Detailed course itinerary
Situated in Portel, a beautiful village inland from Lisbon close to the border with Spain; this elegant 19th century manor house will be the setting for your Portuguese cookery holiday where you will learn to create delicious local dishes whilst staying in one of the many stunning bedrooms.
During a hands-on Portuguese cooking class, you will learn from a professional Portuguese chef how to create a typical 3 course Portuguese menu; all dishes are created using only fresh and seasonal produce and are simple but authentic so you are able to recreate them once you are back at home.
You will be taught in a kitchen that opens up to the courtyard with views of the surrounding countryside, you’ll relax at the end of your cooking lessons to eat the delicious meal you’ve cooked accompanied by a glass of local wine.
Be inspired and combine hands-on Portuguese cooking lessons with a short stay in this beautiful and relaxing retreat in the heart of the Portuguese countryside– learn to cook on your next holiday to Portugal and take home a new skill that will stay with you long after the holiday is over.
Suitability
- Suitable for all levels from beginner cooks to advanced cooks
- Please note that the course can only be booked for a minimum of 2 persons travelling together
- Minimum age 18
- Cooking lessons are taught in Portuguese or English
Portuguese Cooking Holiday Start Days
- You may arrive any day of the week you choose
- You will stay in a twin/double room in the manor house for 2 night / 3 days
- Please note that all cookery holidays are on request although we are able to accommodate most requests so please call us on 08445 020 445 or email hello@golearnto.com to request your ideal arrival date
Portuguese Cookery Holiday Itinerary
Day 1
- You may check-in to the hotel anytime after 2pm
- You will have the afternoon free to settle in and unpack
- If you wish you can spend the rest of the day exploring the area or simply relaxing by the swimming pool
- In the evening, you are welcome to dine at the hotel’s restaurant or there are many other restaurants to choose from in Portel or nearby Evora (a UNESCO site)
Day 2
- You will start the day by enjoying a leisurely breakfast in the hotel’s restaurant
- Your Portuguese cooking lesson will take place either at lunch (11am) or dinner (6pm) time and last for 2.5 hours; exact lesson times are subject to availability but if you have a preference please enter this in the special requests box during the booking process and we will do our best to accommodate your request
- After your cooking lesson you will sit down to eat the delicious food you have prepared for either lunch or dinner according to your lesson time
- Depending on your cooking lesson time, you will have the day free to explore the beautiful region of Alentejo, visit the UNECSO site of Evora or relax and take advantage of the hotel’s facilities
Day 3
- After breakfast, guests are asked to check-out of their rooms ready for departure taking home with them new cooking skills that will stay with them long after the holiday is over
What Will I Learn?
- How to select fresh and seasonal produce
- The history of Portuguese food and cooking from the region
- How to cook a traditional Portuguese 3 course meal
- You’ll also pair the right wine with your food before sitting down to enjoy your dinner or lunch
Sample Portuguese Dishes
The menu for your Portuguese cooking lesson will be created depending on the seasonal produce available to ensure you learn to cook with delicious, fresh produce but please find below a list of example dishes:
Starters
Esacabeche of Sardinnes
Gaspacho
Chourizo with chestnuts
Goat cheese salad with tomato and oregano
Wild asparagus with eggs
Cod fish salad with chickpea
Mains
Monk fish with coriander
Seabass Boillabaisse
Cataplana of seafood
Squid rice
Local Alentejo pork meat with clams
Wildboar with beans
Lamb stew
Chicken breasts with local herbs and white wine
Desserts
Local pudding
Pears in port wine
Champagne / Wine Mousse
Goat cheese cake
Apples with cinnamon
Accommodation At The Manor House
- The elegant manor house was built in 1834 has 12 beautiful rooms in the main house and 18 garden rooms, and is situated in the small town of Portel, close to the Spanish border in the heart of the stunning Alentejo region
- The manor house has been tastefully restored to ensure maximum comfort during your stay, your room has twin beds or a double bed, private bathroom, air-conditioning, telephone, satellite TV, mini-bar and beautiful views
- All prices are based on two persons sharing the twin/double rooms including breakfast
- The hotel also provides the following features, a large swimming pool, gardens, a large sitting room, snooker room with open fireplaces, restaurant and bar
Want To Stay Longer Or Cook More?
- Extra nights can be added to your stay for approximately £100 per room per night if you wish to stay longer, prices vary depening on the time or year or day of week so please do check and we'll get the best quote for you for extra nights
- If you would like to cook more delicious Portuguese food, you can add an extra cooking lesson to your holiday for approximately £90 per person per lesson
- If you would like to add any of the above options please email your requests to hello@golearnto.com
Take time out of your holiday in Portugal to spend 2 nights at this charming retreat in the heart of Portugal and go learn to cook authentic Portuguese cuisine for a learning holiday with a difference.