Alentejo, Portugal Blog 4-8April 2013

Sunvil Alentejo Agent Fam Trip
04-08 April 2013
Flights with TAP Portugal
TP 373 04 April London Heathrow / Lisbon 11:20 / 14:00
TP 358 08 April Lisbon / London Heathrow 18:45 / 21:25


ITINERARY
04 April (Thursday)
After a short delay to the flight, our group of 6 arrive at Lisbon Airport at 14:00 hours after our 2 hour 40 minute flight (Portugal is on the same time as England) We met our guide and depart on our 218 kilometre drive through towards the lesser-known northern area of Portugal.  As soon as we were away from Lisbon, we were struck by the peacefullness of the area with very few cars on the roads and scenery which rivalled that of the English countryside.

After a leisurely drive, we arrive at Castelo de Vide – a 14th century castle town situated at 850metres. Castelo de Vide is of Roman origin but is probably best known for the large Jewish quarter which existed in the middle ages, and is home to the oldest synagogue in Portugal. Unfortunately this was our worst day with rain but we managed the take a walk around the town, unbrellas and raincoats poised and it was well worth the soaking to get the feel of this lovely Portuguese village.

Town centre

Picturesque side street leading up to castle

The town has springs which supply the town with fresh water and the romans used to come down to these areas to bathe.

View from the castle walls down to the town

After our whistlestop tour and a short coffee in a local cafe, we head on to Marvão, a small, walled fortress town, dating back from the 9th century and located on the top of the hill in the middle of the Park São Mamede. The population is just 40 people with stunning views from the top.

Dinner and accommodation in Marvão at the Pousada de Marvão, situated at an altitude of 1000 metres and with panoramic views towards the Spanish border. The Pousada was situated in the centre of a group of village houses and surrounded by 13th century castle walls. We were served typical Portuguese cuisine in the panoramic restaurant. Lead in prices for 7 nights including flights, Hotel and car hire £522 per person - a wonderful relaxing spot

My room at the Pousada

View from the restaurant at breakfast

05 April (Friday)
We then moved on to Portalegre – with a rich tapestry heritage and where famous paintings from around the world have been reproduced. We visited the Museum Guy Fino and were shown how the tapestries were made and how they have a unique way of weaving which makes their tapestries more superior.
We then continued on to Elvas -this very dramatic fortress town has recently been named as Portugal’s thirteenth UNESCO World Heritage Site. With a rich cultural heritage, this town on the Spanish border is recognised for its star-shaped walls, 16th century fortifications and its most famous hallmark -the
Amoreira Aquaduct.

Typical cobbled street in Elvas

Elvas cathedral

The famous aquaduct

Square at Elvas

Lunch at a local restaurant in Elvas. A very enjoyable meal with chance to sample the delightful Portuguese cuisine.

After lunch we continued to the ‘marble town’ of Vila Viçosa, famous for its pink marble, extracted from some of the 160 quarries in the area. We briefly visited the Ducal Palace, home to the Dukes of
Bragança, the most powerful noble family. We were not able to take photos inside but the following is a picture of the palaces splendid gardens.

We then checked in to the Hotel Rural Horta da Moura, Mansaraz which a relaxing rural property raising cattle and with horses for a horseriding trip through this wonderful countryside. Other facilities locally, tennis, cycling, boat trips and waterskiing in the Alqueva lake. Lead in prices £445 for a week inc car hire and hotel

Rooms were a generous size - just 25 in all.

what views from the pool

We had a lovely evening meal and extensive breakfast.  Evening entertainment was locals coming in to sing to us their tales of woe (their appeared to be 3 generations in this particular group, all in local costume)

We then Visited the wine cellars at Herdade do Esporão (always a pleasure to sample the local wines!)
06 April (Saturday)
We visited Monsaraz where just 14 people live and the town is just two streets and very quaint. We found a lovely little gift shop and there was a small restaurant and a couple of  bed and breakfast hotels.

Views towards the lakes from the castle at the top

Typical view along one of the streets

View overlooking town

We then head towards the Alqueva Lake, Europe’s largest manmade lake awarded the ‘Starlight Tourism Destination’ certification by UNESCO and UNWTO. Largest man made lake in Europe - about the size of Surrey we were told.  Produced by damming up a local river - amazing.

Still very peaceful with very few boats around.

This was the dam - a spectacular sight

We then boarded a famous houseboat at Estrela for a small ride where we enjoyed the sunshine (our best day so far with temperatures of about 15c, before reaching Amieira Marina. Lunch at Amieira restaurant was fabulous. Houseboats can be hired for a week from £853 per person flight/car/boat - can visit 9 villages lining the lakes



This was our houseboat, you were able to sail the boat if we wanted.



This was our restaurant - perched on the bank overlooking the lake

Depart to Évora, visit the capital of the Alentejo, a magnificent city overflowing with religious
architecture, former palaces and marble fountains. Manueline architecture can be seen all over Evora,
which is also dotted with Roman ruins.
Visit to 5 star Convento do Espinheiro which was an amazing combination of old and new architecture and some quite unique painting (some of which could be offensive to some!) I preferred the more traditional part of the hotel. Lead in £659 per person B&B flight/car/hotel

Reception in old part

Chapel can hold weddings

Dining area older part

We then visited the Chapel of bones - this was very unique and I understand there are a few in the world but none I have seen.  It literally is built of old bones - most bizarre!

