Tour Description
Groups accepted with a minimum of 6 pax.
This holiday is based in the wonderful region of Alentejo where great food and wines are kings. A holiday of gastronomy and degustation with a difference.
The Alentejo has long been regarded as the culinary heart of Portugal where some of the traditional dishes have evolved into high culinary art with the use of fresh local produce and the fragrant herbs growing in the area. The region is also known for some of the finest wines.
Imagine blending your own wine using some of the finest varieties in the country and then enjoying your very own blend with some of the finest local cheeses.
Portugal Alentejo landscape
Later in the week, we have the chance to learn and be involved in the creation of our own meals using regional specialties under the tutelage of great chefs.
Our two centers, Estremoz and Évora are steeped in history, they are both walled towns through which characterful narrow streets meander leading us to fantastic monuments, so much so that Évora itself has been recognized as a World Heritage Site.
Our stay will take us to iconic old villages, visiting the traditional arts and crafts of the region, enjoying the shady landscape inhabited and cared for since pre-historic times.
Basílica Sé de Nossa Senhora da Assunção Evora
We begin our tour in Estremoz, a historical town dominated by its medieval 13th-century castle within its ancient fortifications.
We then travel to the walled city of Évora, one of Portugal’s most beautifully preserved medieval towns, classified as World Heritage by UNESCO. Évora is a city with a glorious past and a young and vibrant present helped by a large student population who attend one of the world’s oldest universities.
The people in Alentejo are very proud of their heritage and they preserve the ancient buildings and also the ancient practices.
Come and enjoy this unique gastronomic experience with us.
Itinerary
Day 1 – Arrival in Lisbon
Arrival in Lisbon. Transfer to Estremoz approximately 1 and a half hours; time to relax before dinner time.
Estremoz
Day 2 – Estremoz walk / Visit to the vineyard with wine tasting
In the morning we walk through the historic center of Estremoz, dominated by its medieval 13th-century castle, to appreciate the many sites and monuments.
After lunch, we visit a local vineyard that produces some of the most notable wines in the country. After a short walk on the estate, we each have the opportunity to blend our own wine and taste it along with local delicacies.
Vineyard, Alqueva
Day 3 – Monsaraz and Alqueva walk
We visit an area well known for colorful pottery where we can appreciate the handicraft of many local artisans. Monsaraz is an iconic village perched above the beautiful Alqueva Lake and the rolling plains of the Alentejo. Inside, as in many other important pottery communities, it is cheered up by the colors of its ceramics, and the streets and squares of its medieval center are ornamented by rows of orange trees.
Monsaraz, view to Alqueva
Day 4 – Évora
We transfer to Évora in the morning where, after a stroll around town, we have time for a well-deserved lunch and free time to explore this spectacular World Heritage town.
Basílica Sé de Nossa Senhora da Assunção Evora
Day 5 – Morning Walk / Cooking with the Chefs
Today we have an easy morning walk through a quintessential Alentejo landscape arriving at a typical village with its vibrant colors.
In the afternoon we have the first of our cooking experiences where skilled chefs work with us to create imaginative regional dishes.
A typical dish from Alentejo
Day 6 – Morning Walk / Free afternoon
We start with an easy morning walk around a beautiful lake surrounded by wooded rolling fields. Today is designed to get us back to Évora in good time to relax and enjoy some more of its delights.
Aqueduto da Água de Prata (the Evora aqueduct).
Day 7 – Morning Walk / Cooking with the Chefs
Today we walk through some attractive verdant landscapes to the classic Alentejo village of Guadalupe.
In the afternoon we will experience and assist in the creation of our final gastronomic adventure.
Alentejo gastronomy
Day 8 – Departure
Free time until transfer to the airport.
Insurance
You must be adequately insured to join our Guided and Self-Guided holidays. We do not insist that you insure with us but we require that you are adequately insured for the nature of your holiday.
BeCool Travel has partnered with WorldNomads.com to keep you traveling safely. WorldNomads.com Travel Insurance is designed for independent and adventurous travelers, with coverage for overseas medical expenses, cancellation, baggage, and other expenses.
Please consult our Travel Insurance page, where you’ll be able to get more detailed info about insurance requirements and an immediate quote for your trip.