Getaway in Alentejo: villages, vineyards and heritage
In the golden plains of Alentejo, between century-old cork oaks and Roman amphorae.
Duration
7 days
From
€1,140/pers.
Ideal seasons
Mar, Apr, May, Sep, Oct, Nov
Style
Guided tour
Comfort
Charm & Character
Travelers
Couple, Solo, senior
The spirit of travel
This itinerary is completely private and can be customized according to your tastes and preferences.
After a short guided tour of Lisbon, you set off on an off-the-beaten-path journey into the heart of the vast Alentejo region. Throughout your stay, you discover the landscapes of the Montado, with its vast areas of cork oaks and chestnut trees, as well as the world of cork production.
The program also takes you to the arts and crafts of weaving with the Arraiolos tapestries, then to the techniques of winemaking in amphorae inherited from the Romans. You also explore picturesque villages and their fortified castles, offering panoramic views over the vast surrounding valleys and the Alqueva lagoon.
The stages of your journey
Highlights
Day-by-day itinerary
Private guided tour of Lisbon: essential landmarks between tradition and modernity
Lisbon, capital of Portugal, is often described as the city of seven hills. It stands out for its own identity, at once timeless, charming, vibrant and surprising. As the sun sets, the Tagus — inseparable from the city — takes on warm hues at the origin of its nickname of "Sea of Straw". Cosmopolitan, Lisbon lives to the rhythm of neighbourhoods with distinct atmospheres and an almost constant dynamism.
To enter the soul of the city, this first day invites you to discover its essential neighbourhoods: Baixa, Alfama, Chiado, Bairro Alto, Belém, as well as the Nations Park, more modern and avant-garde. Each contains historical and cultural elements that are fully part of the capital's history.
You will participate in a private guided tour of Lisbon of approximately 3h00 to 3h30, alongside our partner guide. From the most famous to the most unusual, the discovery is built between modernity and tradition, with insights into significant historical facts, the evolution of architecture through the ages and Lisbon culture. This tour also provides you with concrete landmarks to help you navigate better during your independent time. It can be adjusted according to your knowledge of Lisbon and your interests.
Free tour of Lisbon: explore the city at your own pace
This second day is dedicated to a free visit of Lisbon. After the guided approach from the day before, you have time to explore the city independently, using the landmarks you have learned. You can thus better enjoy the neighborhoods mentioned: Baixa, Alfama, Chiado, Bairro Alto, Belém and Nations Park, to continue discovering the capital.
Free visit to Évora, Arraiolos and Vila Viçosa: heritage and history of Alentejo
This day of free exploration takes you to the heart of the Alentejo, with three stops: Évora, Arraiolos and Vila Viçosa.
Listed as a UNESCO World Heritage site, Evora is an essential stop in the Alentejo. The city, whose history dates back to Roman times, was particularly favored by the kings of Portugal in the 15th century. As you stroll through the narrow streets and alleys, you will discover monuments and beautiful typical mansions dating from the 16th to 18th centuries.
Among the places to see in Évora:
The cathedral and its tower
The remains of the Roman Temple, with its columns in the heart of the city
Giraldo Square, a vast square built in the 16th century, in tribute to the reconquest of the city by Geraldo Geraldes, nicknamed "the Fearless"
Arraiolos (approximately 20 minutes from Évora)
Just 20 minutes from Évora, you can reach Arraiolos, known for its art of tapestry, whose origins date back to the 12th century. The town is also associated with its circular fortress castle. Today, only the remains of walls are left, but the view over the town and the landscapes of the Alentejo makes the visit memorable.
Vila Viçosa and its ducal palace
If you enjoy grand palaces and royal castles, take the time to visit the Ducal Palace of Vila Viçosa. This residence is linked to the ducal house of Braganza, belonging to the 3rd dynasty of Portuguese kings, and associated with the Braganza dynasty for 500 years. The palace is renowned for its history and architecture, characterized by a great abundance of marble extracted in the region.
Private guided immersion in the Montado: cork, livestock and Alentejo wines
Évora → Montado
This day offers you an immersion in the landscapes of the Montado, between cork oak, livestock farming and winemaking, in the heart of the Alentejo.
The Montado is one of the most characteristic landscapes of the region. It is home to the world's largest reserve of oak trees, making the Alentejo the world's leading cork producer. This natural ecosystem, composed of forests of oak and cork oak trees, chestnut trees and various shrubs, offers a particularly striking visual spectacle in spring and autumn. In the Alentejo, vast plains extend endlessly, dotted with thousands of wildflowers, creating a colorful setting.
