Upon arrival at Lisbon Airport, you will meet your guide and be transferred to your hotel. The group transfer is included for your convenience.
In the heart of Lisbon, next to Rossio and Baixa Pombalina, only five minutes from Comércio Square and the Tagus River, and with St. George’s Castle only a hillside away, guests staying at the Portugal Boutique get to explore the city from its very heart. With 53 comfortable rooms, the Portugal Boutique Hotel offers its guests an excellent service that sets it apart from the rest, making each stay a unique and unforgettable experience. With its unique design this boutique hotel is a true homage to Lisbon by the renowned interior design architect Cristina Santos Silva.
After breakfast at the hotel we will visit the famous Mercado da Ribeira. A Lisbon landmark, Mercado da Ribeira is immediately recognizable by the large clock on its main entrance’s facade, and by the building’s grand oriental dome. Located in the city’s Cais do Sodré district, just across the road from the Cais do Sodré railway station. Though its origins can be traced all the way back to the 13th century, Mercado da Ribeira (River Market) was inaugurated in 1882. It was once one of the most famous fish markets in Europe. Today, covering over 10,000 square meters, Mercado da Ribeira is one of Lisbon’s largest food markets, and along with fresh fish, it is known for its produce, flowers, and, more recently, its prepared foods and artisanal goods.
After lunch we will begin our city tour of Lisbon. We will visit the Praça do Comercio, Rossio Square, and the Unesco Heritage sites, including the Mosteiro dos Jerónimos/Jerónimos Monastery Church; the tombs of Vasco da Gama and the poet Luis de Camões, and the Belém Tower.
We will go to the Pasteis de Belém bakery to enjoy the famous pastries.
After breakfast at the hotel, we will drive to Evora. In the heart of Alentejo, halfway between Lisbon and the Estremadura region of Spain, Evora became a UNESCO World Heritage Site in 1986. According to UNESCO, Evora is a museum-city with roots dating back to Roman times. The golden age occurred in the 16th century, when the Portuguese kings lived there. Some of the highlights in Evora are the architecture of the white houses, and the tiles and balconies. The gastronomy of Alentejo is one of the richest, most famous in Portugal and a worthy representative of the Mediterranean diet.
We will tour a cork forest and farm, where you’ll learn about the fascinating process of cork harvesting and its importance to the environment. Stroll among the majestic cork oak trees and witness the unique ecosystem that thrives in this beautiful landscape. After the immersive experience, we'll enjoy a delightful lunch featuring local cuisine, allowing you to savor the flavors of the region while reflecting on the wonders of nature you've just explored.
Return to the hotel to unwind and take advantage of the property's services.
The whitewashed architecture of Convento do Espinheiro is set amongst blue skies with puffy clouds and surrounding countryside verdure. Once a convent dating back to the XV century, this luxurious hotel considered a National Monument is close to the historical city of Evora, classified by UNESCO as a World Heritage City. Our picturesque surroundings make us the perfect spot for enjoying the Portuguese countryside.
After breakfast at the hotel, we will depart from Evora to visit the lovely medieval town of Obidos, known for its charming cobblestone streets and picturesque architecture. You will enjoy some free time to explore this jewel on your own, discovering quaint shops and local artisans, and have lunch at leisure at one of the inviting cafes before continuing on to Alvados.
Enjoy a cooking lesson and dinner at the renowned Emotional Hotel in Alvados. Immerse yourself in the local culinary traditions as you learn from expert chefs, crafting authentic dishes using fresh, regional ingredients. After the hands-on experience, savor the delicious meal you've prepared in the hotel's charming dining area, surrounded by a warm and inviting atmosphere. This unique experience not only tantalizes your taste buds but also creates lasting memories in a truly special setting.
After Breakfast we will depart Alvados to visit the little town of Alcobaça, with its charming town center, little river and bridges. Here we will discover the magnificent 12th-century Mosteiro de Santa Maria de Alcobaça, one of Portugal’s most memorable UNESCO World Heritage Sites.
