Alentejo Food and Wine Holiday

Day 1 - Day of arrival

On arrival, collect your hire car and drive (c.75-minutes) to the 4-star Mar D’Ar Muralhas Hotel inside the city walls of Evora. Parking is available at the hotel.

Overnight at the M'ar de Ar Muralhas Hotel, Alto Alentejo (interior).

M'ar de Ar Muralhas Hotel, Evora

Day 2 - Day at leisure

Opportunity to explore the fascinating, medieval walled city of Evora – a UNESCO World Heritage Site. Evora is the oldest city in Portugal and a must-see for any visitor to the Alentejo. Palaces, marble buildings, churches and beautiful religious architecture are visible at every turn, and in the historical centre you will discover a wonderful Roman temple. We would particularly recommend a visit to the somewhat macabre Bones Chapel (Capela dos Ossos) and to the museum of Evora.

Overnight at the M'ar de Ar Muralhas Hotel, Alto Alentejo (interior).

Roman Temple, Evora

Day 3 - Estremoz

Opportunity to visit the royal town of Estremoz (c.1-hour’s drive); the Almendres megalithic site - Portugal’s Stonehenge and the largest such site in the Iberian Peninsula; and Evoramonte, a medieval village with tiny peaceful streets and panoramic views. The fortified town of Estremoz has many churches and pretty narrow streets with shops selling local products. Overlooking the town is a spectacular 14th century hilltop castle, from whose walls beautiful views over the Alentejo plains unfold. On the outskirts of Estremoz you will find the Encostaz de Estremoz vineyards and wine estate – a perfect setting for lunch or dinner (not included).

Overnight at the M'ar de Ar Muralhas Hotel, Alto Alentejo (interior).

Estremoz, Alentejo

Day 4 - Monsaraz

Why not head west towards the Spanish border to visit the medieval village of Monsaraz (c. 1-hour’s drive) This pretty hilltop settlement 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. It’s almost like a film set. Returning to Evora in the afternoon, we would recommend a detour to the historical town of Vila Viçosa, where the Royal family of Bragança lived. The Palacio Ducal and Palace Square of the town is an impressive sight.

Overnight at the M'ar de Ar Muralhas Hotel, Alto Alentejo (interior).

Monsaraz, Alentejo

Day 5 - Day of departure

After breakfast, why not drive to the town of Beja (c.75 minutes drive. 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. In the town’s public gardens you will see a Wollemi Pine one of only four in the world. The tree pre-dates the dinosaurs. 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. Drive to Faro airport (147km / c.1 hour 30 minutes) for your return flight home.