Portugal Unveiled

Fly into Lisbon Airport and catch a taxi to the charming Pousada de Lisboa. Once everyone is settled in, we'll gather in the lobby to head out on a short walk to our dinner spot. 

Tonight, we'll dine at Essential and savor a delightful dinner. Each season, they carefully craft a set menu inspired by a different world cuisine, such as Creole, Italian, Thai, and more. While their flavors take us around the globe, their ingredients stay firmly anchored in Portugal.

We'll return to the hotel for some much-needed rest, dreaming of the adventures to come. 

Following breakfast, we’ll familiarize ourselves with this beautiful city on a walking tour led by one of our native trip hosts. You won't find a better way to see the ins and outs of Lisbon than with a local!

Next, we'll tap into our inner creativity and make our own azulejos (Portuguese tiles). Tiles have symbolized Portuguese identity for centuries as decoration and cultural expression, and we'll see plenty of them around the towns we explore on this trip. Making our own is a fantastic way to appreciate the craftsmanship that goes into these iconic tiles.

We’ll head to Zambeze for lunch, where Portuguese cuisine meets African influences. This unique restaurant offers stunning panoramic views of Lisbon and the Tagus River. 

We'll round out the afternoon with a trip to the magnificent Palácio Marquês Fronteira, a true hidden 17th-century gem. This estate is a masterpiece of the Portuguese baroque period, offering a glimpse into the aristocratic life of the time. 

Dinner tonight will be at Can the Can, an inviting, contemporary Portuguese restaurant using local, fresh ingredients to celebrate the country and its people. It's the perfect place to savor bright dishes and perfectly complementary wine.

We'll enjoy breakfast before making our way to the Jerónimos Monastery, a stunning show of Portuguese architecture built in 1501. With a sunshine-soaked cloister and hallways that are begging to be roamed, this monastery is a must-see in Lisbon. 

We'll certainly need a drink and a sweet pick-me-up after our morning adventure, and there's no better way to satisfy that craving than with a Pasteis de Belem. Similar to the well-loved pastel de nata, Belem has its own spin on the popular pastry. 

The historic adventure continues with a visit to the National Coach Museum. While somewhat niche, you'll find this collection of carriages from the 16th to 19th century surprisingly fascinating. The touring vehicles of previous royal houses of Portugal are truly sights to see. 

We'll stop for lunch at MAAT Kitchen, located inside the Museum of Art, Architecture and Technology overlooking the river. 

Since we're already in the iconic neighborhood of Belem, our guide will take us on an informative and interesting tour of the historic district. 

We've had a busy day! Dinner tonight will be on your own. Your guide will be happy to offer local suggestions for a meal or a cocktail.

Although our time in Lisbon has come to an end, this is just the beginning of our adventures through Portugal. 

After breakfast, our driver will pick us up from the hotel, and we'll join up with the rest of the group joining us on the core trip. Off to Porto we go!

For those of you not joining us on the extension, fly into Lisbon Airport on the morning of April 28th. If you need time to rest after the long flight or want to explore Lisbon, consider arriving a day or two early. We are providing a four-day pre-trip extension for travelers eager to discover the attractions of the capital city.

We'll pick you up at our pre-trip hotel around 9:00 am or at Lisbon Airport at 9:30 am (please arrive no later than 8:30 am). From there, our journey begins as we head north towards Obidos for our seaside stay, about 1.5 hours away.

En route, we'll explore the vibrant Pena Palace, created by King Ferdinand II, on the grounds of a medieval chapel in the early 1800s. We'll stop to eat tapas at A Tasca do Strauss before continuing our journey.

After lunch, we'll arrive at the Storytellers Palace, our home for the first two nights. This lovely hotel is located in São Martinho do Porto, just a short distance from the beach and close to the historic town of Óbidos.

After settling in, we'll gather for a welcome cocktail or a glass of bubbly to discuss the week's agenda. It's the perfect time to sample Pasteis de Nata, Portugal's famous custard tart. We'll dine at The Green Room Restaurant in our enchanting, historic hotel around 8 pm.

Today, we'll start with a historic walking tour of Óbidos town, stopping often to peek into shops and take a few photos.  

We'll take the opportunity to see the Igreja de Santa Maria with its classic tiles (azulejos), several other historic town churches, and the town's southern gate.

After our tour, we'll enjoy a satisfyingly rustic lunch alfresco at Ja!mon Ja!mon. It's tapas-style again, allowing us to sample several small Portuguese dishes. 

We'll have free time to shop in the afternoon. Before leaving, we'll try Ginjinha, the famous sour cherry liqueur served in a chocolate cup. The finest is produced in Óbidos. 

Tonight, we'll enjoy dinner at Taberna Marginal, a small plate, fusion-style restaurant on the coast.

Get ready for an early departure today as we make our way to the Douro wine region. We have about 3 hours in total to drive today, but we're making several stops along the way!

