From Lisbon to Alentejo by About Dreams

From Lisbon to Alentejo

a great City, Fado, Stars, Wines and Gastronomy

7 DAYS

Portugal is a genuine country that reveals itself in unforgettable roads of flavors, colors and traditions, in fabulous and unique places, since scenic villages to cosmopolitan cities. In this travel we begin in the great and picturesque Lisbon and go towards Alentejo, a calm region which communicates a profound feeling of relaxation, result of the millennial endurance of men, which always worked on the land for their livelihood. The countryÂ´s best wines and olive oils are from Alentejo, which we will know on this travel, served at tables to accompany enogastronomic lunches, authentic flavor festivals. And then we have the Sky and the Stars, in Alqueva Dark Sky Reserve, a perfect combination to a memorable moment and experience. FROM LISBON TO ALENTEJO

ITINERARY DAY 1 – ARRIVAL TO LISBON | TRANSFER IN | CHECK IN IN THE HOTEL TOUR “LISBON OF THE DISCOVERIES AND CONTEMPORARY” ACCOMMODATION IN LISBON

DAY 2 – LISBON | TOUR “OLD AND CLASSIC LISBON ” ACCOMMODATION IN LISBON

DAY 4 - LISBON | SINTRA | ÉVORA (WORLD HERITAGE CITY)| MONSARAZ ( A VERY COSY AND CHARMING MEDIEVAL VILLAGE) ACCOMMODATION IN MONSARAZ

DAY 5 – ÉVORA TOUR IN THE HISTORIC CENTRE | HERDADE DO ESPORÃO (GREAT GASTRONOMIC AND WINE EXPERIENCE)| MONSARAZ ABOUT DREAMS MOMENT – THE SKY AND THE STARS ACCOMMODATION IN MONSARAZ

DAY 6 – MONSARAZ | HERDADE DO MARMELO (THE BIGGEST OIL MILL OF THE COUNTRY)| LISBON ACCOMMODATION IN LISBON

DAY 7 –LISBON (FOR TRANSFER OUT AND DEPARTURE)

Lisbon is the capital of Portugal and Europe's second-oldest capital (after Athens), once home to the world's greatest explorers like Vasco da Gama and Prince Henry the Navigator, becoming the first true world city, the capital of an empire spreading over all continents, from South America (Brazil) to Asia (Macao, China, Goa, India) and Africa. One of Europe's most soulful, captivating and picturesque capitals, built on a series of hills, Lisbon is the city of the oceans, the only European capital with sunsets on the sea.

Day 1 | LISBON

NATIONS PARK

ARRIVAL TO LISBON. CHECK IN IN THE HOTEL TOUR “LISBON OF THE DISCOVERIES AND CONTEMPORARY” A DAY TO KNOW THE PAST AND THE PRESENT OF LISBON - THE CITY OF THE DISCOVERIES THAT TO THE WORLD, AND THE CONTEMPORARY CITY THAT EXPRESSES MODERNITY. ACCOMMODATION IN LISBON

OPENED DOORS

Day 1 | LISBON BELĂ&#x2030;M Lisbon's most monumental and historical area is Belem. It was from here that many of the great Portuguese explorers embarked on their voyages of discovery: Prince Henry the Navigator and the first overseas expedition to conquer Ceuta in Morocco, Bartholomeu Dias to round the Cape of Good Hope, the first voyages of Ferdinand Magellan, Vasco da Gama to discover the sea route to India, and Christopher Columbus stopped here on his way back to Europe after discovering the New World. During this time Lisbon flourished with riches pouring into Portugal and saw the construction of great monuments like the Belem Tower and Jeronimos Monastery. Today these monuments and their surrounding museums are essential viewing for any visitor.

