Tour guides are paid to know their destinations – but there’s no substitute for local knowledge
The tiny hilltop village of Monsaraz in Alentejo is among the most scenic in Portugal. With its dwellings protected behind medieval walls, the village has a delightful charm that the inhabitants have preserved by maintaining their ancient white homes and the narrow, slated streets. A castle dominates Monsaraz and you can climb its battlements for a bird’s eye view of the surrounding countryside. You can even explore an arena set within the castle’s ramparts, where bullfights are held every year. The town is a stunning snapshot of Portugal life centuries ago.
This jewel in the crown of Alentejo is 7km from where senior group co-ordinator with NRMA Travel, Tony Mota, was born – and his family still resides there. On this tour, Tony will introduce you to them personally.
“NRMA has set up this tour to give people an intimate view of life in Portugal and Spain,” says Tony. “I’ll be taking people to my parents’ farm and my aim is to give people the opportunity to interact with local populations throughout the tour.”
Tony has lived all over the world and speaks with a South African accent, but he is still fond of his birthplace. Assisting him with next year’s tours to the region is NRMA groups manager, Patrice Sydor, who is fluent in Portuguese and Spanish. Their language skills and local knowledge will really help those hoping to experience a slice of life ‘Iberian style’.
Tony and Patrice look forward to introducing tour-goers to some of Spain and Portugal’s culinary delights. There will be wine and tapas tasting, as well as the chance to take part in a cooking display of paella, a traditional Spanish dish. It’s the region’s desserts, however, that get Tony most excited. “In Alentejo, it’s tradition to make bola de amêndoa, which is a sweet using crushed almonds and coconuts. Another is encharcada, which uses egg yolk and – would you believe it? – pumpkin. Both are simply delicious and we’ll get to sample them both on my parents’ farm.”
After sightseeing and sampling delicious foods, tour-group members will be able to lay their heads at some of the paradores and pousadas of Spain and Portugal. These are palaces, convents, town halls and monasteries that have been restored and converted into hotels – and are often destinations themselves. One of the best is Spain’s Hostal de los Reis Catolicos de Santiago de Compostela, which originated as a Royal Hospital in 1499 to give shelter to travellers making their way to Santiago. Considered the oldest hotel in the world, it is also one of the most luxurious and beautiful.
According to Tony, who will soon travel to Europe to finalise arrangements, this tour promises to be one of NRMA’s best – and not just because it has personal significance to him. “I’ve led tours overseas for about 20 years,” he says, “but this one I can barely wait to take people on.”
NRMA’s 19-day tour to Spain and Portugal begins for the first time in 2009. Two departures have been arranged:
Both departures avoid the scorching summer heat. Prices start at $8870 plus airfares.
Call 1300 851 997 for more information.
Open Road September/October 2008
4WD
