100% customisable travel idea
From the Douro to the Alentejo Away from the crowds, authentic Portugal
Portugal - Guimaraes - Provesende - Coimbra - Monsaraz - Grandola
100% customisable travel idea
Portugal - Guimaraes - Provesende - Coimbra - Monsaraz - Grandola
100% customisable for you
On arrival, pick up your rental car and make the quick drive to Guimarães. Stay for two nights just a stone's throw from the historic centre. The hotel offers a modern and refined setting. A large lounge decorated with upholstered armchairs, wooden furniture and soft lighting creates a warm atmosphere, which is also found in the rooms. There is also a spa inviting you to enjoy pleasant moments of relaxation, including hammam, sauna, treatments, indoor and outdoor swimming pools. The restaurant's chef is committed to offering fresh and refined Mediterranean cuisine. You’ll have everything you need for a smooth start to your stay.
See and do - The former capital of the kingdom delights culture lovers. Listed as a UNESCO World Heritage Site - and declared European Capital of Culture in 2012 - Guimarães and its historic centre have no shortage of attractions, including medieval monuments and superb residences, such as the Mota Prego house and the Vila Flor Palace... Guimarães exudes a unique atmosphere. Head to Nossa Senhora da Oliveira Square to visit the impressive Collegiate Church. Another option is to take in the incredible view of the city from Mount Da Penha, which you can reach by car or cable car. Don't forget to stop at the former convent converted into a pousada, the Pousada de Santa Marinha.
Optional - Visit the old town of Guimarães and its castle.
Drive to Provesende and stay for two nights above the Douro Valley, on an estate planted with vineyards. You can enjoy a superb panorama from the terraces and the beautiful swimming pool. The rooms are located in an annex of the large property, whose origins date back to the 18th century. They are modern and elegant in style, with antique furniture here and there. The atmosphere is comfortable and relaxed. Breakfast is served on site. Of course, tasting the house wines is part of the itinerary during your stay.
Provesende is a cluster of orange-roofed houses on the hillside, sharing the slopes with the renowned vineyards. In the village, old façades that are white like the pretty 18th-century church and decorated with Baroque ornaments line the narrow streets. Be sure to head up to the hills, especially the São Cristóvão do Douro viewpoint, to enjoy beautiful views of the surrounding area, where there are other wine-growing villages to explore.
On your itinerary - Along the Douro River. The rabelo is a type of boat used in Portugal for transporting wine barrels by river, particularly on the Douro between the wine-growing regions upstream and the port wine production towns of Porto and Vila Nova de Gaia. This river trip allows you to enjoy views of Pinhão, the terraced vineyards and quintas as you float along. The route winds through one of the most beautiful parts of the Douro, which is not visible from the coastal roads, to an imposing wine estate.
Optional - Jeep tour in the Douro Valley and wine tasting at the estate.
Drive to Coimbra. On the way, don't hesitate to stop at Vila Real, which is home to the famous Baroque palace Casa de Mateus and flanked by magnificent gardens. Upon arrival, stay for two nights at a charming little hotel in the heart of Coimbra. The panoramic view of the city from the roof terrace is breathtaking. The pretty patio is also a lovely place to have breakfast or enjoy a drink on sunny days.
On your itinerary - A local shows you around Coimbra. Coimbra is the third largest city in the country and was home to Portugal's first university, which is one of the oldest in Europe. Explore this monumental city, which was the birthplace of Portugal's first six kings, as you wander through the picturesque streets of its medieval centre. This improvised and relaxed stroll inevitably leads to the Sé Velha, a cathedral considered one of the most beautiful monuments of national Romanesque art, and to the university, where you can learn about student traditions by visiting a few sororities.
Also planned - Tickets to a fado show. Fado is imbued with nostalgia and melancholy, and when it is sung with emotion, it evokes love, the sea and “saudade” - a deep feeling of longing. Accompanied by guitar, it reflects the soul of the Portuguese people and their history. But not all fados are the same, and the fado of Coimbra, which is traditionally performed by university students, differs from that of Lisbon. Proud of this heritage and determined to preserve it, the venue where the show takes place is the ideal place to experience this ancient art. People come here to explore its origins, learn more about its most famous performers, thrill to the sound of a few notes and, of course, watch a real fado show, far removed from tourist performances.
Continue south to reach the medieval town of Monsaraz. On the way, you can stop off at Arraialos, which is famous for its oriental-style rugs and pretty white houses edged with wide lavender-coloured bands. Be sure to visit the castle at the top of the hill for views of the olive groves and ramparts.
Upon arrival in Monsaraz, stay for two nights near Lake Alqueva, in the heart of the Dark Sky area. The hotel is low-key and discreet. It is all white, paying homage to the vernacular architecture of the Alentejo, but this does not prevent it from offering modern design and services. A temperate minimalism allows the natural surroundings to breathe. You are even drawn to them by the building, its terrace and the optical equipment available. The grounds are planted with olive trees. In particular, there is space and southern elegance. Nothing is left to chance. Meticulously chosen handicrafts adorn the interior. The cuisine pays vibrant homage to the local terroir. The spa is housed under a geodesic dome. And guests can enjoy the swimming pool at their leisure.
See and do - The typical villages of the Alentejo. The Alentejo region, which is known as the breadbasket or orchard of Portugal, is full of centuries-old villages that are veritable eagles' nests overlooking the surrounding plains. In addition to Monsaraz, of course, which overlooks the Guadiana River and whose small wrought-iron balconies attached to the houses and long chimneys are its architectural signature, Estremoz is another of the most remarkable villages. It is best known for the marble quarries that surround it. Within the 17th-century ramparts, there are two distinct parts: the old town perched on the heights and the more recent buildings below. You should also visit the village of Marvao, which is a little further north. A maze of winding alleys lined with white houses decorated with flowers create a charming picture, seemingly belonging to another era.
Head for Grandola, a typical Alentejo village about 9 miles (15 km) from the ocean. It is a rather rural, even agricultural village, bordered by hills and fields, located south of Setúbal and, therefore, Lisbon. Stay for two nights in an old farmhouse that has been converted into a charming country hotel. Set in the heart of a cork oak forest on a 600 to 800 hectare estate, this family-run establishment provides a peaceful and authentic setting with spacious rooms, an outdoor swimming pool, a bar and numerous trails for walking or cycling. It is an ideal place to relax in the heart of nature, while still being close to the beaches of the Alentejo.
Optional - Private tour of Evora.
Not to be missed - Cape Espichel and Arrábida Natural Park. Perched above the sea and swept by the winds, Cape Espichel is an ancient pilgrimage site where the sanctuary of Our Lady, the lighthouse, the small chapel Ermida da Memoria and even dinosaur tracks still stand! The landscape is breathtaking from up there. To the south of the peninsula, wild beaches take over: Portinho da Arrabida is the most popular; Praia da Figueirinha is the favourite among locals; Galapinhos beach can be reached after a walk of about 15 minutes, where you come upon incredibly turquoise waters… On sunny days, a swim is a must.
Drive to Lisbon airport, return the rental car and take a direct return flight.
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