Wine, Culinary & Cultural Tours in Spain, Portugal & SW France
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Spain & Portugal
Luxury Tour of Portugal Wine & Culture
Itinerary | Features | Prices
Highlights of your unforgettable visit include:
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Accommodation in unique hand selected 4* and 5* hotels in Lisbon, Porto, The Douro Valley, Mavao and Evora
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Private guided visit of nostalgic Lisbon and scintillating Sintra and visits to medieval villages throughout Portugal - Obidos, Coimbra, Batalha, Viseu, Evora
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Portuguese wines: Private visits to prestigious wineries in Porto, Douro, Alentejo and Setúbal DOC
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Portuguese food: Guided tastings of local cheeses, bacalhau, pastries and other specialties
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On arrival at Lisbon Airport our chauffeur will be waiting for you and will transfer you in a luxury vehicle to your hotel, a genuine Art Deco Boutique Hotel, which records the glamour of the 1940’s, located on a quiet street right alongside the cosmopolitan Avenida da Liberdade, in the very centre of Lisbon, within a short walking distance of all the major sights.
We are sure you will be tired after your journey, but a short siesta is the answer before you start to get acquainted with this fabulous city.
If San Francisco had a sister, it would be Lisbon. Both cities have twin bridges and famously foggy weather. Both are situated on the best natural harbors on the west coast of their respective continents. Both have trolleys rattling up and down their steep hills past characteristic buildings. And both have survived horrific earthquakes. In 1755, an estimated 9.0 earthquake leveled two-thirds of Lisbon. Within a month, a new city was designed, and downtown Lisbon was rebuilt on a progressive grid plan, with broad boulevards and square squares.
Today, Lisbon is a ramshackle but charming mix of now and then. Bird-stained statues mark grand squares, taxis screech around cobbled corners and well-worn people hang out in Art Nouveau cafes. And just like it did during the days of Magellan and Vasco da Gama, the city continues to welcome ships to its large port. Even today, Lisbon still feels like Europe's gateway to the world.
Chauffeured Transfer from Lisbon Airport to hotel; Overnight in Lisbon
This morning, after breakfast, your guide will be waiting at your hotel to take you for a Private Gourmet and Historical Tour to introduce you to the Portuguese culture, cuisine and its incredible mix of Mediterranean tradition and exotic influences from all corners of the World. You will start with Lisbon’s great Cafés and Portugal’s strong café culture and you will have the chance to take a look at delicious and exotic products, from dried, salted Bacalhau to sausages, hams and cheeses. Learn the history of Portugal’s famous fortified wine, Port and then try some with delicious Azeitão cheese. Learn about sweets and pastries and try the famous custard tart, Pastéis de Belém Hear about the only tea produced in Europe, grown in the Atlantic Island of São Miguel, in the Azores. Try some Portuguese Beer in the beautiful Rossio Central Station and finally make a visit to the Moorish St George’s Castle, renamed after conquering the Moors and take in the impressive views over the sea.
Leading down from the castle to the river, cross the Alfama, Lisbon's salty sailors' quarter. Its tangled street plan is one of the few parts of Lisbon to survive the big quake, making the Alfama a cobbled playground of Old World color. Urban-jungle roads are squeezed into a maze of confusing alleys, designed to frustrate invaders trying to get up to the castle. What was defensive then is atmospheric now. Gnarled houses snuggle together in their romantic shabbiness; the air drips with laundry and the smell of clams and raw fish. You will pass by some interesting wine shops on your journey where arrangements have been made for you to taste the very special famous ports from Douro and Portuguese wines, such as Vinho Verde do Minho (the famous green wine of Minho).
On return to your hotel in Lisbon, relax a litte prior to a fabulous Fado music evening at an authentic fado restaurant in Lisbon’s picturesque Barrio Alto.
Gourmet and Historical Tour of Lisbon, Dinner at Fado Restaurant, Overnight in Lisbon
Today is a free day in Lisbon to do as you wish - perhaps you will want to have a wander and try some more local cheeses, ports or wines – take a ride on one of the famous Lisbon trams or make a visit to the Port Wine Institute, where you can sample a selection of ports - wander around the Alfama district and fine a little local cafe for a port or two, or alternatively, just take it easy for the rest of the day, sip a glass of good Portuguese wine and watch the world go by – the choice is yours – enjoy!
