21st – 24th / 28th – 31st July 2023
“The finest Classical music , wines and gastronomy in an extraordinary atmosphere”
The festival of music in the medieval town of Marvão, which is situated high on a mountain in the north of Alentejo, attracts classical music lovers from all over the world every year. For 7 years, Maestro Christoph Poppen, today leader of the Chamber Orchestra in Cologne and Juliane Banse, world class soprano, fell in love with the area of the Nordalentejo near the Spanish border. With the ambition to create something special for this special region of Portugal, the first edition of these festivals already took place in 2014.
In the meantime, the number of classical music lovers who come to Marvão and its surroundings every year is growing, and orchestras and singers from all over the world offer their audiences a first-class musical experience, which in 2023 will have its 9th edition.
The north of the Alentejo, close to the Spanish border, also has other attractions: beautiful mountain landscapes, medieval fortresses and picturesque villages. Wineries where the most exquisite red wines are produced and, of course, the cuisine, here you can taste DOP products of ham and cheese and the finest olive oil.
Day 1 – Arrival in Lisbon and transfer to Alentejo
Arrival in Lisbon around noon. Continue on to the Alentejo. Your transfer to the north of Alentejo will take you 3 hours but on your way to the medieval town of Marvão you will have the oportunity to visit one of the many amazing World Culture Heritage Sites that Portugal has to offer ,EVORA. A calm city of the interior of Portugal which goes back to the roman times.
Explore 2000 years of history and end with a tasty snack and Winetasting in Alentejo.
Now you continue , another one and a half hour is left to take you to Marvão or any other village nearby according to where your accomodation is booked.
Free evening; enjoy a stroll through this lovely medieval village of Marvão and have dinner in one of the several restaurants you will find with the tasty cusine of Alentejo and of course- the lovely wines.
Day 2 – Estremoz - Opening gala in Marvão
The day is yours to discover this genuine area of Alentejo which turistically is very little known yet. We recommend a visit to the charming village of Estremoz and it’s Castle.
On Saturday there is a market held on the main square with all kind of local products and bric a brac. But Estremoz has more secrets :
There are some of the best portuguese wineries situated in and around the village.
We will reserve a visit and tasting for you to Herdade Dona Maria which besides premium wines offers as well an incredible historical back ground.
In the evening enjoy en unforgettable musical Experience: we suggest to walk a bit earlier up to
The castle and enjoy the sunset, the scenery is just stunning.
Then an orchestra concert in occasion of the opening of the 9th edition of the Festival of Marvão
Will take place in the inner courtyard of the castle.
The program changes every year and will feature some of the best artists that will play during the 10 days of the festival.
Rest of the evening at leisure.
After the concert return to the hotel.
Day 3 – Royal Horses and Premium Cuisine
Horsemanship is also a tradition in the Alentejo. Therefore, a visit to the impressive Coudelaria Real in Alter do Chão is planned for this morning.
The foundation of the royal stud goes back to the 18th century. Today, its mission is above all the breeding of the noble horses of the Lusitanian breed and their preparation for entry into the Portuguese Riding School.
A highlight of the visit is the free run of the approx. 60 mares which are the basis of the horse breeding. Afterwards free time in Alter do Chão or in the nearby town of Portalegre for lunch. Or if you fancy signature cuisine try lunch at the fantastic restaurant Basilio at Torre de Palma Winehotel in Monforte. The kitchen of the restaurant is headed by famous chefe Miguel Laffan!
The final highlight is a chamber concert in the late afternoon at the Estrela Church in Marvão.
Let yourself get enchanted by another musical moment !
Afterwards enjoy your last evening in Marvão transfer back to the hotel where you can finish your impressions with a cosy dinner.
Day 4 – By By Alentejo see you soon Marvão
End or the program and check-out in the morning. Travel back to Lisbon or continue your holidays in Alentejo or by the sea down in the Algarve.
(0)
