Remarkable Journey: Portugal

Let this trip inspire you, so together we can design your own Remarkable Journey.

Portugal is too modest to boast about its wondrous landscape, evocative history, and quiet soulful charm, so we will gladly do it! The country’s history and culture, gastronomy and wines, and varied landscapes are the main attractions. Portugal has everything from medieval castles, walled towns, and captivating cities to cobblestone villages, lovely fishing towns, and golden beaches. However, the openness, affability, and sincerity of the Portuguese people really set this country apart. Throughout Portugal, discover spaces to sit down with locals and enjoy delectable homecooked food paired with world-class wine while listening to soulful Fado music to top off an experience you’ll never forget!

Go to Lisbon markets with a local chef, then receive a cooking lesson and lunch in the chef’s own home.
Enjoy wine tours in Lisbon, the Alentejo, and Porto that include tastings of famous regional wines.
Stargaze under the unpolluted sky of the Great Alqueva Lake to see stars, constellations, and distant galaxies clearer than you’ve ever seen before.
Spend a day visiting the Foz Côa National Park and learn about the fascinating Paleolithic engravings

Trip Itinerary

Day 1

Lisbon, Portugal

Your journey begins in the capital city of Lisbon, where your introduction to Portugal begins with colorful architecture, old neighborhoods, and a vibrant atmosphere.

From the airport, you’ll receive a private transfer to your accommodation. Relax and enjoy the rest of your evening as you look forward to the journey ahead.

Day 2

Lisbon, Portugal

This morning, meet your guide and driver in the hotel lobby for a full-day, private guided tour of Lisbon. Start in the Belém neighborhood, make your way to the old quarters of the Alfama, visit St. George’s Castle, stop at the Sé Catedral, and finish at the monumental Praça Comércio. Along the way, you’ll eat delicious food and see UNESCO World Heritage sites all in one spectacular day.

Day 3

Lisbon, Portugal

Today it’s all about the Portuguese kitchen and its secrets! Your private driver will take you to meet your local Chef for a hands-on and intimate cooking class. You’ll start by buying the special ingredients for your lesson, then go to Chef’s home and learn to prepare a few dishes, asking as many questions as you want. Once you finish, you’ll taste your work in a delightful lunch accompanied by great wine! Your driver will take you back to your hotel mid-afternoon to spend the remainder of the day at leisure.

Day 4

Lisbon, Portugal

This morning, your private driver will take you to discover the UNESCO World Heritage Site of Sintra. First stop is the Quinta da Regaleira, a romantic property formerly belonging to the Viscondessa da Regaleira and finished in 1910. Your private guide will show you all around this magical place, including the “initiation room” inspired by the Freemasons. Next stop is the Colares winery founded 1931 with an imposing interior housing wooden barrels, casts, and vats with a capacity over 1 million liters.

On the way home, you might wish to stop at Cabo da Roca, the westernmost point of Europe, with impressive cliffs and ocean views.

Day 5

Alentejo, Portugal

This morning you will check out of the hotel and enjoy a private transfer to the beautiful Altentejo region.

Later tonight, after checking into your accommodation, you’ll look at the sky with different eyes in the company of a professional astronomer. The region of the Great Alqueva Lake has the best, unpolluted stargazing conditions to see the stars, constellations, and distant galaxies.

Day 6

Alentejo, Portugal

This morning, you will meet your wine historian guide at Vidigueira village. You will discover the secrets of the ancient art of talha wine. You’ll visit an Interpretation Center, the winery and cellars, and end your tour at Casa das Talhas. After the guided visit, enjoy a tasting of this unique wine made from white grapes from century-old vines, and several other wines.

Day 7

Alentejo, Portugal

Today your private driver will take you to Alqueva Lake, the largest artificial lake in Europe created to irrigate Alentejo as an extensive and vital conservation area for unique birdlife. This lake has brought new life to a desert region eager for water. You’ll enjoy a three-hour boat ride and enjoy water activities like wakeboards, Omnia boards, or towable buoys.

Day 8

Douro Valley, Portugal

After breakfast, your private driver will take you for a scenic four-hour transfer to the Douro Valley.

En route, visit Portugal’s capital during the Middle Ages: Coimbra. Find the University of Coimbra, one of the oldest in Europe and classified as a UNESCO World Heritage site. The picturesque medieval quarters of winding cobblestone streets flanked by bars, boutiques, and eateries, and the soundtrack for this town is their own lyrical brand of fado.

Day 9

Douro Valley, Portugal

This morning, your private driver guide will take you on an exploration of the Douro Valley, home of the worldwide famous Port that made the Alto Douro Wine Region into a UNESCO World Heritage Site. You’ll have a private tour of Quinta Nova, one of the oldest wineries in the region, dating from 1764, and enjoy a tasting of Douro and Port wines. Then you’ll enjoy a locally sourced lunch the Quinta Nova’s Terraçus Winery Restaurant.

In the afternoon, you will visit Quinta do Seixo, one of the most traditional and grand wine-producing estates of the region. You will see the most advanced winemaking technology that also respects established traditions. After this astonishing tour, you will be returned to your hotel.

Days 10

Douro Valley, Portugal

This morning, you’ll be picked up at your hotel for a scenic, off-road guided hiking tour. Starting at the village of Provesende, you’ll hike mostly downhill through the terraces of the Douro vineyards. Your trek will end in the village of Pinhão nestled next to the Douro River. A delightful picnic follows your hike filled with locally sourced delicacies. Your private driver will return you to your hotel in the late afternoon to spend the remainder of your day at leisure.

Day 11

Douro Valley, Portugal

This morning, your driver will take you to the Archaeological Park of Côa Valley. You will start at the Côa Museum to discover the secrets of the Paleolithic era. Then enjoy the traditional and regional cuisine and unique views at the Côa Museum Restaurant.

In the afternoon, an archaeologist will go with you to the Penascosa site where you’ll see the Paleolithic engravings of another UNESCO World Heritage site. After this, your driver will take you back to your accommodation for your final night in the Douro Valley.

Day 12

Porto, Portugal

After breakfast, you’ll check out of your hotel for a private transfer to Porto.

On the way, you’ll stop at Palácio Mateus, one of the most significant Portuguese civil architecture buildings of the Baroque Period. Built in the 18th century, this magnificent noble residence is surrounded by beautiful and romantic gardens nestled in a vast vineyard.

Day 13

Porto, Portugal

This morning, your guide will meet you at your hotel for a half-day walking tour of Porto. You’ll explore the UNESCO World Heritage Site of the old quarter, stroll the banks of the Douro River, admire the city icon that is the Dom Luís I Bridge, enjoy the azulejo tiles of Portuguese history at the São Bento Railway Station, and visit the Sé do Porto.

In the afternoon, you will learn the history of the famous Port wine and the winemaking process. You will tour a cellar with your expert guide and learn about the differences between the various styles of Porto, such as Vintage, The Single Quina Port, LVB, and Crusted Porto, among others. Wine tastings are included.

Day 14

Porto, Portugal

Today you will meet your foodie guide and transfer to Matosinhos, a paradise for fish lovers near Porto. Matosinhos was once the heart of the northern canning industry, of which only a few still exist. Your visit will start in an artisanal cannery where you’ll observe the factory at work and enjoy tasting premium canned fish delicacies. Then you’ll move to fish and seafood restaurants where you’ll taste some of the region’s most iconic flavors.

You’ll spend your final evening in Portugal at leisure.