Current as of: November 12, 2025 - 16:41

Signature Portugal | Among the Whitewashed Hills

Signature Portugal | Among the Whitewashed Hills Trip Notes

  • Ways to Travel: Guided Group
  • Programmes: Culture
  • Activity Level:

    2 out of 7 - Easy & Moderate

  • 8 Days: Land Only
  • Ages: 18+
  • Trip Code: LPC
  • Carbon Footprint: 56.8kg CO2e

Trip Overview

Across sunlit plains and timeless villages, rural Portugal’s soul unfolds – rich in serenity, deep in tradition, alive with artistry

Rural Portugal endures in the Alentejo: in vineyard rows, in ancestral craft, in generous sunlight. Led by our hand-picked Signature Guide, start among Lisbon’s royal quarters and journey among the whitewashed villages of Arraiolos, Monsaraz, and Vila Viçosa. Deep discovery awaits. Meet artisans preserving tradition, taste biodynamic wines with their makers, and read the night skies with an astronomer. This is rural Portugal: graceful, unhurried, golden.

Venture to the very heart of each destination on our Signature Collection, where every journey is shaped by our unrivalled local connections and insider expertise. Step beyond the ordinary with private invitations, rare encounters, and experiences few will ever share. So when someone says, “I’ve been there,” you’ll simply smile, knowing you’ve experienced it differently.

Signature Experiences

  • Trace constellations with an expert astronomer during a private evening of celestial discovery in the Dark Sky Alqueva Reserve
  • Join chef Sofia at her family farm for an immersive cookery class, preparing and sharing an Alentejano feast passed through generations
  • Step inside an amphora wine cellar for an intimate tasting, followed by a traditional tapas lunch that celebrates Alentejo’s ancient winemaking heritage
  • Drift across Lake Alqueva on a private vintage boat with champagne in hand, then uncover stories of resilience at the Museum of Luz

Signature Day: Experience our distinctive Signature Day, choosing between a horseback ride across the Alentejo plains, a tile workshop in an atelier, or a guided walk along Évora’s ancient aqueduct

Signature Stay: Enjoy timeless serenity at Convento do Espinheiro, a 15th-century monastery reimagined as a luxurious retreat of cloisters, gardens, and heritage

Signature Guide: Let your hand-picked Signature guide lead you to the country’s soul – sharing their home, heritage, and heart

Is This Trip for You?

We have graded this trip Activity Level 2 (Easy & Moderate). For more information on our trip gradings, please visit the Activity Level Guidelines page.

Driving times: The longest travel time takes place on Day 2 (1hr 30min). All other journeys are under one hour.

Prebooking activities: An immersive adventure of your choice awaits on the Signature Day. All you need to do is prebook the activity at least 60 days before departure through our Signature Collection travel experts. Additionally, you can book a private walking tour in Lisbon on Day 1, priced from €83.

Group

When it comes to unlocking a destination, your Signature Guide is the key holder. Hand-selected for their extensive experience and unrivalled local knowledge, they ensure your experience runs effortlessly thanks to their exceptional organisational skills. Our Signature Guides are named on our website, so you can begin your journey with complete confidence and anticipation of the wonders each day will bring.

Adult min age: 18

Min group size: 4

Max group size: 16

Itinerary

Land Only

  • Start City: Lisbon
  • End City: Lisbon

Land Only Itinerary

Day 1
Settle into Lisbon’s rhythm | Welcome reception in a historic convent
Signature Portugal | Among the Whitewashed Hills

Welcome to Lisbon, a city gilded by light where the scent of sweet pastries mingles with sea air. Settle into the Inspira Liberdade Boutique Hotel, a tranquil eco-conscious sanctuary in the heart of the city.

Complimentary arrival transfers are provided today. Those arriving early can take time to rest or join an optional private walking tour with an expert storyteller to explore elegant boulevards and uncover local life beyond the landmarks (available on request).

