Chat with us, powered by LiveChat Walking in Spain & Portugal | Solos

What you can expect

Comfortable Accommodation

Comfortable Accommodation

In the UNESCO-listed fortress town of Elvas

4 Fully Guided Walks

4 Fully Guided Walks

In Elvas, Babajoz, Marvão & Campo Maior

A Day at Leisure

A Day at Leisure

To relax or explore more independently

Unique Experiences

Unique Experiences

Wine & olive oil tasting & Coffee Science Centre

About this trip...

Discover this timeless beauty of Portugal's Alentejo on this 8-day guided journey based in the UNESCO-listed fortress town of Elvas. Explore magnificent military fortifications, medieval hilltop villages, royal palaces and marble towns, with excursions to the Spanish border city of Badajoz, elegant Villa Viçosa, historic Estremoz, enchanting Marvã and charming Campo Maior. Gentle guided walks revealing stunning landscapes of olive groves, cork oak forests and rolling countryside, while authentic local experiences include wine and olive oil tasting and visits to cultural landmarks. This Solos holiday, perfectly blends history, culture, gastronomy and scenic walking in one of Portugal's most captivating regions.
Walking Level: Walking Level
What's this?

What's Included?

  • Return flights and group airport transfers
  • Checked baggage
  • Airport taxes and fees
  • Double/twin room for sole use with private facilities
  • Solos Board : Breakfast Daily + 5 dinners with drinks included
  • Welcome drink and information meeting
  • Four fully guided walks
  • Visit to Palácio de Vila Viçosa
  • Visit to the vineyards with wine tasting
  • Dedicated Whatsapp group for your trip
  • Free Solos App with all your travel documents
  • Accompanying Solos Tour Leader
  • Fully financially protected

What's extra:

  • Insurance click here

Itinerary

  • Arrive Lisbon & transfer to Elvas (Group Transfer)
  • The Fortified town of Elvas
  • Vila Viçosa & Estremoz
  • Spanish historic town of Badajoz
  • Day at leisure
  • Medieval town of Marvão
  • Campo Maior – Megalithical & Contemporary
  • Depart Elvas & Lisbon (Group Transfer)

What you'll be doing

Day One : Arrive Portugal

Day One : Arrive Portugal

Welcome to Portugal! On arrival in Lisbon, we transfer to Elvas (a journey of approximatley 2hr 15 mins depending on traffic).
 
On arrival at our hotel*, we check-in and refresh before meeting the group for a welcome drink and dinner at the hotel.
 
  • Dinner with drinks included
 
*If time allows on arrival in Elvas, an introductory walk will be offered.
Day Two : The Fortified town of Elvas

Day Two : The Fortified town of Elvas

After breakfast we head into Elvas, a remarkable border town shaped by centuries of conflict and resilience. Once a key defensive stronghold, Elvas played a vital role during the Portuguese Restoration War, leaving behind one of Europe’s finest examples of military architecture. 
 
Our walk will be a mix of exploration of the existing military fortifications, through the towns, the countryside and all around good views over the Alentejo’s rolling hills.
 
 
Length of Walk : 6KM / 3.8miles
Terrain : Tarmac, cobbles, dirt tracks
Assent / Descent: +108 / -177m
 
This evening, dinner with drinks is included at the hotel.
 
  • Breakfast & dinner with drinks included
Day Three : Vila Viçosa & Estremoz

Day Three : Vila Viçosa & Estremoz

We are in a territory that boasts immensely beautiful heritage and where white marble takes pride of place in palaces, convents, churches and statues. Apart from the splendour of its heritage, there is farmland stretching for as far as the eye can see, traditional olive and cork oak groves, and springs and streams that shape the terrain, now healthy pastures for large numbers of farm animals. 

 
With the rise of the House of Bragança to the throne of Portugal in 1640, from permanent residence of the first family of the national nobility, Vila Viçosa Palace became one of the many royal residences scattered throughout the kingdom that we will have the chance to visit. 

 
After a morning of culture and history, we’ll take a a short trip to nearby Estremoz, renowned for its rich winemaking tradition and enjoy a relaxed afternoon wine tasting, savouring bold reds and fresh whites in one of the region’s welcoming cellars.
 
Dinner this evening is at leisure.
 
  • Breakfast included
Day Four : Badajoz

Day Four : Badajoz

After breakfast, we travel to Badajoz, a Spanish historic town right on the border with Portugal. Its location has shaped its identity for centuries, as it was often a strategic military stronghold. The city is best known for its impressive Moorish fortress, the Alcazaba, one of the largest in Europe, which offers sweeping views over the Guadiana River and the surrounding plains. 

 
Today, Badajoz blends its rich past with a relaxed, modern atmosphere. Its old town features charming squares, traditional tapas bars, and landmarks like the Cathedral of San Juan Bautista which we will explore on foot.

