Your Adventure Awaits
The Spirit of Alentejo
In the Alentejo, luxury is not defined by opulence, but the profound stillness of a landscape that breathes with the rhythm of the seasons. Time here slows to a graceful crawl, inviting you to lose yourself in vast, undulating plains of gold and the silver-green whispers of ancient olive groves. Here, the essence of travel lies in "slow living"—sipping a robust, sun-ripened red wine on a terrace as the sky turns a bruised violet, or finding sanctuary within the whitewashed walls of a minimalist herdade where contemporary design meets rustic heritage. The true indulgence is the silence, broken only by the chime of distant sheep bells, offering a rare and soulful privacy that feels like a well-kept secret between you and the horizon.
"Este é o verdadeiro Portugal"
History & Culture
Art de Vivre
Price On Request
When To Go?
Highlights
Accommodations
Nowhere else will you get to experience a succession of rural farmhouse retreats dedicated to the harmony of modern agriculture with (wines, cork, olive oil) in perfect symbiosis with agrotourism. The "herdades" of the Alentejo offers much more than just a place to stay, with the inviting sense of space and zest for life.
Experiences
A journey of the Alentejo welcomes you to traditions and art-perfection. While the medieval landscapes share reminders of the many battles and conquests in its rich history, the heritage and influence passes down from generation to generation.
Itinerary
DAY 1: Lisbon / Beja / Albernoa
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We start our journey from Lisbon and drive across the scenic Alentejo countryside to the ancient city of Beja - capital of the Lower Alentejo region under Roman rule in the 1st Century founded by Julius Caesar. Visit the Nossa Senhora da Conceicao Convent, a remarkable 15th Century convent displaying remarkable blend of architectural styles of Gothic and Manueline principles. Stop to admire the Church of Santa Maria with its iconic round pillars and Mudejar arches which was the first Visigothic temple in the 6th Century and then a mosque during the Moorish occupation. Marvel at the Beja Castle, a remarkable defensive fortress that provide an insight into the Visigothic era.
Finally, a short drive takes us to the stunning Herdade da Malhadinha Nova, a wine estate hotel in Albernoa renowned for its impeccably-produced wine and cuisine. This evening, enjoy a Welcome Degustation Dinner led by Chef Joachim Koerper,
DAY 2: Albernoa
The day begins with a horse-drawn carriage ride through the vineyards where you will see and feel one of the most beautiful landscapes of Herdade Malhadinha Nova. This interlude ends near the picnic spot where you will be able to taste all the features of its Farm to Table cuisine. We then get into the heartbeat and pulse of the Herdade da Malhadinha Nova Winery with a visit of the cellars and an invitation to sample its range of wines that are highly-revered around the world.
Enjoy the rest of the day to unwind and soak in the sense of space and incredible landscapes surrounding the retreat.
DAY 3: Albernoa / Mertola / Serpa / Monsaraz
Awake to a refreshing day in the beautiful countryside as we make a short drive to the Herdade dos Grous, located in the middle of vineyards, olive groves and cork oaks for a wine cellar visit and tasting of exquisite full-bodied wines that is a signature of the Alentejo region. Thereafter, we continue to the medieval historic town of Mertola with a distinctive Arabic essence perched on the rocky hills on the banks of the Guadiana River. Next, we continue our journey north to the former Islamic town of Serpa when the Moorish occupied the Iberian Peninsula in the 8th Century. Marvel at the stunning castle walls and majestic aqueduct and take an inspired step back in time in the historic town.
Finally, our journey continues to the white-washed hilltop village of Monsaraz overlooking the beautiful Alqueva Lake near the border with Spain. Take a walk through this amazing and stunning town adorned with artisanal and wine shops - a true less-trodden gem of Portugal. We then retreat to the refined Sao Lourenco do Barrocal, a 200 year-old farm estate brought back to life as a modern day retreat surrounded by ancient oaks, olive groves and vineyards in the vastness of the Lower Alentejo plains.
