From enviable beaches and eclectic architecture to quaint fishing villages and famous vineyards, Portugal is a culture-rich country brimming with old-world charm. Alongside Roman stones and medieval convents, Lisbon boasts exquisite tile work on every corner. North, the World Heritage Site of the Douro Valley awaits. Majestic, with vertiginous riverbanks sculpted by centuries of vineyard cultivation, it is the world's oldest wine producing region and home of the famous port wine. Down river, Porto is a tightly-clustered assortment of colorful tumbledown houses, soaring bell towers and stately Baroque churches.
On this journey, we are mixing city culture & history with some of the country's best food and wine regions. Embark on an easy and flexible journey with our hosts, do as much or as little as you'd like, and indulge in Portugal's colonial past, its history and its incredible culinary scene.
On this 9 day/8 night journey, we introduce you to Portugal's past and present. You will get to touch on all aspects of this country's best assets. From its architecture to its history, from its food and wine scene to its culture & its people, no stones will be left un-turned.
This journey is the perfect fit for guests who enjoyed being pampered and having some flexibility to discover at their own pace and enjoy local cuisine through their own choices.
Welcome to Portugal and its capital Lisbon. On arrival, your private driver whisks you away to the lovely property in the heart of the city. After a light lunch, join our local tour guide for a 4-hour walking tour of its most incredible and historical sites. This port city has a rich tradition of exploration and discovery, with many buildings and monuments reflecting its maritime past. Modern architecture blends with ancient monuments and a zest for life is reflected in an insatiable appetite for music and nightlife. Later, join us for our welcome dinner, the first of many flavorful and authentic meals on this journey. It is paired with incredible wines from the region.
This morning, we make our way to Sintra and Cascais. In this region of Portugal boasting a strong Moorish influence, we uncover very different architecture only miles apart. We first start with the Pena National Palace and continue with the palace Regaleira. After lunch in the beautiful town of Sintra, we make our way to the imposing Moorish structure Castello Dos Mouros, a hilttop 8th military fortification that bears witness to the Islamic presence in the region. We finish with the seaside town of Cascais where, at leisure, you enjoy dinner at one of our recommended local eateries.
This morning, we make our way to the Alentejo region, where wine and incredible food flows in abundance. We start with a stop in the lovely town of Evora where we are met by a local foodie guide for a private tour of the city's main sites and a taste of Evora. Our lunch (included) takes place at one of the best eatery in the region, Origens. We continue our journey to Estremoz where we are expected for an afternoon cellar tour and wine tasting at Quinta Do Carmo. We arrive back in Lisbon on time for a dinner at leisure, with our recommendations.
After breakfast, we start our journey towards Douro, further north. After two hours, we reach Coimbra, where we stop for lunch and some time to discover the town on your own. Coimbra is firstly a lesson of Portuguese History.Here is the grave of Kings Afonso Henriques and Sancho I, the first Portuguese Kings and, all over the city, you will discover landmarks left by those who built the nation. From the magnificent scale of the Joanine Library to the symbolism of the Santa Cruz convent, the old capital of the Kingdom is full of heritage from the past. We then continue our journey towards Douro which we reach late afternoon, on time for wine and dinner at leisure.
After a morning at leisure, much needed to recover from a long drive the previous day, we make our way to a local farm where we enjoy a cooking class and lunch. Before heading back to our property, we make one additional stop at one of the wineries for a port tasting. After some time to freshen up, we make our way to the Six Senses Douro, where we take place in a wine tasting before joining their Chef for a very personal journey of food and wine at his table. Our 10-courses meal is prepared by our host, right before your eyes. Follow the process and complete the experience with selected accompanying wines. The evening end with some of their best port, of course.
Full steam ahead as we have another busy day of food & wine waiting for us. After driving through the windy roads of the valley, and admiring some of the most incredible views along the way, we stop at our first winery. We then enjoy lunch at Cozinha (Kitchen) da Clara at Quinta de La Rosa. Our day being far from over, we make our way to a second winery where we enjoy some of their local ports. It is followed by a private boat trip on the Douro river with a spectacular view of this UNESCO World Heritage Site. Tonight is at leisure, with our recommendations.
