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. Downriver, 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 and 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.
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 welcome lunch, join our local tour guide for a 4-hour walking tour of its most impressive historical sites. This port city has a rich tradition of exploration and discovery, with 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 superb wines from the region.
This morning, we make our way to Sintra and Cascais. In this region of Portugal which boasts a strong Moorish influence, we uncover diverse architectural designs, just miles apart. We start with the Pena National Palace and continue to the Palace Regaleira. After lunch in the beautiful town of Sintra, we make our way to the imposing Moorish structure Castello Dos Mouros, a hilltop 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 may 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 begin 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 most iconic sites and experience a taste of Evora. Lunch is held at one of the best eateries in the region, Origens. We continue our journey to Estremoz where an afternoon cellar tour and wine tasting at Quinta Do Carmo awaits. On arrival back in Lisbon, dinner can be enjoyed at leisure, with our recommendations.
After breakfast, we leave Lisbon behind and make our way to the Douro Wine Region, further north. A two-hour scenic drive takes us to Coimbra, where we stop for lunch and a self-guided discovery of the town. Coimbra is a lesson in Portuguese history, home to the graves of Kings Afonso Henriques and Sancho I, the first Portuguese Kings. Throughout the city, landmarks left by those who built the nation are evident. From the magnificent scale of the Joanine Library to the symbolism of the Santa Cruz convent, the old capital of the Kingdom is packed with history and heritage. Our journey towards Douro continues, which we reach late afternoon, just in 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 (and digest), we make our way to the Six Senses Douro, where we take place in a wine tasting before enjoying a personal journey of food and wine carefully designed by their Chef. The evening ends with some of their best port, of course.
Full steam ahead as we have another busy day of food and 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. Let our travel experts know about possible extensions beyond Portugal, and they will be delighted to craft your very own experience.
Our day-to-day itinerary may, from time to time and prior to departure, need to be altered or slightly modified to address possible unforeseen logistical and weather challenges. In such rare instances, Art In Voyage guarantees delivery of the content of the itinerary yet, in a different order.
All listed retreats (hotels, villas, and barges) are, at times, subject to changes. In such rare instances, similar or higher standards will be upheld.
In case of a cancelation at more than 90 days prior to departure, your deposit will be returned minus a $250 per person administrative fee.
In case of a cancelation within the penalty period: Find a replacement at least 30 days prior to departure and your journey will be fully refunded, minus a $250 per person administrative fee.