Free day in Lisbon, Overnight in Lisbon
After a delicious breakfast this morning, a representative of our car rental company will be waiting with your luxury vehicle (Mercedes E, Audi 4, or similar) with automatic transmission and GPS you will be ready to leave for Sintra, a gorgeous little mountain city, verdant and graceful with stunning palaces and gardens, including the one and only "Palacio da Pena", the most extraordinary palace in Portugal, built in the 1840's for Queen Maria II by her husband, emulating the castles of Ludwig of Bavaria. On arrival to the palace you will meet with your guide and together visit this unique place and then explore the windy, mountainous city streets and the incredible Old World European architecture complete with pointed roofs, as well as the breathtaking Moorish Castle and the Monastery dos Capuchos.
After a wonderful tour you will continue your journey to Cascais, an old fishing-town, now considered a high-end district. Here we have arranged for a private cooking class, where you will learn to prepare a typical Portuguese meal and afterwards enjoy the amazing lunch you have prepared with local wines. After such a delicious meal you will need to stretch your legs – strolling the cobblestone sidewalks of this quaint and pretty place, admiring the traditional tile-work on the buildings and maybe indulging in some shopping at designer boutiques. We suggest a visit to the Museu Condes de Castro Guimarães, a pretty little museum which is housed in a historic villa with gardens and features an array of tapestries, paintings, furniture and other objets d´art.
Visit to Sintra and Cascais, Cooking Class, Overnight in Lisbon
Today it will be time to leave the region of Lisbon behind and enter the Portuguese countryside and your first visit this morning on your way north from Lisbon, will be Batalha, where you will have time to have a look at the wonderful 14th century Monastery of the Dominicans and perhaps take a coffee and pastry. Your journey continues to one of the hidden gems of the Portuguese countryside: the medieval town of Óbidos. This completely walled city still presents with pride the white washed houses that the Moorish occupation left behind in a maze of narrow cobbled streets on the way up to the castle. In Óbidos it will be hard to choose either to explore the little ceramic shops along the way or enjoy the pleasures of the famous local Cherry Liquor known as Ginjinha, but we suggest a stop for lunch at one of the many cafés around the walled city, prior to continuing today’s adventure.
Travelling further north on your journey you will visit Coimbra, an old university town, with its Old Cathedral Sé Velha - the present church, in the second phase of Coimbra Romanesque style, dates from the 2nd half of the 12th century. Also take time out to see the Almedina Tower, Torre de Almedina, which was built above the Almedina Arch in the 11th century – nowadays housing the Centre of the Walled City – an interpretation centre recounting the history of the medieval city and its wall.
Your day concludes with a drive to Porto, where you will check into your hotel, a recently renovated beautiful palace dating from the end of the 18th century and located in Oporto’s main city square the Praça da Liberdade, at walking distance from all the major cultural highlights.
Visits to Batalha, Obidos, Coimbra, Overnight in Porto
After breakfast at your hotel this morning you will leave for the bustling suburb of Vila Nova da Gaia, which lies opposite Oporto on the steep south bank of the mighty River Douro, just across the Dom Luís Bridge, which is by the way, an unmistakable icon of the Oporto city. Gaia today is dominated by the Port wine lodges, with over fifty wine companies based in its narrow, twisting streets. Here, the ageing and blending of most of the world's supply of Port wine takes place beneath a sea of red roofs emblazoned with some of the most famous names in winemaking and here you will make a private guided visit to the Sandeman lodge, founded in 1790 and housed in a former 16th century convent with a small museum. The Sandeman Porto Cellars is a landmark spot and the building boasts one of the best views of Porto. After a full visit to the cellars, you will enjoy a tasting of some of their best ports.
Onwards to Pinhao in the heart of the Douro Valley, where you will check into the Vintage House Hotel, a charming 4-star property that dates back to the XVIII century when it was an old Port winery. With a privileged location in the heart of the Douro valley and overlooking the Douro River, this is a delightful hotel offering comfortable accommodation and excellent service.
After settling in make a short exploration of Pinhao. Spectacularly located at the confluence of the Douro and Pinhão rivers, this small town is the epicentre of the Port winemaking area and a place where the soil and climatic conditions are considered to be at their very best.
This afternoon we have arranged for a port wine tasting with chocolates, at your hotel - an opportunity to get to know the best ports of Portugal which match the taste of delicious chocolates famously!
You may wish to eat at your hotel tonight, where the excellent restaurant has a terrace with magnificent views over the River Douro.
