We're open tomorrow at 9:15 AM 020 8758 4722 020 8758 4722
Get in touch
7 Nights in the Alentejo - Évora and Mourão
Overview
Introduction
The charismatic Alentejo is a gastronomic haven and a delight to visit. Boasting many hilltop towns, monasteries and castles – hardly touched by time; a wondrous unspoiled landscape and a relaxed pace of life.
Evora, the capital of the Alto Alentejo province, is one of Portugal’s oldest and most interesting cities. There is plenty to explore in this UNESCO World Heritage site. The town is full of narrow streets, fine buildings, old palaces, churches and fountains.
Spread over a vast estate on the shores of Lake Alqueva, the Herdade dos Delgados, allows you to unwind and immerse yourself in the tranquillity of the land and the stars. Alqueva, the first destination in the world to be certified as "Starlight Tourism," offers a breathtaking extravaganza of stars and constellations, comparable only to artificial planetariums. The vastness of the sky, illuminated by thousands of stars, is a true celebration of nature and a unique attraction in the region. Not forgetting the beautiful sunsets that appear year-round in this area.
Itinerary includes:
- Scheduled flights from London Gatwick to Lisbon (other airports on request)
- Car hire for the duration - pick up/drop off Lisbon Airport
- 3-nights' B&B at M'ar de Ar Muralhas Hotel in Évora. - Classic Garden View Room
- 4-nights' B&B at Herdade dos Delgados in Mourão - Standard Castle View Room
Board Basis: Bed & Breakfast
Agenda
Day 1 - Day of arrival
On arrival at Lisbon Airport, collect your hire car and drive to Evora (130km / c.1 hour 22 minutes). The M’Ar de Ar Muralhas hotel is located within the ancient 14th century city walls of Évora.
Overnight at M’Ar de Ar Muralhas Hotel, Évora
M’Ar de Ar Muralhas Hotel, Évora
Day 2 & 3 - Explore Evora and the region
Days at leisure. Take the opportunity to explore the fascinating medieval walled town of Evora, a UNESCO World Heritage Site, with its many palaces and marble buildings, 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. Visit the impressive, if somewhat, macabre Bones Chapel (Capela dos Ossos). This Franciscan Chapel has walls that are literally covered with human bones, including skulls, removed from tombs by monks. The Roman Temple of Diana is also one of the highlights of the city.
A visit to the region would not be complete without seeing one of the famous ‘white towns’ of the Alentejo. Redondo, renowned for its pottery, is a medieval town set in the heart of Alentejo's wine region. To this day, local families continue to produce Roman-style jugs and bowls that they sell from their tiny white houses. Explore historic Vila Viçosa where the Royal family of Bragança lived, with its impressive Palacio Ducal and Palace Square; the royal town of Estremoz with its hilltop castle, fortified walls, churches and pretty narrow streets with shops selling local products; and the traditional carpet making town of Arraiolos, all within easy driving distance.
Overnight at M’Ar de Ar Muralhas Hotel, Évora
Estremoz
Day 4 - Mourão, Lake Alqueva
After breakfast, drive to Mourão (62.8km / c.1 hour). Afternoon at leisure at the Herdade dos Delgados, your accommodation for the next four nights. Relax by the pool on the panoramic sun terrace or enjoy the spa facilities with a waterfall, indoor, heated pool.
Overnight stay at Herdade dos Delgados, Mourão
Herdade dos Delgados, Mourão
Day 5 - Days at leisure
The hotel is in a great location and offers a multitude of activities onsite and off including a basketball court, Paddle court and Football pitch; Bike circuits (free bike hire), hiking trails and horse-riding in the area; Boat trips, water skiing and stand-up paddle boarding are available on Lake Alqueva; and visits to local wine estates with regional wine tastings possible.
Overnight stay at Herdade dos Delgados, Mourão
Cycling at Lake Alqueva
Day 6 & 7 - Explore the Alentejo countryside
Opportunity to explore the surrounding Alentejo countryside. Take a peek at the impressive Alqueva Dam (Barragem de Alqueva) in Moura (37km / c.40 minutes); spend a day at the beach on Alqueva Lake c.2 minutes’ drive from the hotel; visit the pretty hilltop village of Monsaraz (19km / c.20 minutes), close to the Spanish border, with its observatory and castle overlooking fields, vineyards and the Lake.
Overnight stay at Herdade dos Delgados, Mourão
Hilltop village of Monsaraz
Day 8 - Day of departure
After breakfast, drive to Lisbon Airport (191km / c.2 hours) for your return flight to the UK.
Accommodation
M'ar de Ar Muralhas Hotel - Night 1 to 3
This charming hotel is located within the ancient 14th century city walls of Évora, a UNESCO World Heritage site.
