Portugal Food & Wine Tour - 7 Days 

In the wake of the Discoveries, we introduced many of the products into Europe that now form part of our everyday diet: spices - in particular pepper, cloves and cinnamon - and also ginger, coriander, tomato and paprika, that are now widely used as core ingredients. Portugal is blessed by the fact that our fishermen catch the world’s finest fish along our coastline, our farmers produce delicious horticultural products, equally delicious is our fruit and our olive oil, which, in the words of Eça de Queiroz “is worthy of Plato’s lips”. Also, our salt, our cheeses, our wines - first-class products which are recognized by the world’s leading specialists. Portugal has also developed its own distinctive cuisine, with unique traditional recipes that delight and surprise visitors.

Day 1 - Oporto City & Port Wine

One of the best ways to indulge in the treasures of the historical center of Porto is on foot accompanied by a private local guide. Discover, and taste, the beauty of Porto, a city designated World Cultural Heritage by UNESCO! 

In a colourful urban landscape with centuries of history, you will witness the most significant monuments of the city; the magnificence of the great architectural symbols of the Invicta, the 12th century Se Cathedral, the neo-Classical Stock Exchange Palace, the Clèrigos Tower and St. Francisco Church.

After a traditional Portuguese lunch on the esplanade set on the very significant Douro River, you will embark on a breathtaking river cruise passing under all seven bridges that line the river. Relax on this 50 minute boat ride before visiting a famous port wine cellar for a tour and tasting of UNESCO worthy port wine!

Day 2 - Guimarães & Vinho Verde

Starting in Guimarães, known as the "Cradle of Portugal" and designated “European Capital of Culture 2012”, you will visit the historic centre, the Palace of the Dukes and the 12th Century Castle.  

In the afternoon you will visit a 500 year old manor home (quinta) in the Sousa Valley between the Minho and Douro provinces. This region, famous for its unique vinho verde wine (sparkling wine), translating literally to "green wine," was demarcated in 1908 to produce this highly regarded drink. At the manor home, after a tour of the estate, you will enjoy a traditional gourmet lunch of authentic flavours with fresh seasonal products, prepared specially for you by the Chef.?

Your next stop will be at a world renowned vineyard and wine estate to learn more about this special regional grape and the production of the wine, finishing with a tasting of the sparkly nectar paired with some local cheese!? There will be some free time to enjoy the beautiful gardens and specialties of the estate.  Your tour concludes upon your return to Porto.

Day 3 - Douro Valley & Private Sail Boat

This is a "must see" if you are exploring the north of Portugal!

Through a unique landscape of mountain and river it was born one of the most famous God nectars: Port wine Designated UNESCO World Heritage, the wine valleys of the Douro region provides some of the most spectacular scenery in Portugal, and the sprawling mountainous landscape of the Douro Valley itself is perhaps the most beautiful of all.

Enjoy a leisurely tour in a private van through this magnificent countryside en route to Portugal's wine country. The first stop will be the charming town of Amarante. This ancient town is filled with fine Romanesque architecture. While there you will visit, the 16th century Monastery of São Goncalo, on the banks of the river, as well as the lovely Roman Bridge.

Next in Peso da Regua you will experience an award winning winery, complete with a guided tour and tasting (option of an impressive lunch consisting of Portuguese specialties at the estate vs. onboard the sailboat - see below).

Board a private sailboat and experience best that the Douro has to offer aboard Libertu’s, navigating the Douro River with the wind against your face discovering its heritage and unique landscape. (Option of lunch onboard). Return on a scenic drive back to Porto by private van. 

Day 4 - Aveiro & Coimbra

Visit the 2nd oldest university in Europe and the picturesque Aveiro.

Depart from your hotel by private van to Aveiro known as the 'Venice of Portugal', Aveiro is surrounded by salt-flats, beaches and lagoons and dominated by the central canal running through town. You will see the famous moliceiros - typical fishing boats with gaily painted prows. Walk through the historical city center stopping to taste Aveiro's typical sweet specialty, “Ovos Moles" before visiting the famous Vista Alegre Museum, which traces the history of traditional and most popular Portuguese porcelain from the 1850s to the present day.

On your way to Coimbra you will be stopping for one of the most delicious suckling pig meals in Portugal paired with the local sparkling wine from the region (other food options available).

Continue to Coimbra, the birthplace of six kings and the seat of Portugal's first university, reputedly the second-oldest in the world. Coimbra's ancient cathedral is one of the finest examples of Romanesque architecture in Portugal. You will have some time to explore or visit a few local shops. Your tour concludes upon arrival to your hotel in Porto.

