Name: Portugal's Spice Route & Beyond: April Gastronomic Adventure
Start: 2025-04-04T00:00:00.000Z
End: 2025-04-08T00:00:00.000Z
Location: São Bartolomeu de Messines, Portugal

Figs on the Funcho

Email address verified

35 reviews

Apr 4 - 8, 2025

Group size: 5 - 8

Portugal's Spice Route & Beyond: April Gastronomic Adventure

São Bartolomeu de Messines, Portugal

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Figs on the Funcho

Email address verified

35 reviews

€950

Deposit: €240

Apr 4 - 8, 2025

Group size: 5 - 8

Embark on an extraordinary culinary odyssey with Figs on the Funcho in our cooking holiday, 'Portugal's Spice Route and Beyond,' recognized by The Times newspaper as one of Joanna Booth’s "20 of the Best Spring Mini-Breaks in Portugal."

Immerse yourself in a fusion of history, culture, and gastronomy that shaped Portugal's remarkable legacy. Inspired by the Spice Route and Portuguese Discoveries, indulge in iconic dishes like Bacalhau and Cataplana.

Delve into the melding of Indian and Portuguese flavours, explore Mozambique's culinary influences, and savour the tastes of Brazil and Macau. Join us for a celebration of Portugal's global influence on the world's palate.

Figs on the Funcho, crowned by LuxLife's Hospitality Award as "Algarve's Most Idyllic Riverside Retreat 2023", offers breathtaking country views that will undoubtedly leave you in awe. Immerse yourself in the tranquility of the surroundings, let the stunning landscapes inspire you, and create memories that will last a lifetime.

Our home-from-home, The River House, is the perfect retreat for nature enthusiasts seeking modern comfort, privacy, and peace. This renovated 100-year-old farmhouse riverside property boasts an infinity swimming pool, 5 large bedrooms, and can accommodate up to 10 people with the option of single or double beds.

In addition to the villa, The River House also offers the option of staying in our two luxurious safari tents in the garden with stunning river views. Each tent can accommodate up to 2 guests, providing a unique and immersive nature experience. So, whether you choose to stay in the villa or one of our safari tents, you're sure to have an unforgettable and restorative getaway.

"The sunsets and sunrises were a joy, the vegetarian meals a delicious revelation. I've ordered my first-ever veggie cookbook to continue the benefits of 'Fig's' healthy delicious meals" - Judith

“Oh and did I mention the food and the 'to die for' homemade granola??!!! You’re in for an amazing treat” – Milu

"Graham is the Mushroom Whisperer" - Sam, Barcelona

“The vegetarian meals a delicious revelation. I’ve ordered my first-ever veggie cookbook to continue the benefits of ‘Fig’s’ healthy delicious meals” – Judith Dawson

“So surprised at the vegetarian food. Every meal was delicious.” – Dave Russel

“A great evening with great vegetarian food cooked and prepared by Graham and Cheryl who were wonderful hosts.” – Rob Thorne

Your appetite :-)
Your swimming costume to enjoy the pool and watersports on the dam. The water levels may differ depending on the time of the year and drought conditions.
Something warm to relax in at night.
Sun hat and suitable footwear (trainers) for walking to explore different paths and also if you plan to visit the historical town nearby, during free time, as the cobbled roads can be slippery.
Mosquito repellent.
Yoga enthusiasts can make use of available mats for their stretching needs.

Check-in from 16h00. Guests are requested to arrive before 21h00; otherwise, arrival should be scheduled for the following morning.

Check-out will be after the 09h00 breakfast.

We'll pick you up at Faro airport at 3pm; if you've opted for a different route, we'll warmly welcome you at the riverside villa from 3pm.

For those arriving by train, disembark at Messines-Alte train station and choose a quick 5-minute taxi ride to reach the villa. This is an excellent choice for those who prefer to avoid an internal flight and instead savour a scenic journey through the countryside.

If you're flying into Faro airport, you have two options: either take the train to Messines-Alte and select a 5-minute taxi ride to the villa or opt for a 45-minute airport taxi transfer directly to the villa.