As evening falls, gather for our welcome reception, a refined dinner held in the graceful surroundings of the 17th-century Santa Joana Convent. Contemporary Portuguese cuisine and seasonal ingredients introduce you to the depth and warmth of local gastronomy.

Overnight at Inspira Liberdade Boutique Hotel

Meals included: Dinner

Day 2
Trace Alentejo’s artistry | Join celebrated vintner João Tique for a private tasting
Signature Portugal | Among the Whitewashed Hills

Leaving Lisbon, we journey to Arraiolos to meet the women preserving Portugal’s hand-embroidered rug tradition. In their traditional atelier, every stitch reflects Alentejo’s soul, a centuries-old craft passed through generations. After an Alentejano lunch at O Alpendre, continue to Évora, where vintner João Tique welcomes you to his vineyard for a private tasting.

Venture behind-the-scenes to see how regenerative practices enrich the soil and foster biodiversity. Then, sip exceptional wines shaped by nature’s rhythm, often gracing Michelin-starred menus.

Continue to our Signature Stay, Convento do Espinheiro, a 15th-century convent of ancient spirituality and modern comfort. An intimate dinner awaits at the hotel’s Divinus restaurant, paired with the same wines you enjoyed among the vines.

Overnight at Convento do Espinheiro

Meals included: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

Day 3
Step into living heritage | Private walk through UNESCO-listed Évora
Signature Portugal | Among the Whitewashed Hills

A private guided tour reveals Évora’s layered past: Roman temples, Gothic cathedrals, and exclusive access to sections of the Chapel of Bones built by Franciscan monks. Each stone and square reflect centuries of faith and artistry. Lunch is enjoyed in a local tavern known for authentic Alentejo cuisine and hospitality.

The afternoon is yours to drift through Évora’s gold-stone lanes or relax in the hotel gardens. Evening dining is independent, with your Signature Guide available to make recommendations.

Second night at Convento do Espinheiro

Meals included: Breakfast, Lunch

Day 4
Follow the olive path | Cruise across Lake Alqueva in a private vintage boat

Journey to Monsaraz, Alentejo’s most timeless medieval hilltop village. A guided visit of the castle offers panoramic views over Lake Alqueva before you descend through open countryside towards the olive groves of São Lourenço do Barrocal.

Here, an olive oil experience awaits. Stroll through the family-run estate to learn age-old harvesting secrets of their native galega and bical olives, then sample olive oils during a light farm-to-table lunch.

Signature Experience: In the afternoon, enjoy a private cruise across Lake Alqueva on a vintage boat, champagne in hand. Then, step inside the Museu da Luz to discover how a displaced village found new life beyond the Alqueva dam.

Dinner follows at Convento do Espinheiro, paired with local wines.

Third night at Convento do Espinheiro

Meals included: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

Day 5
Discover royal heritage | Create an Alentejano feast with chef Sofia

Vila Viçosa opens its doors this morning for an exclusive tour of the Ducal Palace, a masterpiece of Renaissance grandeur. Later, we meet the Flores sisters in Estremoz, whose UNESCO-listed clay dolls depict scenes of rural and religious life across Alentejo.

Lunch is served at Mercearia Gadanha, a former grocery turned contemporary restaurant celebrating inventive Alentejo dishes with warmth and flair.

Signature Experience: As evening falls, join chef Sofia Vieira at her family farm for a private immersive cooking masterclass. Together, you prepare and share a traditional Alentejan feast, celebrating rural life.