DAY 4: Monsaraz (Excursion to Evora)
Enjoy a leisure morning where after breakfast, enjoy an exceptional guided horse riding excursion in the expansive farmscape of Sao Lourenco do Barrocal spanning over 780 hectares. Ride on the Lusitano horse, the oldest saddle horse in the world and unique to the Iberian Peninsula renowned for its noble characteristics and a status symbol since ancient times. Discover the ancient menhir, the vineyards, the cereal fields and vast pastures that is home to free-roaming cattles not mentioning unforgettable views of the Alqueva Lake and the village of Monsaraz in the distance.
Later, we journey to the UNESCO-listed city of Evora on a walking tour around the medieval streets of this well-preserved city starting from the Praca do Giraldo lined with attractive townhouses with intricate wrought-iron balconies. Stop to admire the Roman Temple of Evora with its large Corinthian columns dating back to the reigns of Augustus. We then visit the Romanesque Cathedral of Evora, built in 1186 - one of the most sacred sites in Portugal. Head on next to visit the St Francis Church with the "Bones Chapel", completely decorated with human bones. Return to Sao Lourenco do Barrocal thereafter.
DAY 5: Monsaraz / Vila Vicosa / Elvas / Vaiamonte
We leave Sao Lourenco do Barrocal today and drive north to the village of Vila Vicosa - decorated with many small palaces and manor houses with traditional marble and Manueline-styled architecture. Stop to admire the Castle of Vila Vicosa, the Agostinhos Church and Convent, the Santa Cruz, Capuchos, Esperanca and Chagas Convents.
Continue next to the UNESCO-listed fortified town of Elvas, famous for its stunning zig-zagging walls and fortifications where it was recaptured from the Moors in 1230. Due to its bordering location from Badajoz in Spain, it was constantly attacked before it fell to King Philip and the Spanish in 1580. Elvas' star-shaped walls were designed in the 16th Century by Flemish Jesuit engineer, Cosmander with two outlying forts to the north and south. Marvel at Elvas' quintessential sites such as the Igreja de Nossa Senhora da Consolacao, the Aqueduto da Amoreira, the English Cemetery and more. We then arrive at the impressive Torre de Palma where we enjoy an exceptional stay in the Upper Alentejo region.
DAY 6: Vaiamonte (Excursion to Marvao & Castelo de Vide)
Today we enjoy an excursion to the north of Alentejo region. Visit the fortified village of Marvao, one of Portugal's most spectacular mountaintop village with a 360-degree panorama. Visit its 13th Century castle and climb the walls to admire the ancient town.
Thereafter, continue to Castelo de Vide, another well-preserved medieval town. Visit its 14th Century castle with an ancient atmosphere, the beautiful Jewish neighbourhood with the oldest synagogue in Portugal. Return back to Torre de Palma where we will take a walk through the hotel's organic garden for ingredients picking before heading to the kitchen for a demonstration of contemporary Alentejan cuisine prepared with passionate explanation.
DAY 7: Departure Vaiamonte
A delightful week in the Alentejo region comes to an end as we make our return to Lisbon or continue your journey in Portugal and beyond.
Featured Hotels
Herdade da Malhadinha Nova
The lesser-visited and utterly beautiful Alentejo region is Portugal’s best-kept secret, and it’s where you’ll find Herdade da Malhadinha Nova, a working farm, winery and luxury accommodation. The property exemplifies the region’s respect for the environment, prioritising biodiversity and heritage preservation (its restaurant has even been awarded a coveted Green Michelin Star). Here you can indulge in spa treatments using local products and explore the area through themed packages and activities like horseback riding and cooking.
Privileges
Complimentary Breakfast
Priority Room Upgrade at check in*
50mins massage for 2
Early check in/late check out subject to availability*
Sao Lourenco do Barrocal
200 years after its inception, São Lourenço do Barrocal is more current than ever. Spread across 2,000 acres, this is the perfect place to discover the wonders of Alentejo. Stroll, cycle, or saddle up and ride through the estate. Foodies will love the two farm-to-table restaurants, organic vegetable garden, and, of course, the olive grove tour and tasting. From birding to beekeeping, there's never a dull moment here. When it's time to relax, the rooms and cottages are designed to make you feel right at home.