Hidden Portugal - Discover the Essence of the Alentejo

Portugal's Alentejo region, is a land of rolling plains, whitewashed villages, and a rich historical heritage. From cork forests to winding trails and bustling antique markets, this is a tour packed with colour, flavour and adventure, a journey for the curious where every day brings something new to experience.

Try your hand at cheese-making in Redondo, taste wines aged in ancient clay pots and explore the royal palace in Vila Viçosa. Stroll Évora’s medieval streets, enjoy a vineyard picnic and an off-road jeep ride in a place where every moment is rich with Portugal’s living heritage.

ITINERARY

Day 1: Travel to Lisbon
Fly from London Gatwick to Lisbon, then transfer to your hotel in Redondo, a charming Alentejo town that feels like it was handcrafted. Nestled between Évora and the Serra d’Ossa, it’s a place where pottery and wine aren’t just products—they’re a way of life. In the afternoon enjoy an optional relaxing nature walk along the footpaths surrounding the hotel, then a welcome drink and dinner at the hotel restaurant.

Day 2: The True Cheese Route & São Gregório
Begin your exploration with the “Cheese Route,” visiting traditional dairies and trying your hand at cheese-making. Enjoy the mid-morning “11 o’clock” snack tradition with local tapas and wine. This tradition originated from the long hours of work in the fields, where 11am marked the halfway point of the working day with the opportunity to eat a light meal and drink some regional wine. In the afternoon, visit the Hermitage of São Gregório nestled on the slopes of the Serra D'Ossa with breathtaking views. Here you will enjoy a wine tasting and some traditional Alentejo music and songs.

Day 3: Redondo & Rio de Moinhos
Discover Redondo’s pottery heritage, with a visit to the Redondo Potteries. Watch the potters working and painting the clay with traditional techniques, followed by lunch in Rio de Moinhos. In the afternoon you will visit a local herd and experience sheep shearing and milking. Then explore a traditional bakery, a place where time seems to stand still, and sample fresh wood-fired bread. Return to the hotel for dinner.

Day 4: The Marble Route & Vila Viçosa
Discover the Marble Route with a visit to a quarry and learn about its global significance. In Vila Viçosa, enjoy free time for lunch before visiting the Renaissance style royal Palace of Vila Viçosa, for many centuries the seat of the House of Bragança. Later you will visit the magnificent church of Nossa Senhora da Conceição (Our Lady of Conceição), and explore the town's castle and historical surroundings. Continue to Évora and check-in to the hotel.

Day 5: Estremoz & Borba
Travel to Estremoz to browse the Saturday antiques market and visit the Puppet Interpretation Centre where you can see the tradition of Estremoz puppets. After lunch, explore Estremoz Castle and view the beautiful Alentejo landscapes from the towers 'Torre de Menagem'. Later you will continue to Borba to learn about ‘Talha Wines’ with a visit to the museum and a tasting of traditional amphora-aged wines. Alentejo is one of only two regions in the world that keeps the art of 'Talha Wines' alive . 

Day 6: Evora
Enjoy a guided walking tour of Evora, a stunning UNESCO World Heritage city, famous for its beautiful architecture, friendly people, great wines, and the best food. The city is a tapestry of Roman ruins, medieval alleyways, and whitewashed houses with ochre-tiled roofs. You’ll find the hauntingly beautiful Chapel of Bones, the majestic Roman Temple of Diana, and the grand Sé Cathedral, which offers sweeping views from its rooftop. Later in the afternoon there will be some free time to continue your own exploration of this magnificent and historical city.

Day 7: A day in the vineyards
The day starts in Herdade da Maroteira a hidden gem nestled in the foothills of the Serra d’Ossa where we will embark on a jeep adventure through the Serra do Redondo, exploring off-road trails and enjoying panoramic views of the region. It’s a landscape of rugged beauty, where cork oaks and holm oaks blanket the hillsides, and ancient trails wind through valleys once inhabited by hermit monks. This will be followed by a vineyard picnic at Herdade do Freixo. Later you will enjoy a tour of the winery and a tasting before returning to Evora for a farewell dinner.

Day 8: Departure
Free time before your transfer to Lisbon airport for your return flight to London Gatwick.

NB: Exact order of excursions may vary according to local conditions and tour manager’s discretion.

Please note the maximum group size on this tour is 23 passengers.

Tour Grading: This tour is graded as moderate due to time spent walking and standing for viewing at attractions. Please visit the mobility page of our website, or call our team prior to booking if you have any questions.

INCLUDED

• Return scheduled flights from London Gatwick to Lisbon
• Three nights’ accommodation at the four-star Hotel Convento de São Paulo based on shared occupancy of a twin/double room
• Four nights’ accommodation at the four-star Vila Gale Evora based on shared occupancy of a twin/double room
• Five dinners and three lunches included as detailed in the itinerary
• All tours and entrance fees as detailed
• Airport transfers and full coach touring itinerary
• Tour manager throughout

NOT INCLUDED

• Double for sole use supplement - £465
• Meals other than those stated
• Items of a personal nature such as drinks, laundry, telephone calls etc
• Porterage and gratuities

HOTELS

Hotel Convento de São Paulo
This unique four-star hotel is located in Aldeia da Serra d’Oss. Set within a beautifully preserved 12th-century monastery, the hotel offers a peaceful retreat surrounded by nature and history. Many of the rooms are former monks’ rooms, now elegantly restored with antique furnishings and modern comforts.

Hotel Website 

Vila Gale Evora
This modern four-star hotel is located just a short walk from the historic centre of Évora, a UNESCO World Heritage city in Portugal’s Alentejo region. It
offers two restaurants, a spa with sauna, and swimming pool. 

Hotel Website