AMAZING ALENTEJO, Portugal

Monday September 18 to Wednesday September 27  SOLD OUT
Tour begins when we meet at everyone at arrivals, Lisbon airport, on Monday morning Oct 18 @ around noon

“There is something profoundly invigorating and liberating about the Alentejo landscape; its endless open countryside, gently undulating plains and wide blue skies. The landscape mingles with the vines to create an ever-changing canvas of colour.”

The Portuguese have a love affair with their province of Alentejo. “You must go,” they keep telling you. No reasons are given. “Go and you will see.” So we went, and loved everything from the landscape, to the endless space, the immensity of the rolling plains with cork trees, the soft rolling hills and vineyards, the faded-green olive trees, the towering eucalyptus trees, the black pigs munching on acorns, and the wide sky with an immaculate blue horizon. We enjoyed a daily menu of bird song, sunshine, tranquility, great food and wine. Everything felt welcoming and unpretentious and rooted in the surrounding culture. It was good for the soul.

The Alentejo province is a huge area south of Lisbon stretching from the coast to the Spanish border. Visiting feels like travelling back in time – a walking museum of 2000 years of civilization that is now sprinkled with wineries set in country palaces, or striking contemporary structures. The food experiences also vary from hearty traditional to tasty modern. Old hilltop towns, craft galleries and historic sights are a must see – if only to experience the landscape on which they sit. These are proud people who valiantly cling to their local crafts, and centuries-old farming traditions.

The first three days of our tour are based in and around Estremoz – staying at a former Royal Palace perched high above the city. From there we will visit other ‘perched’ towns such as the postcard perfect Marvao, and the everything-made-of-marble town of Vila Viçosa. Both of these places will amaze you as will the Berardo Tile Palace in Estremoz. For some, the real star may be our first winery visit that showcases 12th century and contemporary architecture, and delicious, authentic food. One dinner we are keeping as a surprise, while another may land you in jail!

After this we move to Evora, the historic capital of the region. So much history to absorb, but our guide will help. Outside the town, we will visit a cork craft centre and have an intimate lunch in the old farmhouse of one of Portugal’s best olive oil producers. You’ll not find him on Trip Advisor!

“To steal their words, the trip is planned in the spirit  of delivering the satisfaction of an engrossing four act play. It offers a sparkling variety of experiences, each chosen to compliment and enhance that which went before.  The pace is relaxed and thoroughly in tune with vacation energy flow. We visited beautiful wineries in unusual locations – first stop off the plane was glorious luncheon in a restored castle winery which served to kickstart the whole experience. I won’t offer details because a large part of the fun was the surprises each new day offered, but suffice to say there were castles, olive groves, ancient wineries, music, beaches, picnics, marble, cork, contemporary art, vibrant history lessons and warm and loving reception from the people offering us their hospitality. I like to design my own trips but honestly I will eagerly sign on again for another trip curated with the creative sensibilities of Kato and Billy. They do it RIGHT.”  R. Dunsmore, Stratford ON

As we travel south we’ll have a fabulous lunch at a beautiful/arty winery. Every Alentejo visit should include a stay at a country farm estate, and we have a beautiful one reserved for you. Imagine sipping a chilled Rosé by the pool – as you soak up the rural charm.  Dinner will be between the giant amphoras at a rustic village taberna. A surreal experience for sure! Making and ageing wine in amphoras is part of the tradition here, as is drinking lots of a white called Antao Vaz. You’ll not miss Chardonnay!

For our final chapter we move south to the Eastern Algarve and our home town of Tavira. Just in time for lunch and a stroll on the beach (and a swim in the Atlantic!) before checking-into our magnificent bright yellow hotel in a former convent. Next day you may want to take in one more castle, a stroll on the cobble-stone streets, or do some last-minute shopping. Before we gather for a final dinner at one of our favourite restaurants – you’ll be treated to a Fado concert that will surely impress. You too may want to move to Tavira!