Length of Walk : 4KM / 2.5miles
Terrain : Town walking
Assent / Descent: +108 / -177m
 
This evening, we meet for dinner with drinks at the hotel.
 
  • Breakfast & dinner with drinks included
Day 5 : Day at Leisure

Day 5 : Day at Leisure

Today is a day of leisure where after a leisurely breakfast, you can explore this quiet town, a perfect spot for historic buildings or relax and unwind by the hotel pool. 

 
Start with Elvas Cathedral, framed by the multi-coloured pattern cobbles against its arched entrance. Maybe visit the impressive castle where sweeping views and ancient walls reveal the city’s strategic importance through the centuries. Nearby, the Amoreira Aqueduct stretches for almost 7km. Here you can take the time to enjoy its golden glow during the late afternoon sun.
 
  • Breakast & dinner with drinks included

Day Six : Marvão

Day Six : Marvão

Marvão is a small medieval town on the top of the hill, surrounded by walls and with a majestic castle that has defended the population from the Spanish armies throughout history. We can admire the spectacular views all around and into Spain. 

 
Perched on a granite crag of the São Mamede Mountains, it was recently considered one of the "1000 Places to see before you Die", by the New York Times. 
 
This is also an area famous for the olive oil production, which we’ll have the chance to taste in the afternoon. 

Length of Walk : 4KM / 2.5miles
Terrain : Town walking
Assent / Descent: +/-150m
  
This evening, dinner is at leisure.
 
  • Breakfast included
Day Seven : Campo Maior

Day Seven : Campo Maior

Today, we head to Campo Maior where it is like breathing centuries of fights and battles, now finally dormant in the ancient memory of its walls, defensive structures, barracks and castle. Legend has it that after the prehistoric and Roman occupations, it was the Moors who built the first city, Christianised in the early thirteenth century by people from neighbouring Badajoz in the kingdom of Castile. 

 
In the afternoon we’ll have the chance of discovering a more present history, associated with coffee - a long lasting motor of the local economy, with a visit to the Coffee Science centre.

Length of Walk : 4KM / 2.5miles
Terrain : Tarmac, dirt tracks
Assent / Descent: +78m / -79m
  
This evening, we meet for our farewell dinner at the hotel.
 
  • Breakfast & dinner with drinks included
Day Eight : Depart Lisbon

Day Eight : Depart Lisbon

After breakfast, we transfer back to Lisbon for our departing flight.

 
  • Breakfast included

Accommodation

Hotel São João de Deus

The Portuguese rated four-star Hotel São João de Deus, transports you to the 17th century where you can immerse yourself in the unique atmosphere of the hotel located in a former convent in the UNESCO classified fortified city of Elvas, where you are based to easily explore it's narrow streets, visit the imposing Forte da Graça and discover the rich regional cuisine.
Facilities include
The property offers:
  • Restaurant & Bar
  • Outdoor Pool
  • Complimentary WiFi
  • Outdoor Terrace/Patio
  • 24 Hour Reception
Room includes
The comfortable rooms feature:
  • Free WiFi
  • TV
  • Air-Conditioning
  • Safe
  • Hairdryer
  • Private facilities with shower over bath
  • Rooms views may vary with specific views not possible to guarantee. Some will have interior patio views, town views or garden views.
 
You may wish to bring a travel kettle for use in your hotel room.

Dates & Prices

Departure Return Nights Price from Other Info Regional flights
21 Mar 2027 28 Mar 2027 7
£2349
  Please call for regional flights

Essential Information

Walking Programme

Guided walks are included as part of this holiday. Your dedicated walking guide will brief you in resort on the daily walking programme.

The walking programme is graded by difficulty, and you can expect to walk varying distances with a range of ascents and descents. Some walks may be challenging, with uneven or rough terrain underfoot and sections at higher altitude. Please refer to the day-by-day itinerary for full details of each walk.

A good level of physical fitness is required to fully enjoy this holiday.

It is important that you consider whether your chosen holiday is suitable for your level of fitness, mobility and any medical conditions or additional needs. If you are unsure, please contact our team before booking. We will be happy to discuss the holiday requirements and your individual circumstances to help you decide whether the holiday is suitable for you.

We are committed to treating all customers fairly and will consider any reasonable adjustments where possible. Please let us know before booking if you have a disability, medical condition or any additional requirements that may affect your holiday. This allows us to assess whether we can safely and appropriately accommodate your needs and to ensure you have the best possible holiday experience.

Care should be taken at all times, particularly on uneven or wet terrain. If you normally use walking poles, we recommend bringing them with you. Sturdy walking boots or walking shoes are essential.

Please note that the route and content of the walking programme may need to change during the holiday, at the discretion of the specialist walking guide or local organiser, if local conditions require.

If you have any concerns during your trip, please speak to your specialist walking guide or Solos Tour Leader.