Fourth night at Convento do Espinheiro

Meals included: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

Day 6
Signature Day | Craft, ride or explore timeless Évora
Signature Portugal | Among the Whitewashed Hills

Today is your Signature Day, inviting you to connect with Alentejo’s quiet artistry and rhythm. You could:

  • Ride horseback through golden countryside and holm oak forests, the gentle pace revealing landscapes unchanged for centuries.
  • Join a local artist for a tile-painting workshop, learning traditional techniques and creating your own piece inspired by Alentejo’s patterns.
  • Enjoy an expertly guided walking tour, following the line of its 16th-century aqueduct through whitewashed lanes, shaded courtyards, and glimpses of everyday life behind ancient walls.
  • Explore Évora by e-bike, gliding between olive groves and whitewashed villages on gentle trails through the Alentejo plains.
  • Venture farther afield on a half-day trip to Elvas, a World Heritage city famed for its star-shaped fortifications and sweeping views across the Spanish border.

Signature Experience: As evening falls, gather beneath the vast Alentejo sky for a private stargazing experience at Dark Sky Alqueva, one of Europe’s clearest celestial reserves. Guided by an expert astronomer, watch the constellations appear with a glass of local wine in hand, a fitting finale to a day of discovery.

Fifth night at Convento do Espinheiro

Meals included: Breakfast, Dinner

Day 7
Travel through the centuries | Honour the ancient winemaking tradition of ‘vinho de talha’
Signature Portugal | Among the Whitewashed Hills

An archaeologist leads a private tour of the Roman ruins of São Cucufate, revealing millennia of human connection to the land.

Signature Experience: Continue to Vila de Frades for a guided tasting of vinho de talha — wine aged in clay amphorae using methods unchanged since Roman times. At Taberna do Enteiriço, a lively tasca beloved by locals, share a traditional lunch of regional tapas and talha wine. A convivial celebration of Alentejo’s craft and character.

Our farewell dinner unfolds against the backdrop of vineyards at Fitapreta Winery, where contemporary cuisine and heritage wines bring the journey to a warm close.

Sixth night at Convento do Espinheiro

Meals included: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

Day 8
Bid a fond farewell to Portugal

Before taking your complimentary departure transfer to the airport, take a moment to linger in the quiet cloisters of Convento do Espinheiro. The week’s flavours, the friendships, and the golden landscapes of Alentejo are etched in memory. This chapter may close, but the spirit of Alentejo endures: grounded, golden, and unforgettable.

Alternatively, extend your stay and continue your journey of discovery. Speak with your Signature Collection travel expert to explore the possibilities.

Meals included: Breakfast

Accommodation

Experience the best of Portuguese hospitality

Every aspect of the Signature Collection is meticulously planned to take you deeper into the destination. That means your accommodation is a refined showcase of local hospitality, whether you’re staying in a pioneering luxury hotel or enjoying privileged access to a characterful stay designed to fully immerse you in the local culture.

Below are the accommodations we use on this adventure:

Lisbon: Inspira Liberdade Boutique Hotel (night 1)

Signature Portugal | Among the Whitewashed Hills

A sanctuary in the city centre, this eco-conscious boutique hotel blends sleek modern design with wellness. Relax in contemporary rooms, unwind in the spa with sauna and hydrotherapy, or stroll just minutes to Chiado and Avenida da Liberdade to browse shops and cafes.

Évora: Convento do Espinheiro Hotel & Spa (nights 2-7)

Signature Portugal | Among the Whitewashed Hills

Your Signature Stay is a 15th-century monastery reimagined as a tranquil retreat surrounded by olive groves and vineyards. Vaulted cloisters and candlelit corridors preserve its sacred calm, while elegant suites, a spa, and the award-winning Divinus restaurant offer modern indulgence at the heart of historic Évora.

  • Enhance your stay: Personalise your experience with curated room upgrades and additional nights tailored to your travel plans.

Food & Drink

This journey is designed to deepen your connection to the country through its food and drink. Expect farm-to-table lunches, intimate biodynamic wine tastings, and refined dining that pay tribute to Alentejo cuisine throughout. A private cooking masterclass with a local chef adds a personal touch to this rich culinary journey through one of Portugal’s most celebrated gastronomic regions.