Porto, Pinhao, Overnight in Pinhao, Douro Valley
After a delicious breakfast at your hotel this morning, you will be making a wonderful visit to a very special and world famous winery. Sitting in a privileged location in the Douro Demarcated Region, Quinta do Crasto has been in the family of Leonor and Jorge Roquette for over a century. Like other great Douro quintas, its origins lie in ancient times (the name CRASTO comes from the Latin word castrum, a Roman fort). References to Quinta do Crasto date as far back as the early seventeenth century, long before the Douro became the world’s first demarcated wine region in 1756. At the winery you will have a full private visit of the vineyards (with mind blowing views of the River Douro) and cellars, followed by a tasting of their incredible wines and ports.
After sampling the Quinta do Crasto we are sure you will be ready for a delicious lunch of local fare at a cosy hostelry – their desserts, accompanied by Late Vintage Ports are sublime!
Now you will be ready to visit another winery and this time we are taking you to yet another world famous producer, Fonseca Guimaraens at Quinta do Panascal, whose reputation goes back to the 18th century. The property at the moment totals just over 76 hectares. All of the grapes are foot trodden in granite lagares situated on the property. The wines from this region are prized for their solid backbone and concentration and this can be seen in the Panascal Single Quinta Vintage port that Fonseca produces. You will have a full visit to the vineyards and cellars, followed by a tasting of their best wines.
We have many suggestions for dinner tonight at one of the excellent restaurants in the area.
Private visits to Quinta do Crasto Winery and Quinta do Panascal Winery, Overnight in Pinhao, Douro Valley
Today you will have a free day to do as you please. Maybe you would like to take a Rabelo boat cruise on the River Douro – a super experience and we will gladly make arrangements on your behalf. These cruises are on replica Vintage boats traditionally used to carry the wine down the river from Douro to the lodges in Oporto. Sip white port whilst taking in the views of the vineyards and colonial style Quintas running down towards the river.
Or ride the train from Pinhao to Pocinho, considered one of the world’s most scenic journeys; the rail line runs just along the river with of course the resultant breathtaking views of the terraced vineyards on the other side.
Or perhaps you would prefer to take a drive to Vila Nova de Foz Coa with some spectacular views as the roads wind erratically up and down the mountainside between the different valleys. The town is beautifully situated high above the River Coa, one of the tributaries of the Douro. This is very much an area of olives and almonds as opposed to grapes and the almonds, in particular, make a beautiful sight in early spring. Vila Nova is also the closest town to the 22,000-year-old rock paintings, which were discovered during the construction of a new dam.
This evening we suggest a farewell dinner at your hotel, on the terrace overlooking the river for a few final magnificent moments to view this incredible picture prior to leaving in the morning to continue your journey back to the south of Portugal.
Pinhao, Overnight in Pinhao, Douro Valley
We are moving towards the Alentejo wine wine region this morning and after breakfast you will drive to Viseu, a fine city whose old centre has changed little since medieval times. It is a pleasure to walk through and the large cathedral square is home to some truly imposing buildings, especially the twin-towered cathedral, with a delightful interior made up of Manueline vaulting, an outstanding gilded baroque altarpiece and a graceful cloister. If you love art, don't miss the Grão Vasco Museum, one of the greatest Portuguese Renaissance Masters.
Continuing your journey you will arrive in Guarda which will surprise you with its altitude. Situated on the slope of the Estrela Mountain range, Guarda is well known for its natural surroundings and ancient history and as the highest town in Portugal (at an elevation of about 1056m) and has always played an important role as a defensive site. Towering into the sky is a gothic cathedral that also dominates the town's central square. In the graceful interior are twisted pillars and arched vaulting, and a masterpiece Renaissance altar of white marble, gilded in the 18th century with 100 high-relief figures. Guarda is also an excellent place for you to break for a delicious country fare lunch.
Today’s tour now leads us to the pretty town of Castelo de Vide which is of Roman origin, and nearby are the ruins of the Roman settlement of Miróbriga. Many Roman artifacts have been found here, but it's the sizeable Jewish presence in the Middle Ages for which the town is now known. There is an atmospheric medieval Judaria, or Jewish Quarter, where time seems to have stood still, with cobbled streets and whitewashed houses. Here too is also the oldest synagogue in the country, although all that remains is one modest little room.
Just ten minutes away is your hotel for tonight, in the medieval hillside town of Marvao. You will be spending this evening in a Pousada which offers views of the stunning mountain landscape surrounding this hilltop town. Take some time to settle in and then perhaps, after your long day, you will prefer to take dinner in their excellent restaurant.
