Begin with a pickup from your centrally located Lisbon hotel, and then journey north out of the city to the Ribatejo region, where wine has been produced for some 2,000 years. Traveling by private, air-conditioned minivan, take in stunning countryside views and ask your personal guide any questions you have.
After around an hour, arrive at Quinta da Lagoalva, a renowned wine estate that dates back to the 12th century. Tour the vineyards on a 30-minute horse-drawn carriage ride, and learn about the history of the estate as well as its traditional winemaking methods. Then, explore the winery’s buildings and cellars before sampling two varietals of local red wine with chourio sausage and bread during a guided wine tasting.
Next, continue to Almeirim city for lunch (own expense). Visit a local restaurant where you’ll have the opportunity to sample sopa da pedra (stone soup). As you eat, hear the tale of the lonely friar who is said to have first created this flavorful dish with nothing more than a stone and the generosity of the townsfolk.
Then, make for Vieira do Escaroupim in the heart of the Tagus Estuary Natural Reserve. See the stilt huts where local fisherman used to live and look out for wild horses grazing freely along the river. If there’s time, visit Falcoaria Real (Royal Falcon Training Center) in the surviving part of the old royal complex of Salvaterra de Magos. Get up close to breeds of eagles, falcons and owls rarely seen in captivity, and discover the center’s effort to preserve the ancient art of falcon training.
When the time comes, hop back inside your private minivan and travel back to Lisbon. On route, make one final stop at either Quinta do Casal Branco or Casa Cadaval wine estate, where you’ll try two more local red wines along with cookies. After your tasting, visit the horse stables where you’ll see Lusitano horses. Also known as Iberian horses, these beautiful horses can’t be found anywhere else in the world.
Your tour then concludes back at your Lisbon hotel.
Please note: A minimum of two people per booking is required.