Alentejo Inland Food & Wine Tour

DEPARTING FROM LISBON

Our gentle driver and guide will both greet you at the airport or at your hotel in Lisbon and accompany you to northern Alentejo along a road that runs across infinite fields and hills. 

FIRST WINERY VISIT

FIRST WINERY STOP

On the way it is time to stop at the first winery very close to Arraiolos. Some of their wine lables are inspired by Arraiolos’s famous rugs; in fact, the village is famous for its rugs embroidered with wool on jute fabric. The winery is a family project based on the highest respect for nature. Harmony reigns in the 800ha estate among the vineyards, walnut orchard, cork forest and the richness of the native flora and fauna makes this terroir unique.

HEARTY LUNCH IN ARRAIOLOS

HEARTY LUNCH IN ARRAIOLOS

Reach the beautiful town of Arraiolos for a home-made meal in is a typical Alentejo house. The meats of the Alentejo hills (black pork, veal and lamb) predominate in the menu, as well as the migas in all kind of preparations, from Alentejostle to asparagus, cod fish, broad beans, tomatoes or coriander. The conventual sweets are the ice on the cake.  

After lunch, transfer to your hotel in the heart of a wine estate, featuring the typical Alentejo architecture: white-washed walls and inviting seducing rooms.

Free evening to unwind and relax in the spa.

ESTREMOZ

Estremoz is an almost mystical place for the Portuguese because Queen Elizabeth of Portugal died here in 1336, a saint since 1625. This charming city lies on a northern spur of the mountain range Serra de Ossa. Estremoz is known as a marble city and is nicknamed “Ciudad Branca” (white city), and is also famous for her eccentric ‘bonecos’; elaborately decorated ceramic figures. Enjoy a relaxed private tour around the city within two layers of defensive walls,  the castle, the royal chapel, the Saint Mary church and feel time is paused.

HISTORICAL WINE ESTATE

After the city tour, you will head to one of the most impressive wineries and enjoy a very personal experience. We don’t wat to reveal the secret, you need to discover it by yourself. Dona Maria Wines

After lunch, transfer to your hotel. This afternoon we suggest you explore the hotel estate and their symbolic wines.

Free evening.

REDONDO: CORK & WINES

After breakfast, your driver will pick you up to get you to your next destination. But as usual, there is so much to see! This time stop at the small and probably unknown town of Redondo. But two things are important here: pottery and wine. Enjoy a guided tour of the old town before reaching a lovely winery in a natural spot with a majestic cork oak forest. The 5^th generation is running the business actually. Immerse yourself in the real Alentejano countryside in a 4x4 drive, listen to the sounds of the cork forest, feel the wind on watch century-old olive groves, and learn not only about the wines but also everything around a natural paradise. 

After the visit, lunch at the winery or picnic style.

SÃO LOURENÇO DA BERROCAL

After lunch, transfer to your lovely hotel in Reguengos de Monsaraz countyside. A real oasis of peace to unwind. You can do nothing, treat yourself with a spa treatment or decide going om an olive oil trail across some millennial olive trees. This is a Starlight destination, enjoy stargazing by night in complete silence.

MONSARAZ

Enjoy a lovely breakfast and get ready for a new wowing day. First, let’s visit the lovely town of Monsaraz, on top of a hill, beside the Guadiana Valley. Stones cobbled streets, a stunning castle tower, an old bullring, meander through the cobbled streets of the citadel of Monsaraz, fortified by the Knights Templar.

THIRD WINERY VISIT

After touring the town with your private guide, head to one of the top Portuguese wineries. With more than 750 years of history and unique farming conditions – a favorable climate, diverse soils and an extraordinary biodiversity that helps the estate to produce in harmony with nature. Enjoy a great wine private visit and wine tasting. Lunch at the winery.

After lunch, back to the hotel.

5 GENERATIONS IN WINE

You will be transferred to Évora, capital of Alentejo, for the three last nights. This time, you will stop in a charming family estate where five generations are dedicated to the management of around 750 hectares of forests, 250 hectares of olive groves and 350 hectares of vineyards as a 100% integrated production system. Enjoy a great tour in good company, followed by a wine tasting and a country hearty lunch. 

CONVENTO DO ESPINHEIRO

After lunch, transfer to Convento do Espineiro at the outskirts of Évora and indulge yourself. Built in the 15^th century, for centuries it was one spot of election by the royal family whenever they moved to Évora, and it is listed a national monument.

ÉVORA

Évora stands a Roman temple from the 1st century, a 12th century cathedral built on the rubble of an old mosque, a 15th century convent, a 16th century palace and even the macabre Capela dos Ossos (Chapel of Bones), with its walls tiled to the ceiling of human bones and skulls. Évora can be overwhelming. But still, with only 55,000 inhabitants Évora has that intimate walled village atmosphere.

PETISCOS STYLE LUNCH AT A WINE BAR

After the tour, let us book a table at a casual place we love, they serve tapas style specialties and really good wines!

After lunch, stay in Évora or go back to your hotel, you set your own path.

COOKING CLASS

Learn all the secrets of the rich Alentejana cuisine in a private session with our lovely chef. Expect rustic home-style cooking and flavors very often seasoned with garlic, wine and chilli pepper sauce (called piri-piri), Portuguese recipes burst with character and aroma. With traditional hearty stews and bread as a religion, olive oil, artisanal cheeses and yummy tiny custard tarts and conventual sweets. All made with the heart.

*If you don’t’ want to roll up your sleeves and prefer to keep exploring the world of wine, we would then take you to another great wine estate, followed by a picnic lunch amid 45 hectares of land.

After lunch, back to your hotel for your last night in Évora.

END OF JOURNEY

Today, private transfer to Lisbon airport, or to your next destination in case you decide to extend your trip.