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Discover the gastronomic soul of Portugal
Overview
Introduction
This little-known region produces a wonderful array of regional delicacies and rustic dishes, from sheep’s milk cheeses, acorn liqueur and organic asparagus, to Alentejo black pork, chestnut specialities and egg-based desserts. It’s known as the breadbasket of Portugal, holds food festivals all year round and produces almost half of Portugal’s wine. Our suggested itinerary below is not set and can be amended to suit individual requirements.
Board Basis: Bed & BreakfastAgenda
Day 1 - Day of arrival
On arrival at Lisbon airport, collect your hire car and drive inland to the Torre de Palma Wine Hotel in Monforte (193km/c.2 hours).
The location affords beautiful panoramas and a wealth of places to explore including the Torre de Palma Roman Villa, an important archaeological site. Enjoy dinner at the hotel’s ‘Basilii’ restaurant which offers some of the best Alentejo delicacies. The hotel has a separate bread-oven house, regional products shop and wine cellar with tasting room. Cooking lessons are also provided locally.
Overnight at the Torre de Palma Wine Hotel.
Torre de Palma Wine Hotel, Alentejo
Day 2 - Day of exploring
Today , take a scenic drive to the hilltop towns of Estremoz and Vila Viçosa. For those interested in learning more about the local wine production, we would recommend a visit to the José de Sousa Winery in Reguengos de Monsaraz – a DOC accredited sub-region (96km / 1 hour).
Overnight at the Torre de Palma Wine Hotel.
Estremoz, Alentejo
Day 3 - Day of travel
After breakfast, drive southwest (78.5km / c.1 hour) to Évora. This walled town is an excellent destination for a gastronomic break. Not only will you find regional specialities and delicacies but also a number of restaurants offering modern twists of Alentejano classical dishes and innovative cuisine. Favourite eateries of the Sunvil team in Évora include Mr Pickwick and O Fialho. Both restaurants offer a set three-course menu, including a glass of wine, for c.20-25 Euros per person. The menu is based on the regional and seasonal specialities.
Overnight at the Pousada Convento de Evora.
Evora, Alentejo
Day 4 - Day at leisure
Day at leisure in the UNESCO World Heritage town of Évora. With its palaces, twenty-two churches and marble buildings, the town is an architectural gem. Within the walls of the city is the Gabinete da Rotas dos Vinhos do Alentejo, a visitor centre providing information about the region’s wine industry. The Alentejo boasts 22,000-hectares of sun-drenched vineyards, eight separate DOC accredited sub-regions (Denominação de Origem Controlada – Registered Designation of Origin) and 250 independent wineries. Currently, one in every two bottles of wine consumed in Portugal is produced in the Alentejo.
Overnight at the Pousada Convento de Evora.
Vineyards of the Alentejo
Day 5 - Day of travel
After breakfast, drive southwest (108km / c.1 hour 20 minutes) towards Albernoa and the Herdade da Malhadinha Nova. The estate produces traditional, regional products of the highest quality including award-winning wines, the famous Alentejo black pork and pureblood Alentejo beef.
Overnight at the Herdade Da Malhadinha Nova.
Food and wine of the Alentejo region
Day 6 - Day at leisure
Day at leisure. Explore the Atlantic coastline with its sandy coves, steep cliffs and fishing communities. The coastal region boasts many excellent seafood restaurants, most offering the ‘catch of the day’.
Overnight at the Herdade Da Malhadinha Nova.
Atlantic coastline of the Alentejo region
Day 7 - Day at leisure
Day at leisure. Take a ride on one of the property’s bikes (free of charge) around Herdade da Malhadinha Nova’s extensive estate.
Overnight at the Herdade Da Malhadinha Nova.
Cycling around the Herdade da Malhadinha estate
Day 8 - Day of departure
After breakfast, drive to Faro airport (127km/c.1 hour 15 minutes) for your return flight home.
Accommodation
Torre de Palma Wine Hotel - Night 1 to 2
Located in Monforte, this luxury hotel is set in a village in the upper Alentejo, in the Portalegre municipality.
Located in Monforte, this luxury hotel is set in a village in the upper Alentejo, in the Portalegre municipality. Dating back to 1338, the remains of the ancient house were restored in 2014 and inspired by Alentejan customs and the old traditional lifestyle of the prominent Basilii family, the former inhabitants of nearby Torre de Palma Roman ruins.
Unique architecture is complemented by stylish decor in neutral colours and beautifully furnished rooms located in either typical Alentejan houses, in converted barns or in a 14th century Manor house surrounded by vineyards.
The location affords beautiful panoramas and a wealth of places to explore including the Torre de Palma Roman Villa, an important archaeological site; the old castle ruins, which survived throughout the Middle Ages; the Roman door and the churches of Nossa Senhora da Conceição and Madalena, where the current local museum, with its archaeological collection, is located.