Day 5 - Batalha, Nazaré, Alcobaça & Óbidos

Depart from the hotel to Batalha to visit the magnificent 14th century Gothic Church of Santa Maria da Victoria, continuing to the village of Nazare, a picturesque fishing village, where we stop for a fresh seafood lunch across from the sea.

After lunch we drive to Alcobaça, where you will see a Medieval Roman Catholic Monastery located in central Portugal. The Monastery was founded by the first Portuguese King, Afonso Henriques, in 1153, and maintained a close association with the Kings of Portugal throughout its history.

Then we head to a medieval village called Óbidos once the wedding present to a queen and coined "town of the Queens" as it was oftern patronized by the Queens of Portugal. It is a well-preserved example of medieval architecture; its streets, squares, walls and its castle are a popular tourist site where you can taste the "Ginginha", a cherry liquor served in a small chocolate cup. Your tour concludes upon arrival at your hotel in Lisbon.

Day 6 - Lisbon, Cascais & Sintra

One of the first sites that you will see in the capital city is the April 25th Suspension Bridge, sister to the Golden Gate, and the towering Christ the King Statue. We will visit Jeronimos Monastery, a 16th-century architectural masterpiece then continue to the nearby Belem Tower and home of the famous "Pasteis de Belem" Lisbon’s pastry delicacies which we will indulge in!

Next we will drive along the scenic coastal road passing by Estoril and Cascais, Portugal's first premier seaside resorts en route to one of Portugal's oldest, most charming mountain towns and UNESCO heritage sites, Sintra, considered to be one of the most beautiful places in Portugal. Visit the historical center amongst snug roads lined with stately homes and opulent palaces, most notably the 14th century Sintra Palace, once the summer residence of early Portuguese kings and aristocrats. There will be some free time for exploring the town and enjoying lunch at a local restaurant before joining your private van for a scenic drive back to Lisbon.

Fado Dinner & Show (optional night tour 125€ p/guest)

Spend your evening at a Lisbon tavern listening to fado. Derived from the Latin word fatum—meaning "prophecy" or "fate" - fado is Portugal’s national musical treasure. Fado's traditional theme is “saudade,” a word that doesn't quite translate to English but conveys an overwhelming sense of longing for something lost. Dinner is included during this memorable musical evening.

Day 7 - Évora, Arraiolos & Wine Tasting

Depart from your hotel to Evora, crossing the bridge over the river Tejo and traveling through a beautiful and bucolic landscape of olive trees, cork oak trees and vineyards. Your first stop will be at the small quaint little village of Arraiolos, where you will see the immaculate white houses (that gave the town its nickname) framed with blue or yellow stripes and the castle at the top of the village that keeps guard over the fields of Alentejo. Witness the typical slow pace of its people and the embroiderers working in the streets making the famous and genuine Arraiolos carpets. These carpets still preserve some of the most obvious elements of the Moorish culture of Portugal.

Continue to Évora - a UNESCO World Heritage Site, where you will enjoy a traditional local lunch before your sightseeing starts. In the narrow streets of the whitewashed town, your walking tour will visit some of the most important monuments; The Roman Temple, The Romanesque-Gothic Cathedral, Saint Francis Church with the "Bones Chapel," and the local university.  You can also admire the diversity and authenticity of local handicrafts; cork, ceramic and copper objects. You will have free time for lunch and to discover more of the city during the afternoon. Concluding this tour, we will be stopping at Cartuxa Wine Estate for a guided  tour complemented with a wine and olive oil tasting. Return to Lisbon where your tour concludes.

(Optional of extending one extra day in Lisbon):

Arrábida Nature Park and Wine & Cheese Tasting (300€ extra)

This nature tour will take you on the scenic route over the Arrábida Mountain Range - an area preserved as a Natural Park, with amazing scenery and unique vegetation. You will then go to a small fishing village to taste famous Portuguese sardines.

In the afternoon we will continue our drive through breathtaking scenery to a small village for a wine and cheese tasting at one of the oldest wineries in Portugal. It’s then time to go back, crossing the Tejo River and finishing this unforgettable experience at your hotel in Lisbon.

Duration: 7 Days.

Departure time: 

9:00 am (or as per guests’ itinerary)

Pricing: “Starting From” price based on six guests. 

Price per Group:           

1-2 people: 2950€

3-6 people: 3250€