Portugal Unveiled

Fly in to Lisbon Airport arriving the morning of May 25. Or, If you'd like some time to rest and relax from the long flight, or time to explore Lisbon, you can arrive a day or two early. We recommend staying at the Portobay Liberdade.

We'll pick you up at the Lisbon Airport (or your hotel if you've arrived early) in the late morning. Then we'll head north to Obidos. Along the way, we'll explore the colorful Pena Palace created by King Ferdinand II in the early 1800s. It's set on the grounds of a chapel dating back to the Middle Ages. Then we will stop for tapas at Tascantiga. 

We'll stay at the Storytellers Palace our first two nights in Portugal. The hotel is in São Martinho do Porto just a couple hundred meters from the beach, and close to the famous Obidos. 

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

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

Today, we’ll start with a guided 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.

Today we’ll depart early as we headed to the Douro wine region.

We’ll make a pit stop for lunch along the way and get a glimpse at the Atlantic Ocean. 

We’ll arrive and check in to our spectacular hotel & winery, the Quinta do Vallado, in the afternoon

We’ll tour the winery and taste its produce before we indulge in a luxurious meal on the premises. 

*Drive 3 hrs 15 minutes approximately.

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

First off will be a wine tour and tasting 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 some regional wines and enjoy a full tray of charcuterie and other appetizers which will serve as dinner while we float by the large wine estates on the surrounding hillsides. 

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. 

This afternoon, why not unwind at their spa or work out in the small indoor pool or gym? Wander into the 18th-century chapel or relax in the landscaped patio, an oasis in the heart of the city.

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 be sure to 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 for being expressive and profoundly melancholic. 

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 its ingenious marketing. Think you know Port? Think again there are three distinctive types, one for every palate. 

Lunch today will be 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 on your own or with several of your new friends.  

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

Use the afternoon to shop, relax in the spa time, or check out 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 our new sisters with superb wines. 

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 1 hour flying time) or several other European cities. Book whatever is convenient.