Bespoke Iberian Journeys: Portugal, Spain & the Partridges

The first three days after our arrival, we will explore some of Portugal’s greatest national treasures. We will experience Lisbon in our own private tram, winding our way through Lisbon’s vibrant neighborhoods. Lisbon’s bright yellow trams are real icons of the city, having been in use since the late 19th century.

Monsaraz

From Lisbon, we will journey on to the fascinating region of Alentejo, known for its cork oak forests, vineyards, rolling plains and slow-paced, traditional lifestyle. During our two days in Alentejo, we will enjoy an array of curated experiences, including:

• Évora, a UNESCO World Heritage Site known for its rich history and featuring a 1st-century Roman Temple, a 13th-century Cathedral, and the 17th-century Chapel of Bones
• São Lourenço do Barrocal olive grove, where we will learn how olive oil is produced and enjoy a tasting of their high quality olive oil
• São Lourenço do Barrocal vineyards with a private experience including wine tastings, lunch and dinner

Madrid

From Monsaraz, we will transfer to the Lisbon Airport for our flight to Madrid. Once arriving in Madrid we will transfer to the luxurious Mandarin Oriental Ritz Hotel, in the city’s famed Golden Triangle of Art.

You will have time to walk around Madrid or just stay in and enjoy the opulent Mandarin Oriental Ritz. On our first evening in Madrid, we will have a private dinner at Rootiq, a chic fire-cuisine hotspot in the Chueca district, a Spanish steakhouse that stands as a favorite among local foodies.

The following day after breakfast we will enjoy a half day city tour of Madrid, where we will enjoy a lovely lunch and then we will be picked up for our private transfer to the Monasterio de San Pelayo. The drive is around two hours from the hotel.

San Pelayo

Upon arrival at the sensational Monasterio, we will have the afternoon to relax and tour the Monastery property before gathering for cocktails and a beautiful dinner. Shooters who are renting guns may head to the gun room to select their pair of fine shotguns for the two days of partridge shooting.

Spain’s legendary driven partridge shooting is fast, high and exhilarating, and San Pelayo is widely regarded as one of the finest venues in the country. The estate’s dramatic terrain, deep valleys, oak forests, and brush-covered ridges, produces powerful, challenging birds that reward experienced guns. Beaters flush out the birds on horseback, providing a magnificent energy to the daily spectacle.

World-class Spanish loaders and secretarios manage every detail with precision and grace, allowing you to focus entirely on the rhythm, flow and enjoyment of the shoot. Each drive is meticulously planned for wind, variety and spectacle, delivering a sporting experience that is both authentic and exceptional.

While shooters are in the field, non-hunting companions will enjoy exploring the magnificent estate, as well as curated experiences of Spain’s rich culture, heritage and way of life.

Dining throughout the stay is a celebration of Castilian hospitality: indulgent breakfasts, memorable field lunches, and refined multi-course dinners paired with exceptional Spanish wines.

The One Palácio da Anunciada is situated in the heart of Lisbon, Portugal, with access to Avenida da Liberdade and Praça dos Restauradores. The hotel has elegant and cosy rooms and suites featuring safes, ironing facilities, tea/coffee-making facilities, private bathrooms, hairdryers, bathrobes, slippers, TVs, and minibars. Facilities and services include a swimming pool, dining and drinking establishments, a gym, meeting/event spaces, electric vehicle charging points, and Wi-Fi.

São Lourenço do Barrocal is located in the Alentejo region of Portugal, near the medieval village of Monsaraz and the Alqueva Lake. The estate is surrounded by olive groves, vineyards, and ancient archaeological sites, offering a strong connection to the region’s rural heritage. Accommodation includes rooms and cottages with features such as air-conditioning, free Wi-Fi, and minibars. Dining options highlight Alentejo cuisine, using organic produce from the estate and nearby farms. Guests can enjoy a range of leisure options including a spa, horse riding, and wine tasting, all set within a working farm and historic landscape.

The Mandarin Oriental Ritz Madrid is a luxurious hotel that rests right in the heart of Madrid. It is just minutes walk from the Museo del Prado, Neptune Fountain and Puerta del Sol Madrid, as well as numerous other famed attractions. The regal, antiques-filled rooms are all a haven of relaxation equipped with modern features such as Wi-Fi, a flat-screen TV and a minibar. The suites feature fireplaces and/or crystal chandeliers. When it comes to dining, guests can savour innovative Spanish cuisine at the remarkable restaurant, relax on the terrace or in the luxe caviar bar with a drink and indulge in afternoon tea in the lavish hall. Other amenities include a chic spa and a fitness room.

Monestario San Pelayo itself is an awe-inspiring venue that stands as one of the most unique and revered shooting estates in the world. Through the vision and significant financial investments of San Pelayo’s ownership group, the centuries old monastery, previously in a state of ruin, has been artfully restored for luxe modern comfort, while retaining its original Roman, Gothic, and Renaissance architectural elements.

Guests reside in expansive stone-arched suites with lavish baths, crackling fireplaces and elegant common spaces that honor centuries of history while delivering every modern comfort. Evenings unfold with a culinary journey into a world of elite Spanish cuisine paired with exceptional Rioja and Ribera del Duero wines in the cloistered courtyard, an atmosphere that is intimate, historic and profoundly unforgettable.