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4 Nights in an Alentejo Castle
Overview
Introduction
The Alentejo region of Portugal is blessed with impressive remains from megalithic and pagan cultures and the Romans and Moors have also left their mark. But it is the legacy of a period of great prosperity between the 15th and 18th centuries that created the magnificent historic buildings for which the region is famed. On this four-night break we have chosen two properties, both housed within a splendid historic structure. The first is the Pousada Castelo De Estremoz and the second is the Pousada Castelo De Alcacer.
Itinerary includes:
- Return flights to Lisbon Airport
- Car hire
- 2 Nights at Pousada Castelo De Estremoz (Bed & Breakfast)
- 2 Nights at Pousada Castelo De Alcacer (Bed & Breakfast)
Board Basis: Bed & Breakfast
Agenda
Day 1 - Day of arrival
On arrival at Lisbon airport, collect your hire car and drive (c.90-minutes) to the historic Pousada Castelo De Estremoz which is housed within the town's 13th century castle.
Overnight at the Pousada Castelo de Estremoz, Alto Alentejo (interior).
Pousada Castelo Do Estremoz, Alentejo
Day 2 - Day at leisure
The famous carpet making village of Arraiolos is close by and Sousel, Vila Vicosa, Elvas, Marvao and Castelo de Vide should be visited, especially the Jewish quarter in the latter town. The whole area is of great historic interest and spectacular views of the surrounding great plains of the Alentejo are to be had from these medieval hilltop towns. Restaurants are plentiful and don’t forget to try the cheeses and the black pig ham. Prices in the Alentejo are extremely reasonable.
Overnight at the Pousada Castelo de Estremoz, Alto Alentejo (interior).
Elvas, Alentejo, Portugal
Day 3 - Day at leisure
We would recommend that you make an early start and drive south from Estremoz through Redondo to the medieval village of Monsaraz (c. 1 hour). This pretty hilltop village offers some fabulous views over fields, vineyards and the Alqueva Lake – the largest artificial lake in Europe (96km long). There is a medieval castle, cobbled streets and white-washed houses – one of our favourite villages. Have lunch in one of the restaurants which have spectacular views over the plains and then on to Evora. The UNESCO World Heritage Site of Evora, with its palaces and marble buildings, is a must for any visitor. Evora is the oldest town in Portugal - with 22 churches and beautiful religious architecture. Marble doors and window frames are common in the area due to the plentiful supply of marble. A visit to the somewhat macabre Bones Chapel (Capela dos Ossos) is a must for any visitor. This Franciscan Chapel has walls that are literally covered with human bones, including skulls, removed from tombs by monks. The drive west to Alcacer do Sal will take c.70 minutes from Evora, so you will arrive at the historic Pousada Castelo De Alcacer in the early evening.
Overnight at the Pousada Castelo de Alcacer do Sal, Baixo Alentejo (coastal).
Monsaraz, Portugal
Day 4 - Day at leisure
Alcacer do Sal is perfectly located to enable you to explore one of the most dramatic coastlines of Portugal. This is what the Algarve coastline must have looked 50 years ago. Sines is quite industrial but the stretch of coast, much of it national park between Sines and Zambujeira do Mar is exquisite. The beaches are wild and deserted and Porto Covo and Vila Nova de Milfontes small, sleepy sea-side villages (except in August!). This is an ideal area for walking, for paddling along sandy beaches, for fresh sardines and simple beach-side restaurants.
Overnight at the Pousada Castelo de Alcacer do Sal, Baixo Alentejo (coastal).
Alcacer do Sal
Day 5 - Day of departure
After breakfast, drive to Lisbon airport for your return flight home.
Accommodation
Pousada Castelo de Estremoz - Night 1 to 2
This beautiful Pousada is housed within a magnificent 14th century castle above the historical town of Estremoz.
This beautiful Pousada is housed within a magnificent 14th century castle above the historical town of Estremoz. Originally built by King Dinis I for his wife, Queen Isabel, the property has been carefully remodelled throughout to offer guest accommodation of a high standard whilst maintaining many of the original features and classical atmosphere. Period furnishings and tapestries are visible throughout.
From the walled gardens and outdoor swimming pool, you can appreciate a view over Estremoz and the surrounding Alentejo plains. The historical towns of Vila Viçosa (24km), Arraiolos (44km), and Évora (46km) are within a short drive, as is the tranquil Alqueva Lake (111km).
Accommodation
- 33 air-conditioned rooms including standard rooms, deluxe rooms and a suite
- All rooms are individually decorated and furnished with 18th century antiques, and have a bathroom (bath or shower), hairdryer, telephone, cable TV, safe deposit box and minibar
- Many rooms have a four-poster bed and locally woven rugs on the floor
- The suite has a separate living room
Amenities/Leisure
- Buffet breakfast
- Restaurant
- Bar
- Lounges
- Complimentary WiFi in public areas
- Lift
- Outdoor swimming pool (18.50 x 7m) open May-Sep
- Large sun terrace
- Small chapel
- Free parking
Sunvil notes:
- Check-in: 14:00
- Check out: 12:00
- Tea & Coffee facilities in room: No
Pousada Castelo de Alcacer do Sal - Night 3 to 4
Set on a hillside overlooking the River Sado and a lush green valley on the Lisbon coast, is the Pousada Castelo de Alcacer do Sal.
Set on a hillside overlooking the River Sado and a lush green valley on the Lisbon coast, is the Pousada Castelo de Alcacer do Sal. This impressive castle has been converted into a comfortable hotel with modern furnishings that blend well with the historical character of the original property. The castle itself dates back some 5000 years to the Neolithic period with important cultural links to the Roman, Arab and Phoenician kingdoms.
Accommodation
- 35 air-conditioned rooms including standard rooms, superior rooms and suites
- All rooms have a bathroom (bath or shower), hairdryer, cable TV, telephone, complimentary WIFI, safe deposit box and minibar
- Superior rooms (18sqm) are spacious and have views to the castle and town
- Suites (25sqm) have a separate living room and superb views over the River Sado
- Some rooms interconnect (13 standard rooms and 13 superior rooms)
Amenities/Leisure
- Buffet breakfast
- Restaurant serving contemporary and regional cuisine
- Bar
- Lounges
- Lift
- Complimentary WiFi throughout the hotel
- Swimming pool (16 x 7.5m) and children’s pool (6 x 3.5m) open May-Sep
- Sun terrace
- Free parking.