Time to depart the Douro valley and make our way to the coast where we find colorful Porto. On the way, we stop by Guimaraes, the birthplace of Portugal as it is often referred as. The historical center in the area that was within the Guimarães city walls, is associated with the formation and identity of Portugal, and was classified a World Heritage site based on the originality and authenticity applied in its restoration. The city still has a harmonious, well-preserved heritage that is evident in the graceful iron verandas, granite balconies and porticos, mansions, arches connecting the narrow streets, paving slabs smoothed by time, towers and cloisters. On arrival in Porto, the rest of the afternoon and evening are at leisure.
Built on a steep riverbank, a jumble of colorful medieval houses hug the calm waters of the Douro River where wooden boats bob on the surface and people spill out of its cafes and bars, more often than not with a glass of the wine that gave the city its name. This morning, we enjoy a private guided tour of the city’s main sites, and tonight, we treat you to an explosion of all the flavors of Portugal, with a petiscos tasting dinner (paired with local wines), made up of lots of tasty dishes that showcase the country's rich culinary heritage.
Extend your stay in or beyond Portugal (how about Morocco?), or head home. Either way, we have you covered with a private airport transfer.
Valverde is hidden behind a discreet door on Avenue da Liberdade, in one of the most exclusive areas of Lisbon.
All the more charming for its hidden character, the hotel evokes the air of a stately town house with its perfectly polished design. The deep colors that shade the walls contrast with the bright tones of the fabrics and cushions. A clever mix of retro details and antiques, vintage furniture and art prints extends from the entrance to the rooms. With high ceilings and exposed plumbing, the quasi-industrial ambience of the restaurant, O Sítio, belies the intimate dining experience.
Enjoy an exquisite Portuguese cuisine to which chef Carla Sousa adds a delightful Cape Verdean touch.
The Quinta da Corte invites its guests to a stay at home, combining the Portuguese tradition with modern luxury. The historic Quinta from the 19th century, is settled within the authentic wine yards of North Portugal. The infinity pool and panoramic terrace invite for relaxing hours, overlooking the beautiful Douro valley.
The Quinta da Corte offers 4 double bedrooms, 3 double deluxe bedrooms and one Studio. All beautiful decorated rooms offer comfortable double beds with excellent bed linen, modern bathroom which Portuguese tiles and outstanding views over the Douro valley. The Quinta has a common kitchen where all guests can join the cooking classes to learn about the Portuguese cooking secrets. A living area invites to relax or learn about the secrets of port wine. And an open eating area invites to enjoy the breakfast which is daily served with local products.
Built from a 500-year-old small palace, the façade keeps the large wooden doors, the large windows surmounted by triangular pediments, wrought iron balconies and stonework emblazoned with a 16th-century coat of arms; Samuel Torres de Carvalho, the hotel’s architect, sought out to protect the origins of the building while also "contemporizing" it.
The old stables have been transformed into the hotel entrance. The floor and staircase have been revived and the original granite slabs remain. The hotel is adorned with other odes to the past including tiles, windows, original stone decorative motifs and an old kitchen oven that connects the mansion building to the hotel's new wing. Accommodations include 55 rooms in the new building and 11 in the old mansion. Seven room types are available for different experiences, offering beds (most over six-feet wide), and all the PortoBay amenities. Large windows and balconies available on the upper floors offer views of restored houses, including Porto Cathedral, which extends down to the Douro River.
Rates displayed are per person, based on double occupancy.
All listed retreats (hotels, villas and barges) are, at times, subject to changes. If replaced, similar or higher standards will be upheld.
A refundable deposit of $1000 per person is due at the time of your reservation. In case of a cancelation at more than 60 days prior to departure, your deposit will be returned minus a $250 per person administrative fee.
Your final balance is due 60 days prior to departure, at which point your journey becomes non-refundable.
NEW! Find a replacement at least 30 days prior to departure and your journey will be fully refunded, minus a $250 per person administrative fee.