We'll begin the day with a stop in Coimbra, where we'll visit the historic University of Coimbra and the remarkable Joanina Library—a baroque treasure filled with centuries-old books, gilded woodwork, and ornate frescoes. There will be time to wander the university grounds or enjoy a coffee in the town square before continuing.

From there, we'll head to the coast and stop for lunch at the Sétimo Beach Club, where we can enjoy fresh seafood and a picture-perfect view of the Atlantic Ocean.

In the afternoon, we'll continue our scenic drive into the Douro Valley, arriving at the spectacular Quinta do Vallado, our home for the next two nights.

Before dinner, there will be time to settle in, relax, or take a short walk through the surrounding vineyard trails at your leisure.

Tonight, we'll sip wines from the estate and indulge in a luxurious dinner featuring regional specialties.

After breakfast at the hotel, we'll set out to experience the essence and magnificence of the Douro Valley.

We'll begin the day with a visit to the stunning Palácio de Mateus, a baroque estate known for its iconic façade, manicured gardens, and historical significance. We'll enjoy a guided tour of the palace and its grounds, followed by a wine tasting featuring selections from the estate’s vineyard, a perfect way to take in the rich history and beauty of the setting.

Lunch will be served at The River, a local favorite renowned for its regional dishes and scenic waterfront setting.

Around 5 pm in Pinhão, we'll board our private boat for a boat tour with Anima Durius on the Unbelievable. We'll sip regional wines and enjoy a full charcuterie tray, along with other appetizers. This will serve as dinner while we float by the extensive wine estates on the surrounding hillsides.

After breakfast, we'll depart wine country and drive to Porto. Once we drop our bags at the hotel, we’ll head out on a walking tour of the city.

We’ll explore the Ribeira District, cross the Dom Luís I Bridge for river views, visit São Bento Station, Porto Cathedral, Palácio da Bolsa, and Mercado do Bolhão. Along the way on this jam-packed tour, we’ll spot vibrant street art and gain a sense of the city's rich culture.

Around 1:00 pm, we’ll return to the hotel for lunch and check in to the 5-star Porto Bay Flores, our home for the next two nights. The building itself has over 500 years of history and sits in a bustling part of town.

In the afternoon, we’ll visit Graham’s Port Lodge in Vila Nova de Gaia for a port tasting and views of the city across the Douro River. If you've never tried Port, you're in for a treat.

Enjoy some downtime at the hotel or a bit of shopping before dinner.

Tonight, we’ll enjoy a delicious meal paired with the moving sounds of live Fado music, a soulful mix of singing and poetry accompanied by stringed instruments. What a perfect way to end our first evening in Porto.

After breakfast, we’ll dive into Portugal’s rich culinary traditions with a private cooking class and guided market tour.

Our adventure begins at a local market, where we’ll shop for fresh, seasonal ingredients alongside our chef. We’ll learn about regional products, how locals source their food, and maybe even sample a few specialties along the way.

Then, we’ll head to the kitchen to prepare a traditional Portuguese meal from scratch. With the guidance of our chef, we’ll prepare a variety of regional dishes, such as caldo verde, bacalhau, or pastéis de nata, and learn techniques and recipes that you can bring home.

Afterward, we’ll sit down together to enjoy the fruits of our labor, paired with delicious Portuguese wines.

After a full and flavorful day, we’ll return to the hotel for some rest or an optional spa treatment. If you're still hungry, consider ordering room service or heading down to the lounge for tapas.

Today, we'll enjoy a healthy breakfast at the hotel before heading out for our final day in Portugal.

Mid-morning, we’ll explore the World of Discoveries Museum, where an interactive digital exhibition brings to life the daring journeys of Portuguese navigators who set out to chart the unknown. It’s a fun and educational experience that captures the spirit of adventure.

After the museum, we’ll head to the riverside for a relaxing boat ride along the Douro River. As we cruise under Porto’s iconic bridges, you’ll get a unique view of the colorful Ribeira District, Vila Nova de Gaia’s wine lodges, and the rolling hills beyond.

This afternoon is yours to explore and shop. Pick up any last-minute treasures, or stop by the Claus Porto Soap Store for beautiful Portuguese-made gifts and keepsakes. If you want to bring home some of the delicious wine, Porto in a Bottle is a fantastic locally-owned shop that offers travel-sized versions of all the best vino. 

For our farewell dinner, we will enjoy an elegant meal at Le Monument, a Michelin-starred restaurant that offers a culinary journey through the chef’s inspirations, flavors, and stories. It’s an ideal way to conclude our time in Porto, sophisticated, memorable, and meaningful.

All good things must come to an end. After breakfast, we’ll say our goodbyes, share our photos, and depart with many fond memories and new friends. 

There are flights from Porto to Lisbon or several other European cities throughout the day. Book whatever is convenient and make your way to the airport at whatever time suits you best.