We depart Lisbon heading south across the April 25th Bridge where you get some excellent views of the Lisbon skyline and the Statue of Cristo Rey.
We will drive east into the Alentejo. This is the region of Portugal that borders Spain and has several fortress towns complete with battlements and castles. It is also the land of cork trees, grazing sheep and olive groves.
We will visit Evora. This is a 2,000-year-old Roman town that maintains much of its medieval flavor. The city has evolved into a vibrant city with numerous galleries, cafes and shops. The Cathedral here has an ossuary, which is interesting if not a little macabre.
From Evora we’ll visit the Herdade Esparão, a wine estate near Monsaraz, where you can visit the vineyards and enjoy some exceptionally good wine.
On our return to Lisbon, we’ll stop in Arraiolos, where very fine hand woven rugs have been made for centuries.