Lisbon and the Alentejo

Day 1 - Day of arrival

Arrive at Lisbon airport and transfer to the 4-star Heritage Avenida da Liberdade Hotel in Lisbon. This charming property is located at the heart of the city and within walking distance of many of the main sites and shops.

Overnight at the Heritage Avenida Liberdade Hotel, Lisbon.

Heritage Avenida Liberdade Hotel, Lisbon

Day 2 & 3 - Days at leisure

Days at leisure. Opportunity to visit and explore some of the main sites of Lisbon. The hotel is well located on the main avenue of the city and the central Rossio Square and the districts of Alfama, Baixa and Belem are all within walking distance. Whether you want to shop or visit museums, Lisbon has it all.

Overnight at the Heritage Avenida Liberdade Hotel, Lisbon.

Rossio Square, Lisbon

Day 4 - Day of travel

After breakfast, make your way to the Europcar Lisbon downtown office to collect your rental car. Drive to the outskirts of Evora (c.75 minutes), and check-in at the 5-star Convento do Espinheiro Hotel. A complimentary guided tour of this historically important monument and home of Portuguese royalty is included. The Convento, set in the countryside but close to Evora, offers a complimentary return taxi service into the royal town which is classified as a UNESCO World Heritage site. The hotel has excellent spa and health facilities which are at your disposal.

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

Convento do Espinheiro Hotel, Evora

Day 5 - Day at leisure

Time to explore Evora, the oldest town in Portugal with over 20 churches and beautiful religious architecture. You will notice a style characterised by a twisted rope decoration, called Manueline, which is Portuguese late Gothic and dates back to the 1500s. Marble doors and window frames are common in the area. A visit to the 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. In the evening enjoy a complimentary wine tasting in the hotel’s spectacular vaulted cellar.

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

Do Giraldo Square, Evora

Day 6 - Estremoz

The royal town of Estremoz is an hour’s drive from the Convento. Visit the hilltop castle and the fortified walls, the churches and the pretty little streets with shops selling local products. The nearby hillside winery of Encostaz de Estremoz, from where Estremoz can be clearly seen is only a short drive away. The winery’s restaurant is well known for its good local cuisine. The restaurant has floor-to-ceiling windows allowing a fabulous view of the sun setting over the vineyards. On your return, make a stop at Evoramonte (c.15 minutes), located between Estremoz and Evora, a medieval village with tiny, peaceful streets surrounding the castle. There are excellent panoramic views from the top of the tower.

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

Roman Temple, Evora

Day 7 - Explore Monsaraz

After breakfast, head west towards the Spanish border and the village of Monsaraz (c.1 hour). This pretty hilltop, fortified 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. To the north is Vila Viçosa (c.70 minutes drive), where the Royal family of Bragança lived, with its impressive Palacio Ducal and Palace Square. Do not forget the complimentary spa/health club facilities including indoor and outdoor pools once you are back at the hotel.

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

Monsaraz, Portugal

Day 8 - Day of departure

Drive to Lisbon for your flight home.