This morning we get to see Lisbon with a local guide.  Come aboard the most famous tram in Lisbon that will take us on an adventure across the narrow streets of the old town.  To start, prepare yourself for one of the best views over the city and the river.

​

By foot, we will go beyond the tram route to explore the most interesting places of the hill where the city was born.  We'll get a close look at some historical buildings like Sé de Lisboa, the medieval cathedral in which walls remain a thousand years of History and the impressive architecture of Mosteiro de São Vicente de Fora (Saint Vincent Monastery). You´ll also discover the legend behind Panteão Nacional (National Pantheon), with the most iconic dome in Lisbon´s skyline.

​

We'll be guided through the maze of the traditional neighborhood of Alfama - walking the narrow and steepy streets that lead to small squares, witnessing the true way of living of the inhabitants and getting to know more about Fado, the traditional portuguese music.

The rest of the day is free to you wander and make your way back to the hotel.  This evening you are welcome to join me for dinner at a local restaurant or make your own plans.  This is your journey so enjoy!

Meals:  Breakfast

Accommodation: My Story Oura

Pick-up in Lisbon, you will go towards the Península de Setúbal region. The Private Driver will take you to a region where two of the most internationally famous wine-producing estates are located.

Starting at Quinta da Bacalhôa, we will allow you to visit one of the most emblematic wine-producing estates in the region, not only because of its awarded wines but also because of the beautiful framework of the estate and Palace, from the 14th century. Discover a privileged landscape passing along the gardens and the vineyards to the lake house, where you can find the first tile dated in Portugal and discover the unique pieces of art from the private art collection of the Comendador. The experience includes a visit to the Palace and a wine tasting.

Lunch is waiting for you at Wine Corner Restaurant. The Wine Corner by José Maria da Fonseca is the company’s flagship restaurant. This space is integrated into what was once the house of the Soares Franco family and is now the Museum-House of José Maria da Fonseca, in one of the corners of the building. It’s a relaxing and cosmopolitan space with a carefully selected range of dishes that leaves no one indifferent. The offer combines the availability of all of the wines from José Maria da Fonseca “by the glass” as well as by the bottle and also a range of local food delicacies.

Then, a few meters away, you will find Museum House José Maria da Fonseca, which is one of the main responsible estates for the national and international recognition of the region. Built-in the XIX century, the House Museum was restored in 1923 by the Swiss architect Ernesto Korrodi and was the residence of the Soares Franco family until 1974. With a façade and gardens of very special beauty, the House Museum has always been associated with the image of José Maria da Fonseca. In the Museum House, you will learn about its history and, in the end, taste some of its wines. 

After the wine experience, it's time to go back to Lisbon.

Meals: Breakfast, Lunch

Accommodation: My Story Oura

At approximately 10:00 am we will be met by our Chef to begin our gastronomic experience.  We will firstly visit the local market of Alges, to explore the aromas and vibrant colours of the seasonal produce.

After picking up the ingredients need for our lunch, we will make our way back to the kitchen where we will gather for a cooking class, exploring traditional techniques and culinary secrets passed down from generation to generation.  We will prepare a starter, main course and dessert to share.  

Each dish we prepare is a tribute to the rich culinary heritage of Portugal, a sensorial experience that transports us to the heart of the local culture.

NB:  this is an exclusive fish and seafood class.  If you have any allergies or dietary restrictions please let me know as they need to know no later than 72 hours in advance.

Meals: Breakfast, Lunch

Accommodation:  My Story Oura

Today we check out and meet our private driver in the hotel lobby for our transfer to the Douro Valley with stops along the way.

Our first stop is Obidos where we will enjoy a walking tour.  Located on high ground near the Atlantic coast, Obidos has had a strategic importance in the territory.  It had already been settled before the Romans arrived in the Iberian Peninsula, and the town prospered after being chosen by the royal family. King Dinis offered it to his wife, Queen Isabel, in the 13th century, and it became part of Casa das Rainhas (Queens’ Estate), which improved and enriched it throughout the various dynasties. This is one of the main reasons for the high concentration of churches in this small place. You will find a well-preserved castle within the walls, and a maze of streets and white houses that are a delight to stroll amongst. Along with the Manueline porticoes, the colorful window boxes, and the small squares, many fine examples of religious and civil architecture from the town’s golden days provide a host of reasons for visiting. You can't leave without tasting the famous Ginjinha de Óbidos.  Free time for lunch on your own. 

