your cancellation policy?
All our activities run regardless of weather conditions.
Please check our Cancellation Policies


Are gift certificates available?
Gift Certificates are available and make a wonderful and original present for anyone who is visiting or lives in the Algarve. 



Can I book a private activity for my group?
Yes. We offer private group food tours and cooking classes for groups from 8 people onwards. We also organize tailored activities you might want to try. 



How much food is prepared and served on the cooking class and dinner?
You will learn how to cook 5 courses: a starter, a soup, a fish dish, a meat dish and a dessert. Dinner includes all the meals you prepared, plus beverages (wine, cold tea and water).



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