Alentejo

This trip takes you through the rural inland area of the Alentejo, which is close to the Spanish border, through landscapes rife with cork oaks, wheat fields and olive trees. In the Alentejo, you will see horses and carriages, gypsies with mules, Moorish-inspired houses with big chimney pots and whitewashed villages that stretch over hills. In early spring, temperatures are mild and wildflowers are in bloom. Indulge yourself with luxurious accommodations and superb cuisine between visits to medieval castles and Roman ruins. History is plentiful; there are prehistoric remains and Roman ruins abound. We'll cycle through Medieval towns clustered with churches and castles, which were part of the fortifications against the Spanish. Medieval hilltop towns like Monsaraz are simply magnificent. Local crafts and arts are flourishing, especially pottery and paintings. The meals and wine will be excellent, and there will be a large variety of local specialties. You will fall in love with the flavors of Portuguese cuisine.