Private guided experience – day trip (duration: 6 hours)
You will embark on a day combining Jeep and hiking, accompanied by our partners, owners of a vast cork oak estate in the Montado. For five generations, the family has been dedicated to cork production, extensive livestock farming of cattle and sheep, as well as the production of wines typical of the region.
During the guided walk, you will journey through cork oak and chestnut trees, discovering a blend of nature and traditions. The family will passionately share the natural features of the Montado landscape and guide you through understanding several local practices:
the importance of oak acorns in the diet of the black pig, which is very typical of the Alentejo
the traditional methods used to extract cork
the grape varieties linked to the Alentejo terroir and the methods of wine production
You will also walk through vineyards, along fields where you may encounter livestock, sheep and horses, in an environment shaped by agricultural activity and the Montado ecosystem.
To complete this day, you will enjoy a picnic in this setting, surrounded by old oak trees, in a haven of peace. This moment will also be an ideal opportunity for a tasting of the estate's wines.
Amphora Wine in Alentejo: Vila de Frades, São Cucufate and Local Gastronomy
Montado → Vila de Frades
This day invites you to discover the wine-making traditions inherited from the Romans, around an ancient craft: amphora vinification.
You take to the road for an escape to Vila de Frades and Cucufate, places once particularly frequented by Romans, then by monks. Visiting this part of the Alentejo means immersing yourself in the history and transmission of a rare craft, dating back more than 3000 years: the production of amphora wines.
Experience – Amphora Wine & Alentejo Gastronomy Day (duration ~6h)
Our winemaker partners will guide you through a private and guided visit of their vineyard and family cellar, where wines are produced in amphoras dating from the 18th century. With pride and perseverance, they reproduce the gestures and vinification processes passed down by their grandfather and great-grandfather, using tools from that era and amphoras, long left unused before being brought back to the heart of their practice.
To deepen your understanding of this heritage, they will lead you to the ruins of the Roman village of São Cucufate, to evoke the way of life from 3000 years ago and the crafts left in their wake.
After the visit, you will be invited to a tasting of the property's wines. Then, because discovering the Alentejo also means experiencing its cuisine, you will lunch in a typical restaurant in town, for an immersion in Alentejo gastronomy.
Free visit of Monsaraz and Alqueva Lake: medieval village and Alentejo landscapes
Vila de Frades → Reguengoz de Monsaraz
This day takes place in free visit to Monsaraz, Reguengos de Monsaraz and around the Alqueva dam. It is also your last day in Alentejo, an opportunity to enjoy the region's pace before the rest of your journey.
With its privileged location, Monsaraz deserves a visit. This medieval village, particularly well preserved, overlooks the Guadiana river and borders Spain. Throughout its history, the village and its fortress castle have been particularly coveted, which explains the importance of this site.
From the heights, you will be able to appreciate the expanse of the Alqueva lake, presented as one of Europe's largest artificial lakes. The panorama opens onto the typical landscape of the Montado, with its oak trees and olive trees scattered in the middle of golden plains.
To conclude your stay in Alentejo, you can also freely enjoy the water activities offered on the Alqueva lake or on the Guadiana river, in a relaxed atmosphere, with the contrast of blue waters and green and golden tones of the Alentejo plains.
Return to Lisbon and Departure
Reguengoz de Monsaraz → Lisbonne
Your trip in the Alentejo is coming to an end soon. After exploring the riches of this authentic and less touristy region, you take to the road towards Lisbon, to complete your travel loop.
You then head to the capital to take your return flight to France.
Price per person
Indicative price per person, based on double room. Each trip is customized according to your preferences.
This trip can be tailored to your preferences
This itinerary provides an excellent foundation for discovery, but it can be fully customized. Our local advisors build each trip tailored to your budget, dates and preferences.
Not included
- The plane ticket
- Meals
- Transfers or rental car
- Travel / Health / Repatriation Insurance
- Extras / Tips / Personal Expenses
- Cancellation insurance / trip interruption / baggage loss and assistance
- Everything that is not included
Included
- 3 nights in 3* hotels in Lisbon
- 3 nights in a 4-star hotel in Évora
- All breakfasts
- 1 experience: private guided tour of Lisbon
- 1 experience: private guided tour of an amphora wine vineyard, with tasting of 3 wines, lunch and visit to Cucufate
- 1 experience: a day in a Montado estate, including a Jeep tour, lunch and wine tasting
- Car rental - Economic model
Practical Information
Registration is considered firm and final after payment of a deposit of 30% of the total price and acceptance of the specific terms of sale.
The balance must be paid no later than 45 days before the departure date.
See our specific terms of sale for full details.
In the event of cancellation by the traveller, the following fees apply:
- Plus de 60 jours avant le départ : 40 % du prix total (acompte retenu)
- Entre 60 et 30 jours avant le départ : 50 % du prix total
- Moins de 30 jours avant le départ : 100 % du prix total
We strongly recommend taking out cancellation insurance. See our specific terms of sale for full details.
