This Trip is hosted by Val, Anthony

The colours and flavours of Portugal are astonishing.

Red terracotta rooftops contrast with white-washed houses, black-and-white mosaic streets wind through coastal towns, and azulejos adorn homes while flower pots sits at colourful door steps. Everywhere you turn, Portugal feels like a feast for the eyes.

Its long-cherished culinary traditions are deeply rooted in land and sea. Mediterranean flavours mingle with Atlantic freshness — grilled sardines enjoyed at seaside taverns, razor clam rice scented with ocean air, rich regional olive oils, and iconic sweets like the Pastel de Belém that speak to the country’s cultural tapestry. Between rugged cliffs, hidden beaches, and fertile countryside, local produce and seafood are celebrated everywhere you dine, from family-run taverns to lively markets and discreet wine producers. Warm Portuguese hospitality and timeless rhythms set the tone for a week of immersive food, wine, and cultural discovery.

For our week together, we’ll settle into a traditional quinta — a charming Portuguese farmhouse that reflects the relaxed coastal spirit of the Algarve. This white-washed property, accented with soft coastal blues, is surrounded by lush gardens filled with flowers and winding paths designed for slow moments of rest and reflection. The grounds invite you to unwind with a pool, hot tub, bocce ball court, and a giant chess set, offering plenty of space to relax and connect.

Each room features its own ensuite bathroom and private balcony, creating a comfortable and intimate retreat. Throughout the property, hand-painted azulejos tell the story of the quinta’s origins, adding a deep sense of place. With inviting communal spaces for long-table meals and quiet corners for morning espresso or sunset wine, this villa becomes a peaceful sanctuary between our daily explorations.

Our time in the Algarve is designed to uncover the region’s vibrant food culture, landscapes, and traditions:

• Explore local markets and coastal towns, immersing yourself in everyday Algarve life.

• Visit a family-run orange orchard and enjoy a homemade picnic prepared entirely with ingredients from the orchard and garden.

• Share a scenic meal beneath millennial olive trees, paired with regional wines and artisan breads.

• Enjoy a cooking demonstration with a local chef on a riverside wine estate, showcasing traditional Portuguese dishes such as cataplana stew and slow-roasted meats

• Discover boutique wineries and taste indigenous grape varieties shaped by sunshine and Atlantic sea breezes.

• Learn about Port wines through guided workshops at our quinta.

• Enjoy a boat ride along the coast to admire the Algarve’s golden cliffs from the sea.

• Wander hidden fishing villages and coastal paths, from the iconic cliffs of Praia da Marinha to charming seaside hamlets, with plenty of stops for bites and conversation.

Please note: Epicureans Co. is a Canadian company based in Canmore, Alberta. Our tours are priced in euros (€) as we operate primarily in Europe and manage all travel-related costs in European currency. Charging in euros helps us maintain transparent pricing and avoid fluctuations in exchange rates.

At checkout, you will be prompted to choose your preferred payment method:

• Credit Card: Convenient, but includes merchant processing fees charged by the provider.

• Wire Transfer: Accepted, though your bank may charge outgoing transfer fees.

• Direct Debit (Preferred): Free of charge with no additional fees.

For the best rate with no extra costs, we recommend selecting Direct Debit when available.