The best of Portugal: food, wine & culture for insiders only
Now this is an example of journey that you can only experience if you have good connections. And of course, we have them. And we are excited to share everything with you! This is a journey through Portugal with very exclusive experiences. Every client has a different itinerary, focused on their interests, needs and taste. But here is a good inspiration.
DAY 1
Arrival at Porto
Meet your private transfer to your accommodation. Then, enjoy a Porto Lifestyle Tour & Petiscos Dinner, where you will immerse yourself in the local lifestyle of Porto, where life revolves around the river and the sea. You will also experience the beauty of classic Portuguese cuisine.
DAY 2
The Wines & Gastronomy & Highlights of Porto
Visit two of our favorites most iconic port wineries, where you’ll enjoy a private tour, premium tasting, and lunch. Afterwards, meet your local expert guide and embark on a jam-packed tour of the city’s essential sites – from its Medieval relics and soaring bell towers to the extravagant and colorful buildings stacked atop its hills.
DAY 3
Braga & Guimarães
Explore the medieval city of Guimarães and meet your transfer to a private manor-house and winery where you´ll be joined by a wine expert who will share exclusive historical insights and stories. After lunch, your local guide will lead you through Braga´s narrow lanes and spectacular squares.
DAY 4
Douro Valley
oday you’ll get an authentic taste of Douro Valley’s culture with a food and hospitality expert who comes from a renowned family in the Port wine world. She will introduce you to some local craftswomen who carry on this region’s legacies, then you’ll enjoy a wine tasting and lunch and finally board on a traditional sailboat for a serene trio down the river.
DAY 5
Douro Valley by boat: luxury Private Cruise & Meal
Discover the magic of the Douro Valley from a different perspective: perched on your private boat with a glass of wine-in-hand. Board your boat to cruise along the Douro River, taking views of the terraced vineyards, charming and rolling green hills at a relaxed pace while enjoying a traditional Portuguese meal and wine.
DAY 6
Évora & Monsaraz
On your way to Monsaraz, you’ll stop in the historic city of Évora and be invited into the royal residence of the Princess of Orleáns, 11th Duchess of Anjou, Palace of the Dukes of Cadaval. She will personally show you its impressive collection of art and manuscripts. After this exclusive private tour, join her for a traditional meal. After lunch, meet your guide that will show you Évora’s two thousand years of history.
DAY 7
Cromeleque de Almendres, Cork Factory and Alentejo Night Sky
Meet your local expert guide and visit the intriguing Almendres Cromlech where you will examine these ancient remnants of prehistory. Then you will get a firsthand look at the important industry of cork as you tour a factory with the owner. At night, enjoy the first “Starlight Tourism Destination” in the world with your astronomer host.
DAY 8
Private Visit, Wine Tasting & Transfer to Algarve
On your way to Algarve, you will make a stop to have a private visit and wine tasting at a renowned Quinta. There, you will have the opportunity to discover the olive groves and have an unforgettable stop at the lake.
DAY 9
Algarve by boat: oyster Tasting Experience
Today you’ll board a boat and cruise through Ria Formosa Natural Park, giving you an inside look at its abundant birds and wildlife, picturesque villages, and traditional fishing culture, stopping for an exquisite tasting of oysters that come straight from the lagoon!
DAY 10
Comporta & Lisboa
On your way to Lisboa, you will have the opportunity to explore the sublime beaches in Comporta, a village full of beachfront cafes, restored fishermen’s cottages, and serene rice fields where you can enjoy a delicious meal at a beach bar.
DAY 11
Highlights of Lisboa & Fado
Lisboa is bursting with iconic monuments and vestiges of its complex history, and today your local guide will lead you to its most essential sites. As you explore its fascinating areas, the story of Lisboa will come to life! At night, you’ll be treated to a captivating fado show by some of the country’s top singers and musicians in our favorite venue. As you enjoy the performance, indulge in a three-course Portuguese meal.
DAY 12
Sintra
Sintra feels straight out of a fairytale, with its colorful palaces and whimsical gardens, Today, you will discover its charm and history with a local guide, starting in the old city center. After your tour, enjoy lunch at Bar do Binho with the owner, that is specialized in Port Wine and will tell you all about it. To finish the day, you will be taken to a private Sinta palace, where you´ll be welcomed by the Duchess of Cadaval, that will show you her property and enjoy a wine tasting and meal with you.
DAY 13
Depart from Lisboa
Private transfer to the hotel and luggage assistance. End of Made for Spain & Portugal’s services.