Billy and Kato have hit another home run, indeed a series of home runs, with their new offering of Alentejo 2022!!  The food, the wine, the accommodations, the castles, the beautiful cities and the quiet countryside…..all were top notch and I would recommend to anyone. In an area steeped in history, it is like travelling through time where you can imagine everything from Roman centurions to medieval knights and their magnificent horses, rattling up the hill to the castle gates. At the same time, you can be amused/amazed as cars and buses thread their way through seemingly impossibly small entrance ways. To say I enjoyed myself would be a complete understatement.  Thank you, Kato and Billy!!!”  Grace C, Prince Edward Island, Canada

Faro airport is just a thirty-minute coach ride away. If you want to stay on, Seville is 1.5 hours away and easy to get to on the bus (and inexpensive)….as is Lisbon on the train.

The Portuguese are right! Alentejo is a “must go”, and like all special places it cannot be explained, it must be experienced. We are looking forward to showing you around this dreamy, ancient world that’s long on charm and short on crowds. While it’s one of the quietest places in Europe, it’s also one of the most up-and-coming. Now is the time to visit.

“Beyond expectations” doesn’t do justice for what Billy and Kato achieved with this tour! Scrumptious food, phenomenal wines and amazing places we would never have found on our own!  Every detail taken care of – just pack your bag and go – that’s what we’re planning on doing again!”  D. Pasquino, London, ON

AMAZING ALENTEJO!

SEPTEMBER 18-27

TOUR INCLUDES
9 nights ensuite accommodation
8 fantastic dinners with wine
6 lunches with wine, including a special picnic
9 breakfasts
Several winery visits and private tastings
Olive oil tasting
History walk of Evora
Ferry to an island
Private tour of a marble quarry
Fado concert
Lisbon airport pick-up
Transportation for return flight to Faro airport
Private coach travel throughout
…and some value-added surprises and events!

NOT INCLUDED:
Airfare
Three lunches and one dinner
Gratuities
Personal items and drinks
The odd taxi ride if needed
Travel and medical insurance
Any additional transfers before or after the tour that are not part of the tour schedule

COST
$6,250 based on double occupancy, taxes included
Single supplement: $1,695

This is a LAND ONLY TOUR beginning in Lisbon. TICO #2392471

GROUP SIZE: 18 persons

STARTING AND ENDING
The tour will start at Lisbon airport and depart from Faro airport.

TO BOOK

HOW DO WE DIFFER FROM OTHER TOURS?

We must start by telling you that we never set out to conduct tours. However, after a few trials with friends we sensed that there was an interest in our style of travel. Found a niche as they say. Original and generous were the two most used words we heard to describe what we offered, and not surprisingly as our itineraries were of our own making. We did not see the point of taking people to over-crowded ‘guide book’ places. It is impossible to catch the feeling of a place when you’re lost in a sea of fellow travellers. We still deliver WOWs, but without the hassles and crowds. And generous might have something to do with how much wine we were pouring.

We have sought out parts of a country that offer a sense of the whole, thereby delivering the experience without long travel times. Spending less hours on the road attempting to see it all gives us more quality time in towns, galleries or cafés. Feet on the ground as opposed to bum on a bus, seeing better over seeing more.

Most of the experiences we offer are either not available off-the-street, or would require a lot of work to secure.

We love the time at table so most evenings we all dine together, at a hand-picked restaurants where we have arranged something special ““ for an experience not available to the general public. You can expect everything from gourmet to rustic with seating in small groups for an intimate experience. But we’re not opposed to a little rowdiness! We stay at smaller, non-chain hotels away from the tourist bustle.

Have to admit we are not huge history buffs, but we do allow enough free time for those who want to visit churches and museums. Think of us as the anti Trip Advisor – seeking instead the alternative, the unexpected. The kind of tour you’d imagine from a local, as opposed to a Tour company. If you have never travelled with a group before, fear not. Think of the possibilities for fun with a group – ‘adult camp’ as Kato calls it. It may be the best party you ever attended.

Expect to eat and drink too much – and love every minute of it.

In each of our destinations we concentrate on the things that are special or unique: rural pubs in Ireland as they are the hub of a community, historic grandeur combined with sleek contemporary design in Portugal, and the effortless, indescribable sense of style in France. Crafting beauty in everything is Italy’s great skill, and that includes food and wine. We ask that our travellers take the time to know something of, and respect the culture we are visiting – your comfy Adidas and litre of Pepsi might not a fitting image.

