Portugal·25 May - 1 June 2024

Portugal Unveiled

"There's no such thing as a better place than Portugal!"

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Overview

If you're interested in nature, history, stunning landscapes, food, wine, and culture, you should have Portugal in your travel sights. One of the oldest nations in Europe, Portugal has a rich history. Portugal has nearly 500 miles of awe-inspiring beaches and coastlines. It boasts a near-perfect Mediterranean climate. Feast and be dazzled by the tile art, gorgeous pottery, and fascinating history. On this trip, we'll explore phenomenal landscapes, medieval buildings, castles, and cathedrals. We'll dine on authentic cuisine and learn to tell the difference between an Albariño, a Vinho Verde, and a Verdelho while basking in the near-perfect weather. Sound like a fairytale?

Highlights

Explore the Pena Palace in Sintra one of the seven wonders of Portugal.   

Explore the Pena Palace in Sintra one of the seven wonders of Portugal.   

Wander Obidos with its white washed houses, stunning castles, medieval architecture, and beautiful views  

Wander Obidos with its white washed houses, stunning castles, medieval architecture, and beautiful views  

See the Igreja de Santa Maria with its Azuelos tiles  

See the Igreja de Santa Maria with its Azuelos tiles  

Visit the Harry Potter Library

Visit the Harry Potter Library

Taste the best wines that Portugal has to offer

Taste the best wines that Portugal has to offer

Enjoy a Port tasting in Porto

Enjoy a Port tasting in Porto

Float down the Douro river

Float down the Douro river

Experience Porto’s old-world ambiance and new world cool 

Experience Porto’s old-world ambiance and new world cool 

Itinerary

Here's a day-by-day itinerary of the trip

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Obidos

Day 1: Saturday, May 25, 2024

Fly into Lisbon Airport, arriving the morning of May 25. If you'd like time to rest and relax after the long flight or time to explore Lisbon, you can arrive a day or two early. We recommend staying at the Browns Central Hotel. 

We will arrange to pick you up either at your hotel around 10:00 am or at Lisbon Airport at 11:00 am. If you're flying in on the morning of the trip, please book a morning flight. From there, our journey will commence, heading north towards Obidos for our seaside stay. En route, we'll explore the vibrant Pena Palace, a creation of King Ferdinand II in the early 1800s, situated on the grounds of a chapel dating back to the Middle Ages. Our next stop will be Tascantiga, where we'll indulge in tapas. 

After lunch, we'll arrive to the Storytellers Palace, where we'll spend our first two nights. The hotel is in São Martinho do Porto, a couple hundred meters from the beach, and close to the famous historical town of Obidos. 

After exploring our gorgeous hotel, we will meet for a welcome cocktail or a glass of bubbly to discuss the week's agenda. This might be the right time to sample the pastry Pasteis de Nata, Portugal’s famous custard tart. 

We'll dine at The Green Room Restaurant at our enchanting, historic hotel at around 8 p.m.

Included

L-D

Welcome Drink

Not Included

Breakfast

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Obidos

Day 2: Sunday, May 26, 2024

Today, we’ll start with a historic walking tour of Obidos town, stopping often to peek in shops and take a few pics.  

We’ll take an opportunity to see the Igreja de Santa Maria with its tiles (Azuelos) as well as 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. Explanations required! 

You'll have free time to shop in the afternoon. Before leaving, we'll sample Ginja, the sour cherry liqueur served in a chocolate cup. The best is made in Obidos.  

Tonight, you're free to enjoy dinner on your own. Stay in your room and rest over room service, or walk around town and find a simple cafe.

Included

B -L

Not Included

Dinner

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Douro Valley

Day 3: Monday, May 27, 2024

Prepare for an early departure as we're driving to the Douro wine region today.

We’ll make a pit stop for lunch along the way and get a glimpse of the Atlantic Ocean, checking into the spectacular hotel and winery, Quinta do Vallado, in the afternoon.

We'll spend the rest of the afternoon and evening touring the winery, tasting its produce, and indulging in a luxurious meal. 

*Drive 3 hrs 15 minutes approximately.

Included

All Meals

Wine Tour & Tasting

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Douro Valley

Day 4: Tuesday, May 28, 2024

Our goal today is to experience the essence and magnificence of the Douro Valley.

First, we'll tour and taste at Quinta deTourais, followed by lunch at Castas e Pratos.

This afternoon, we'll pamper ourselves at the pool or spa. 

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

Included

Wine Tastings

Boat Tour & Tapas

B-L

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Porto

Day 5: Wednesday, May 29, 2024

After breakfast, we'll depart wine country and drive to Porto. Our adventure starts after we drop our bags at the hotel.  

After a quick refresh, we're off on a city tour, including a visit to the gorgeous Porto Library & Bookstore, made famous by the Harry Potter movies. We'll have a VIP entrance, meaning no waiting in line! The center of Porto is interesting. You'll surely be tempted by the many shops we pass. 

We'll head back to our hotel for lunch. Then, check into our rooms at the 5-star Porto Bay Flores , a 16th-century palace, and our home for the next two nights. 