Day 1 | LISBON

NATIONS PARK The futuristic architecture of Eastern Lisbon is a complete contrast to the city's old quarters. Most of it was built by innovative architects for Expo 98, the World Fair that took place in Portugal's capital between May and September of 1998. he theme was "The Oceans: A Heritage for the Future," and the entire area at the eastern end of the city's waterfront was rebuilt for the event. When it was over, the new urban district was dubbed Parque das Nações (Nations Park), and is now one of the largest urban redevelopment projects in Europe. Once there you can admire the stunning Oriente Station, and then go to see the several popular attractions in the area. The main highlight is the state-of-theart Oceanarium, hailed as the world's most impressive aquarium. Other attractions include a modern casino, water gardens, a viewing tower, a marina, and a number of bars and restaurants with outdoor seating overlooking one of the world's longest bridges. Two striking twin towers designed to look like giant sailboats are apartment and office buildings named after two of Vasco da Gama's ships, São Gabriel and São Rafael.

NATIONS PARK,

Day 2 | LISBON

PASTELARIA VERSAILES

TOUR “LISBON OLD AND CLASSIC” A DAY TO VISIT AN HISTORICAL AND MONUMENTAL CITY, AND ALSO THE TRADICIONAL AND AUTHENTIC LISBON OF THE FADO DO BAIRRO, THE GASTRONOMY AND THE WINE. A GREAT TOUR THROUGH THE OLDEST TOWN DISTRICTS THAT FINISHES HEARING THE NACIONAL AND WORLD HERITAGE SONG – FADO - IN A TYPICAL FADO RESTAURANT DINNER INCLUDED ACCOMMODATION IN LISBON

Day 2 | LISBON

CHIADO The cultural and shopping mecca of Lisbon is undisputedly the Chiado Lisbon district, whose elegant street ‘Rua Garrett’ has been placed along with other glamorous and fashionable streets around the world. Playing neighbours to the various world renowned designer boutiques, are Lisbon’s very own cultural institutions and sights, including the famous “A Brasileira Cafe” or ‘Ourivesaria Alianca’, just to name a couple. Baixa-Chiado is greeted by the row of antique shop fronts, ranging from the designer boutiques to the famous cafes and bookshops .To the west is the open square ‘Praca Luis de Camoes’, connecting the bohemian “Bairro Alto” and the chic Chiado Lisbon district. Walking down the street, “Rua do Alecrim”, away from the square, one comes in view of the statue erected by the writer, Teixeira Lopes. The Statue of “Eca de Queiros”, of the many sculptures dotting the streets of Lisbon.

Alfama is Lisbon's most emblematic quarter and one of the most rewarding for walkers and photographers thanks to its medieval alleys and outstanding views. a walk through this old-fashioned residential neighborhood is now a step back in time. It is a village within a city still made up of narrow streets, tiny squares, churches, and whitewashed houses with tile panels and wrought-iron balconies adorned with pots of flowers, drying laundry, and caged birds. he district has an intangible quality that needs to be experienced to be truly appreciated, and the best way to get to know it is to get a little lost (something almost impossible to avoid), and wander around admiring the postcard-perfect views, visiting the churches, and walking up to the castle for the most breathtaking panorama of the city and the greatest sunsets. Contrasting with these timeless images is a trendy modern development by the waterfront across from Santa Apolonia train station. It houses stylish design shops, restaurants, and one of Europe's top clubs,

Day 2 | LISBON

ALFAMA

AZENHAS DO MAR

LISBON | CASCAIS | AZENHAS DO MAR BEACH| ADRAGA BEACH | MAFRA DEPARTURE TO BOCA DO INFERNO AND WALK TOUR IN THE BEAUTIFUL CASCAIS STREETS VISIT TO AZENHAS DO MAR AND ADRAGA BEACHES DEPARTURE TO MAFRA TO VISIT THE CONVENT RETURN TO LISBON ACCOMMODATION IN LISBON

Situated in a picturesque valley, surrounded by old houses and with an interesting set of swimming pools carved on the rock, from the 1950â&#x20AC;&#x2122;s, Azenhas do Mar Beach is one of the most appreciated beaches in this area, although its sandy area is no bigger than 30 meters. Over the Beach, on the high cliffs that surround this beach and its environs is situated a wonderful viewpoint, usually quite frequented all year round due to its astonishing landscape, and also often used for sport fishing.

