PORTUGAL | ALENTEJO VILLAGES |

Bem-vindo/a (Welcome) to Portugal!

Today, we'll arrive in the stunning city of Lisbon. Upon landing, the levarTravel leader will warmly welcome you at the hotel. Once settled in, we'll take some time to get to know each other, review the trip itinerary, and address any questions you may have.

There are no activities scheduled for this day. However, the leader will be available to help and advise you on what you should do and visit on this day.

As the evening sets in, we'll all come together for our first taste of authentic Portuguese cuisine. Your leader will recommend the best local restaurants and signature dishes, ensuring a delicious start to our adventure.

Accommodation: Hotel Açores Lisboa 4★
  

As the first light of morning touches the rooftops of Lisbon, we leave behind the bustle of the capital and set out towards the quiet heart of Portugal. The landscape slowly transforms—rolling fields, scattered cork oaks, and ancient olive trees pave the way into the Alentejo, a land where time gently stretches and silence speaks volumes.

Our destination is Évora, a city-museum and UNESCO World Heritage Site, where history lives not only in monuments but in every corner, every stone, every shadow. Walking its narrow cobbled streets, we are surrounded by echoes of centuries past—where Roman columns rise beside medieval walls, and Gothic arches give way to whitewashed façades.

We'll visit the iconic Roman Temple, standing proudly as a symbol of Évora’s imperial legacy, and the haunting Chapel of Bones, a space that invites quiet reflection. The majestic Évora Cathedral, with its blend of Romanesque and Gothic architecture, towers above the city, while sun-drenched squares and peaceful courtyards invite us to pause and absorb the atmosphere.

In the afternoon, we’ll head into the Alentejo countryside, home to Portugal’s renowned cork oak forests. At a traditional cork farm, a local expert will guide us through the fascinating process of cork harvesting and production, a sustainable practice rooted in generations of knowledge.

More than a stop on our journey, Évora is an experience, a place to feel history beneath your feet and beauty in every breath.

Accommodation: Herdade dos Delgados 4★
Meals: Breakfast
  
 

After a peaceful breakfast in Évora, we continue our journey through the quiet roads of the deep Alentejo, where the golden plains stretch endlessly and silence becomes part of the landscape. Today’s destination is one of the region’s most enchanting jewels: the medieval hilltop village of Monsaraz.

Perched high above the surrounding lands and overlooking the vast waters of the Alqueva reservoir, Monsaraz stands like a timeless sentinel. Surrounded by ancient schist walls and steeped in centuries of history, this whitewashed village invites us to wander slowly through its narrow lanes and sunlit squares.

Time seems to pause here. Every step reveals the soul of an older Portugal, lovingly preserved in simplicity and silence. From the top of the walls, the views are breathtaking — the shimmering surface of Lake Alqueva stretches into the horizon, blurring the line between sky and earth.

We visit the castle, explore hidden corners, and soak in the quiet majesty of Monsaraz — a place where stillness speaks louder than words. As the sun begins to set, we return with hearts full, as if we had touched something sacred: the serene, timeless spirit of the Alentejo.

Accommodation: Herdade dos Delgados 4★
Meals: Breakfast

Leaving behind the peaceful charm of Monsaraz, we travel deeper into Alentejo’s timeless landscape, where tradition is carved into the very stone of the land. Today, our journey leads us to Vila Viçosa, a town of elegance, history, and quiet nobility — often called the “Princess of the Alentejo.”

Famous for its white marble, which has adorned palaces and cathedrals across the country, Vila Viçosa is a place where royal heritage meets small-town warmth. At its heart lies the magnificent Ducal Palace, once the residence of the House of Braganza, Portugal’s last royal dynasty. Its long façades, graceful courtyards, and baroque details whisper of past grandeur and the refined rhythm of courtly life.

But Vila Viçosa is more than its noble past. Strolling through its peaceful streets, lined with jasmine and orange trees, we find quiet chapels, lively cafés, and welcoming locals who still greet visitors with sincerity.

Here, history isn’t just told — it’s felt. In every carved doorway, every sunlit square, and every breath of marble-scented air, Vila Viçosa offers us a glimpse into Portugal’s royal soul, wrapped in the calm of Alentejo.

Accommodation: Alentejo Marmoris Hotel & Spa 5★
Meals: Breakfast

This morning, we leave the noble air of Vila Viçosa behind and make our way to Estremoz, a radiant hilltop town known for its striking white marble and authentic Alentejo soul. Nicknamed the "White City", Estremoz dazzles not only for its stone but for the stories it tells through its walls, towers, and traditions.