Visits to Viseu, Guarda and Castelo de Vide, Overnight in Marvao
After a relaxed breakfast at your hotel this morning, you will be leaving for Evora, which is less than 2 hours away and on the way you will make a visit to a very modern winery indeed – Monte Seis Reis, which was created in the early nineties by Helder de Almeida. In March 2003, Almeida invested in a wine-tourism complex and started producing wine under the Monte dos Seis Reis brand. The winery prides itself on it's blend of the old and the new – here, in one of the most modern cellars in Alentejo, the old tradition of the stomping of the grapes is still practiced! You’ll enjoy a private tour and learn about the history behind the winery’s name “Six Kings (a story about five kings and one queen) followed with a tasting of the best wines including the Monte Seis Reis Reserva.
Your journey continues to the tiny village of Igrejinha where you will make a tour of the Herdade dos Coelheiros estate run by the effervescent Teresa Leal. This estate not only produces wines, but also walnuts and cork trees. You will make a tour of the property by 4X4, taking in the beautiful landscapes, the winery and cellars, concluding with a tasting of their superb barrel fermented white and the powerful Tapada de Coelheiros Tinto. As a matter of interest, located nearby is the tiny carpet making village of Arraiolos - the distinctive wine labels of Tapada de Coelheiros are actually inspired by the famous decorative rugs.
Onwards to the the walled city of Évora with a proud, rich and imposing past. The Romans were here, leaving their 1st century Temple behind, but so were the Moors who occupied the narrow streets with quaint small white washed houses. Later the Christians garnished the town with squares, churches and a different lifestyle. You will visit the Church of Saint Francis and the famous “Chapel of the Bones” and if you wish, stop for a very late lunch, so that you may enjoy the best of the Alentejana gastronomy with authentic dishes like duck rice, cod with shrimp and grilled pork.
From here you will move on to your hotel, an old convent that has been renovated and turned into a luxury hotel. It was originally built and funded by one of the kings in Portugal as a place to come to escape Lisbon and have some quiet time. Nowadays a superbly renovated hotel and spa with all the comforts you may desire. After check in we suggest a relaxing afternoon and evening – perhaps a visit to the spa and a wonderful massage. We recommend dinner at your hotel.
Visits to Monte Seis Reis Winery, Herdade dos Coelheiros Winery, Igrejinha and Evora; Overnight in Evora, Alentejo Region
Wake up bright and early this morning and enjoy a delicious breakfast and perhaps a swim in the pool before leaving for Reguengos de Monsaraz 45 minutes away and the best known winery in the Alentejo wine region, Herdade do Esporão.
The history of "Herdade do Esporão"'s estate goes back 700 years. The boundaries were first established in 1267. The modern winery today boasts three historic monuments on its estate: a medieval Tower, the Bow and the Chapel (all declared national heritage monuments) and recently restored by Esporao's owners, the Finagra company. The story of the winery is more recent, beginning in 1973 when Joaquim Bandeira and Dr. José Alfredo Parreira Holtreman Roquette bought the estate and began their ambitious winemaking venture. The last 25 years have seen major investment, innovation and the launching of new products apart from wine such as high quality olive oils, cheese and vinegars.
Australian David Baverstock is their famous flying winemaker who makes many single varietal wines with native Portuguese grapes (a technique proven so successful in new world wines). You’ll have a private guided wine tour followed by a tasting of both wines and olive oils. What better place to enjoy lunch today in their very bright and airy restaurant with a tasting menu paired with wines.
The rest of your afternoon is free, but perhaps you may wish to return directly to your hotel and enjoy the facilities of the spa. We suggest dinner in one of the many local restaurants or a light meal at your hotel.
Visit to Heredade do Esporao Winery, Overnight in Evora
Today, after a very relaxed and lazy breakfast, you will check out of your hotel and and you will commence your journey towards Azeitao, south of Lisbon. Your first visit today will commence with a tour of the famous Quinta da Bacalhoa estate. This magnificent estate is owned by Joe Berardo, a major art lover and one of the wealthiest men in Portugal. You will tour the estate with its 16th century renaissance gardens and incredible vineyards and visit the largest collection of antique Portuguese tilework in their Azulejo room. To continue you will visit the Japanese garden and the wine cellars and finalise your tour with a tasting of their best wines.
