Discover the perfect blend of culinary indulgence, cultural heritage, and scenic beauty on an immersive 12-day culinary vacation through Northern Portugal. From ocean-fresh seafood to mountain-aged cheeses, every stop on this trip tells a delicious story of the region's rich traditions and vibrant local life.

Trip Highlights

• Porto: Over two flavorful days, dive into Porto’s rich food culture with a coastal welcome dinner, a hands-on Francesinha sandwich workshop, a guided tasting tour, and a visit to historic Port wine cellars—capped off with an elegant wine-paired dinner in the heart of the cellars.​
• Guimarães and Felgueiras: Explore Portugal’s culinary roots with a hands-on Pão de Ló workshop in Felgueiras and a pastry-making session in Guimarães. Enjoy a wine-paired lunch at a traditional manor house and end the day with a gourmet dinner crafted by a Michelin-starred chef.​
• Viana do Castelo and Ponte de Lima: Take in panoramic views from the hilltop Sanctuary of Santa Luzia, stroll the historic streets of Viana do Castelo, and sample the beloved Bola de Berlim pastry. Then, explore Portugal’s oldest village, Ponte de Lima, with regional tapas and a glass of refreshing Vinho Verde.​
• Craft Beer and Gerês: Enjoy a hand-on craft beer workshop in Vila Verde, a traditional lunch in Gerês, and local artisan shopping before unwinding with a cozy regional dinner in the Douro Valley.
• Douro Valley Experience: Explore the wine-rich region of Favaios with a winery tour and tasting, followed by a traditional bread-making session. Savor a multi-course wine-paired lunch, cruise the Douro River by private boat, and enjoy a scenic riverside dinner in Régua.
• Serra da Estrela Exploration: Over two days, journey through Portugal’s stunning mountain region. Visit scenic viewpoints, tour traditional Douro estates, and savor rustic wine-paired meals. In Serra da Estrela, discover artisan cheesemaking, explore the medieval village of Linhares da Beira, and celebrate Portuguese bread traditions with an unforgettable museum dining experience.​
• Aveiro, Costa Nova & Farewell: Over two days, explore Portugal’s maritime heritage with an oyster tasting at Ostraveiro, a Moliceiro canal cruise, and a visit to the Ílhavo Maritime Museum. In Costa Nova, enjoy colorful architecture, a seafood feast, and a taste of tripa, before capping your journey with a festive farewell dinner.

Overnight Flight to Portugal (Air-Inclusive Package Only)

Your journey to Northern Portugal begins!
Air-Inclusive guests will meet a dedicated Travel Deliciously Tour Coordinator at Chicago O’Hare International Airport for a smooth check-in and group send-off. We’ll be there to ensure everything runs seamlessly as you board your overnight flight, filled with anticipation for the cultural and culinary adventure ahead.

Land-Only guests will begin their experience on Saturday, November 8 upon arrival at the host hotel in Porto. Detailed arrival instructions will be provided in advance to ensure a smooth check-in and timely arrival for the Welcome Dinner.

Private Airport Transfer (Air-Inclusive) | Overnight in Porto | Welcome Dinner included

Welcome to Portugal!

Air-Inclusive guests will arrive at Porto Airport (OPO), where a private driver will greet you and provide a comfortable transfer to your 4-star hotel in the heart of Porto.

Land-Only guests should arrive at the host hotel by the afternoon to check in and unwind before the evening festivities. Detailed arrival instructions and hotel information will be shared prior to departure.

In the evening, the group will gather to officially kick off the journey with a Welcome Dinner featuring traditional Portuguese dishes and regional wines—a warm and flavorful start to your culinary adventure.

Highlights:

• Arrival at Porto Airport (Air-Inclusive)
• Private transfer to 4-star hotel in Porto (Air-Inclusive)
• Independent check-in for Land-Only guests
• Time to relax or explore nearby
• Welcome Dinner with traditional Portuguese cuisine and wine

Overnight in Porto | Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner included | Port Wine Tasting 

Today is all about savoring the rich culinary traditions of Porto. From a local food walking tour to crafting your own Francesinha, followed by an afternoon Port wine cellar tour and tasting, you’ll enjoy a flavorful deep dive into Northern Portugal’s best bites and sips.

Highlights:

• “Flavors of Porto” Food Walking Tour with market visits and tastings
• Hands-on Francesinha sandwich workshop
• Lunch featuring your handmade Francesinha
• Free time to explore Porto (Douro River strolls, cafés, landmarks)
• Guided tour of a prestigious Port wine cellar
• Port wine tasting paired with regional bites
• Wine-paired dinner at a fine dining restaurant in the cellars

Overnight in Guimarães | Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner included 

Leave Porto behind as you head into the historic and culinary heart of Northern Portugal. Today blends hands-on pastry making, local wine, and fine dining for a flavorful journey through regional traditions.

Highlights:

• Private transfer from Porto to Guimarães
• Visit to a traditional Pão de Ló sponge cake factory in Felgueiras
• Pão de Ló baking workshop and tasting
• Guided estate tour and wine tasting at a manor house in Guimarães
• Lunch featuring local specialties
• Traditional pastry-making workshop with expert bakers
• Check-in at your 4-star hotel in Guimarães
• Dinner at a Michelin-starred restaurant featuring modern Portuguese cuisine

Overnight in Guimarães | Breakfast & Lunch included

Today blends Northern Portugal’s spiritual landmarks with culinary highlights, from hilltop sanctuaries and coastal towns to traditional snacks and wine in Portugal’s oldest village.

