8-Nights Hidden Portugal: Mountains, Vineyards & Village (Terra & Tu Cultural Journeys)

Discover Old World Traditions in Alentejo & Serra da Estrela

This journey well off the tourist track offers a rare insider’s immersion in the enduring traditions and rugged beauty of Portugal's interior. From the hill towns and castles of Alentejo to the high peaks, alpine pastures and shepherding culture of Serra da Estrela, find a tableau of rural Portugal few visitors see. Wander among cork and olive orchards, learning about ancient and modern production methods, and sample some of the world’s finest olive oil—"Portuguese green gold.” Taste acclaimed table wines from family vineyards. Stroll cobbled lanes in well-preserved villages showcasing architectural heritage from the 15th and 16th centuries, from whitewashed homes adorned in azulejos to magnificent palaces and convents. Hike in the Zezere Glacier Valley in Portugal’s largest natural park, threaded by one of the country's wildest rivers. Make personal connections with artisan cheesemakers, bread bakers, weavers and wool producers as we discover the delights of local gastronomy and mountain culture in little-visited sectors of Portugal where tradition prevails.