Villages, Valleys and Starry Skies: Central Portugal by Electric Car

Today you’ll head to a wine estate in the Reguengos de Monsaraz appellation. Here, the vines are interspersed with olive, orange and almond trees, and the estate takes an organic approach, producing some interesting wines such as an amphora wine. A private guide will show you the property’s wine-making facilities and nearby historical monuments, including the 15th-century Torre do Esporao, before you settle down to a spectacular meal on site, complete with a wine and olive oil tasting.

This afternoon is yours to spend at your leisure, whether that means taking a dip in the pool or indulging in a treatment at the hotel’s spa. We can also arrange for you to take a cruise on Lake Alqueva. When the sky darkens, devote some time to the wonders of astronomy, which you can do from the comfort of your hotel room. In this region free of light pollution, it’s possible to experience the magic of the night sky like never before.

It takes just over three hours to reach the ancient settlement of Belmonte, your next stop on this week-long Portuguese road trip. While you’re here, you’ll stay in a large modern villa on the slope of a hillside, which offers panoramic views of the valley and morning mist. To help you unwind, there’s a beautiful swimming pool and a massage service on offer, along with yoga classes to help you tune into the relaxed atmosphere of the place.

This region showcases both Portugal’s natural beauty and fascinating history. In Belmonte, you’ll find the medieval castle flanked by the remains of a paleo-Christian church, but the village is famous as the home of the last Marrano Jewish community in Portugal, dating back to the 13th century. The Jews in Belmonte continued to practice Judaism in secret after being forced to convert to Christianity, and are also known as Crypto-Jews. You can learn more about this community at the Jewish Museum of Belmonte, named by The Telegraph as one of Europe’s 50 best small museums. Nearby is the village of Sortelha, built on a Roman camp and home to a medieval fortress and centre, along with the 16th-century Manueline pillory (a wooden frame in which the head and hands are locked for the purpose of public punishment). In Castello Novo, about a 30-minute drive from Belmonte, you’ll find another pillory and some beautiful buildings, such as the castle and Igreja Matriz. The pillory of Idanha-a-Velha, meanwhile, can be found not far from the main parish church. This modest little village also has Roman roots, home to Roman walls, a cathedral and chapels.

This morning you’ll drive on to Alvados in the Parque Natural das Serras de Aire e Candeeiros, about two hours away. You’ll spend two nights here on the village outskirts in a hotel nestled in nature. Take in the scenery from the terrace or swimming pool, or spend the afternoon exploring your beautiful surroundings. You can hire a bike or electric bike from your hotel, or head out on foot or even horseback.

After a delicious breakfast at your hotel this morning, we’ll arm you with tickets to the majestic Batalha monastery, a UNESCO World Heritage-listed building which combines Manueline and Gothic styles. Construction began in the 14th century and took over a century. On the subject of monastic wonders, the Alcobaça Monastery is one of the finest examples of the Portuguese Gothic style, which is a reason to visit in itself. It’s also home to the tombs of King Pedro I and Inês de Castro, two magnificent sculptures that tell a devastating love story. Look out for the Last Judgement depicted on Inêz’s tomb, along with the striking Wheel of Fortune on the king’s tomb. If you have time when you’ve finished exploring, head to the Medieval town of Óbidos to sample some giinja (cherry liqueur).