For further information, please refer to our website Terms and Conditions https://www.solosholidays.com/uk/terms-and-conditions/

 

 

What to Wear - Walking Days
It is important that you have the correct footwear. It is essential to wear walking boots that are comfortable and preferably lightweight, with some ankle support and a good grip. If you already have a pair of boots that you are happy walking in (including during hot/wet weather and on hard ground), then bring these along. However, if you are bringing new footwear, do make sure they are well broken in before you arrive. The weather, even in summer, can be unpredictable. We would therefore recommend you travel with clothing suitable for all conditions, and suggest you use the following checklist as a guideline of what to take:
  • Walking boots with good ankle support
  • Waterproofs – jacket and trousers
  • Walking poles – recommended as they provide good support for the knees, particularly on downhill sections of walks and when conditions are wet/slippery
  • Lightweight trousers and shorts with pockets
  • Shirts or t-shirts for walking in
  • Walking socks – several pairs
  • Lightweight fleece or jumper
  • Hat & gloves
  • Daysack/rucksack for walking
  • Umbrella – it can be used also for protection from the sun as well as rain
  • Lightweight drinking bottle to carry water whilst walking
  • Small first aid kit – plasters, insect repellent, etc
  • Good, high factor sunscreen, sunhat and sunglasses – the sun’s strength is often multiplied in mountainous areas.
Passport, Visa & Entry Requirements

From the 12th October 2025 the EU is introducing a new European Entry System (EES) that will be phased in and fully operational by the 10th April 2026. Non-EU nationals including British passport holders will now be required to complete biometric checks on arrival and exit to Schengen countries, which will include facial recognition and fingerprints. There is no cost for this, and no action needs to be taken prior to departure.

To enter Portugal or Madeira your passport must meet 2 requirements. It must be:  
  • less than 10 years old on the day you enter (check the ‘date of issue’) 
  • valid for at least 3 months after the day you plan to leave (check the ‘expiry date’) 
Check both the issue date and the expiry date in your passport. If you renewed your passport early, extra months may have been added to its expiry date. This could affect the requirement for your passport to be less than 10 years old. 
 
A visa is not required by holders of passports endorsed “British Citizen” for stays of upto 90 days in any 180-day period. Please note that stays in other EU countries counts towards this 90 day period. It is your responsibility to ensure that you have the correct visa, a valid passport and any other travel documents for your holiday. 
 
All information provided relates to British citizens who hold or are entitled to apply for a British passport. For the most up-to-date visa information please visit; Portugal Foreign Advice 
 
If you are not a British citizen and do not hold a British passport, you must make your own enquiries as to the applicable requirements.
Health Requirements
Compulsory vaccinations: None. 
 
All clients are responsible for acquainting themselves with up to date health information of the countries being visited and where necessary take the required precautions. We recommend that you check with your doctor prior to departure as this information can change. You can also visit the travel health website for more information; Travel Health Portugal
WhatsApp Group
Shortly before your holiday, you will be invited to join an optional WhatsApp group to connect with your fellow travellers and your Tour Leader.
Transfers
The transfer from Lisbon Airport the hotel in Elvas is approximately 2 hours 15 minutes.
Gratuities
There is often confusion on the question of gratuities, since it frequently depends on the type of holiday, location and, of course, your attitude towards tipping, as to what is normally expected. To give you a rough idea, we have given appropriate guidance below.

Your Tour Leader will be on hand to offer advice or suggestions if required but gratuities are offered entirely at the sole discretion of the individual. We suggest a group collection at the beginning of your holiday to cover drivers, guides, porters, and hotel staff of approximately €25 per person. Your Tour Leader will collect this on your behalf and distribute it, accordingly, thus relieving you of the burden of who, when and how much to tip.

You May Also Like

Walking the Golden Alentejo, Portugal

Walking the Golden Alentejo, Portugal

Walks & Treks
7 nights in Portugal
Walking the Vicentina Route, Portugal

Walking the Vicentina Route, Portugal

Walks & Treks
7 nights in Portugal
Walking the Spanish Sierra de las Nieves

Walking the Spanish Sierra de las Nieves

Walks & Treks
7 nights in Spain
Portugal Walking & the Knights Templar

Portugal Walking & the Knights Templar

Walks & Treks
7 nights in Portugal

Rated as Excellent (4.8/5) by our customers

Feefo logo
quote icon

First Class

I’d highly recommend Solos to people looking to travel on their own with a group of like minded people.
-David F

quote icon

Fabulous experience

Solos are extremely organised and provide fantastic holidays for people on their own. The tour leaders are of a very high standard and are extremely caring with the guests.
-Carole

quote icon

Don't Delay any Longer!

This was my first Solos holiday and it hugely exceeded my expectations. Lovely, lovely people made the holiday so special.....it will stay with me for always
-L Heaton

quote icon

Well worth going

I’ve recently returned from my first Solos holiday and had a fantastic time. I can honestly say that I enjoyed every minute, and the memories will last a lifetime.
-Patricia B

As seen in...

Sign up for latest news and offers

Sign Up
Loading...