Signature

Signature Portugal | Among the Whitewashed Hills

Activity

Culture

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 Day: Experience our distinctive Signature Day, choosing between included activities such as 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

Key Information

Trip Code: LPC
Ways to Travel: Guided Group
Countries: Portugal
Carbon Footprint: 56.8kg CO2e per person per day

Signature Exclusive Inclusions

Elegant, hand-picked hotels and a Signature Stay in a 15th-century convent
All breakfasts, five lunches, and six dinners, capturing authentic Alentejano cuisine
Your preferred Signature Day experience, selected and prebooked ahead of travel
Named Signature Guide with outstanding knowledge and guest satisfaction
Complimentary transfers on arrival and departure, ensuring a smooth journey, plus comfortable private transport throughout
Gratuities for local support staff so every detail of your journey feels effortless

Don't Forget To

Request a single room if required, purchase travel insurance and arrange any visas and vaccinations.

Signature Experiences

Signature Portugal | Among the Whitewashed Hills

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 Travel Expert

Teresa Dias Martins da Rosa Pires

Signature Guide: Portugal

Destinations

Europe, Lisbon, Portugal

Teresa leads with quiet confidence, deep destination knowledge, and a people-centred approach shaped by years in nature-based travel and guest experience.

Itinerary

First Destination: Lisbon
Next Destination: Lisbon

Accommodation:Inspira Liberdade Boutique Hotel
Meals included:Dinner

Accommodation:Convento do Espinheiro
Meals included:Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

Accommodation:Convento do Espinheiro
Meals included:Breakfast, Lunch

Accommodation:Convento do Espinheiro
Meals included:Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

Accommodation:Convento do Espinheiro
Meals included:Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

Accommodation:Convento do Espinheiro
Meals included:Breakfast, Dinner

Accommodation:Convento do Espinheiro
Meals included:Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

Meals included:Breakfast

First Destination: Lisbon
Next Destination: Lisbon

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 to prebook 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.

Accommodation:Inspira Liberdade Boutique Hotel
Meals included:Dinner

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.

Accommodation:Convento do Espinheiro
Meals included:Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

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.

Accommodation:Convento do Espinheiro
Meals included:Breakfast, Lunch

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.

Accommodation:Convento do Espinheiro
Meals included:Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

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.

Accommodation:Convento do Espinheiro
Meals included:Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

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.

Accommodation:Convento do Espinheiro
Meals included:Breakfast, Dinner

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.

Accommodation:Convento do Espinheiro
Meals included:Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

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

Dates & Prices

Need flights or extra nights? Book through us – one team, one seamless journey

Call us: 020 3733 5948

Your Group, Your Adventure

Want to choose your travel companions? Gather your family and friends and let us create a Private Adventure just for you.

View Details

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.

Essential Information

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. This activity is included – all you need to do is prebook your chosen experience at least 60 days before departure through our Signature Collection travel experts. Additionally, you can prebook a private walking tour in Lisbon on Day 1, priced from €83.

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.

Complimentary transfers will be to the start (or pre-tour) hotel and from the end (or post-tour) hotel and will be on the date on which the tour starts/ends; transfers to other hotels in the same city and/or on different dates may attract an extra charge. Complimentary transfers should be booked with your Signature Collection travel expert at least two weeks before the tour starts.

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

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.

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.

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.