Winter Sun and Festive Charm in a Traditional Portuguese Town

Nights

10

From

£1295
Land Package – call for tailor-made flight prices

Departs

18 Dec 2025

Nights

10

Departs

18 Dec 2025

From

£1295
Land Package – call for tailor-made flight prices

Experience the magic of Christmas in Tavira, a charming and traditional Portuguese town on the Algarve. Unlike the typical tourist resorts, Tavira embraces its rich local culture and remains vibrant year-round, offering an ideal festive retreat.

Stroll across the Roman Bridge spanning the Gilão River, where musicians play festive melodies, and enjoy stunning views of the town and river. Wander through narrow streets lined with whitewashed buildings adorned in intricate architecture and twinkling Christmas lights, basking in the winter sunshine.

Discover unique gifts at the Mercado da Ribeira or explore Portuguese brands at the Gran Plaza Tavira shopping complex for something special this Christmas. Known as the “City of Churches,” Tavira is home to an incredible 37 churches. Highlights include the Church of St. Sebastian with its elaborately painted interiors and the Church of Mercy, where you’re likely to catch a heartwarming Christmas choir.

For panoramic views, visit Tavira Castle and explore its ruins and gardens. Delve into the town’s rich history with a guided Tuk Tuk tour, a ride on the tourist train to Quatro Águas Pier, or a visit to the Salt Pans and Tuna Museum. Golf enthusiasts will also find four exceptional 18-hole courses nearby.

Your stay will be at the 4-star Vila Galé Tavira Hotel, centrally located for easy access to Tavira’s beaches, shops, and attractions. This beautifully designed hotel showcases Moorish-inspired decor and elegant ceramic tiles, creating a tranquil ambiance. Relax by the large outdoor pool, unwind in the indoor pool, or pamper yourself at the wellness centre.

Bridge Team: Rob (Director) and Rosa Richardson (Host) are excited to welcome you for a memorable Christmas holiday, complete with engaging bridge sessions, a traditional Christmas lunch, and a festive quiz to enjoy with old and new bridge friends alike.

With mild winter temperatures averaging 16°C and plenty of sunshine, Tavira is the perfect destination to celebrate Christmas in style this year.

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Travel with...

Rob & Rosa Richardson

Highlights

  • Interesting and traditional Portuguese town and centrally positioned hotel – ideal winter location with winter sun
  • Christmas lunch and activities on Christmas Day
  • Elegant hotel with outdoor and indoor swimming pools and wellness centre

Itinerary

Day 1

Faro International Airport > Hotel Vila Gale Tavira

For guests arriving at Faro International airport on our specific change over days, join the group and transfer to the Hotel Vila Gale Tavira. (Transfer time approximately 1 hour).

There will be a singles meeting where partners will be found for single players, followed by dinner and a short session of evening bridge, for those who arrive on time and wish to play bridge on arrival evening.

Day 1
Day 2

Hotel Vila Gale Tavira

There will be a welcome meeting at 10.00 am in the bridge room where you will meet your bridge director and bridge hosts and be given information on the bridge programme and your holiday and enjoy a welcome drink with your newfound bridge friends.

Buffet dinner at 18.30 pm followed by evening bridge.

Day 2
Day 3-10

Hotel Vila Gale Tavira

Our Club Classics bridge programme is included throughout your stay. Each evening, after dinner at 18:30, you are warmly invited to join us in the bridge room for engaging sessions from our varied duplicate bridge programme, running until late.

For those who wish to participate, during the daytime, we may offer bridge seminars or bridge sessions. These are carefully scheduled to complement any optional or included excursions, ensuring a balanced holiday experience. Our bridge director will remain attentive to local weather conditions and may adjust timings, if needed, to suit the group's interests.

Your final bridge programme will be sent to you with your travel documentation approximately two weeks before departure.

Day 3-10
Day 11

Hotel Vila Gale Tavira > Faro International Airport

Today we bid farewell to guests and after breakfast and hotel check-out depart on the group transfers to Faro International Airport.

Day 11

What's included

  • 10 nights half board accommodation
  • Drinks package with dinner during your stay at the hotel
  • Christmas Day lunch
  • Complimentary use of indoor heated pool, gym, jacuzzi and Turkish bath and relaxation area
  • Services of an EBU qualified director and bridge hosts
  • Club Classic bridge programme with varied itinerary and bridge programme
  • Masterpoints and prizes awarded
  • Return airport transfers on changeover days
  • Unusually for a British tour operator, 100% of Bridge Collection holidays are fully financially protected – via our Trust Account for accommodation-only bookings, and with ATOL protection for guests booking flights and accommodation.

Prices

Date

Nights

Double/Twin (pp) from

Single from

18 December 2025
10
£1,295
£1,545

Date

18 December 2025

Nights

10

Double/Twin (pp) from

£1,295

Single from

£1,545

Full operator terms and conditions apply. Prices are per person based on two adults sharing a room unless otherwise stated, subject to availability and change. For flight inclusive prices or to tailor-make your Bridge Holiday with land stays, added excursions and more, call today. Please note, for guests making their own travel arrangements, please speak to our friendly Bridge team prior to confirming your flight arrangements. Bridge hosts/directors may be subject to change due to unforeseen circumstances. Local tourist tax payable locally if applicable.

Upgrades

Details

Nights

Double/Twin (pp) from

Single from

Pool View Room Supplement
10
£140
£85

Details

Pool View Room Supplement

Nights

10

Double/Twin (pp) from

£140

Single from

£85

Hotel Vila Gale Tavira

The charming 4-star Hotel Vila Gale Tavira is perfectly located in the heart of the historic town of Tavira on the banks of the Ria Formosa.

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