Portugal

8 Days / 7 Nights — Evora, Marvao, Mangualde, Bucaco, Sintra

Castles and Convents...a medieval treasure chest where Romanesque and Gothic art mix with an uncrowded and beautiful countryside; providing a much a slower pace of life.

DAY 1 — Lisbon, Evora

Make your way through the peaceful Portuguese landscape en route to the enchanting ancient town of Evora. Compacted between Roman, Renaissance and 17th century walls, Evora's streets are an architectural and cultural medley. Settle into the 15th century pousada deep in the heart of this historic site. Lodging: Pousada dos Loios

DAY 2 — Marvao

In the morning the road leads to the fortified town of Elvas, which was liberated from the Moors in 1230 and is still surrounded by ramparts. Marvao is a proud, fortified medieval village clustered at the foot of a castle on one of the Serra Sao Mamede peaks near the border. Lodging: Pousada dos Santa Maria

DAY 3 — Mangualde

Leave Marvao the next day via Guarda, which has been a strategic stronghold since pre-historic times, and served as a base of operations for Julius Caesar. Continue through the Portuguese highlands to Mangualde. Many 16th and 17th century houses bearing coats of arms can be seen surrounding the cathedral square. Lodging: Estralgem Casa d'Azurara

DAY 4 — Bucaco

Rising early, your destination is the fabled forest of bucaco. as early as the 6th century, benedictine monks built a hermitage among the oaks and pines. in 1628, the barefoot carmelites built a monastery on the site of the present hotel and surrounded the domain with an unbroken wall. the hotel was constructed between 1888 and 1907. lodging: palace hotel do bucaco

DAY 5 — Bucaco

Leisurely explore the forest of Bucaco. Here, monks established contemplative walks and chapels among trees, which gained papal protection in 1632. Part ancient woodland and part arboretum, some 700 native and exotic species remain to enjoy. Lodging: Palace Hotel do Bucaco

DAY 6 — Sintra

Travel south the next morning by Batalha. The monastery of Batalha stands in a green valley, a mass of gables, pinnacles, buttresses, turrets and small columns. The rose gold outpouring of its architecture is one of the masterpieces of Portuguese Gothic and Manueline art. Lodging: Hotel Palacio de Seteais

DAY 7 — Sintra

The road to Sintra takes you to the fairytale setting of Pena Park and the castle of the Moors. The park of 500 acres is planted richly with rare trees and landscaped with large boulders, lakes and fountains. The 8th century castle appears as a monument with a perimeter wall guarded by four towers. Lodging: Hotel Palacio de Seteais

DAY 8 — Lisbon

Make a leisurely departure along the coast and the famed beach resort towns of Cascais and Estoril to complete your Portuguese exploration.

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