The information below concerns travellers who are nationals of the European Economic Area (EEA), Switzerland and Canada travelling to Portugal for a tourist stay. As entry rules may change, we recommend that you verify this information with the official authorities before your departure.
Passport and ID card
Portugal is a member state of the European Union and part of the Schengen area. Nationals of the EEA may enter Portugal with a valid passport or national identity card. The document must be in good condition (no damaged, torn or altered pages).
Swiss and Canadian nationals must carry a valid passport for the entire duration of their stay.
Tourist stay without visa
Nationals of the European Economic Area and Switzerland benefit from free movement within the Schengen area and may stay in Portugal without time restrictions for tourism purposes.
Canadian nationals benefit from a visa exemption for tourist stays in the Schengen area. This exemption allows a stay of up to 90 days in any 180-day period across all Schengen countries.
The authorities may request:
an outbound travel document (return or onward flight),
proof of sufficient financial resources for the duration of your stay,
a travel insurance policy covering your stay period.
ETIAS (European travel authorisation)
Once it comes into effect, Canadian nationals will be required to obtain an ETIAS authorisation (European Travel Information and Authorisation System) before travelling to the Schengen area, including Portugal.
This electronic authorisation, valid for three years or until your passport expires, must be obtained online before departure. It is not required for nationals of the EEA and Switzerland.
We recommend that you verify the effective date of this system with the official authorities before your departure.
Travel with children
Minors must hold their own valid travel document (passport or ID card depending on nationality) covering the duration of the stay.
In some European countries, when a minor travels without one of their parents, an exit authorisation may be required according to the regulations of their country of residence.
Other nationalities
Entry conditions may vary depending on nationality. Travellers concerned should contact the Portuguese embassy or consulate in their country of residence.
To participate in our trips, it is strongly advised to be insured for repatriation assistance and foreign medical expenses.
Your local agency encourages you to review the specific policy developed with our partner CHAPKA ASSURANCES and AXA ASSISTANCE.
To subscribe to insurance, learn about coverage and rates, follow the link below.
CAP EXPLORER: The complete insurance solution designed for a worry-free trip!
Choose the plan that suits you best:
Explorer'Multirisque
Explorer'Annulation
Explorer'Assistance
Explorer'Complémentaire Carte Bancaire
Specific to our trips, we strongly recommend taking out one of these plans.
If you choose to subscribe to one of these formulas, the policy detailing all coverage and claim declaration procedures is available on the insurer's website.
Your local agency will be aware of it, but only the participant is responsible for complying with claim declaration procedures. The participant must therefore keep this policy with them throughout the duration of their trip.
Chapka — Cap Explorer
Our insurance partnerTravel with peace of mind with our partner Chapka. Cancellation, repatriation, medical expenses, baggage… All the coverage for a worry-free trip.
Travel with peace of mind — I'll handle the insuranceFrequently asked questions
Portugal is a member of the European Union and the Schengen area. You can travel there with a valid identity card or passport. The currency is the euro. No special formalities are required upon arrival. Please check the rules applicable to your nationality with the Portuguese consular authorities before booking your trip.
Go to the My Trips section to find all your projects.
You can send a message to your host directly from the Tea Lounge.
For a bespoke quality trip, expect between 150 and 260 euros per day and per person, including accommodation, meals, internal transport and activities. International flights (100-350 euros return) are additional. Portugal offers excellent value for money in Europe.
Your documents are accessible in the Documents tab of your trip.
Absolutely. We tailor each itinerary to suit your travel profile. For families, we prioritize relaxed pacing, family-friendly accommodations, engaging and educational activities, and comfortable private transfers. Our local English-speaking guides know how to capture children's attention with age-appropriate anecdotes.
It's simple. You exchange with our local team to define your wishes, your budget and your dates. You receive a detailed itinerary proposal within 48 hours. You adjust every detail together until you reach the perfect version. You confirm and set off with complete peace of mind. Your local agency remains available 7 days a week throughout your entire trip.
In case of emergency, contact your local agency immediately.
Payment is generally made in two installments.
Our agency is part of the Nomadays network, registered in France. You benefit from APST (Association Professionnelle de Solidarité du Tourisme) coverage which protects 100% of your funds. Secure payment, repatriation insurance included, and English-speaking assistance 24/7 on the ground throughout your stay.
Let's talk about your adventure — Central Lisbon
Experience Designer, Portugal, based in Aveiro
Portugal reveals itself when you take the time to meet the people who bring it to life. It's these simple, sincere and passionate exchanges that I love to create for travelers.
— Emeline