NATIONAL PALACE

A colossal monument with 5,200 doorways, 2,500 windows, 880 halls and rooms, 154 staircases, 29 courtyards, and two bell towers boasting the world's largest collection of bells (57 in each) that can be heard for 24km (15 miles). Amazing!

MAFRA

Day 4 | LISBON | SINTRA | MONSARAZ

Sintra is a village in Portugal, located in the Lisbon Region. The village is a UNESCO World Heritage Site on account of its 19th century Romantic architecture. Sintra has become a major tourist attraction, with many day-trippers visiting from nearby Lisbon. Attractions include the fabulous Pena Palace (19th c.) and the Castelo dos Mouros (reconstructed 19th c.) with a breath-taking view of the Sintra-Cascais Natural Park, and the summer residence of the kings of Portugal Palácio Nacional de Sintra (largely 15th/16th c.), in the town itself. The Sintra Mountain Range, one of the largest parks in the Lisbon area, (Serra de Sintra) is also a major tourist attraction. In 1809 Lord Byron wrote to his friend Francis Hodgson, "I must just observe that the village of Sintra in Estremadura is the most beautiful in the world.” QUINTA DA REGALEIRA SINTRA

LISBON | SINTRA DEPARTURE TO SINTRA TRAVESSEIROS DE SINTRA (A TRADICIONAL CAKE) TASTING VISIT TO PALÁCIO DA PENA (PENA PALACE) VISIT TO QUINTA DA REGALEIRA MEALS AT YOUR OWN EXPENSE TRANSFER TO MONSARAZ ACCOMMODATION IN MONSARAZ

PENA PALACE, SINTRA

Day 4 | LISBON | SINTRA | MONSARAZ

DAY 5 MONSARAZ | ÉVORA | HERDADE DO ESPORÃO | MONSARAZ

ÉVORA Capital of Alto Alentejo, city of an outstanding beauty, embraced by its fortress walls, filled with historic memories in each street, each home, each inhabitant…Its squares and monuments tell us national history, religion and culture episodes and its townsfolk are proud of both past and present times. The natural beauty of this region combines with the monumental richness of this town-museum that nowadays is also a modern and touristy city, classified by UNESCO, since 1986, World Heritage. TRANFER IN THE MORNING TO VISIT TO THE HISTORICAL CITY CENTER, UNESCO’S WORLD HERITAGE. VISIT TO HERDADE DO ESPORÃO, VYNEARDS , CELLARS , WINE AND OLIVE OILS TASTE

ABOUT DREAMS MOMENT – THE SKY AND THE STARS ACCOMMODATION IN MONSARAZ

DE MONSARAZ

HERDADE DO ESPORÃO Situated in Reguengos de Monsaraz, Herdade do Esporão is a place that exudes history. Its roots date back to the prehistoric times of megalithic cultures and the Bronze Age. However, even during the Roman occupation, the wines of the Esporão settlement were exported throughout the Empire. At the heart of this estate, and in the scorching Alentejo heat, we find the Esporão Fortified Enclosure, which includes the Nossa Senhora dos Remédios Chapel and a curious fortified gate, with a winding staircase that leads up to the ramparts.

DAY 5 | ÉVORA | HERDADE DO ESPORÃO | MONSARAZ

HERDADE DO ESPORÃO | REGUENGOS

THE WORLD’S FIRST CERTIFIED ‘STARLIGHT TOURISM DESTINATION Covering 3000sq km in southern Portugal the Alqueva Dark Sky® Reserve is the first area in the world to be certified as a Starlight Tourism Destination by the Starlight Foundation, supported by UNWTO, UNESCO and IAC. Its low level latitude (30degN), minimal light pollution and impressively clear skies provide the astronomy beginner and the expert with unparalleled opportunities to explore the magic and mystery of the night sky.

Day 6 | MONSARAZ | HERDADE DO MARMELO | LISBON

MONSARAZ Monsaraz is a tiny fairytale walled village that maintains a delightful medieval atmosphere. It was originally fortified by the Knights Templar, and today its 150 or so permanent residents live in ancient white houses with outdoor staircases and wrought-iron balconie.