Continuing our way to the Douro Valley, we will stop for another have walking tour in Coimbra. Long ago, this site was occupied by the Celts, but the process of Romanisation brought a great cultural transformation to this region. The presence of the Romans is still visible in the various archaeological remains housed at the Museu Nacional Machado de Castro. Coimbra was the capital of Portugal during the Middle Ages, but it was the Renaissance that transformed the city into a place of knowledge when Dom João III (1521-57) decided to move the University to the city on a definitive basis, whilst at the same time numerous colleges were created to provide an alternative to the official form of teaching. You can visit Coimbra’s University where you might find some students dressed in its traditional black capes with black cassock, the Old Cathedral from 1139, the historic downtown, and the Santa Clara Monastery.  Drop-off at hotel.

Meal:  Breakfast

Accommodation: Lamego Hotel & Life

Breakfast at the Hotel.  The Private driver is waiting for you the hotel lobby. 

Start the day with a private Douro River Cruise in a typical Rabelo boat. Aboard the boat and live moments of intimacy with nature while you travel with emotion along with the history until the times when the Rabelo boats moved by the force of the sails. Feel like a true sailor, an integral part of the boat in a unique environment. Be amazed by the scenarios that the Douro has to offer. 

You will have a picnic lunch among the vineyards in the heart of the Douro Valley, surrounded by one of the most wonderful landscapes and with a phenomenal view of the Douro River. Savor a selection of regional products and fine wine in the vineyards of Quinta do Bomfim.

Afterward, discover Quinta do Bomfim´s Winery. Located in the heart of the world’s oldest demarcated wine region, the Upper Douro Valley. The Quinta is family-owned and the Symingtons have worked here for five generations. Visitors can appreciate the rich heritage of this vineyard whilst visiting the winery and the old wine cellar, or they may enjoy a walk through the vineyards. Tastings are available of family-made Ports and Douro DOC wines on the terrace with breathtaking views of the river and the surrounding vineyards. You will have a guided visit and a wine tasting.

Return to your hotel and drop-off.

Meals:  Breakfast, Picnic Lunch

Accommodation: Lamego Hotel & Life

Breakfast at the hotel.

Today is a free day to enjoy the hotel facilities to relax or explore the local village.  Lamego Village is a 26 minute walk from the hotel.  Known as the coziest town in the heart of the Douro valley.  Lamego is famous for its local food like typical ham, the cornbread and the meat dishes (I'm sure there are vegetarian options).  Apparently the roasted goal with potatoes or rabbit, prepared in a wood-fire oven is a speciality.  The bola de Lamgeo, the local sandwich is also a must-try.  It can be filled with marinated port, ham, sardines or cheese.  Some of the best monuments to discover are the Santuario de Nossa Senhora dos Remedios with 686 stairs leading to the most iconic monument of Lamego.  Then you have Castel do Lamego which takes us back to the Morrish-Catholic wars.  Museo de Lamego is where you discover the archaeological treasures of the area as well as the typical furniture and famous art pieces.   Today is again a day for you to make your own.  Enjoy!

Meals:  Breakfast

Accommodation: Lamego Hotel & Life

Breakfast at the hotel.  Meet the private driver in the hotel Lobby.

Enjoy a driving/walking tour of Pinhão, and a stunning viewpoint in the area. Surrounded by terraced vineyards that descend toward the Douro River, you'll explore this picturesque town, famous for its port wine production. Visit Pinhão’s historic train station, a highlight, adorned with beautiful azulejo tiles depicting scenes of local wine culture. Pinhão offers a peaceful yet vibrant experience of the Douro region's natural and cultural beauty with its tranquil riverside setting, quaint streets, and proximity to prestigious wine estates.  Explore one of Douro´s most stunning viewpoints, the Casal de Loivos Viewpoint. It offers one of the most stunning panoramic views of the Douro Valley. This viewpoint provides a breathtaking landscape of lush hillsides, olive groves, and the river weaving through the valley. It's a popular spot for visitors to admire the beauty of the region's wine-producing estates, making it a must-see for nature lovers and photographers alike.