We will then proceed to Nazare and enjoy lunch at a local restaurant. A well kept secret, this fishing village has breathtaking viewpoints. We will visit the Mercado Municipal before returning to Alvados.
Dinner in local restaurant in Alvados
Overnight at Emotional Hotel in Alvados.
After breakfast, we will depart Alvados and travel to Porto with a stop to visit Coimbra. We will visit the city of Knowledge and the university city of Portugal Coimbra. Check in to hotel and relax before dinner at a local restaurant. Overnight at hotel Porto Ribeira Carris.
After breakfast at the hotel, we will begin our day with an excursion to the Bolhão Market. Inaugurated in 1914, the Mercado do Bolhão (Bolhão Market) is located in the city center and holds the essence of the city. A must-see in Porto, the market specializes in meat, fish, fruit, flowers, vegetables and other colourful products.
In the afternoon we will experience the tradition of local Port wine production at a charming port facility in Porto. Here, you will discover the rich history behind this beloved beverage, from the grape harvest to the fermentation process. Enjoy a guided tour of the cellars, where you can see the barrels and learn about the aging process. The experience will culminate in a delightful tasting session, allowing you to savor the unique flavors of various Port wines.
This morning we board our Douro Valley river cruise and head upstream to Régua. This is a land of traditions, a place of enchantment and mysticism, a great stretch of land where nature reigns in perfect harmony with the inhabitants who have shaped the valley slopes and organized the land into vineyards. Wine production in the region is internationally recognized. It was the first region in the world to be so demarcated and it is a land where traditions and modernity go hand-in-hand. This combination is still evident today in the traditional harvest that is still done by hand and the squashing of the grapes by foot.
We will enjoy free time in Regua before departing by train back to Porto for our Farewell dinner. During our time in Regua, take a leisurely stroll along the beautiful Douro River, explore charming local shops, or relax at a café while savoring a glass of the region's famous Port wine. Capture stunning views of the terraced vineyards that line the hills, making for perfect photo opportunities. This delightful interlude will allow you to soak in the picturesque scenery and culture before we gather for our memorable Farewell dinner in Porto.
After breakfast at the hotel we will depart for the Porto airport to connect with our international flights. The program includes the group transfer.
Tour Cost with 10 participants
Price Per Person - 5997 € converted to USD at time of final payment.
Single Supplement - 500 € converted to USD at time of final payment.
Payment: A non-refundable deposit of $2000 US per person is required upon booking. To request a Reservation Form and pay the deposit, please contact us at susan@eatsmartguides.com or call 608-285-2390.
Final Payment: Due 45 days prior to departure.
Cancellation and Refund: If a written notice of cancellation is received from passenger 46-90 days or more prior to departure, all advance deposits will be refunded. If cancellation is made 45 – 30 days before departure, the cancellation charge is 35% of the tour cost. If cancellation is made 29 – 15 days before departure, the cancellation charge is 75% of the tour cost. If cancellation is made 14 – 1 days before departure, the cancellation charge is 100% of the tour cost.
Included Services:
• Group airport transfers
• Land transportation by air-conditioned vehicle
• Professional English-speaking guide throughout the tour
• Services of tour leaders Joan Peterson and Susan Chwae
• Entrance fees to museums and historical sites included in the group day tours
• All cooking and wine demos, lunches and dinners, unless specified
• 1 soft drink, tea, or coffee during lunch and dinner
• Bottled water (available on the motor coach and at lunch and dinner)
• Copy of culinary guidebook, Eat Smart in Portugal, by Ronnie Hess and Joan Peterson
Services not included:
• International flights*
• Alcoholic and non-alcoholic beverages during lunch and dinner unless specified in the itinerary
• Tips for guide and driver
• Tips for porters at hotels
• Tips for wait staff
General Notes:
• On this tour there is moderate walking on uneven surfaces, so you will want to pack good walking shoes.
* Tour leader and travel advisor, Susan Chwae (based in US), can help you obtain international flights and trip insurance.