Follow the Google map directions for those travelling by car.

The terms and conditions including the cancellation policy can be found here Retreat Terms and Conditions - Figs On The Funcho

Once a guest has paid the deposit for the holiday or event then it is deemed that they have accepted these Terms and Conditions

Offsite Day Transfers
Transfers to the market are included.
Accommodation
Spacious, comfortable accommodation. Single or double beds with shared spacious bathroom or en-suite bathrooms
Meals
Breakfast, lunch and dinner, wine with meals (not included: alcoholic drinks (honesty bar provided)
Welcome drinks
Enjoy a refreshing welcome beverage upon arrival on the deck, shaded by the expansive carob trees.
Airport Transfers
We’ll have one Faro airport pick-up at 3pm for the group. On departure date we have one transfer to airport after breakfast. We can arrange airport transfers for you at other times for your cost.
Towels
Bath and swimming pool towels
Wifi
Fibre Optic

One Person Safari Tent With Shared Bath

Deposit:€240

Only 1 left

ROOM RATE FOR ONE PERSON IN A GLAMPING SAFARI TENT WITH SHARED BATHROOM

One person in a Glamping Safari tent with shared bathroom. Check out details for more information on our glamping tents.

€950

Deposit:€240

One Person with Shared Bathroom

Deposit:€248

Only 1 left

ROOM RATE FOR ONE PERSON IN A PRIVATE ROOM

An upstairs room offering scenic river views and a contemporary shared bathroom with dual basins. Delve into the details for more information on the Green Room and Zebra Room.

€995

Deposit:€248

Two Persons with Shared Purple Bathroom

Deposit:€442

Only 1 left

TOTAL ROOM RATE FOR TWO PERSONS SHARING A ROOM

€885 Per Person

An upstairs room with dual skylights and a contemporary shared bathroom boasting double basins. Explore the details for additional information.

€1,770

Deposit:€442

One Person with En-Suite Bathroom

Deposit:€340

Sold Out

ROOM RATE FOR ONE PERSON IN A PRIVATE ROOM AND PRIVATE BATHROOM

Spacious ground-floor bedroom featuring an en-suite bathroom and double doors that open onto the garden room. Check out the details for more information.

€1,350

Deposit:€340

Two Persons with En-Suite Bathroom

Deposit:€550

Only 1 left

TOTAL ROOM RATE FOR 2 PERSONS

€1,100 Per Person

Spacious ground-floor bedroom featuring an en-suite bathroom and double doors that open onto the garden room. Check out the details for more information.

€2,200

Deposit:€550

Day 1
Day 1
Arrival Day
Settle into The River House at Figs on the Funcho before enjoying welcome drinks and dinner featuring Portuguese Seafood Rice and accompaniments.

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Day 2
Day 2
Market visit and introduction to the Portuguese cuisine
Begin your day with a refreshing glass of freshly squeezed orange juice, followed by a typical Portuguese breakfast. Our journey starts as we head to the local fish market, where we'll handpick fresh and vibrant produce. During our market visit, we'll take a break in the town to relish a local pastry paired with aromatic coffee or drink of your choice. In the late afternoon, immerse yourself in our engaging cooking lessons and demonstrations, where we'll explore the art of crafting Portuguese spice route-inspired recipes. The kitchen becomes a canvas as we prepare these delectable dishes. As the sun sets, we gather to enjoy the fruits of our labour—a sumptuous dinner thoughtfully paired with exquisite Portuguese wines, a fitting culmination to a day filled with culinary exploration and delightful flavours
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Day 3
Day 3
Portuguese seafood delights with Cataplana
Get ready for a day that kick-starts with a burst of vitality! We'll greet the morning with a refreshing breakfast, complete with freshly squeezed oranges—nature's energy in a glass.

Lunchtime join us for a fun Pastéis de Bacalhau com Queijo – Codfish Cakes with Cheese.

