As soon as we turn the ignition key of our classic MGA Roadster, we hear the characteristic growl of the engines - deep, rich and full of anticipation. Ahead of us lies the Alentejo: one of Portugal's most pristine regions, and still a real insider tip for classic car enthusiasts. Far off the beaten tourist track, the Alentejo offers ideal conditions for a stylish classic car trip - winding country roads, little traffic, beautiful and unspoiled nature and - last but not least - a rich cultural history. With Vintage Tours, this becomes an unforgettable road trip in a classic car.
From Lisbon straight to deceleration
Even the journey there is an experience. After landing in Lisbon, the transfer to the starting point of our road trip takes barely an hour. We spend the first night in Alcácer do Sal, also known as the gateway to the Alentejo. The pousada, which is housed in a former Moorish castle, offers us a unique view of the River Sado. The next morning, we immerse ourselves in the tranquil landscapes of the Alentejo.
Everyday life falls away from us, the pace slows down - and suddenly we are in the middle of it all: just us, our MGAs and this endless expanse. With every bend in the road heading east, the feeling of having arrived grows stronger - not just at a place, but also at ourselves.
Perfect routes for classic cars
The Alentejo is the rural heart of Portugal - quiet, wide, authentic. Gentle hills stretch to the horizon, interspersed with cork oak forests, olive groves and extensive vineyards. Perfect for a road trip in a classic car, where every bend in the road is a pleasure.
The carefully selected route of our Vintage Tour takes us along roads that are made for classic cars: long, well-maintained and almost deserted. Always with a view of the endless expanse, whitewashed villages or castles and fortifications that characterize the Alentejo landscape.
The MGA roadsters combine sporty elegance with pure driving pleasure
And what makes this trip so special are the vehicles themselves: The MGA Roadsters from Vintage Tours are made for these routes. The fleet is immaculately maintained - both visually and technically - and offers real driving pleasure. Even if you have no previous experience with classic cars, the roadsters are easy, direct and intuitive to drive - perfect for newcomers to the world of classic car tours.
Thanks to the professional introduction before departure, you feel safe and free from the very first kilometer - and can concentrate on enjoying the road trip, which becomes a stylish journey through time.
Two faces, one magic
In spring, the Alentejo is surprisingly green and lively. Everywhere is blooming and fragrant, the meadows are lush and the numerous water reservoirs sparkle in the sun. In autumn, on the other hand, the landscape is characterized by warm, golden hues. These seasons give the Alentejo two completely different but equally fascinating faces. Each month brings its own magic - in March, the blossoming almond trees
almond trees in March and the grape harvest in October. At any time of year, the Alentejo is a paradise for photographers and pleasure travelers.
Warm encounters by the roadside
We let ourselves drift, enjoy the views and stop at enchanted places. In the small villages with their whitewashed houses, colorful shutters and cobbled streets, time seems to have stood still. It is this pleasant deceleration that makes this tour so appealing. The people are warm, curious and open - wherever we stop in our MGA Roadsters, we are met with a smile, sometimes applause or an enthusiastic greeting. There is an immediate connection - between the people, our vehicles and this unique, friendly region.
Between white villages and ancient monasteries
Despite its rural character, the Alentejo is rich in history. Everywhere we go, we come across impressive evidence of the past - from Roman temples and Moorish city walls to medieval castles and magnificent monasteries. We stroll through the UNESCO World Heritage city of Évora and stop off at the pousada to enjoy a typical lunch in the impressive cloister of the former monastery.
We admire the fortifications and the aqueduct of Elvas, lose ourselves in the alleyways of Estremoz or enjoy the panoramic view from the castle hill of Monsaraz. We have the feeling that every town and every bend in the road tells a new story about the Alentejo.
True luxury: the Pousadas de Portugal
A real highlight of our vintage tour are the overnight stays in the Pousadas de Portugal - historic buildings that now serve as stylish hotels. Whether in the former monastery of Arraiolos, in the impressive monastery in Flor da Rosa or in the Pousada of Beja: comfort, history and atmosphere merge in a unique way here. After a day in a vintage car, a night within these walls feels like an extension of our journey through time. And the next morning, the ignition key is already waiting in the ignition and the promising silence of the streets.
Driving pleasure meets culinary culture
The Alentejo also lives up to its culinary promises. We enjoy regional specialties such as migas, açorda, goat's cheese, fresh olive oil, sweet almond desserts and, of course, the famous Alentejo wines. Enjoyment and authenticity go hand in hand here - without frills, but full of character. Vintage Tours has a good sense of where it is worth stopping for a bite to eat - be it in a traditional tavern along the way or in carefully selected restaurants where we dine.
Experience, network, passion
What makes this trip special, however, is the combination of driving pleasure and immersion in the real, original Portugal. Vintage Tours succeeds masterfully in weaving these elements together. Matthias Haux, the founder of Vintage Tours, and his wife are passionate classic car drivers and Portugal experts themselves, have been traveling the country for over 20 years and have built up a finely woven network - from local producers to special hosts in pousadas, restaurants and small family businesses. This deep connection with the country and its people and the resulting authenticity can be felt by guests at every stage.
An experience that will be remembered for a long time
Every tour is more than just a classic round trip: it is an encounter, experience and discovery all in one. You don't just ride through the Alentejo - you become a part of it. And that makes all the difference. You realize that someone here has created a unique experience with passion, knowledge and flair. An experience that lasts.
At the end of this road trip through the Alentejo, one thing remains above all: a deep sense of tranquillity. The combination of classic cars, untouched nature, living history and genuine warmth is like a balm for the soul. The Alentejo is not a place to drive through - it is a place to experience, marvel and arrive. And thanks to Vintage Tours, it is one of the most beautiful and stylish destinations for classic car tours in Europe.
About Vintage Tours
Vintage Tours organizes exclusive classic car tours in Portugal and neighboring regions in Spain. We combine our passion for Portugal and classic cars with our great affinity for high-class hotels and gastronomy. With our program, we enable classic car enthusiasts as well as lovers of exclusive trips to experience the most beautiful regions of Portugal and the Iberian Peninsula in a classic car. For this purpose, we offer our own fleet of perfectly maintained MGA roadsters that combine driving pleasure and elegance.
Vintage Tours' trips are based on many kilometers of driving, because all road trips are prepared with great attention to detail and leave nothing to be desired.
With Vintage Tours, you can immerse yourself in the most beautiful landscapes and the rich culture of one of Europe's most pristine regions.
Further information can be found on the organizer's website.