Your journey continues onto the pretty little village of Azeitao, nestling among olive and cork trees and situated at the foot of the Serra da Arrábida. Dotted with country palaces, running fountains and narrow alleyways, it is famous for its wines, olives and creamy sheep’s cheese, the latter prized as one of the best in the country.
Your first visit will be to the Museu do Queijo de Azeitao, situated on a picturesque farm, Quinta Velha-Queijeira, where you will have a full guided visit and an opportunity not only to learn all about the very special cheese of this area and its history, but also to don an apron and make your own cheese! The farm is beautiful to look at with its numerous outbuildings painted in blue and white. Their grocery shop is very old-fashioned with little counters covered in cloths – lots of wicker baskets filled with organic vegetables, eggs and fruit, handicrafts made by local artisans; hand painted ceramics, products made from cork and embroidered tablecloths, scarves and traditional skirts and blouses.
We suggest you now pause for a delicious lunch with typical Portuguese local wines served at a local hostelry, an ideal opportunity to taste the local sweet speciality, Tortas de Azetao. Consisting of a sweet egg yolk paste spread on sheets of soft, sponge cake-like dough, sprinkled with cinnamon, and then rolled up and cut into about 3-inch by 1-inch thick rolls – ummm, so delicious!
This afternoon we will visit the José Maria da Fonseca Museum House and Cellars. JMF as they are commonly called in this area, have been making wines for nearly 200 years and are the oldest producer of wines, including the Setubal Muscatel, in Portugal. You will have a guided tour of the Museum and the three old Cellars where wines are aged,, followed by a tasting of JMF’s famous wines and Moscatel.
Return to Lisbon by the incredible Vasco de Gama Bridge - 17km (11 miles) long - making it the longest bridge in Europe when it opened in 1998 and still today one of the longest in the world. The views from this bridge are dramatic and memorable.
On arrival at your hotel in Lisbon a representative of the car rental company will collect your car and then you are free to do as you wish. After such a busy day you will no doubt wish to relax and perhaps have a light dinner at your hotel, but we also have many suggestions for great restaurants in the area.
Visit to Azeitao, Cheese Museum, Wineries, Lunch, Overnight in Lisbon
Today is your final full day in Portugal and you are free as a bird to do a little last minute shopping, have a casual lunch and wander in the old town. Ensure you have a siesta this afternoon, because this evening we suggest you have a grand farewell dinner with wine at a wonderful top Lisbon restaurant.
Lisbon, Overnight in Lisbon
Day 14 top
This morning you will check out of your hotel and our chauffeur will be waiting to drive you to the airport for your journey home.
We very much hope you will join us for this amazing tour of the very best historical, wine and port regions in Portugal.
Lisbon – Return home
Your Luxury Tour of Portugal includes:top
- Accommodation for six (6) nights at a 4* Art Deco Boutique Hotel in the heart of Lisbon (double occupancy)
- Accommodation for one (1) night in a 5* beautifully renovated palace hotel in the centre of Porto (double occupancy)
- Accommodation for three (3) nights at a 4* charmingly restored 18th Century winery hotel (double occupancy)
- Accommodation for one (1) night at a typical Portuguese Pousada Hotel in a medieval village (double occupancy)
- Accommodation for two (2) nights in a hotel in a 4* restored Palace hotel in Evora (double occupancy)
- Provision of a luxury rental car (Mercedes E, Audi A4 or similar) with automatic transmission and GPS for the 9 days as stated in your itinerary
- All the private guided tours, food tastings and wine samplings, as stated in your itinerary
- Visits to 7 wineries and one wine/port warehouse, with samplings of wine and port
- A cookery class followed by a lunch with wine of that which you have prepared during your lesson
- One tasting lunch with wine at the Heredade do Esorao Winery
- One dinner with wine at a Lisbon Fado restaurant
- Online Personal Travel Webpage including daily itinerary, general local information, restaurant reservations, details of places of interest, and suggestions for your free time, etc.
- Customized Travel Journal, which will include the information on your Personal Travel Website, that you can take with you to use as a reference throughout your tour
Your Luxury Tour of Portugal does not include:
- Flights
- Meals and Drinks not specified
- Personal Expenses such as Telephone, Minibar, etc.
- Tips and Gratuities (Restaurants, etc.)
- Travel Insurance may be included in your quotation on request. We strongly recommend you to take out separate cancellation insurance.
Luxury Tour of Portugal dates:
Available upon request all year round.
Luxury Tour of Portugal Prices:
Please note our tours are available for PRIVATE GROUPS ONLY and are not scheduled tours for mixed groups.
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