Alentejo is unlike any other region in Portugal. While many areas of the country are defined by diversity, in Alentejo it is the harmony and consistency of the landscape that leaves a lasting impression.
In Alentejo, the pace is set by the sun and the seasons. Golden plains stretch to the horizon, interrupted only by centuries-old olive and cork trees and, here and there, castles perched on hilltops watching over the land. For those seeking authentic experiences in absolute tranquility, Alentejo offers understated yet genuine luxuries, far removed from the hustle and bustle of other destinations.
At Immersive Journeys, we design itineraries in Alentejo that respect the character of this unique region. We believe a vacation in Alentejo should be a time to discover the land and connect with the ancestral knowledge of its people.
What is Alentejo?
Alentejo is a vast region, covering one third of mainland Portugal. It’s a land of subtle contrasts, where the stillness of the plains gives way to a dramatic Atlantic coastline of rugged cliffs and deserted beaches. Inland, you’ll find walled historic towns and all-white villages.
The name Alentejo means “beyond the Tagus,” and this fertile land is often called the breadbasket of Portugal. It is home to wheat fields, olive groves, cork oak forests, and vineyards producing some of the country’s most award-winning wines. History is ever-present here, from megalithic monuments and Roman, Moorish, and medieval fortresses to remarkable Baroque heritage.
Featured Journeys
This itinerary, Essential Central Portugal and Alentejo: Luxury, Gastronomy, and Tradition in 7 Days, takes you on a journey to discover authentic Portugal through experiences carefully curated for discerning travelers.
Paths through Alentejo: 7 Days of Luxury, Authenticity, and Sustainability. This Immersive Journeys trip invites you to dive deep into the soul of Alentejo. Among vast and serene landscapes, ancestral traditions, sustainability projects, and moments.
Portugal from North to South: A 12-Day Journey Through the Soul of the Country is an immersive trip that takes travelers from north to south, revealing the cultural,natural, and gastronomic richness of a country.
Deep Alentejo: 7 Days of Flavors, Traditions, and Well-Being takes you to the most authentic heart of the Alentejo, where time flows more slowly, flavors tell stories.
Discover the Essence of Alentejo: A Premium 3-Day Immersive Journey, Indulge in a luxury experience in the heart of the Alentejo, where history, tradition, gastronomy, and breathtaking landscapes intertwine
On this day trip from Lisbon, discover the most authentic side of the Alentejo, where history meets the flavors of the land and the air is filled with the scent of aromatic herbs.
On the Authentic Évora: History, Gastronomy, and Wine in One Day tour, you will discover the historic heart of Évora and the richness of its gastronomic and wine traditions, all with the comfort of a premium electric vehicle.
On this 7-day journey through the heart of Alentejo, Immersive Journeys invites you on to discover the soul of one of Portugal's most authentic regions.
7-day journey, Immersive Journeys invites you to uncover the multifaceted soul of two of Portugal’s richest regions — where historical heritage, untouched landscapes, distinctive cuisine, and ancestral traditions come together in a itinerary.
On this one-day trip from Lisbon, Heritage of Évora: A Day of History and Flavors, you will discover the monumental and sensory Alentejo, where every stone tells a story and every flavor comes directly from the land.
Places to visit in Alentejo
The consultants at Immersive Journeys know Alentejo intimately and will take you, in the highest comfort, to places that leave lasting impressions, from well-known landmarks to hidden treasures. Here are a few of the destinations featured in our exclusive itineraries.
ÉVORA
The city that feels like an open-air museum
In the heart of Alentejo, Évora proudly holds its UNESCO World Heritage status. This open-air museum invites you to wander narrow, winding streets where every stone tells a story dating back to Roman times, as seen in the Temple of Diana.
At Immersive Journeys, we offer guided tours led by local historians who reveal the secrets of the Gothic Cathedral and the enigmatic Chapel of Bones. Guests stay in historic palaces transformed into luxurious hotels. Gastronomic experiences include exclusive dinners at restaurants that reinterpret traditional Alentejo cuisine, paired with the region’s finest wines.
CASTELO DE VIDE AND MARVÃO
The splendor of Alentejo’s borderlands
Near the Spanish border, these two towns showcase Alentejo’s blend of history and natural beauty. Castelo de Vide, with its well-preserved Jewish quarter, and Marvão, perched dramatically on a rocky cliff with breathtaking views, are must-see destinations.
