We will depart from Praça de Bocage in Setubal at 9am. Along the 1½ drive Patricia Ferreira, our guide and Portuguese history buff, will give us an overview of the historical and cultural significance of the beautiful and off-the-beaten-track area of the Alentejo region we will be discovering.
We arrive at Estremoz, called the “white city” . It is recognized from afar by its white houses, spread along a hill. The epithet of “white city” is due, in addition to the color of the houses, to the white marble deposits, the famous “Estremoz Marble”, which made the city internationally known. It is one of the most important municipalities in the entire Alentejo from a historical point of view.
In the morning Patricia will guide us through the upper medieval city focusing on Largo D. Dinis, a square where we'll find some of the most important monuments related to the history of this city. We'll stroll through the 13th century built Castle and climb to the tower of the 3 crowns - made of light marble and considered one of the most beautiful keep towers in Portugal - to take in the sweeping views of the Alentejo.
We will then break for lunch at a charming local restaurant (each guest pays own lunch)
After lunch, you have two options from which to choose:
OPTION ONE: Patricia will continue her tour focusing on culture.
- Explore and visit shops that feature locally made products, including pottery and the typical cake “Gadanha”.
- Visit the “Boneco de Estremoz” Interpretation Center to discover UNESCO’s World Heritage designated pottery, made in Estremoz (optional, cost is 1.50 euros)
- Marvel at how Estremoz marble has been used throughout the city, including National Monuments such as the Church of São Francisco and the Convento dos Congregados
OPTION TWO: Discovering the world of marble
The area produces 85% of the marble that Portugal uses and exports, and its Estremoz marble is known throughout the world.
We have booked a fascinating tour which begins at the center of the village at the Marble Interpretive Center, where you’ll be introduced to the geology, geography and history of marble in the area. You will also get a clear idea how important the marble industry is for the local community and for the country, not just from an economical point of view, but also from a social perspective.
Throughout the tour you will learn about and witness the three phases of the marble cycle: extraction, transformation and application. We will don our hardhats and vests to visit a quarry where we learn about the extraction process. You’ll have unforgettable and unique photo opportunities of the beautiful landscape totally shaped by the opening of the marble quarries through the centuries.
We will leave the quarry to visit a factory where the marble will be transformed to its final shape before being applied or sent to the market to be sold.
Watch an overview of the marble tour: https://youtu.be/IJfC4dhVN1s
What is included:
Transportation
Guide
Afternoon tours (choice of marble production or the lower city of Estremoz)
Water
What is not included:
Lunch
Gratuity for guide
Snacks
If you want to dive more deeply into Portugal’s history, culture and industry, this is the trip for you.
We will arrive back in Setubal by 6:30pm.
To confirm your reservation we will need payment in full. Once you RSVP you will be sent instructions to make your payment.
