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Grand Route of Alentejo
Itinerary: Melides | Porto Covo | Vila Nova de Milfontes | Ourique | Castro Verde | Mértola | Serpa | Beja | Alqueva | Reguengos de Monsaraz | Vila Viçosa | Estremoz | Elvas | Portalegre | Marvão | Crato | Arraiolos | Évora
The Grand Route of Alentejo invites you to discover the authenticity and cultural diversity of one of the most enchanting regions in Portugal. Over the course of 8 days, explore breathtaking landscapes, from the wild beaches of Melides and Porto Covo to historic towns such as Mértola, Serpa, and Monsaraz. Visit cities rich in heritage, like Évora, Beja, and Elvas, and enjoy tradition and craftsmanship in emblematic places like Arraiolos and Estremoz. Combining history, gastronomy, and stunning landscapes, this itinerary is a celebration of the Alentejo in all its essence.
PROGRAMME:
Day 1: Melides | Porto Covo
Morning: Walking tour through the village of Melides to explore its typical alleys, followed by a visit to Melides Beach, famous for its vast sands and tranquility. Panoramic walk along the Lagoa de Santo André.
Afternoon: Visit to Sines, where the Castle stands with its imposing structure and views over the sea. In Porto Covo, explore the Ilha do Pessegueiro and Praia da Samoqueira.
Evening: Dinner and accommodation in a hotel.
Day 2: Vila Nova de Milfontes | Ourique | Castro Verde
Morning: In Vila Nova de Milfontes, a walk along the banks of the Rio Mira, where the natural landscape blends with the picturesque village architecture. Stop to admire the beauty of the Forte de São Clemente and its privileged views over the river.
Afternoon: In Ourique, visit the Castle, Castro da Cola, and Necrópole da Atalaia. Walking tour through the historic center. Time for tapas at one of Castro Verde's taverns.
Evening: Dinner and accommodation in a hotel.
Day 3: Mértola | Serpa
Morning: Walking tour in Mértola, visiting the Castle, the Igreja Matriz (former mosque), and the Clock Tower. Includes a visit to the Mértola Museum, with a focus on Islamic art, and a walk through the historic center.
Afternoon: In Serpa, a guided tour of the Castle, Igreja Matriz, and Clock Tower. The visit ends at the Palácio Condes de Ficalho, with brief explanations about its historical importance.
Evening: Dinner and accommodation in a hotel.
Day 4: Beja | Alqueva | Reguengos de Monsaraz
Morning: In Beja, the visit to the historic center includes the Visigothic Site, the Convento da Conceição, and the Ermida de Santo André, focusing on the main historical elements.
Afternoon: In Reguengos de Monsaraz, a guided tour of the Castle highlighting its architecture and panoramic views. The program continues with a boat trip on the Alqueva reservoir, exploring the beauty of the Alentejo landscape.
Evening: The day ends with an exclusive Cante Alentejano performance. Dinner and accommodation in a hotel.
Day 5: Vila Viçosa | Estremoz
Morning: Walking tour through the historic area of Vila Viçosa. Guided visit to the Palácio Ducal de Vila Viçosa, with a focus on its history and architecture.
Afternoon: Explore the town of Estremoz, including the Castle and the Center for Figurative Ceramics Interpretation. Visit a marble exploration center.
Evening: Dinner and accommodation in a hotel.
Day 6: Elvas | Portalegre
Morning: Guided visit to the Fortaleza de Elvas, followed by a tour of the historic area, with stops at the Former Cathedral, Alcáçova, and Rua das Beatas.
Afternoon: Walk through the historic center of Portalegre, with time to appreciate its main streets and squares. Visit the Municipal Museum, the Cathedral, the José Régio House-Museum, and the Tapestry Museum, with explanations about their cultural value.
Evening: Dinner and accommodation in a hotel.
Day 7: Marvão | Crato | Arraiolos
Morning: Panoramic tour through the Serra de S. Mamede, with views over the landscape. Ascend to Marvão to visit the Castle, Pillory, Clock Tower, and Casa da Cultura.
Afternoon: Guided visit to the Monastery of Flor da Rosa, in Crato, focusing on its history and architecture. Discovery of Arraiolos, with a walk through the historic center, visit to the circular Castle, and the Interpretation Center for Arraiolos Rugs.
Evening: Dinner and accommodation in a hotel.
Day 8: Évora
Morning: Explore the historic center of Évora, with visits to the Cathedral, Temple of Diana, and Praça do Giraldo.
Afternoon: Visit a traditional winery in Alto Alentejo, with a wine tasting. Free time in Évora.
Evening: Dinner and accommodation in Évora.
PRICE PER PERSON:
In a double room (2 people, double bed) | 1100 € |
In a twin room (2 people, separate beds) | 1100 € |
In a single room (1 person) | 1380 € |
Deposit: 200 €
Bookings up to 30 days before departure
The prices quoted include:
Tour by coach.
7 meals with a full menu (starters or soup, main course, dessert, coffee, wine and water at mealtimes. Some restaurants offer juices and soft drinks on the menu.
Accompanying guide representing the company.
Local guides for visits and activities.
All entrances and visits mentioned in the programme.
Accommodation in a 4* or 3* hotel with breakfast.
Civil liability and personal accident insurance.
SEATS ON THE BUS:
Seats on the bus are pre-allocated in order of where you get on the bus and date of deposit payment.
RYTHM: Medium
To take part in this route, you should:
Feel comfortable with several days of visits and an itinerary that alternates bus journeys and short walks in the places visited.
Be able to accompany a group at an average walking pace on sometimes uneven ground and with occasional stairs.
Being able to follow a medium-paced programme, which may involve getting up early on several days and only arriving at the hotel at the end of the day for dinner and a rest.
Feel comfortable accompanying a guide and respect all the instructions given.
Tolerate some temperature changes and unstable weather.
ACCOMMODATION:
Planned accommodation at 4* and 3* hotels.
NOT TO BE MISSED:
Admire the breathtaking views from the Castle of Monsaraz over the Alentejo plains.
Enjoy an exclusive cruise on the tranquil waters of the Alqueva Dam.
Taste the famous Alentejo wines at a traditional winery, paired with regional products.
Explore the historic streets of Mértola, with a focus on the Islamic art collection at the Museum.
Witness an authentic performance of Cante Alentejano, an intangible cultural heritage.
