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Your day begins with a scenic drive towards Lagos, the ancient capital of Algarve. It was here, during the 15th and 16th centuries, that ambitious Portuguese exploration fueled the growth of Portugal into a great colonial empire. As Portugal expanded, so increased the importance of Lagos. In 1755, Lagos' growth came to a halt when a powerful earthquake left almost the entire village in ruins. Yet, in the face of defeat, Lagos emerged out of the ruins, generating the village's rebirth, while holding onto its strong traditional ties.

In 1444, Lagos became home to the first European slave market. Today, you will witness the remnants of the medieval castle walls surrounding the whitewashed houses and Lagos' narrow streets. The first slave market in Europe is still there as well as some of the fortifications that maintained the Portuguese independence against the Spaniards.

Nearby you will find the spectacular promontory of the Cape of Saint Vincent, the southernmost point in all of Portugal. Many ancient people believed that this was the end of the world, a place where the world dropped off to...nothing. Imagine the fear felt by the many Portuguese sailors who bravely left this cape behind as their ships sailed southward into the vastness of the Atlantic Ocean.

Your journey continues to Sagres, the medieval epicenter for brilliant scholars fond of philosophical and scientific thoughts, initiated by none other than Prince Henry the Navigator himself. With the Age of Discoveries in full momentum and the Kingdom of Portugal at the forefront of the campaign, it is no surprise that Sagres is where Prince Henry founded the first nautical school in the entire world.