Accommodation
- 19 air-conditioned rooms including classic rooms, superior rooms, family suite and a master suite
- All rooms have a bathroom (bath and/orshower) with under floor heating, hairdryer, telephone, iPod docking station, cable TV, complimentary WiFi, minibar and mini safeClassic rooms are located in the main building
- Superior rooms have a living area and a terrace or balcony. Some can accommodate an extra bed for an adult or child
- Family suites are located in the typical Alentejo houses with access to an internal patio. Bathed in natural light, these rooms have access to a living room
- 'Villa Romana' master suite is very spacious and has a separate living/dining room, double sofa bed suitable for two children (2-12yrs) and patio
- Some rooms have a king-size bed
Amenities/Leisure
- Buffet breakfast
- Bar
- 'Basilii' restaurant serving local cuisine
- Bread oven house
- Cinema
- Outdoor lounge with hanging fireplace
- Regional products shop
- Chapel
- Complimentary WiFi throughout the hotel
- Iron and ironing board on request
- Outdoor swimming pool (13 x 13m) open all year
- Spa - massages and treatments (payable locally)
- Wine cellar with tasting room
- Organic vegetable garden and wooden area
- Equestrian centre where they breed Lusitano horses and offer horse riding lessons
- Free parking
Activities provided locally include: cookery lessons, cultural tours, cycling, falconry, golf, hiking trails, horse riding, star gazing and wine tasting
Pousada Convento de Evora - Night 3 to 4
The Pousada, originally a 15th century monastery, is located in the centre of the city, next to the Roman Temple of Diana - one of the highlights of Évora - and between the Palace of the Counts of Basto and the house of the Dukes of Cadaval.
The Pousada, originally a 15th century monastery, is located in the centre of the city, next to the Roman Temple of Diana - one of the highlights of Évora - and between the Palace of the Counts of Basto and the house of the Dukes of Cadaval. This beautiful property has been carefully restored, maintaining many original features. A wide marble staircase leads to the first floor, where the original monks’ cloisters are now wide airy corridors filled with antiques and portraits.
Accommodation
- 36 air-conditioned rooms including standard rooms, superior rooms and suites
- All rooms have a bathroom (bath and/or shower), hairdryer, cable TV, telephone, complimentary WiFi, safe deposit box and minibar
- Superior rooms have a designated sitting area
Amenities/Leisure
- Buffet breakfast
- Restaurant serving regional cuisine
- Bar
- Lounge
- Complimentary WiFi throughout the hotel
- Outdoor swimming pool (10 x 6.5m) - open Jun-Sep
- Snooker and table tennis tables
- Free parking
Herdade Da Malhadinha Nova - Night 5 to 7
Malhadinha Nova is a family-owned, 450 hectare country estate set in the heart of the Alentejo region.
Malhadinha Nova is a family-owned, 450 hectare country estate set in the heart of the Alentejo region. The estate produces traditional, regional products of the highest quality including award-winning wines, the famous Alentejo black pork and pureblood Alentejo beef.
Guest accommodation is offered in an Alentejo-style country farmhouse which affords stunning views over the estate. This is one of our most highly praised properties and from the elegant bedrooms - decorated with tiled floors and a mixture of designer and rustic furniture, it is easy to see why.
The Malhadinha Gourmet restaurant, with views over the estate, uses locally sourced produce to create modern interpretations of traditional Alentejo dishes. Guests can also enjoy a selection of wines produced on the estate.
In 2020, Malhadinha Nova added five new exclusive villas, some sold as independent villas and others as suites, to its portfolio, adding 20 rooms to the existing 10 in the original house. They also became a member of the Relais & Chateaux brand for excellence.
6 housing units with a unique personality
Perfectly integrated into the landscape, Herdade da Malhadinha Nova has six guest accommodations, five on the estate and another one five kilometres away in the village of Albernoa. They portray the various chapters in the history of this family-style project built around wine. All different yet all the same, with a unique character and purpose, the central planks connecting the different spaces together are privacy, exclusivity and luxury.
Accommodation
Malhadinha Country House has 10 air-conditioned rooms including 7 standard rooms, 1 junior suite and 2 suites. There is a lounge, wine bar, outdoor swimming pool (6 x 10m) - open all year and a Spa with Jacuzzi and Turkish bath.
- Standard Rooms (32 sqm) with air-conditioning, king size bed, bathroom (bath and shower), underfloor heating, hairdryer, telephone, cable TV, complimentary WiFi, ipod docking station, designer furniture (Philippe Starck lamps, coat racks and side tables) and country-cottage fittings.
- Junior Suite (90 sqm) with air-conditioning, king size bed, bathroom (bath and shower), separate living room which can accommodate an extra bed for a child (2-11yrs), underfloor heating, hairdryer, telephone, cable TV, complimentary WiFi, ipod docking station, designer furniture (Philippe Starck lamps, coat racks and side tables) and country-cottage fittings.
