The adventure begins in Marvão, a medieval village perched on top of a mountain, which in the past was one of the routes used by smugglers between Portugal and Spain. The morning will be dedicated to exploring its impressive castle, from where you can admire stunning panoramic views over the surrounding landscape. Stroll through the narrow, cobbled streets of the village, where time seems to have stopped, and discover its typical houses and ancient churches. After visiting Marvão, we head to Castelo de Vide, a nearby village known for its Jewish history and thermal baths. Here, we will visit the Castle of Castelo de Vide and the Jewish Quarter, where you can see the old synagogue and walk through winding streets steeped in history. Lunch will be at a local restaurant, where you can savor traditional dishes such as roasted lamb or sarapatel soup. In the afternoon, take some time to explore the Fonte da Vila, a beautiful Renaissance fountain, and relax in the tranquil atmosphere of this historic village. Overnight stay in Castelo de Vide.
The second day of the route takes us to Alter do Chão, a village famous for breeding Lusitano horses. The morning starts with a visit to the Alter Stud Farm, one of the oldest in the world, where you can learn more about the breeding of these majestic horses and visit their facilities.
After the visit, we will explore the Castle of Alter do Chão, a fortress that witnessed various episodes of Portugal’s medieval history. Here, you can climb its towers and enjoy views over the Alentejo plain. We then proceed to Campo Maior, known for its Flower Festivals and the Coffee Science Centre, where you can take an interactive tour to learn about the history and culture of coffee. Lunch will be in Campo Maior, where you can try the famous Alentejo gazpacho or grilled black pork. In the afternoon, explore the Fortress of Campo Maior, which played a crucial role during the Restoration Wars, and walk along the historic walls that once protected the village from attacks. Overnight stay in Campo Maior.
The third and final day is dedicated to Elvas, one of Portugal’s most important fortress cities, declared a UNESCO World Heritage Site. In the morning, we will have a guided tour of the imposing Fort of Nossa Senhora da Graça, one of the best-preserved examples of military architecture in Portugal. Here, you can walk along its walls and learn about Elvas’ strategic importance during the wars with Spain. Next, we will visit the Amoreira Aqueduct, an impressive engineering work that transported water to the city and stands out for its grandeur. Lunch will be at a traditional restaurant in Elvas, featuring typical dishes such as “bacalhau dourado” (golden codfish) or lamb stew. After lunch, there will be time to explore the Castle of Elvas and the fortifications surrounding the city, including the Fort of Santa Luzia. Before returning, you can stroll through the historic center of Elvas and visit the Church of Nossa Senhora da Assunção, the former Cathedral of Elvas, and the Praça da República, the heart of the city.