Highlights:

• Visit to the Sanctuary of Santa Luzia with panoramic coastal views
• Walking tour of Viana do Castelo’s historic center
• Tasting of Bola de Berlim, a local pastry favorite
• Lunch at a regional restaurant with wine pairings
• Afternoon visit to Ponte de Lima, Portugal’s oldest village
• Traditional afternoon tapas and a glass of Vinho Verde at a local tavern
• Return to your hotel in Guimarães

Overnight in the Douro Valley | Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner included

Travel from Guimarães to the Douro Valley with immersive stops in Vila Verde and Gerês. Today is all about savoring local flavor and craftsmanship—from hands-on brewing to artisanal village shops and a serene evening in wine country.

Highlights:

• Private transfer from Guimarães to the Douro Valley
• Craft beer brewing workshop and tastings in Vila Verde
• Traditional lunch in the mountain town of Gerês
• Visit to a local shop featuring artisanal foods and handmade crafts
• Check-in at a 4-star hotel in the Douro Valley
• Dinner featuring regional cuisine with scenic valley views

Overnight in the Douro Valley | Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner included

Today is a full immersion in the Douro Valley’s flavors and views—from wine tastings and fresh-baked bread to riverside meals and scenic cruises through this UNESCO World Heritage region.

Highlights:

• Scenic drive through the Douro Valley
• Guided winery tour and tasting in Favaios
• Visit to a traditional bakery for Portuguese bread tasting
• Multi-course enogastronomic lunch paired with DOC wines
• Panoramic drive with views of the Douro Valley
• Private boat cruise on the Douro River
• Riverside dinner in Régua with regional dishes and Douro wine

Overnight in Serra da Estrela | Breakfast & Lunch included

From Douro Valley vineyards to Portugal’s highest peaks, today is a journey through landscapes, local flavors, and timeless traditions.

Highlights:

• Scenic drive from the Douro Valley to Serra da Estrela
• Photo stop at Miradouro de São Leonardo da Galafura for panoramic views
• Guided tour and wine tasting at a traditional Douro estate
• Traditional cast-iron pot lunch at the winery
• Stop at a local mountain shop to sample cheese, cured meats, and liqueurs
• Photo stop at Torre, the highest point in mainland Portugal
• Check-in at your 4-star hotel in Serra da Estrela
• Evening at leisure to explore and dine locally

Overnight in Serra da Estrela | Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner included

Today offers a deep dive into the culinary and cultural heart of Serra da Estrela—from artisanal cheese and mountain village charm to Portugal’s most iconic bread traditions.

Highlights:

• Visit and tasting at a traditional cheesemaking facility in Serra da Estrela
• Walking tour of the medieval village of Linhares da Beira, including castle visit
• Lunch at a mountain restaurant with scenic views
• Visit to the Museu do Pão (Bread Museum) with interactive exhibits
• Regional dinner at the Museu do Pão, celebrating local bread traditions
• Return to your hotel in Serra da Estrela for a restful evening

Overnight in Aveiro | Breakfast & Lunch included

Head to the coast for a day of seaside indulgence and cultural charm in Aveiro, known as the “Venice of Portugal.”

Highlights:

• Private transfer from Serra da Estrela to Aveiro
• Guided tour and oyster tasting at Ostraveiro, a sustainable oyster farm
• Seafood lunch featuring regional dishes at Ostraveiro
• Moliceiro boat ride through Aveiro’s scenic canals
• Guided walking tour of Aveiro’s historic center
• Tasting of ovos moles, a traditional local sweet
• Check-in at your 4-star hotel in Aveiro

Overnight in Aveiro | Breakfast & Dinner included

Celebrate your final full day in Portugal with a journey through the country’s coastal heritage—from traditional fishing and seaside flavors to a festive farewell dinner.

Highlights:

• Early morning visit to Vagueira Beach to witness traditional Xávega Art fishing
• Guided visit to Ílhavo Maritime Museum and Codfish Aquarium
• Seafood lunch in Costa Nova with views of the village’s colorful striped houses
• Visit to Mercado da Costa Nova for local shopping and food experiences
• Stroll along Barra Beach and visit the iconic Barra Lighthouse
• Tasting of tripa, a traditional Aveiro wafer-style dessert
• Farewell dinner featuring regional specialties and wine pairings

Breakfast included | Private Airport Transfer + Return Flight to Chicago (Air-Inclusive Package)

Savor your final breakfast in beautiful Aveiro, then prepare for your journey home.

Air-Inclusive guests will be transferred by private coach to Porto Airport (OPO) for their return flight to Chicago O’Hare (ORD). Your flight and airport transfer are included in your package, ensuring a smooth and worry-free departure.

Land-Only guests will check out independently and are responsible for their own transportation from the hotel. We recommend booking flights that depart later in the day to allow time for breakfast and a relaxed check-out.

Highlights:

• Breakfast at the hotel
• Private group transfer from Aveiro to Porto Airport (Air-Inclusive)
• Return flight to Chicago (Air-Inclusive)
• Independent departure for Land-Only guests
• Farewell to Portugal and the memories made along the way