We then moved on to 4 star Mar de Ar Muralhas, Evora, decorated in a modern simple stype within the 14th century city walls. 91 rooms decorated in vibrant colours, giving an atmosphere of warmth an comfort.  A very pleasant hotel. Lead in price £522 flight/hotel/car hire

They have the use of golf buggies to shuttle you around between their 2 hotels or to take a city tour of around 15 euros per person

Dinner and accommodation in Évora.
5 star Mar de Ar Aqueduto was where we stayed with views of the aquaduct and use of sister hotel above. Similar in style with lead in prices of £638 flight/hotel/car hire

We had nice patio area outside our rooms

07 April (Sunday)
Depart from Évora towards the coastline and the Troia Peninsula.

Boat trip on the Sado Estuary – south of Setúbal, the Sado Estuary Natural Reserve is one of the most
important wetlands in Portugal; here one of the few dolphin populations to reside in an estuary in
Europe can be found and we were lucky to be able to take a trip to see them.

Port where boat trip begins

Light Lunch and viewing of the Aqualuz Troia, before the Catamaran ride to Setúbal - lead in price £566 flight/car hotel

We then moved on to Lisbon for a brief panoramic City Tour of the City, Including the Belém District, Down town area, the Old quarters and Park Edward VII. Not enough time to stop and take pictures unfortunately.

Dinner and overnight in Lisbon at the 4 star Lisboa Plaza - family run hotel on a small side street in the Heart of  Lisbon, redecorated by one of Portugals leading designers with attention to detail. A very nice city hotel. Lead in £452 for 3 nights flights/private transfers/hotel on B&B

My room at the hotel

One of the lounge areas

Views to the Avenida de Liberdada

We then took a visit to the unique 5 star Leading Hotels of the world Hotel Bairro Alto, a boutique style hotel with wonderful views from the 6th floor roof top terrace where we were introduced to a new drink of white port and tonic (very pleasant).  We had an evening meal at the hotel which was, in my opinion, one of our most disappointing and the raw grouper served (as one of several dishes) possibly the culprit for my being unwell the following day and never got to see breakfast which I understand was very good! Lead in price £586 for 3 nts
08 April (Monday)

Departure from Lisbon via the coastal road to Estoril, this smart residential area with Casino was where we viewed the 5 star Palacio Hotel in Estoril.  This very grand, palacial hotel has been visited by many noble families and the rich and famous. A wonderful hotel in the centre of Estoril, carefully restored and renovated with lead in prices of £751 for 7 nts/flight/hotel and private transfers

views from one of the rooms, towards beach and Cascais

 and Banyan Spa (belonging to Palacio Hotel and in separate building in the grounds)

 We then moved on to Cascais which is joined to Estoril by a very pleasant promenade along the waters edge which does not feel like 3 kms but I am assured it it.
We then viewed the 5 star Albatroz Hotel, a very pleasant hotel with 51 rooms, originally a waterfront palace, with Elegant Portuguese furnishings and superb position close to the centre of Cascais. Lead in prices £698 for 7 nights flights/private transfers/hotel



Looking toward the elegant hotel from the pool



Fabulous beach next to the hotel

One of the views from the pool area

Dining area with sea views

We then moved on to the stylish 5 star Grande Real Villa Italia, Cascais, once home of King Umberto 11 of Italy - this is a luxurious hotel and spa on the waterfront just on the outskirts of Cascais. 124 rooms of varying designs and styles. Lead in price £684 pp flights/private transfers/hotel

Unique and tasteful style throughout

Sea views from hotel room

Dining room

One of the indoor pools of thalassotherapy spa

On to the  5 star Onyria Marinha Edition Hotel & Thalasso (Golf Hotel) - situated 4 kms from the centre of Cascais overlooking the Golf course of Quinta da Marinha.  The hotel was nearly full but we were able to see one of their new rooms (very modern) but also one of their traditional, original rooms which had a bit more Portuguese character to them. Lead in prices £876pp 7 nights hotel/car hire/flight.

Modern suite

Terrace area

View of one room over putting green

We then travelled on to the historical town of Sintra.  This beautiful small town is very picturesque and worth a visit. We viewed the hotel Lawrence (second oldest hotel in Europe) built in 1764 and is a wonderful traditional manor house in a superb position in the historical centre of Sintra. This charming hotel has welcomed many famous witers, poets and statesmen including Lord Byron who stayed here in 1809. Lead in prices £655 pp for 7 nights hotel/car hire/flights

Views from one of the rooms

After the visit to Sintra we departed to Lisbon Airport for the flight back to the UK. The weather was between 13-15c and very pleasant with only 1 day of rain, however a raincoat and umbrella would be advisable this time of year.  The time is the same as the UK and Portugal are in the EU and use the Euro. It is advasable to have an EU Health card for some reciprocal healthcare which can be arranged through the Post Office but it is always advisable to take travel insurance as well.

I have given a selection of my photos to give an idea but the full album can be found (for more of an idea) if you 'like' our facebook page at Emsworth Travel or speak to Sue 0n 01243377211.