Highlights of Alentejo - OUT
Overview
Embrace flexibility in your schedule to fully absorb the sights and atmosphere of every stop on your Alentejo tour. Enjoy the scenic beauty of the region while driving and savour stunning vistas along the way. Explore viewpoints and small towns to uncover hidden treasures amidst the countryside and indulge in the local cuisine to experience the true essence of Alentejo. End your trip in Lisbon, Portugal’s capital.
The car rental and hotel stays are included in this package, along with a bunch of other travel essentials that will help make this trip easy and unforgettable.
Format
Locations
- Alcácer da Sal
- Beja
- Vila Viçosa
- Marvão
- Estremoz
- Évora
- Lisbon
Inclusions
- Round-trip flight to Lisbon (if the Flight & Hotel package option is chosen)
- 8 nights of accommodation in a Pousada, with breakfast included
- 8-day car rental in selected category, with added collision damage waiver (CDW) + theft waiver (TW), vehicle license fee (LAF), and 1 additional driver tax
- 48-hour Hop-on Hop-off sightseeing pass in Lisbon
- Earn and redeem Aeroplan® points
Itinerary
Day 1
Depart Canada
Fly to Lisbon.
Day 2
Lisbon – Arrábida – Palmela (Alcácer do Sal)
Upon arrival in Lisbon, pick up your car rental at the airport and depart by crossing the astonishing 25th of April Bridge over the Tagus River. Head south towards Sesimbra and explore its beautiful fishing town by indulging in some fresh seafood at a local restaurant. Continue to the Arrábida Natura Park and take in the stunning views of the coastline from various viewpoints. Consider visiting Portinho da Arrábida, a beautiful beach with crystal-clear waters. Next, head to Azeitão, known for its wine production. Visit one of the local wineries for a wine tasting session and enjoy some regional cheeses as well.
Finally, drive to the impressive Palmela Castle. It offers magnificent views of the surrounding landscapes and the Setúbal Peninsula.
(Approximately 60 km)
Day 3
Palmela (Alcácer do Sal) – Beja
After breakfast, travel south through the Alentejo region, known for its vast plains, wheat fields, cork trees, vineyards, and olive groves. Arrive in Beja and explore the town's historical attractions, such as the Castle of Beja, the Regional Museum, and the Cathedral of St. James the Great, Beja. Take time to stroll through the old town streets and enjoy local cuisine at nearby restaurants.
(Approximately 150 km)
Meal(s): Breakfast
Day 4
Beja – Monsaraz – Vila Viçosa
After breakfast, leave your Pousada and travel northeast for an enriching journey through historical sites and scenic landscapes. Visit the charming medieval walled village of Monsaraz, with its narrow streets, whitewashed houses, and incredible views of the Alqueva Dam, the largest artificial lake in Europe. Visit the Monsaraz Castle ruins, offering panoramic views of the surrounding countryside. Continue to Vila Viçosa and visit the Palace of the Dukes of Braganza and its Ducal Palace, a magnificent building that personifies royal history and impressive architecture.
(Approximately 130 km)
Meal(s): Breakfast
Day 5
Vila Viçosa – Elvas – Castelo de Vide – Marvão
After breakfast, travel to Elvas, a former episcopal city and frontier fortress of Eastern Portugal not far from the Spanish border. Admire the impressive, 16th-century Amoreira Aqueduc, a UNESCO World Heritage Site. Explore the well-preserved Elvas Castle and its fortified walls for insight on Portugal's military history.
Continue to Castelo de Vide and visit a medieval castle with stunning views over the town and surrounding landscape. Wander through the narrow streets of the historic Jewish Quarter, known for its white houses and picturesque alleys.
Proceed to Marvão and visit this enchanting medieval walled village, famous for its cobbled streets. Walk along the well-preserved medieval walls of Marvão Castle, perched on a granite crag that offers breathtaking panoramic views of the surrounding valleys and neighboring Spain.
(Approximately 100 km)
Meal(s): Breakfast
Day 6
Marvão – Estremoz – Arraiolos - Évora
After breakfast, leave your Pousada and travel to Estremoz, famous for its original ceramic handicraft and the historic castle, which also houses a Pousada (a historical hotel), offering a glimpse into Portugal’s royal past. Explore a marble quarry or visit a marble workshop to learn about the region's marble industry, a significant part of Estremoz's heritage.
Proceed to Arraiolos town, known for its handmade tapestry and the traditional craft and artistry of Arraiolos rugs and tapestries. Overnight in Évora.
(Approximately 130 km)
Meal(s): Breakfast
Day 7-9
Évora – Lisbon
After breakfast, its onwards to Lisbon, where you will spend your last three nights.
Hop on a panoramic bus with a choice of three lines from Marquês de Pombal and learn about Lisbon’s history through attractions like the Belém Tower, the Monument of the Discoveries, the Jerónimos Monastery, São Jorge Castle, viewpoints of Portas do Sol viewpoint, São Pedro de Alcântara, and views of the most modern parts of the city. You’ll even see the place where Expo ‘98 was held and the Lisbon Oceanarium.
Drive to the charming village of Sintra, a UNESCO World Heritage Site that once enchanted kings and inspired poets (see the majestic and romantic Pena Palace, an astonishing fairytale castle, located in one of the highest peaks of Sintra mountain range).
Walk through the narrow streets, appreciate the several handicraft shops, and stop at a tea room to taste delicious local sweets like the queijadas or travesseiros. Continue to Cabo da Roca, the most western point in Europe, where you’ll enjoy the unique scenery of the Atlantic Ocean. Return to Lisbon while passing the towns of Cascais and Estoril.
(Approximately 140 km)
Meal(s): Breakfast
Day 10
Lisbon – Return to Canada
After breakfast, return your car at Lisbon airport and board your flight home to Canada.
Meal(s): Breakfast
Accommodations
Where you'll stay
Location
Hotel
Room details
Type of bed(s): 1 double bed or 2 twin beds
Room occupancy: Maximum 3 people (3 adults, or 2 adults and 1 child).
Unless otherwise specified, guests will stay in a standard room at all hotels during the trip.
Important Information
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Daily departures from April 1, 2024, until October 14, 2024
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Not included:
- Meals and beverages (unless specified)
- Transfers (unless specified)
- Excursions and entrance fees (unless specified)
- Gratuities
- Porterage
- Local city tax, paid locally in local currency
- Parking fees, gasoline, toll fees, airport fees, and personal insurance are not covered
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Europcar:
- EDMR-M Seat Ibiza a/c
- CWMR-M Renault Megane a/c
- CMMR-M Renault Capture a/c
- CWMD-M Renault Megane SW DCI a/c
- CCAR-A Renauult Megane Automatic a/c
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City taxes are applicable for hotel stays in Portugal and are payable in local currency upon checkout. Rates vary depending on hotel star rating and location and are calculated per person, per night. Rates are subject to change without notice.
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The order of the itinerary may change, operate in reverse, and the sequence of overnights could vary due to operational restrictions. The itinerary is for reference only. Kilometers are estimated and provided as a guideline.