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You will learn hands-on cooking techniques using the
local flavors and herbs of the Alentejo in the
specially designed kitchen, with a fireplace for baking.
Portuguese breads
and curing sausages, is an ideal atmosphere for cooking instruction.
Alentejo,
the middle of Portugal is considered to be Portugal's
most authentic and picturesque region. It is in this peaceful
country setting that we find the romantic Refúgio da Vila Rural Hotel and
Cooking School. Located in Portel, a small town outside Évora, (171 km from
Lisbon),he hotel is
set in a Vila manor house, complete with pool and patios.
Between
cooking lessons in a kitchen that opens to a courtyard, and tours of the
unspoiled countryside, guests can relax in simple, but elegant rooms.
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Program
DAY 1
Upon your arrival into Lisbon airport, you will have transfer to the Hotel
in Lisbon where you will check-in and have some free time before a welcome
reception and dinner this evening with the other guests.
Overnight: Hotel Mundial or Similar.
DAY 2
This morning, we drive to the small Alentejo town of Portel, and Refúgio da
Vila, our base for the week. After an orientation walk around Portel, past
the 13th century castle and Baroque Church, and lunch, we'll enter a
Portuguese kitchen and have our first Cooking Class: Introduction to
Portuguese Gastronomy, a study in influences and seasonings.
Dinner at Adega do Refúgio. Overnight: Refúgio da Vila
DAY 3
After breakfast our second Cooking Class begins: The Importance of fish and
Olive Oil in Portuguese Cuisine. Lunch is a chance to sample your own
cooking! Non-cooking partners join at the table.
This afternoon we'll visit the Esporão Wine State, blending ancient and
modern winemaking techniques. The grapes of this wine region include
Periquita, Trincadeira, Tinta Roriz, and Moreto for red wines, and Roupeiro,
Manteudo, Perrum, Rabo de Ovelha for the whites - all Portuguese varieties,
as well as Cabernet Sauvignon, and Shyraz. The nearby Arts & Crafts Center
of Reguengos displays a wonderful collection of Alentejo wares. The road
winds past megalithic sites to the thousand-year-old village of Monsaraz.
Here we'll dinner under the shadow of the 13th century castle built by King
Afonso III.
Overnight: Refúgio da Vila
DAY 4
Today's focus is on local produce from the local Quintas, farms
and Ranches with an abundance of fresh produce.. This afternoon, we'll tour nearby Évora, a UNESCO World
Heritage Site, the Cultural Center of the Alentejo, and a beautiful white
town with a wealth of monuments, from Roman times to the 19th century
Dinner at Adega do Refúgio. Overnight: Refúgio da Vila
DAY 5
Cooks, this is your day off! Today we’ll drive into the northern Alentejo,
and before lunch at Vila Viçosa, we visit its Renaissance Ducal Palace and
the Museum of Marble.
Passing through the marble area we visit the historical and white town of Estremoz
world famouse for its high quality marble quarries nearby and enclosed within its ramparts
overlooking a vast plain of gnarled
olive trees and wheat fields. After passing through Estremoz, we return to
Portel in time for dinner.
Overnight: Refúgio da Vila
DAY 6
This region is known for its Aromatic Herbs, and wild flowers. This morning
we’ll use them in dishes that the locals have passed on through the
generations. Enjoy an afternoon excursion to several traditional unique
villages. This evening, sit we will have a Farewell Dinner at the restaurant Adega do
Refúgio to celebrate our success and the opportunity to have been able to
visit this charming and unspoiled region.
DAY 7
Today's Cooking Class focuses on: The Flavors of the South.. After lunch,
enjoy a siesta and a free afternoon to stroll, ride on horseback,
bicycle, or simply lounge by the pool.
Dinner at Adega do Refúgio. Overnight: Refúgio da Vila
DAY 8
After breakfast, we transfer back to Lisbon.
Price per person based on two passengers - sharing double room:
Euro 1808 per person based on double/twin
accommodation. for period 1 Jan-30 April and October-November 2016
Euro 1940 per person based on double/twin
accommodation. for period May-30 Sep 2016 Single supplement: euro 263
$ rate varies depending on the exchange rate
Prices are lower for larger groups,
please inquire,
INCLUDES
7 nights accommodation with daily breakfast
Daily lunch and dinner, with wines
5 cooking classes.
All supplies for cooking classes
Round-trip Lisbon hotel transfers
Lisbon transfers to and from Hotel Refúgio da Vila / Portel
All local tours escorted by English speaking guide (other languages possible
if needed)
Taxes
check out other cooking classes in Italy and Sicily
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