The Many Flavors of Portugal

Porto Portugal

Meet our driver transfer to our Porto Hotel. Enjoy a short walk in the city center with a stop at the Majestic coffee shop for a coffee, drink and some pastry. It was established in 1921 and was a favorite meeting place for artists and writers. Walk to the train station to see the tiled entrance before we walk through the Street of Flowers. Back to our hotel and check-in and have time to relax until dinner. In the evening we visit the newest producer of premium Port. It is a boutique Port and Douro Wine company. Enjoy a talk and wine tasting followed by our Welcome dinner which includes some of their best wines. Back to our hotel for the night (Snack, D)

Stock Exchange – Palácio da Bolsa

Today drive towards Barcelos and enjoy a leisurely walk to a local market followed by a visit to see a workshop of local artisans making pottery. Back to Porto for a lunch of tapas. This afternoon we have a guided tour to Porto historical center with a nice walk to Ribeira Square and a visit to the Stock Exchange, St. Francisco Church and Lello Library. The evening is free to relax or enjoy the night in Porto. (B, L)

Streets of Óbidos, Portugal

This morning we drive to Lisbon, Europe’s second-oldest capital (after Athens), and one of the world’s greatest natural harbors. It attracted different civilizations including Phoenicians, Celts, Romans, Visigoths and Moors which is reflected in its architecture and culture. En-route, stop at Vista Alegre porcelain factory. The fame and prestige of Vista Alegre porcelain is found globally and is displayed in the Metropolitan Museum of Art in New York, and decorates some of Europe’s most famous royal houses. Take in the panoramic drive towards the Costa Nova town with the charming houses by the beach. Stop at Aveiro, an attractive city on the southeastern edge of a scenic lagoon. It is crossed by three canals spanned by low-arched bridges and is divided into two parts by the Central Canal. The canal itself is lined with fine Art Nouveau buildings and beautifully painted gondola-like boats known as “moliceiros”. These were once used mainly to collect seaweed, but now transport tourists down the canal. Enjoy a walking tour before lunch on our own at a local restaurant. Next stop is beautiful Óbidos, Portugal’s most romantic medieval village, also known as the “Wedding Present Town” because it was a gift from King Dinis to Queen Isabel on their wedding day in 1282. Back to the hotel for the evening on our own. (B)

Fish Market

Today we drive towards Cascais, a formerly quaint fishing village that became (along with neighboring Estoril) a popular resort favored by European nobility and kings in the early 20th century. Today it is a colorful cosmopolitan town with elegant pedestrian streets, luxuriant villas, fashionable shops, restaurants and bars. Upon arrival, enjoy a walk in the local fish market led by our Chef followed by a private cooking class. The class and lunch are at a charming noble house facing the sea. After lunch, drive towards Sintra, a little town with a mixture of history and fantasy protected by UNESCO as a World Heritage Site. Enjoy a tour of Sintra’s historical center and a visit to Pena Palace. The Palace sits on the hill overlooking the town and once housed a monastery before King Ferdinand II built a palace. A castle sits beside it. Back to Lisbon for dinner on your own. (B, L)

Wonderful glazed pastries

This morning enjoy a private visit to the last big factory of tiles and pottery craft in Europe, dating back to the 18th century. Get close with its history and the entire production process of our tiles and ceramics. Drive to Alfama and take in a visit to Tile Museum. Stop for a gourmet treat at a pastry shop was considered one of the most elegant in Europe. It has a bright mirrored interior with shiny marble counters, and remains a wonderful place for some glazed pastries. It is mostly famous for its Christmas time Bolo Rei, a traditional cake first introduced by the French. Drop-off at your hotel. leisure afternoon. Fado Dinner and show (pre-set menu with wines).

Olive Oil Tasting

During the morning enjoy a guided tour to Évora, one of Portugal’s finest and most delightful towns in the heart of the Alentejo region of central Portugal. It is a true open-air museum with a large number of wonderfully preserved monuments and buildings that led UNESCO to protect it as a World Heritage Site. Enjoy a walk in its historical center stopping at the Cathedral, Bones Chapel and St. Francisco Church. Next stop is at one of Portugal’s top wine and olive oil producers and the largest privately held wine company in Portugal. The estate’s original boundaries date back to 1267. A medieval tower and chapel from the 15th and 16th centuries respectively and a detailed archaeological dig (with museum) of a pre-historic settlement that existed on the property some 5,000 years ago, so it’s no wonder that the land is nationally recognized for its historical importance. We have a treat of olive oil tasting and gourmet lunch. After lunch relax and enjoy the views from the estate terrace facing the Alentejo plains. Enjoy a guided visit to the estate wine cellars followed by a talk and wine tasting before departing towards Lisbon. (B, L)

Belem Tower

During the morning we explore the Belem area and see the Belem Tower and Monuments. We have a guided visit to Jeronimos Monastery and the Coach Museum. Leisurely afternoon to do more exploring in Lisbon on our own and pack for tomorrow’s departure.

All accommodations in 4 and 5 -star hotels (includes breakfast, taxes and porterage service in and out)

• Wine Lodge private visit, a talk and wine tasting and dinner (pre-set menu with wines)
• Cooking Lesson followed by lunch (pre-set menu with wines)
• Tapas lunch (pre-set menu with wines)
• Wine Estate private visit to Wine cellars followed by talk wine and olive oil tasting and gourmet lunch (pre-set menu with wines)
• Gourmet Pastry and Port wine or soft drink.
• Fado Performance and one glass of port wine and dinner (pre-set menus with wine)
• All meals listed in the itinerary (B= breakfast, L = Lunch D = Dinner)
• Tips for the driver, guide, baggage transfers (with group transfers) and tips at all meals that are listed in the itinerary.
• Water on the bus
• Headphones for the guided part of the tour
• All activities and entrance fees as listed in the itinerary
• One group transfer from Porto airport and one group transfer to Lisbon airport

• All flights, international and domestic
• Travel insurance
• Passport and Visa Fees (Visas not needed for Americans and Canadians)
• Mini-bar
• Laundry services
• Anything not listed in the itinerary