The Alentejo Region stretches from the Tagus River at Lisbon , south to the Algarve . Its terracotta earth is covered in wheat fields bordered by rows of olive trees marching up and down the rolling hills like Roman centurions. Here and there white washed villages and towns appear, crowned by castles. The ancients left their megaliths, the Romans their aquaducts, the Portuguese a wealth of architecture from Gothic to Baroque. The program can accommodate non-cooking partners.
Portuguese cuisine is simple, characterized by a rich variety of regional dishes.
Of course, the famous national dish is bacalhau , dried, salted cod, whose origins date to the 14 th century. Sunday You'll be met at Lisbon airport and transferred to your downtown hotel. Enjoy free time before a Welcome Reception and Dinner this evening. This morning, you move to the small Alentejano town of Portel , your base for the week. Introduction to Portuguese Gastronomy , a study in influences and seasonings.