As we arrive, we are greeted by the silhouette of the castle, crowned by a majestic marble tower that has watched over the town for centuries. Within its fortified walls lies a maze of winding streets, traditional houses with wrought-iron balconies, and lively squares where life unfolds at a gentle pace.

Estremoz is deeply rooted in craftsmanship and culture. The town’s ceramics and clay figurines, still lovingly handcrafted by local artisans, capture scenes of rural life with humour and grace.

But above all, Estremoz is a place to feel. To feel the rhythm of the land, the pride of its people, and the quiet beauty of a town that has always stood a little closer to the sky.

Accommodation: Pousada Castelo de Estremoz
Meals: Breakfast

Today, we travel eastward to the very edge of Portugal, where history stands guard in stone and silence. Our destination is Elvas, a remarkable border town crowned by one of the most impressive military fortifications in all of Europe.

As we approach, the grandeur of Elvas reveals itself from afar: a vast star-shaped fortress, with mighty bastions and intricate walls that once protected the frontier from foreign invasion. A UNESCO World Heritage Site, Elvas is not just a military masterpiece — it’s a city that breathes resilience, strategy, and pride.

We’ll walk through its fortified gates and explore the old town, where narrow cobbled streets, whitewashed façades, and ancient churches invite discovery. The Amoreira Aqueduct, stretching across the landscape like a Roman dream, reminds us of the city’s engineering genius and enduring beauty.

Elvas holds stories of sieges and soldiers, as well as tales of faith and festivity. Its lively rhythm and welcoming spirit offer a beautiful contrast to the strength of its walls. Here, at the meeting point of past battles and present peace, we feel the unique pulse of a place where Portugal once stood watch — and still stands proud.

Accommodation: Vila Gale Collection Elvas 4★
Meals: Breakfast

We begin our day in the quiet embrace of Elvas, where the morning light touches ancient walls still whispering stories of centuries past. After breakfast, we journey north through the rolling Alentejo hills, heading toward one of the region’s most magical destinations: Marvão.

Perched high above the world, Marvão feels like a secret kept in the clouds. With its medieval castle and breathtaking panoramic views, this mountaintop village invites us to slow down and absorb the stillness. As we walk along the ancient stone paths, we are transported to another time — one of knights, legends, and timeless silence.

From there, we descend into the green valleys below and arrive at Castelo de Vide, a charming town wrapped in whitewashed walls and crowned with history. We explore its picturesque castle, the winding lanes of its well-preserved Jewish quarter, and the warm heart of a village where every corner tells a story.

As the sun begins to set, we make our way to Alter do Chão, where we’ll rest for the night. This peaceful town, known for its noble heritage and equestrian traditions, welcomes us with the quiet grace that defines the Alentejo.

A day of discovery, wonder, and beauty — from mountaintops to cobbled streets, ending under the stars of a land that never ceases to inspire.

Accommodation: Vila Gale Collection Alter Real - Resort Equestre, Conference & Spa 4★
Meals: Breakfast

After waking in the quiet charm of Alter do Chão, we set off toward one of Portugal’s most emblematic villages — Arraiolos. Nestled among gentle hills, Arraiolos is renowned for its centuries-old tradition of hand-stitched wool rugs. Here, craftsmanship becomes poetry, as each rug tells a story passed down from generation to generation.

We visit local workshops where skilled artisans bring vibrant patterns to life with needle and thread. It’s a journey into the heart of Alentejo heritage — one woven with patience, pride, and artistry. A stroll through the village reveals more of its charm: a medieval castle, peaceful squares, and the gentle rhythm of life in the countryside.

In the afternoon, we return to Lisbon, where the Tagus River glistens under the golden light. But the journey doesn’t end here.

As evening falls, we gather for a farewell dinner accompanied by live fado, the hauntingly beautiful music of Portugal’s soul. In a traditional setting, with candlelight and saudade in the air, we celebrate the memories made, the friendships formed, and the deep connection to the land we’ve explored.

It is the perfect ending to a journey through the Alentejo, one that lingers not only in photographs but in the heart.

Accommodation: Hotel Açores Lisboa 4★
Meals: Breakfast, Dinner

As our itinerary comes to an end, so do the farewells. We wish you a great return to your home country after 9 unforgettable days.

Now remain the memories and the desire to meet again on another adventure.

Thank you for your trust! See you soon.

Meals: Breakfast