In the afternoon, we'll embark on a leisurely countryside walk, where tranquillity meets inspiration, and your senses are set free, or simply unwind at our venue—a lazy afternoon, tailor-made for you.

Late afternoon brings a culinary spectacle. We'll whip up the renowned Algarve Cataplana dish alongside some vegetarian accompaniments. And when the sun dips below the horizon, we'll come together for a memorable dinner paired with fine wines. It's a grand finale you won't want to miss!
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Day 4
Day 4
Portuguese International Cuisine delights

Prepare for a day that will electrify your senses and ignite your passion for Portuguese international cuisine! Get ready for a brunch that's a true symphony of flavours from Brasil and Mozambique.

But that's just the beginning! In the afternoon, we'll dive into the creation of some of the eastern delights such as Goan curries and Macoun delights

Our evening dinner is a flavourful reunion with the dishes we've passionately crafted during our cooking class. This experience is a heartfelt celebration of Portuguese international flavours—an adventure you'll cherish long after the sun dips below the horizon. Get ready for a day that will tantalize, inspire, and warm your heart!
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Day 5
Day 5
Farewell Breakfast and Departure
After our final wholesome breakfast, we will pack up and say our goodbyes before returning home.
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Day 1

Arrival Day

Settle into The River House at Figs on the Funcho before enjoying welcome drinks and dinner featuring Portuguese Seafood Rice and accompaniments.

Figs on the Funcho

35 reviews

🏆LuxLife Hospitality Award: Algarve's Most Idyllic Riverside Retreat 2023 Cheryl & Graham, co-founders of Figs on the Funcho, share their love for the Algarve through culinary, walking & painting packages. With 20 years of experience, they explore the best beaches, restaurants, and villages for a memorable experience. Passionate about cooking, they draw inspiration from culinary experts like Ottolenghi, Ixta Belfrage, Sami Tamimi, and Jamie Oliver. Their retreats offer healthy and delicious vegetarian meals, delighting all taste buds.

I really enjoyed this afternoon. Delicious food and interesting information on nutrition. I have already applied some tips from Naomi and I have made two of those delicious recipes from Graham. Nice also to admire your beautiful venue. I will be back soon.

By Alexandra H for Gut Health Lunch & Learn January 2025 on Feb 06, 2025

I had a fantastic time at the "Portuguese Spice Route: A Brunch Cooking Workshop en-route to India" at Figs on the Funcho, recently. Graham and Cheryl were excellent hosts, and the workshop was well-organized, interactive, and a lot of fun. The hands-on experience was great, with everyone getting involved in the cooking process. Our hosts made sure we all had the chance to participate, whether it was chopping, mixing spices, or cooking, which really brought the group together and made it feel like a shared culinary adventure. We learned how to prepare a range of dishes that highlighted flavours from the spice route—each with the unique spices and flavours from the regions along the historic spice route, from Portugal to India. The recipe selection was a perfect way to showcase the spices and ingredients from each region, and the hosts made everything easy to follow. I loved how approachable the dishes were—easy for recreating at home but still packed with rich, authentic flavours. The setting was another highlight. Their home and property are absolutely beautiful, and dining outside in the warm autumn afternoon with a view of the valley made the meal even more enjoyable. Sharing the dishes we all helped prepare while taking in the scenery was the perfect end to the workshop. I highly recommend this experience. Whether you're an experienced cook or just looking to try something new, it's a fun and memorable way to spend the day!

By Carrie C for Portuguese Spice Route: A brunch cooking workshop en-route to India on Oct 16, 2024

The cooking class at Figs on the Funcho was wonderful. Graham and Cherly were so hospitable and friendly. The food was interesting and delicious and the company was fantastic. It was a fun day in a peaceful and beautiful location. Thank you

By Aliya J for Portuguese Spice Route: A brunch cooking workshop en-route to India on Oct 16, 2024

It was a wonderful experience, which I highly recommend. Great venue & accommodation, delicious food, fun group of people, lovely art & yoga teachers. Such a great place to relax and enjoy something different for a few days.