Alentejo Birds, Villages & Landscapes

Day 1: Arrival and transfer from Lisbon International Airport. Overnight in Marvão
Day 2: Transfer to Portas do Ródão, Póvoas and Meadas Reservoir, and Galegos. Overnight in Marvāo
Day 3: Transfer to Caia Water Reservoir. Overnight in Vila Viçosa
Day 4: Hiking and Stargazing. Overnight in Vila Viçosa.
Day 5: Transfer to Juromenha and Guadiana River. Overnight in Vila Viçosa
Day 6: Transfer to Evora and Lagoa dos Patos.Overnight in Beja
Day 7: Transfer to Sra. D'Aracelli, Carregueiro, and Roxo Reservoir. Overnight in Beja
Day 8: Transfer to Lisbon

Day 1: Arrival and transfer from Lisbon International Airport to Marvão
You will be greeted upon arrival at Lisbon International Airport, followed by a 3-hour (151 miles) transfer to your overnight accommodation, Pousada de Marvão. Check-in and welcome meeting. The walled village of Marvão is one of the loveliest medieval towns in Portugal, overlooked by the magnificent castle. Stroll its narrow lanes with whitewashed buildings with red-tiled roofs and soak in the history. Located high on a hill, the views of the surrounding countryside are impressive.

Overnight accommodation:  4* Pousada de Marvão

Day 2: Transfer to Portas da Ródão, Póvoas and Meadas Reservoir, Galegos, and overnight in Marvāo
Classified a Natural Monument in 2009, Portas da Ródão is a unique geographic formation. The Tagus River becomes quite narrow here. The steep surrounding quartz hills rise 170 m and resemble doors, hence the name, which translated means Doors of Ródão. The impressive cliffs, blanketed with heather, rosemary, broom, and juniper, provide harbor to threatened bird species, such as the Black stork, the Eagle owl, and the Egyptian vulture, as well as a colony of Griffon vultures. At the Póvoas and Meadas Reservoir, you will most likely sight Grey and White herons. The next stop is at Sra. da Peña a small church overlooking Castelo de Vide and where in the surrounding forest, several species of warblers can be found. In Galegos near the border with Spain, you will walk to search for the Griffon Vulture colony located here. Plan on being on the road for about 5 hours before returning to Marvão. 

Overnight accommodation:  4* Pousada de Marvão 

Day 3: Transfer to Caia Water Reservoir. Overnight in  Vila Viçosa 
First up is Baldios, the upstream edge of the Caia Water Reservoir, an area unusually rich in several species of birds from aquatic to forest, as well as raptors such as hawks and ospreys. Several spots can be visited as well as two small damns to give you the best opportunity for sightings. You then head for your day's destination and overnight, Vila Viçosa. The total transfer distance is approximately 68 mi. You accommodate this evening and the next two, in the Pousada Vila Viçosa. Formerly the Convent of Chagas de Cristo, this hotel is full of character with themed rooms and many associated legends. The convent’s cells, retreats, and oratories have been completely restored and renovated.

Overnight accommodation: Pousada Vila Viçosa

Day 4: Hiking and Stargazing. Overnight in Vila Viçosa
After breakfast, you are in for a treat, a hike of approximately 7 miles. You search for aromatic and edible plants and stop for a local barbeque where your finds will be put to delicious use. Scheduled arrival back in Vila Viçosa is at approximately 2 pm, with the afternoon and early evening yours to enjoy.

At 8:30 pm, you will be transferred approx. 12 miles to the Lucifeit Reservoir for stargazing. The Alentejo region showcases Europe's least light-polluted skies and has gained recognition for being one of the top places in the world for travelers to observe the night sky,

Arrival back at the Pousada at approximately 11:00 pm.

Overnight accommodation: Pousada Vila Viçosa

Day 5: Transfer to Juromenha and Guadiana River. Overnight in Vila Viçosa
Transfer to Juromenha where you will make two stops and see a diversity of birds according to the time of year. First is the medieval bridge over the Guadiana River, a good area to spot ospreys. The next stop features a resident population of Purple Gallinules and other aquatic birds with a good probability to see glossy Ibis and Water Rail. The total travel distance is 75 miles. The estimated time of arrival back at Vila Viçosa is 2 pm. Enjoy your afternoon and evening!

Overnight accommodation: Pousada Vila Viçosa

Day 6: Transfer to Evora and Lagoa dos Patos. Overnight in Beja 
A 9:00 departure to Évora is on the schedule and you are free time to explore the city center upon arrival. At 2 pm, the transfer departs to Beja but will make a stop at Lagoa dos Patos a small water damn where it's possible to see many species. Arrival time in Beja is at 5 pm. The total transfer distance is approx. 95 miles. Tonight and tomorrow night, you will be accommodated in the Pousada de Beja. Located in the old Convent of São Francisco, the Pousada is the result of a majestic architectural project representative of Portugal's religious and gothic architecture.

Overnight accommodation: Pousada de Beja

Day 7: Transfer to Sra. D'Aracelli, Carregueiro, and Roxo Reservoir. Overnight in Beja
Transfer to Sra. D'Aracelli, a little church on a hill from where you can see a large area and the habitat for species such as the Great Bustard and wintering populations of common cranes. It is also a good area to search for the rare and elusive Spanish Eagle. The next stop is Carregueiro, a favorite for open-land birds. You return to Beja after a quick stop at the Roxo Reservoir, another good place for aquatic birds and the roosting settlement of common cranes in the winter. Total travel distance is 86 miles. The predicted time of arrival at Beja is at 5 pm.

Day 8: 2-hour transfer to Lisbon Airport

During your stay in Portugal, you will be accommodated in historic pousadas. The first two nights are in the Pousada do Marvāo, located in four small traditional houses with rooms that offer a magnificent view of the mountainous landscape or the interior of the historic and picturesque village. Your next nights are split between two restored convent pousadas with history in every nook and cranny. Please look at each day’s details for the names of the establishments.