Portugal – Culinary and wine experiences

Welcome to Portugal! You will be met at the airport by our driver and English speaking guide. Transfer to our charming hotel in EVORA. This is the region of Alentejo, known as the richest and most creative culinary region in the country. 

Lunch along the way.

Arrival at the hotel for dinner and overnight.

♦ WHAT IS INCLUDED ♦ Transfer | Dinner | Accommodation

Today we are introduced to Portuguese cuisine with our first class. Although different in each region, Portuguese cuisine is simple and is characterized by a rich variety of regional dishes with fresh produce, aromatic herbs, olive oil and Mediterranean influence.

Enjoy the meal that you have just concocted yourself, accompanied by an excellent local wine. After lunch, we will take a guided tour of Evora, a UNESCO World Heritage City, due to its excellent preservation over the centuries. We will visit the enigmatic Church of St. Francis and its Chapel of Bones. 

The tour will continue through the narrow streets of the old town to reach Giraldo Square where the Inquisition had its headquarters. We’ll also have time to explore the thousand-year-old Roman temple and get a glimpse of the 12th century cathedral. In the distant sixteenth century Évora prospered with culture and tradition in her university as much as she still does today. During a short visit to the courtyard of the centenary university, you will understand why Évora was once the second most important city in Portugal. 

Return to the hotel for dinner and overnight.

♦ WHAT IS INCLUDED ♦ Transfer | Tour | Accommodation | Catering

This morning we will visit a local cheese producer to learn more about the cheese making process. The Alentejo region is famous for its cheeses that we will have the opportunity to taste. 

We continue our tour by one of the best wine and olive oil producers in Portugal, Herdade do Esporão. This winery is known for the mixture of ancient and modern winemaking techniques. Visit followed by tasting. 

Lunch at a local restaurant. 

Before returning to Evora, we will go to São Pedro do Corval to visit this small village in the Alentejo famous for its pottery. We will visit a shop and the work of a potter giving shape to some of these works. 

Return to the hotel for dinner and accommodation.

♦ WHAT IS INCLUDED ♦ Tour | Transfer | Accommodation | Catering

Today we roll up our sleeves for our second cooking class, which will focus on olive oil, aromatic herbs and their importance in Alentejo food.

Lunch.

Later, we will continue our culinary adventure by visiting a local olive oil farm where we will discover the process of pressing the finest olive oil in the region, followed by a tasting. 

Back to Evora. Dinner and accommodation at the hotel.

♦ WHAT IS INCLUDED ♦ Tour | Transfer | Accommodation | Catering

Departure to Lisbon with your private driver. 

Along the way, we will visit an organic farm. 

Lunch.

In the afternoon we will stop in Azeitão known for its wine “Moscatel” as well as for its cheese and pastries. We will make a stop at the winery of José Maria da Fonseca for a visit and wine tasting. 

Installation at your hotel for dinner and accommodation. 

Optional: To enjoy a note of the most representative music of the Portuguese soul, we invite you to a portuguese dinner in a typical Fado house.  This farewell dinner meal will make you discover the feeling of “Saudade” which we hope will make you return to Portugal for other discoveries.

♦ WHAT IS INCLUDED ♦ Tour | Transfer | Accommodation | Catering

Departure for the visit of Lisbon. On the right bank of the Tagus estuary, the historic capital of Portugal is a medley of unusual character and charm, where 800 years of cultural influences blend with modern trends and lifestyles, creating spectacular contrasts. 

We will start with the Belém district where we will discover several monuments and museums.

First, we will visit the Church of the Jerónimos Monastery, a magnificent monument that marks the culmination of Portuguese art in the century of discoveries. UNESCO has classified the monastery as a World Heritage Site. Five hundred years ago, the monastery was the site of a chapel where sailors came to pray at the start and finish of their sea trips. 

We will make a stop here to taste a local pastry the “Pastel de Belém” that the Portuguese eat with a coffee here called the “bica”. The “Pastel de Belem” is made from a recipe that has been kept secret for centuries. To enhance the flavor, add as much sugar and cinnamon as you like and enjoy this wonder.

In the afternoon we will visit the old town. We will start with the Alfama district, one of the most typical of Lisbon and home to most of the city’s fado houses, the traditional music of Portugal. In Alfama it is still possible to see Roman and Arab remains, two of the most dominant civilizations of Lisbon’s past. We will explore its picturesque and narrow streets on a walking tour. 

We will continue to the “Baixa” which was completely rebuilt after the earthquake of 1775. Visit of the “Praça do Comércio”. This vast waterfront square, also known as “Terreiro do Paço” or “Palace Square” is where the Royal Palace was built for two centuries until 1755, when it was destroyed by the Great Earthquake. The royal family moved to another residence in the Belém district and the new arcaded buildings served as the port of entry to the city. 

Free time.

Return to the hotel. Tonight we invite you for a farewell dinner in a Portuguese gastronomic restaurant.

♦ WHAT IS INCLUDED ♦ Tour | Transfer | Accommodation | Catering

Hearty breakfast at the hotel. 

At your request, your private driver will escort you to Lisbon Humberto Delgado  international airport for your return flight. 

BON VOYAGE!

♦ WHAT IS INCLUDED ♦ Transfer | Catering