Évora & Monsaraz – Celts, Romans, cork, pottery & wine.  

Welcome to the Alentejo. Land of cork forest, olive groves, vineyards, wildflower fields and ancient monuments.  Your tours focus on two medieval towns wrapped in Roman walls and rich in layered history.  Of course, this one of Portugal’s top wine regions so a wine tasting is a must! 

Évora: This entire city is a UNESCO World Heritage destination.   You can see its layers of history as we drive through the fortified walls that surround this ancient city. Once inside we will walk the streets once charged by invading armies, visiting Roman consulates, royals, tradesmen and everyday farmers and scholars sharing their bounty and ideas.  This gorgeous city is filled with churches, cathedrals, universities & ancient architecture. Not to be missed is the Roman temple of Diana, the views from the Cathedral and the Chapel is the Bones 

Monsaraz, the cherry on top of the cake. In this tiny hilltop village rising above Lake Alqueva has been settled and harvested since ancient times. It echoes the residence of Celts, Romans and Moors. It was also a stronghold for the Knights Templars.   As you walk the ancient streets you can enjoy wine tasting, regional food, handicraft shopping and sweeping views of the Alentejo. From here the Alentejo landscape unfolds among the gentle whitewashed villages below.

In nearby São Pedro do Corval, you can experience one of Portugal’s biggest pottery villages.  You will find artisans working the clay and painting regional scenes relating to olive oil, wine, and cork production.