Horses and the Atlantic Coast
The Royal Stud and the Lusitano Horse
Alter do Chão
Meet the horses of an eighteenth century royal stud, and the people who still breed them.
Half day
Signature Journey
Border Castles and Villages
Six days through hill towns, royal horses and a frontier you can cross for lunch.
- Duration
- 6 days, private
- Starts
- Starts about 2 hours from Lisbon
- Pace
- Mixed
- Best in
- Spring and autumn
- Ideal for
- Travellers who love history, hill villages and craft
The idea
The northern Alentejo is greener and more dramatic than most visitors expect. Granite crags carry castles that once guarded the frontier with Spain, and small towns still keep crafts that have not changed in centuries. This journey stays in the mountains for four nights, then eases south to marble country.
The itinerary
Day by day
Day 1
Royal horses on the way north
Alto AlentejoStop at the royal stud of Alter do Chão to meet the horses and the people who still breed them, then continue to your base in the hills.
DrivingAbout 2 hours from Lisbon airport, with the stud on the way
Day 2
Two villages in the clouds
Alto AlentejoWalk the ramparts of Marvão, then explore the old Jewish quarter of Castelo de Vide and eat in a small family restaurant.
DrivingAbout 30 minutes between the villages
- Marvão and Castelo de Vide
Full day
Day 3
Thread by thread
Alto AlentejoWatch the weavers of Portalegre translate colour into monumental tapestry, then explore the old town and the edge of the São Mamede mountains.
DrivingAbout 30 minutes from the base
- The Tapestry Manufactory of Portalegre
1.5 to 2 hours
Day 4
A fortress and a border
Alto AlentejoWalk the bastions of Elvas, then cross into Spain for lunch and return by afternoon.
DrivingAbout 1 hour each way
Day 5
South to marble country
Alentejo CentralDrive south to Estremoz, Borba and Vila Viçosa, towns built and paved in marble, with wine and a late lunch on the way.
DrivingAbout 1 hour 15 minutes of driving, with stops
Day 6
Wool and home
Alentejo CentralMeet the embroiderers of Arraiolos, then drive back to Lisbon in time for your flight or your next stop.
DrivingAbout 1 hour 15 minutes to Lisbon airport
- Embroidered Rugs of Arraiolos
1.5 hours
Where you stay
Two bases, a small stay in the hills and a quiet estate in marble country. We confirm the exact places for your dates.
- Alto Alentejo1 hour 30 minutes to 2 hours 30 minutes
- Alentejo Central1 hour 15 minutes to 1 hour 45 minutes
Gentle on the land
A walking-friendly itinerary through a natural park, with local guides, small family restaurants and crafts kept alive by local families.
Along the way
Every experience in this journey
Castles, Villages and the Spanish Border
Marvão and Castelo de Vide
Marvão and Castelo de Vide
Two hill villages in the mountains near the Spanish frontier.
Full day
Craft Studios
The Tapestry Manufactory of Portalegre
Portalegre
See how thousands of coloured threads become monumental woven art.
1.5 to 2 hours
Castles, Villages and the Spanish Border
Elvas and a Lunch Across the Border
Elvas
A star-shaped fortress town, and a short hop into Spain for lunch.
Full day
Stone, Roman and Megalithic Heritage
Marble Country: Estremoz, Borba and Vila Viçosa
Estremoz, Borba, Vila Viçosa
A day through towns paved, carved and built with local marble.
Full day
Craft Studios
Embroidered Rugs of Arraiolos
Arraiolos
Meet the embroiderers behind a craft that dates back centuries.
1.5 hours
Signature Journeys
Other journeys
Cork and Wine
6 days, private
Horses and the Atlantic Coast
5 days, private
Stars and Stone
6 days, private
Let us build this around you.
Every day can be shortened, stretched or rebuilt. Tell us your dates and we will reply personally.
Curated by Portugal Magik