Travel Reference
In-Depth Information
( 266 748 383;
www.cartuxa.pt
;
Estrada da Soeira; from €5; 11.30am, 3pm & 4pm Tue-Sun)
For a taste of
history, this is a fun visit - Cartuxa is one of the oldest wineries in Alentejo. Run by the
well-known local philanthropic foundation Eugenio De Almeida, it produces some good
wines at all prices, along with olive oils and other products. You must reserve a tour
(strictly at the times given); prices start at €5 and then vary according to how many wines
you want to taste.
Ebora Megalithica
( 964 808 337;
www.eboramegalithica.com
;
per person €25)
If you're interested in the megaliths -
Almendres, Zambujeiro and the Menir dos Almendres - this is a must. Young archaeolo-
gist enthusiast Mário makes the megalithic sites accessible in every sense, providing their
'where, what, why and how'. He succeeds in making the experience an educational yet re-
laxed one. Maximum seven people per tour.
TOUR
Rota do Fresco
( 284 475 413;
www.rotadofresco.com
;
per person €20)
Offers fascinating cultural tours led by an
art historian to local baroque sites filled with frescos and
azulejos
(tiles). Reservations re-
quired.
CULTURAL TOUR
THE WINE ROUTE
Wines here, particularly the reds, are fat, rich and fruity. But tasting them is much more fun than reading about
them, so drop in on some wineries. The
Rota dos Vinhos do Alentejo
(Alentejan Wine Route) splits the region
into three separate areas - the Serra de São Mamede (dark reds, full bodied, red fruit hints), Historic (around
Évora, Estremoz, Borba and Monsaraz; smooth reds, fruity whites) and the Rio Guadiana (scented whites, spicy
reds). Some wineries also have accommodation options.
You'll see brown signs all over the place announcing that you are on the wine trail, and you can pick up the
booklet that lists wineries and their details at any local tourist office. Otherwise, visit the helpful Rota dos Vinhos
do Alentejo headquarters (
Click here
).
Festivals & Events
Rota de Sabores Tradicionais
A gastronomic festival that lasts for months, celebrating game in January, pork in Febru-
ary, soups in March, lamb in April and desserts in May - traditional restaurants
throughout the city serve specialities accordingly.
FOOD