This charming hotel is located within the ancient 14th century city walls of Évora, a UNESCO World Heritage site.
The hotel has been beautifully decorated in a modern simple style, employing vibrant colours to create an inviting atmosphere of warmth and comfort. Novel objets d’art adorn the walls, adding further to the charm of the hotel by reflecting the rural life of the Alentejo region.
The restaurant serves traditional Alentejo cuisine with a good choice of Portuguese wines to complement any dish.
Accommodation
- 91 air-conditioned rooms including classic rooms, superior rooms, triple rooms and suites
- All rooms have a bathroom (bath and shower), hairdryer, cable TV, complimentary WiFi, minibar and telephone
- Some rooms have a French balcony and views over the pool and city walls or a city view
- The superior rooms have a balcony
- The suites have a separate living room with single sofa bed, bathroom (bath and separate shower), balcony and will accommodate an extra bed for a child
- Some suites have a king-size bed
Amenities/Leisure
- Buffet breakfast
- Restaurant ‘Sabores do Alentejo’ serving regional dishes
- Bar ‘Muralhas’ and terrace
- Complimentary WiFi throughout the hotel
- Comfortable lounge area
- Inner courtyard
- Lifts
- Well-maintained gardens
- Outdoor swimming pool (14 x 10m) and children’s outdoor pool (5 x 3m) open Apr-Oct.
- Underground parking payable locally c.5 euros per day.
- Guests have free use of the facilities at the Hotel M'Ar de Ar Aqueduto
Herdade dos Delgados - Night 4 to 7
Nestled in the heart of Alentejo, the Herdade dos Delgados provides visitors with a one-of-a-kind experience that embodies harmony with nature – both day and night. Spread over a vast estate of more than 10 hectares, this hotel invites you to unwind and immerse yourself in the tranquillity of the land and the stars.
Nestled in the heart of Alentejo, the Herdade dos Delgados provides visitors with a one-of-a-kind experience that embodies harmony with nature – both day and night. Spread over a vast estate of more than 10 hectares, this hotel invites you to unwind and immerse yourself in the tranquillity of the land and the stars.
Alqueva, the first destination in the world to be certified as "Starlight Tourism," offers a breathtaking extravaganza of stars and constellations, comparable only to artificial planetariums. The vastness of the sky, illuminated by thousands of stars, is a true celebration of nature and a unique attraction in the region.
The family rooms and apartments are designed to create a comfortable and peaceful atmosphere that echoes the beauty of the surrounding landscape. Warm tones and harmonious decoration are the hallmarks of the accommodation, offering guests a chance to enjoy unique moments inspired by the serene view of the lake or the castle.
Sample the delights of the Alentejo gastronomic heritage and indulge in the authentic flavours of the region. The Orion Restaurant's seasonal menus are crafted by Chef Ricardo Delgado, who draws inspiration from the surrounding nature to create dishes that highlight the essence of Alentejo cuisine.
Bask in the splendour of the Alentejo, and experience the magic of Herdade dos Delgados. The property is located on the shores of Lake Alqueva which is composed of 69 dams and numerous small islands scattered over 83km, the natural landscape is simply breathtaking.
Accommodation
- There are 24 air-conditioned suites and 3 apartments
Amenities/Leisure
- Daily breakfast offers buffet, à la carte or continental options
- Fine dining at the Orion restaurant serving seasonal Alentejo cuisine
- Bar
- Panoramic lounge
- Complimentary WiFi throughout the hotel
- Lift
- Non-smoking throughout
- Outdoor swimming pool (12m x 6m / 1.6 depth) and panoramic sun terrace with sun loungers
- Spa and wellness centre with waterfall indoor heated pool (6m x 4m / 1.3 depth) and treatment rooms - payable locally
- Over 10-hectare estate with gardens and 180 degrees view of Lake Alqueva
- Basketball court, Paddle court and Football pitch - free equipment provided locally
- Bike circuits (free bike hire), hiking trails and horse-riding in the area
- Boat trips, water skiing and stand-up paddle boarding are available on the Lake - payable locally
- Beautiful sunsets year-round
- Visits to wine estates with regional wine tastings possible. Join the stomping of the grapes or have a unique experience at Adega Ervideira. Gin tasting is also possible in this area. Book and pay locally.
- Free parking onsite
- 20-minutes’ drive (20km) to the hilltop town of Monsaraz. There is an observatory and castle in Monsaraz
- 40-minutes’ drive (46km) to Alqueva Dam (Barragem de Alqueva) in Moura
- 2-hours’ drive (191km) to Lisbon Airport
- 1-hour 20-minutes’ drive to Badajoz Airport (Spain)
- 2-minutes’ drive to beach on Alqueva Lake
- 26-minutes’ walk or 5-minutes’ drive (2km) to the village of Mourão
- Car hire essential in this area