A luxury city break in Evora

Day 1 - Day of arrival

Arrive at Lisbon airport, collect your hire car and drive (c.75-minutes) to the 5-star Convento do Espinheiro Hotel in Evora.

Enjoy a complimentary historical guided tour of this unique property and, in the evening, a three-course dinner (excluding drinks). The hotel was home to generations of Portuguese royalty and is located in countryside close to the royal town of Evora. The Convento do Espinheiro is the perfect choice for a short break offering culture, exploration, food and wine, total relaxation, exercise in the pool or gym, spa treatments or, indeed, all of these many options.

Overnight at the Convento do Espinheiro Hotel, Alto Alentejo (interior).

Convento do Espinheiro

Day 2 - Explore Evora

Take the opportunity to explore the fascinating medieval walled town of Evora. Use the complimentary hotel transfers from/to the centre, to avoid the hassle of parking. 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. You will notice architecture characterised by a twisted rope decoration, called Manueline, which is Portuguese late Gothic style and dates back to the 1500s. 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. Return to the hotel and enjoy a well deserved visit to the spa and enjoy a complimentary ESPA Aromatherapy massage (30-minutes). End the evening with a complimentary wine tasting in the hotel’s spectacular vaulted cellar.

Overnight at the Convento do Espinheiro Hotel, Alto Alentejo (interior).

Evora

Day 3 - Estremoz

Drive to the royal town of Estremoz (c.1 hour drive). Visit the hilltop castle and the fortified walls, the churches and the pretty little streets with shops selling local products. Then head to the nearby hillside winery, Encostaz de Estremoz, from where Estremoz can be clearly seen. Enjoy a sumptuous lunch or dinner (not included) in the winery’s restaurant which has floor-to-ceiling windows allowing a fabulous view of the sun setting magnificently over the vineyards. On your return visit Evoramonte (c.15-minutes), located between Estremoz and Evora, a medieval village with tiny, peaceful streets surrounding the castle. Linger there and be overwhelmed by the beautiful views from the top of the tower.

Overnight at the Convento do Espinheiro Hotel, Alto Alentejo (interior).

Estremoz

Day 4 - Monsaraz

Head east towards the Spanish border and the charming village of Monsaraz (c.1 hour). This pretty hilltop town offers some fabulous views over fields, vineyards and the Alqueva Lake – the largest artificial lake in Europe (c.96km long). There is a medieval castle, cobbled streets and white-washed houses. After lunch, drive north to Vila Viçosa (c.70-minutes), where the Royal family of Bragança lived, with its impressive Palacio Ducal and Palace Square. On your return to the hotel why not make the most of the complimentary spa/health club facilities including indoor and outdoor pools.

Overnight at the Convento do Espinheiro Hotel, Alto Alentejo (interior).

Monsaraz

Day 5 - Day of departure

Drive to Lisbon airport for your flight home.

After breakfast, head south to the town of Beja (c.75-minutes). The city has a number of interesting buildings: The Convento da Nossa Senhora da Conceição, dating from 1459, enjoys international fame from the 1669 French publication of the celebrated ‘Lettres Portugaises’ (Portuguese Letters). These were five lyric love letters by a 26 year-old nun named Mariana Alcoforado to her lover the Comte de Saint-Léger after he deserted her; It also houses the Museu Regional da Rainha Dona Leonor containing many items that reflect the various cultures that have influenced the region since Pre-Historic times. As you approach the city you cannot fail to notice the 13th century Torre de Menagem, the keep of the original castle built by Dom Dinis. The impressive tower stands 36 metres high and has an interior staircase of 183 steps that may be climbed. Try the specialty of the town, the delicious ‘Pão de Rala’ bread-cake made with pumpkin.