Our itineraries include guided hikes through the São Mamede Natural Park, exploring remote landscapes of unparalleled beauty. Guests stay in meticulously restored manor houses that combine the authenticity of Alentejo with refined touches of luxury and comfort.
MONSARAZ
The sentinel above the lake
Until 2002, the medieval village of Monsaraz stood proudly above the plains of Alentejo. Today, it overlooks the Alqueva, Europe’s largest artificial lake, making it even more captivating. From its narrow streets and whitewashed houses to the Templar castle, the views over Alentejo are stunning.
Here, our clients enjoy private stargazing sessions in the Dark Sky Alqueva Reserve, recognized as one of the best places in the world to observe the night sky. Sunrise hot-air balloon rides add unforgettable moments to any vacation in Alentejo.
VILA DE FRADES
The home of talha wine
In the heart of Lower Alentejo lies Vila de Frades, where an ancient Roman winemaking tradition endures: talha wine, fermented in large clay amphorae. Visiting this village is a sensory journey through Alentejo’s winemaking heritage, with the Talha Wine Museum as a highlight.
Our itineraries feature tastings with local producers who preserve this craft. We complement the visit with trips to the Roman Villa of São Cucufate, a reminder of the region’s historical importance. The surrounding landscapes provide stunning backdrops for photography tours.
MÉRTOLA AND CASTRO VERDE
Treasures of Lower Alentejo
Mértola, once the Roman city of Mírtilis Júlia, is a living museum where every corner echoes a rich past. The castle offers magnificent views over the Guadiana River and the Guadiana Valley Natural Park. Nearby, the Pulo do Lobo waterfall is one of Alentejo’s most striking natural wonders. In the same area, Castro Verde’s Biosphere Reserve is one of Portugal’s most important sanctuaries for steppe birds. We organize birdwatching sessions with local experts, offering rare sightings of species such as the great bustard and little bustard.
This part of Alentejo is also the birthplace of Cante Alentejano, the polyphonic singing tradition recognized as Intangible Cultural Heritage by UNESCO. Our tailor-made itineraries create opportunities to meet traditional singing groups who share their music and stories from the rural and mining communities where this unique cultural expression was born.
How much time to spend in Alentejo?
For a first visit to Alentejo, we recommend staying at least four to five days to adjust to the region’s slower rhythm and discover its treasures without rushing.
For a deeper experience, a seven- to ten-day itinerary allows you to explore Alentejo’s sub-regions, from inland plains to the coast, from Upper to Lower Alentejo, creating a rich mosaic of experiences that capture the full spirit of this remarkable land.
Best time to visit Alentejo
Alentejo changes beautifully with the seasons. In spring, mild temperatures and wildflowers make exploring ideal. Autumn coincides with the grape harvest and offers golden light perfect for photography.
Summer days can be hot, but evenings are pleasantly mild, perfect for dining outdoors under starry skies. Winters are gentler than in much of Europe, making them ideal for quiet walks through historic towns and comforting gastronomic discoveries.
Things to do in Alentejo
Alentejo offers a wealth of exclusive experiences. Wine lovers can enjoy private visits to renowned vineyards and wineries, with tastings led by expert winemakers in exceptional settings. Food enthusiasts can take part in traditional cooking workshops or enjoy farm-to-table meals at organic estates, often accompanied by Cante Alentejano performances.
Nature lovers can take boat trips on Lake Alqueva, hike across the Alentejo plains, or go birdwatching in protected areas. For moments of pure relaxation, we select spas that use locally sourced ingredients in their treatments.
Travel in Alentejo
Exploring Alentejo with Immersive Journeys means discovering a distinctive region through exclusive, tailor-made experiences. Our itineraries combine exceptional accommodations, from renovated countryside estates to contemporary hotels seamlessly integrated into the landscape, with activities that reveal the soul of this unique land.
We partner with local businesses committed to sustainable practices and to preserving Alentejo’s cultural and natural heritage. This ensures that every journey leaves unforgettable memories while contributing to the harmonious and sustainable development of this extraordinary region.
Your vacation in Alentejo will be a truly complete experience, one that will stay with you forever.
