Hidden Portugal - Discover the Essence of the Alentejo

Portugal’s Alentejo region is a land of golden plains, whitewashed villages, and centuries of living history. From cork forests and scenic trails to lively antique markets, this journey is a feast of colour, flavour, and discovery — a tour designed for the curious, where each day offers a new and unforgettable experience.

Try your hand at traditional cheese-making in Redondo, sip wines matured in ancient clay amphorae and wander the grand halls of the royal palace in Vila Viçosa. Meander through the medieval streets of Évora, enjoy a sun-drenched vineyard picnic, and set off on an off-road jeep adventure — all in a region where heritage is not just preserved, but lived.

Our Head of Sales & Marketing, Ellen Walker, has nurtured a deep love for Portugal over several decades, returning time and again to places that feel like second homes and friendships that have stood the test of time. It has long been her dream to share the Alentejo — often called the “Kitchen of Portugal” — with others, creating a tour that reveals the authentic heart and soul of this remarkable region.

ITINERARY

Day 1: Travel to Lisbon & Redondo

Fly from London Heathrow to Lisbon, then transfer to your hotel in Redondo — a charming Alentejo town nestled between Évora and the Serra d’Ossa, where pottery and wine are a way of life. In the afternoon, enjoy an optional relaxing nature walk along the footpaths surrounding the hotel, followed by 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 — a centuries-old custom from the fields. In the afternoon, visit the Hermitage of São Gregório, nestled on the slopes of the Serra D’Ossa with breathtaking views. Enjoy a wine tasting accompanied by traditional Alentejo music and songs.

Day 3: Redondo & Rio de Moinhos

Discover Redondo’s pottery heritage with a visit to the Redondo Potteries. Watch artisans work and paint clay using traditional techniques, followed by lunch in Rio de Moinhos. In the afternoon, visit a local herd to experience sheep shearing and milking, then explore a traditional bakery and sample freshly baked wood-fired bread. Return to the hotel for dinner.

Day 4: The Marble Route & Vila Viçosa

Explore the Marble Route with a quarry visit to learn about its global significance. In Vila Viçosa, enjoy free time for lunch before visiting the Renaissance-style Palace of Vila Viçosa, once the seat of the House of Bragança. Later, visit the Church of Nossa Senhora da Conceição and explore the town’s castle and historical surroundings. Continue to Évora and check in to your hotel.

Day 5: Estremoz & Borba

Travel to Estremoz to browse the lively Saturday antiques market and visit the Puppet Interpretation Centre to discover the tradition of Estremoz puppets. After lunch (own arrangement), explore Estremoz Castle and admire the sweeping Alentejo landscapes from the Torre de Menagem. Later, continue to Borba to learn about Talha Wines with a museum visit and tasting of traditional amphora-aged wines.

Day 6: Évora

Enjoy a guided walking tour of Évora, a UNESCO World Heritage city rich in Roman, medieval, and Renaissance heritage. Highlights include the Chapel of Bones, the Roman Temple of Diana, and the Sé Cathedral, offering panoramic rooftop views. The afternoon is free for your own exploration.

Day 7: A Day in the Vineyards

Begin the day at Herdade da Maroteira, embarking on a jeep adventure through the Serra do Redondo’s off-road trails, cork oak forests, and historic valleys. Enjoy a vineyard picnic lunch at Herdade do Freixo, followed by a winery tour and tasting. Return to Évora for a farewell dinner.

Day 8: Departure

Enjoy free time before your transfer to Lisbon airport for your return flight to London Heathrow.

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 Heathrow 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