MONSARAZ GUIDED TOUR IN THE MEDIEVAL VILLAGE OF MONSARAZ IN THE MORNING DEPARTURE TO HERDADE DO MARMELO (THE BIGGEST OIL MILL OF THE COUNTRY) DEPARTURE TO LISBON

ACCOMMODATION

IN LISBON

Ferreira do Alentejo has ten thousand of olive groves, one for each portuguese, and the biggest Oil Mill of the country. The objectives of this project, which go far beyond Ferreira do Alentejo, is to plant much more hectares of olive groves, both nationally and in other countries where the conditions for such are good. Herdade do Marmelo can be called as the starting point, because that is where lies the extraction unit.

Day 6 | MONSARAZ | HERDADE DO MARMELO | LISBON

HERDADE DO MARMELO

Day 7 | LISBON LISBON

TRANSFER TO LISBON’ INTERNACIONAL AIRPORT END OF ABOUT DREAMS SERVICES.

ACCOMMODATION

DAYS 1,2,3,6 | ACCOMMODATION IN LISBOA | GOLD OPTION

LX BOUTIQUE HOTEL 4* Located in the heart of the triangle between Chiado, Baixa and Cais do Sodré districts, Lx Boutique Hotel offers themed rooms with unique views over Lisbon and Tejo River. All Boutique Hotel elegant rooms are equipped with air conditioning, a mini-bar, and a private bathroom. There is an iPod docking station, LCD TV and free Wi-Fi in every room. Guest can enjoy Confraria, a trendy sushi restaurant that also serves a variety of teas, beverages and wines all day. For a typical Portuguese food experience, there are several alternatives just outside the door. Lx Boutique Hotel is 5 minutes’ walk from several restaurants, bars, cafés and shops. Guests can benefit from the 24-hour front desk service Lx Boutique Hotel provides. It also offers laundry and car hire services. An airport transfer shuttle is available upon request. Historical sites and museums such as Lisbon Cathedral, Praça do Comércio, Igreja de São Roque and the Chiado Museum are within a 10-minute walk. Lisbon’s Portela International Airport is within a 20-minute drive away or a 10-minute metro journey.

DAYS 1,2,3,6 | ACCOMMODATION IN LISBOA | SILVER OPTION

EVIDENCIA ASTORIA CREATIVE HOTEL 3* QUINTA DO VALLADO

Trendy décor and a central location await guests at this 3star hotel, situated steps from Marques do Pombal Square and Eduardo VII Park. The Liberty Avenue is just 300 metres away. Within walking distance of Lisbon’s attractions, Evidencia Astória Creative Hotel boasts a beautiful façade. Take in the hotel's creative design while sipping a drink at the bar or relaxing in your room. Earthy tones and contemporary design make each of Evidencia's rooms a welcome retreat at the end of a long day. Watch a programme on your flat-screen TV or check your mails via free Wi-Fi. Breakfast can be enjoyed in the stylish restaurant.

DAYS 4, 5 | ACCOMMODATION IN MONSARAZ

HORTA DA MOURA This typical Alentejo accommodation with its rounded archways offers a rural atmosphere on the slopes of the medieval Monsaraz Castle. The hotel has its own horse stable and a large pool. Horta da Moura's rooms and suites are decorated in light colours and include air conditioning and a minibar. Some have a balcony. Each accommodation has a private bathroom with bathtub and shower. Guests can explore the shores of the massive Alqueva Dam on one of Horta Da Mouraâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s own horses. It is also possible to play a game of tennis or to enjoy a quiet afternoon in the surrounding gardens. Horta da Mouraâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s restaurant and terrace offer a charming setting for a local meal. It offers wide views over the surrounding fields, the lake and its dam. Horta Da Moura is situated less than 1 km from the harbour of Lake Alqueva. The Monsaraz Castle with its panoramic views is 1.5 km away.