Unwind in the spa or work out in the small indoor pool or gym this afternoon. Wander into the 18th-century chapel or relax in the landscaped patio, an oasis in the city's heart.

This is your own time for massages and other spa treatments, as well as for shopping. There is much to buy, and prices are reasonable, so leave room in your bag for your purchases. 

On our first night in this gorgeous city, we’ll have a bite to eat as we listen to live classic Fado music. Fado is known as expressive and profoundly sad. 

Included

All Meals

Not Included

Spa Treatments

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Porto

Day 6: Thursday, May 30, 2024

This morning, we’ll walk across the bridge to the other side of the river, where all the port houses are. The views of central Porto are spectacular from this vantage point.

We'll enjoy a private tour and tasting at the iconic house of Sandeman Port, famous not only for its port but also for its ingenious marketing. Think you know port? Think again. There are three distinctive types, one for every palate. 

Lunch today is at WOW, a newly designed Porto experience and wine school.

This afternoon, you’ll have plenty of time for last-minute shopping in Porto. The Claus Porto Soap Store makes quintessential gifts and souvenirs to take home. 

Tonight, you'll have time to explore and have dinner alone or with several of your new friends.  

Included

B-L

Not Included

Dinner

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Porto

Day 7: Friday, May 31, 2024

Today, we'll enjoy a healthy breakfast at the hotel. Mid-morning, we're off to explore Portuguese gastronomy and take part in a cooking class. We'll enjoy our creations for lunch. 

Use the afternoon to shop, relax in the spa, or visit the town museums. 

For our farewell meal, we’re dining in style at the Michelin-starred Antiqvvm, one of the most famous restaurants in town. It's in an old palace with gorgeous views and innovative interior design. We'll toast new friends with superb wines. 

Included

All Meals

Cooking Class

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Day 8: Saturday, June 1, 2024

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 throughout the day from Porto to Lisbon (less than one hour flying time) or several other European cities. Book whatever is convenient.  

Included

Breakfast

You'll Be Staying Here

Storytellers Palace

Storytellers Palace

Storytellers Palace was built at the beginning of the 20th century by the architect Korrodi. Here, Korrodi grandeur meets modern luxury in this São Martinho do Porto hideaway.

Quinta do Vallado

Quinta do Vallado

Quinta do Vallado - Winery and Farmhouse is a boutique hotel and winery located in the Douro region. It's devoted to wine tourism and a farm-to-table experience. The combination of new and old is masterful, and the pool with a small bar is an oasis. You'll relish the views.

Porto Bay Flores

Porto Bay Flores

Porto Bay Flores is a former 16th century palace. With an indoor pool, gym, restaurant and bar. The amenities prove its status as a 5-star hotel!

Hosts

Casey O’Brien Blondes

Casey O’Brien Blondes

Casey O’Brien Blondes, a Girls' Guide colleague, will accompany you on the journey to ensure everyone is engaged. Casey is an experienced traveler, author, freelance writer, editor, translator, and college essay coach. She creates immersive experiences that establish emotional connections with the destinations you visit.

Add Ons

Arrive One Night Early in Lisbon

Includes one night and breakfast at the Browns Central Hotel

PRICE$375.00

Stay one night longer in Lisbon

Includes one night and breakfast at the Browns Hotel

PRICE$249.00

“I followed my heart and it led me to Portugal.”

Portugal

Portugal is a country full of wonders — charming castles, pristine beaches, and a metropolitan capital peppered with remnants of the past. Its buildings are covered in thousands of intricately decorated tiles in countless colors and patterns.

Portugal

What's Included

What's Included

Everything stated in itinerary above including most meals plus wine or beer with dinner 

All guides, experts, tastings and entry fees 

7 Nights Lodging in Beautiful 4 and 5 star resorts

All in-country transport including airport transfers 

Cooking Class

Numerous wine and port tastings and tours

Roundtrip airfare to Portugal. Note you will fly into Lisbon Airport and depart from Porto airport.  

Additional wine, beer or spirits beyond what is offered at dinner  

Travel and Medical Insurance (required)

Personal Souvenirs

Spa treatments

FAQs

Plan to fly into the Lisbon Airport. Since the tour ends in Porto, you can fly out of Porto with a connection to Lison or another European airport.

The trip officially starts on the afternoon of May 25th, but if you are traveling across an ocean to get to Lisbon, consider arriving a day early so you have time to relax and adjust to the local time zone. If you do decide to arrive early, please let us know and we will take care of booking your room and make sure that you are kept in the same room as you will be in when the trip starts.

We will have a zoom call about 6 weeks before the trip starts to discuss all that information and give you a packing list. Here is a great website that we love that will help you with packing and travel trips.

The weather at the end of May is AMAZING! Expect temperatures in the low to mid 70's. On some days it may reach into the 80's. Please bring a light sweater in case it gets cool at night. Don't forget to bring a hat for the sunny days we are out and about.

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Portugal Unveiled

Portugal· 25 May - 1 June 2024· 7 nights