You will enjoy lunch at Cozinha da Clara Restaurant. With fabulous views over the river, Quinta de la Rosa's Restaurant was opened in the summer of 2017. Named after Clara’s grandmother whose love of food and entertainment was legendary, the restaurant is called "cozinha da Clara", literally meaning Claire's kitchen. The executive chef is Pedro Cardoso.

Then you will visit Quinta de La Rosa´s Winery, where it is produced the wine is provided to some of the most important Restaurants and Retailers all over the world. The vineyard of Quinta de La Rosa spreads along the banks of the Douro River and rises to an altitude of 400 meters. There are 11 separate vineyards, some of them located along the banks of the Douro River while others are set at an altitude of 400 meters. Here you will have a guided tour and wine tasting. Return to your hotel and drop off.
 

Meals:  Breakfast, Lunch

Accommodation:  Lamego Hotel & Life

Breakfast at the hotel, followed by check-out.  Meet the private driver in the hotel lobby.

On your way to Porto, visit the Vinho Verde Wine Region. Discover the famous Quinta da Aveleda. The history of the Quinta da Aveleda estate is lost in time, but there are countless records of this estate after the 16th century. Aveleda is a name that spans several generations. The first records of the sale of bottled wine date back to 1870, with Manuel Pedro Guedes. Aside from its important architectural heritage, the Quinta da Aveleda estate is also appreciated for its parks and gardens, where rare species of trees flourish, some of which have been around for over two hundred years. Distinguished with the international Best of Wine Tourism award, in the "Architecture, Parks and Gardens” category. Currently, Quinta da Aveleda is the largest Vinho Verde exporting company. Here you will enjoy a guided tour followed by lunch paired with Aveleda wines. 

Then, you will be transferred to Porto. Drop off at your hotel. 

Meals:  Breakfast

Accommodation:  Portobay Teatro or similar

This morning we embark on a memorable journey through Porto, designed to showcase the city's rich history, vibrant culture, and stunning landscapes.  This half-day tour combines three unique city perspectives.  Begin with a guided walking tour through the bustling streets of Porto.  Uncover its hidden gems and well-known landmarks, including the majestic Sao Bento Railway Station, Ribeira district with views from Dom Luis I Bridge and Se Catedral.  During this walk, stop at Livraria Lello and discover the amazing interior of this old and renowned building.  After exploring the city's charming streets, take a leisurely cable car ride.  As you ascend, enjoy breathtaking panoramic views of Porto, the Douro River and surround landscapes.  Here, board a comfortable boat for a river cruise that offers a unique perspective of Porto.  As the cruise concludes, take in the lasting impressions of Porto's riverside charm and architectural splendor making this tour an unforgettable part of your visit to Portugal.

This afternoon you are free to wander at your leisure then this evening as our final farewell dinner we will enjoy a Porto Progressive Dinner Tour. Why have dinner at just one place when you can enjoy a full 4-course Portuguese meal at five different spots? We’ll be taken to five outstanding places in the heart of the city. We’ll taste loads of local foods, great wines, and beers. We’ll also meet the friendly families who run these places. Between the food stops, we’ll be shown both well-known and hidden sights around Porto. We’ll hear stories that bring the city to life. Tonight we will experience the real Porto through its food!

Meals:  Breakfast, Dinner.

Accommodation:  Portobay Teatro or similar

Today we say our goodbyes to Portugal.  After breakfast you will have some time to yourself for some last minutes shopping before we check out and transfer to the airport on own by taxi (own expense) or private transfer (see options). 

Thank you for taking this journey with me.  You will receive an email when you get home which is a quick survey. I hope you can take the time to complete this as this helps me for the next tour.  Also if you don't mind I'd asked that you provide me with a google review if you believe the tour was what you expected!  Thank you once again and I look forward to see you on one of my next tours.  

Meals:  Breakfast

Accommodation: n/a