Transport

From the moment you land to the moment you depart, all transport is taken care of for you. On this adventure, we use comfortable private vehicles throughout, with seamless transfers coordinated by your Signature Guide.

Weather & Seasonality

Portugal enjoys a Mediterranean climate. Spring and autumn bring mild days ideal for walking and outdoor dining, while summers are warm and dry. Winters are cooler yet often bright and pleasant.

Joining Instructions

As with all adventures in the Signature Collection, we take care of your arrival and departure transfers, allowing you to fully relax and immerse yourself in the local culture.

  • Arrival airport: Lisbon (LIS)
    • Your adventure begins with a welcome reception at 6.30pm on Day 1 at our first accommodation.
  • Departure airport: Lisbon (LIS)
    • Your adventure concludes after breakfast on the final day.

Full joining instructions including local emergency numbers will be sent to you as part of our Final Joining Instructions. If you do not receive these at least a week before departure, or require them earlier please contact our office or your travel agent.

Location start: Lisbon
Location end: Lisbon

What To Take

Essential Equipment

There’s no specialist equipment you need for this trip. For more information on what you might need to pack, please see our packing guide.

Practical Information

Visa

Portugal

Travellers from the UK, US and EU normally do not need a visa to enter Portugal. Please note, visa requirements often change and it is your responsibility to obtain any required visas for this trip. Therefore, we recommend that you check with the nearest embassy or consulate of your chosen destination(s), including any countries you may be transiting or transferring through.

Some local governments provide guidance on what visas their citizens need. To help, we’ve gathered a selection of useful links below.

• Australia: www.smartraveller.gov.au/destinations/europe/portugal
• Canada: www.travel.gc.ca/destinations/portugal
• United Kingdom: www.gov.uk/foreign-travel-advice/portugal/entry-requirements
• USA:  www.travel.state.gov/content/travel/en/international-travel/International-Travel-Country-Information-Pages/Portugal.html

Vaccinations and Health

Portugal

There are no required vaccinations. However, you may want to consider vaccinations for tetanus and rabies. Please confirm with your doctor or travel clinic.

Local Time

Portugal's time zone: Europe/Lisbon (UTC +00:00)

Electricity

Portugal's electricity: Plug types C (two round pins, European standard) and F (two round pins) – 230V, 50Hz

Signature Portugal | Among the Whitewashed Hills

Money

Portugal's currency: Euros (EUR)

Tipping

On this adventure, tipping for any local support staff is included and will be taken care of locally by your Signature Guide (this includes porters, local guides, drivers, waiting staff and any guest speakers). Tips for your Signature Guide are not included. We recommend around  €45 to  €55 per group member, to be given at the end. This is discretionary and you may wish to tip a different amount, depending on the service you have received.

Sustainability and Impact

As a certified B Corp, we’re on a mission to improve our social and environmental impact across all our adventures.

We do this through our innovative Thriving Nature, Thriving People plan.

This ‘nature positive’ approach is designed to help nature and communities thrive in harmony through practical solutions, such as reducing carbon and waste on our trips, supporting conservation projects through the Exodus Adventure Travels Foundation, and rewilding 100 square metres for every Exodus traveller.

We also weave Signature Legacy moments into your itinerary, so the positive impact of your trip lasts long after your stay. These are moments to remember which help people and nature thrive, ensuring you build a harmonious, positive connection with the places you visit.

On this journey, you can:

  • Visit a biodynamic winery guided by its owner, learning how regenerative viticulture enriches the land and shapes wines served on Michelin-starred tables.
  • Meet the Flores sisters in Estremoz, master artisans preserving the UNESCO-listed, 300-year-old tradition of clay doll making and Alentejo’s creative heritage.
  • Walk through the family-run olive estate of São Lourenço do Barrocal, discovering non-intensive farming and closed-loop production that protect soil health and biodiversity, sustaining a legacy rooted in respect for the land.

Signature Portugal | Among the Whitewashed Hills