- Suites (90 sqm) with air-conditioning, king size Dux bed, bathroom (shower), living area with fireplace and bathtub. Free-standing stairs lead up to the second bed, tucked away in the loft area - suitable for two children (2-11yrs). There is underfloor heating, hairdryer, telephone, cable TV, complimentary WiFi, ipod docking station, designer furniture (Philippe Starck lamps, coat racks and side tables) and country-cottage fittings.
Casa das Pedras has 4 exclusive suites each, with individual terraces and private pools. These suites are more contemporary in approach than the other spaces with a heavy focus on design, the mixture of mortar and wood give the construction and décor a minimalist and individual character. Within the building are a Spa (massage room, Jacuzzi and Turkish bath), living room with fireplace, library, wine bar, porches and terraces with lounge and leisure areas overlooking vineyards and the Alentejo plains and a swimming pool.
- Suites (100 sqm) with air-conditioning, king-size bed, bathroom (bath and shower), living room, underfloor heating, hairdryer, telephone, cable TV, complimentary WiFi, ipad, Bose sound system, designer furniture (Philippe Starck lamps, coat racks and side tables), private terrace and outdoor pool with unique views of the Alentejo plains.
Casa do Ancoradouro has 7 exclusive suites. The house has an exterior shared swimming pool and many balconies and porches for common use. Located at the highest point of the estate, the amply sized pool gives the sensation of hanging, immersed in the surrounding landscape. There is a kitchen, library, wine bar, lounge and games area with table tennis and snooker tables.
- Suites (100 sqm) with air-conditioning, king-size bed, bathroom (bath and walk-in shower), living room, underfloor heating, hairdryer, telephone, cable TV, complimentary WiFi, ipad, Harman Kardon sound system, designer furniture (Philippe Starck lamps, coat racks and side tables), private terrace with unique views of the Alentejo plains.
Casa da Ribeira Villa has 3 suites all with private balconies and exterior areas with views over the Alentejo plains and an exterior pool. Located near the Ribeira de Terges, the building has a spacious kitchen and lounge-diner; the highlights are the old pharmacy cabinets turned into cupboards and shelves, a Moooi Perch Lamp by designer Umut Yamac, Portuguese sideboards by Olaio and white chairs designed by the German inventor and industrialist Michael Thonet in 1830, two iconic historical brands that have been given a new lease of life. Representing a new concept in villa accommodation, the building runs parallel to a shared swimming pool with a deck.
- 3-Bedroom Suite Villa (each suite 75 sqm) with air-conditioning, king-size bed, bathroom (bath and shower), living room, hairdryer, telephone, cable TV, complimentary WiFi, ipad, Bose sound system, designer furniture (Philippe Starck lamps, coat racks and side tables), private terrace with unique views of the Alentejo plains.
Casa das Artes e Ofícios Villa has 2 suites, kitchen, library, terraces and porches with sun loungers and an exterior swimming pool affording a view over the Alentejo plains. Located on the banks of the Ribeira de Terge, the house pays living homage to the arts and crafts. Almost every object can be bought and each, mostly made by local artisans, relates to a memory connecting the arts with the river running past.
- Suites (25 sqm) with air-conditioning, king-size bed, bathroom (bath and shower), living room, underfloor heating, hairdryer, telephone, cable TV, complimentary WiFi, ipad, sound system, complimentary minibar (water, juices and 2 bottles wine 750ml) refilled on request, SMEG fridge and unique views of the Alentejo plains. The two suites are located on a mezzanine floor.
Venda Grande Villa, located 5 kilometres away in the centre of Albernoa village, has 4 bedrooms, a fully equipped kitchen and living room, traditional hardwood shutters and several antiques such as a 19th century upright piano and traditional wood burner.
- Suites (40 sqm) with air-conditioning, king-size bed, bathroom (bath and walk-in shower), living room, underfloor heating, hairdryer, telephone, cable TV, complimentary WiFi, sound system, complimentary minibar (water, juices and 2 bottles wine 750ml) refilled on request, SMEG fridge and unique views of the Alentejo plains. Each suite can accommodate an extra bed for an adult or child (2-11yrs).
Amenities/Leisure
- Buffet breakfast including wood-baked bread, croissants, home-made cakes, fresh fruit juices and smoked sausages (Not included for Venda Grande villa but can be added for a supplement on request)
- Gourmet restaurant
- Complimentary WiFi throughout the hotel
- Free parking provided next to each of the housing units
- 450 hectare estate growing organic agricultural products, raising cattle and with a stud farm
- Bicycle hire (free of charge)
- 1 hour of tennis court usage included
- Complimentary guided tour of the estate and winery included
- Numerous activities are possible locally and provide some unique experiences. Enjoy a balloon ride or skydive, a canoe ride down the Guadiana River, a gourmet picnic in the vineyards, birdwatching, wine tasting, guided walks and bike tours, traditional pastries workshops, treasure hunts or painting workshops for the kids - the list is endless
Minimum stay in all units: 2 nights
Route Map
Best time to go
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Time Difference
GMT + 0
Currency
Euro
Language
Portuguese
Average flight times
2 hours 35 minutes
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Average temperature
Average rainfall
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