Portugal Cuisine & Culture
Sunlit shores, historic sites, and world-renowned wine, cuisine, and soulful Fado music.
From $2,325 per person per person
Where the sun meets the sea and centuries of history are presented through architecture, dancing and some of the finest wine and cuisine in the world, Portugal is a vacation destination that calls to travelers of all interests. Find what appeals to you while spending seven days exploring this idyllic piece of Europe. This thoughtfully planned journey shares time between Lisbon and Porto, both waterside cities but each with its own distinct appeal. Begin in the capital city, Lisbon, with guided touring that highlights the city’s landmarks and culinary scene. Lesser-known parts of the local culture, including Fado music, are also brought to light as you explore both alongside a knowledgeable local guide and independently. From here, enjoy an in-depth look at Portugal’s landscape as you are whisked north by train to coastal Porto. This destination is famed as one of the world’s first wine regions, yet the beauty of the Douro River shines just as brightly. Soak in the incredible views while sipping wine in historic homes and dining atop a mountain. Not one, but two, scenic cruises further immerse you in the gorgeous scenery that encompasses the Porto region – a perfect conclusion to a truly memorable trip.
- See Lisbon’s prominent landmarks on a private orientation tour
- Eat and drink like a local on a walking tour of Lisbon’s markets, restaurants, and taverns
- Uncover Porto’s iconic sites on a private walking tour
- Visit traditional Quintas in the Douro valley, including lunch and wine-tastings
- See Porto from a new perspective on a city river cruise
INCLUSIONS/EXCLUSIONS
Included
- Standard class rail travel aboard high-speed trains
- Private car transfers between the train stations, hotels and airports
- Hotel accommodations for 6 nights
- Knowledgeable English-speaking guides for the tours/li>
- 8 Meals
Not Included
- Travel Insurance
- Airfare & airfare taxes
- Items of a personal nature
- City taxes are not included in the package price and will need to be paid locally
Itinerary
DAY 1
Arrive in Portugal’s capital city and meet your driver for a private transfer by luxury car to your hotel. Once you have settled in, meet your private guide for a walking tour of Lisbon to see popular landmarks, including the Monuments of the Portuguese Discoverers, Jerónimos Monastery, and the Tower of Belem. Overnight Lisbon.
DAY 2
The morning is free to explore Lisbon at your leisure. This afternoon, join a local guide for a walking tour showcasing the treasures of Portuguese gastronomy. Your first stop is a local food market, where you will taste the traditional “Pasteis de Belem,” a delightful egg custard tart. Continue to a Portuguese tavern to savor a tapas dinner. Cap off your day with an authentic Fado performance in the bohemian Barrio Alto. Overnight Lisbon.
DAY 3
The day is at leisure to explore the city on your own. Alternatively, consider a full-day excursion to Sintra and the Lisbon coast. Discover why this historic and scenic destination earned UNESCO World Heritage status as you stroll its opulent buildings and charming streets. Overnight Lisbon.
DAY 4
After breakfast take a private transfer to Lisbon’s rail station to board your train to Porto. Sit back and admire the vibrant scenery on the three-hour journey to Portugal’s wine country. On arrival, transfer to your centrally located hotel. This afternoon, a private walking tour showcases iconic landmarks throughout the city center, such as Clerigos Tower and Porto Cathedral. Overnight Porto.
DAY 5
Embark on a private full day tour to the Douro River. This charming and unique region in the north of Portugal is recognized as the first demarcated wine region in the world and is renowned for its UNESCO World Heritage landscape. Arrive in Lamego and visit a historical winery-Quinta, the historical houses of Portugal, for a wine tasting. The journey continues to a mountaintop Quinta, where you will tour the estate and winery, and enjoy a homemade traditional lunch with breathtaking views of the vineyards and rivers. Before sunset, arrive in Pinhão and admire the treasures of the Douro Valley on a boat cruise. Return to Porto with the evening at leisure. Overnight Porto.
DAY 6
Porto is famous for its wine, river, and landscapes. Today you can once again enjoy all three. This morning is at leisure to explore the city on your own or take an optional tour to Aveiro, known as the “Venice of Portugal.” This afternoon, embark on a Porto city river cruise, admiring the city from a new perspective, followed by a visit to a riverside winery where the famous Port wine is made. Overnight Porto.
DAY 7
A private transfer takes you from your hotel to the international airport after breakfast.