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Arts and Crafts of Alentejo
Itinerary: Alcáçovas | São Pedro do Corval | Machede | Reguengos de Monsaraz | Estremoz | Portalegre | Nisa | Crato | Arraiolos | Évora
Experience the beauty and creativity of the Alto Alentejo on this 4-day cultural journey. This trip will allow you to learn about the art and craftsmanship of the region with guided visits led by local experts. Promising a diverse experience that blends arts and crafts, history, culture, nature, and gastronomy, this journey provides a deep understanding and appreciation of the rich heritage of Northern Alentejo.
NOT TO BE MISSED:
Discover the region's traditional craftsmanship, exploring ancient practices and meeting skilled artisans.
Relax in the tranquility of the Alentejo landscape, soaking in the peace and beauty it has to offer.
Visit historic sites, including walled cities, castles, and monasteries, while learning about the region's fascinating history.
Enjoy authentic Alentejan cuisine in local restaurants, where traditional flavors come to life.
Meet local artisans, wine producers, and residents, gaining valuable insights into Alentejo's life and culture.
PROGRAM
DAY 1: Origin Cities | Alcáçovas | São Pedro do Corval | Machede | Reguengos de Monsaraz | Estremoz
Departure from the cities of origin to the Alto Alentejo. Stop at Alcáçovas, the largest centre for bell-making art in Portugal. Alentejo bell-making has been recognized as Intangible Cultural Heritage by UNESCO since 2014. Visit the historic centre and the Bell-Making Museum, with a guided tour by a technical guide. Continue to Machede, an important centre for leatherworking traditions. Visit some local shops. Lunch at a local restaurant. In the afternoon, visit São Pedro do Corval, the largest pottery centre in the Iberian Peninsula, where we will have a guided tour of the Pottery Museum. Then, visit the beautiful village of Reguengos de Monsaraz. At the end of the day, enjoy a 45-minute cruise on the Alqueva, to relax and appreciate the beautiful Alentejo landscapes. Dinner and overnight stay in a 4* hotel in Évora.
DAY 2: Estremoz | Portalegre
Departure for Estremoz, the centre of figurative pottery. Estremoz figurative pottery has been recognized as Intangible Cultural Heritage by UNESCO since 2017. Stroll through the historic centre and visit the Castle, where you can enjoy magnificent views of the city of Estremoz and its surroundings. Inside the castle, you can appreciate the Royal Palace, the Keep Tower, the Chapel of Queen Santa Isabel, and the Church of Santa Maria. On the way down, visit the Interpretation Centre of the Estremoz Puppets, with a guide from the Centre. Lunch at a local restaurant. On the way to Portalegre, stop at marble quarries in Estremoz, internationally known for their superior quality. Arrival in Portalegre. Walk through the historic centre with a visit to the magnificent Cathedral. Guided visit to the Portalegre Tapestry Museum – Guy Fino, dedicated to the presentation, conservation, and study of Portalegre tapestries. Then, visit the José Régio House, which houses an important collection resulting from José Régio's passion for antiques and collecting. Dinner and overnight stay in a 4* hotel.
DAY 3: Nisa | Crato
Departure for Nisa, known for its pottery art. Stroll down the charming Rua de Santa Maria, decorated with pottery and marble in homage to pottery art. Pass by the Vila Gate, Pillory, Town Hall building, and the Mother Church. Guided visit of the Embroidery and Pottery Museum by a technical guide. Lunch at a local restaurant. Continue to visit the Flor da Rosa Monastery, considered one of the most important examples of fortified monasteries in the Iberian Peninsula. Guided tour of the Pottery House Museum. Stop in the small village of Crato for a walk through the oldest part of the town. Dinner and overnight stay in a 4* hotel.
DAY 4: Arraiolos | Évora | Origin Cities
Departure for Arraiolos, known for its memorable carpets. Visit the castle (which is uniquely circular) and the Arraiolos Carpet Interpretation Centre, with a guided tour by one of the centre’s experts. Lunch at a local restaurant. In the afternoon, visit the historic centre of Évora, with a walking tour of the city and free time to explore the numerous shops and galleries of local crafts. At the end of the afternoon, return to the cities of origin.