Driving to the south of the country, you will discover the peaceful landscape of Alentejo vast open plains of golden wheat fields, the only shade being provided by the olive trees and cork oak trees. Here you will find several medieval castles, towns surrounded by ancient walls and with whitewashed houses, where the land becomes less inhabited and sunnier, with far away horizons.

Day 1
Lisboa / Santarém / Constância / Abrantes / Estremoz / Vila Viçosa / Reguengos de Monsaraz / Évora

From Lisbon drive to Ribatejo, an area of tradition and beauty with horse and bull breeding farms, long stretches of vineyards producing quality wines and extensive wetlands with colonies of thousands of flamingos at the Tagus River nature reserve. Santarém is the central town, known for its defence walls and beautiful gardens with a view over the Tagus River. It has some of the most exquisite examples of gothic art, being recognized as the Gothic Capital of Portugal. Proceed to Constância, one of the prettiest towns of the Tagus Valley. Once a Roman town, it is conveniently placed at the confluence of the Zêzere and Tagus rivers. Here, according to tradition, lived the famous poet Luís de Camões, author of “Os Lusíadas”. From Constância we leave for Estremoz, passing by Abrantes. Estremoz, internationally known for its fine to medium-grained marble that exists in several colours. Lunch will be served in a fine traditional restaurant. Time to walk around the city, admiring the monumental ensemble of medieval walls, bastions and castle. After lunch we continue to Vila Viçosa, a beautiful village with a rich and important history and heritage, located in the vast Alentejo region, also known as “Princess of Alentejo”. Visit to the Bragança Ducal Palace, old family residence of the last Portuguese dynasty, deserving a special attention its library and collection of paintings, sculptures and coaches. On the way to Évora, we will stop at Reguengos de Monsaraz, famous for its demarcated region wines and traditional pottery. Dinner and overnight in Évora.

Day 2
Évora / Arraiolos / Lisboa

Breakfast at the hotel. Visit of Évora - capital of Alentejo region and one of Portuguese World Heritage Sites, visit to the ruins of the Roman Temple and Baths, the Gothic Cathedral and its cloisters, St Francis Church and its Bones Chapel and the University. A walk along the streets will help you enjoy this wonderful city, passing through the jews and moors quarters and watching the aqueduct, ramparts and entrance doors. Lunch will be served at one of the most reputed restaurants of the region, presenting the unique and famous Alentejo gastronomy and wines (included). After lunch, we proceed to Arraiolos, famed, and deservedly so, for its dazzling wool carpets which decorate palaces, manors and houses all over Portugal. Women stitching colourful wool rugs, sitting in front of their houses when the weather is good or at the window in small rooms during winter, are an usual sight, thus giving continuity to a craft which probably began with the moors as early as the 12th century and reached its maximum splendour with the 18th century floral designs influenced by the exotic fauna and flora found during the Discoveries. Near Arraiolos, we will have the opportunity of tasting some of the most famous Alentejo wines at Monte da Ravasqueira. Afterwards, return to Lisbon.