Morning: Fly into Lisbon and rent a car for the scenic 1½‑hour drive to the charming village of Montemo‑o‑velho. Check into a traditional “casa rural” and enjoy a light breakfast of local cheese and honey.
Afternoon: Take a leisurely guided walk around the historic stone lanes, stopping at the São João Chapel for panoramic views of the Alentejo plains. Sample a glass of regional “Vinho do Alentejo” at a nearby winery.
Evening: Dine on “açorda à Alentejana” at the village tavern, then relax on the patio while the sun sets over the olive groves, preparing for the festival tomorrow.
Find HotelsMorning: Drive to Évora (≈30 min) and join the opening ceremony of the Alentejo Walking Festival. Register for the day’s main trek that winds through the UNESCO‑listed historic centre.
Afternoon: Follow the marked route past the iconic Roman Temple of Évora and the eerie Capela dos Ossos. Break for a picnic of local olives, cheese, and fresh bread on the tranquil gardens of the Évora Cathedral courtyard.
Evening: Attend the festival’s cultural showcase featuring traditional Alentejo music and folk dance. Enjoy a late dinner of “porco preto” at a rooftop restaurant overlooking the city’s illuminated monuments.
Find HotelsMorning: Return to Montemo‑o‑velho for a gentle sunrise hike along the **Alentejo Trail**, spotting native wildlife and ancient cork oak trees.
Afternoon: Visit the nearby Alqueva Dam** for a short boat ride and photo stop, then enjoy a leisurely lunch at a lakeside café.
Evening: Pack up and drive back to Lisbon, returning the rental car before catching an evening flight home.
Find HotelsIf you wish to extend the trip, add an extra day in Évora to explore the nearby Vila Viçosa Castle and the Estremoz wine region. To shorten the itinerary, skip the Alqueva Dam excursion and replace the morning hike on Day 3 with a quick stroll through Montemo‑o‑velho’s market, saving both time and transportation costs.