WHO SHOULD TRAVEL WITH US?

Those with a love of adventure and social interaction are obvious candidates. On the physical side, good walking ability and drinking stamina are not only essential, but mandatory. Meals are on the European clock – starting late and finishing late – celebrating time at the table. Basically we invite people who are interested in stepping outside their comfort zone and embracing a European experience. Filling the eyes, bellies and imagination with things unfamiliar. We welcome people who come hungry for activity and participation. Please do NOT come with us if you want a conventional sightseeing tour with no participation on your part.

Finally a word on why we do not publish detailed, daily itineraries. One reason is we like to remain flexible and work around weather and local events. But more importantly, we believe that the best travel experiences are built around daily surprises – a trust between the host and the guests. Those who have travelled with us have said that they enjoyed the surprise element as it kept them in the moment. We ask that you greet us with enthusiasm, a trusting open mind, good health, and an empty wine glass (not for long!).

Every tour we’ve run has sold out and many guests are repeat offenders.

READ ALL TESTIMONIALS HERE!

“From the moment we arrived, we were treated to first class food, accommodation and hospitality. Every day was a new adventure from hiking through a vineyard to dining in a winemaker’s cellar. By far the best organized trip that we’ve been on ““ well-paced and the perfect group size.” B & H Purvis, New Hamburg, Ontario

“Had been to Italy several times. But this was my first small group travelling ever. Piemonte came vividly alive with Kato and Billy. Relationships, food, wine, learning, and conversation — all rooted in local ambience and warm personalities. Did someone say there’s a Portugal trip too?” Bill Roberts, Prince Edward County

“Doesn’t matter which tour you choose, they are all unforgettable! Just returned from our 4th trip with Billy and Kato, our 2nd to Piemonte! If you want to really experience food, wine (and other assorted libations), first rate accommodations, people, territory, history and downright fun, then join one of their adventures.” Wendy & Wayne Rider, Stratford

“Absolutely fantastic trip. Billy and Kato are the perfect hosts ensuring unforgettable wine tastings, meals and local experiences. The element of “surprise” around the daily activities added to the fun. Great way to meet and make new friends. After 2 months we are still raving to friends and family about how wonderful everything was from start to finish. Would highly recommend this trip.” The Culhanes, Ottawa

“I can say without qualification, that my experience of your Italian Wine tour far exceeded anything I could have imagined. Just outstanding in every way. Congratulations!” Wally Anderson, Simcoe

“This was our 15th professionally conducted wine trip, and while the previous ones were all fabulous, none were better than our Piedmont trip with Billy and Kato. They are a fun and caring couple who do everything to ensure you have a good time. We would highly recommend them.” The Chapmans, Oakville

“Kato and Billy took us to parts of Italy in the Piedmont wine country which I would never have discovered on my own. We stayed in top-notch accommodation, and the beautiful rolling hills of vineyards topped by ancient castles were a sight to behold! We saw it all ““ including grape harvesting, VIP winery visits, and a fantastic 3 course cooking class. I had a superb time with a wonderful group of people. Thanks to Billy and Kato ““ our imaginative, inclusive and generous hosts!” D Troop, Prince Edward County

“Again, what a wonderful trip – the Barolo Tour was our second trip with Billy and Kato. Travelling with B&K is not a tourist trip, but an experience that you don’t forget – great food, great wine, and you see and do things that tourists don’t get to do. Most of all, have lots of fun with new found friends.” Don and Sue Scott, Ottawa

“The Italian Wine Tour was FIRST CLASS! Billy & Kato thought of everything. It was interesting & fun filled. I’d go again in a heartbeat.” Mary Anne Perkins, Milford

“Exceptional all round gastronomical, cultural and just plain fun tour. I can’t think of a better way to experience the Piedmont wine country than joining Kato and Billy. The variety of wine tastings and daily activities are a testament to their thorough advance research and genuine desire to assure a wonderful memory for all. La dolce vitae indeed.” Brenda Smith, Ottawa