Portugal's Ultimate Food & Wine Adventure - 10 Days

Day 1: Arrive in Porto, Intro to Portuguese Wines

Olá and welcome to Porto, Portugal's second-largest city! Upon arrival, a private driver will be waiting to whisk you off to your hotel in the city center. Freshen up ahead of your first lesson, which is an introduction to Portuguese wine.

Portugal has one of the most diverse collections of native grapes in the world, and with this fun tutorial, you'll learn about Portuguese wines and taste six top pours. Discover zesty and effervescent whites to rich and complex reds from the hot Alentejo region. You'll leave this class with a phenomenal base to explore Portuguese wines on your own over the next 10 days.

Day 2: Bolhão Market & Food Tour, Porto History Tour

The culinary adventure continues at Bolhão Market, the city's most famous daily mercado (market). A local guide will lead you along the city's oldest food route, stopping in at unique, local-approved food stops to sample the produce and cuisine of Porto and northern Portugal. As you walk the beautiful streets, learn about the history, architecture, and culture of the city, as well as the families behind each establishment. After lunch, another local guide will share the history, battles, and how Porto gained the nickname "Invicta" (Unbeaten City) on a walking tour.

Explore the city center—a UNESCO World Heritage Site—and admire renowned Romanesque, Gothic, Baroque, and neoclassical monuments and sites. You'll see the São Bento Railway Station, Clerigos Tower, Lello Bookshop, and Porto Cathedral before dropping down to the Douro River. Cross the famous double-decked Dom Luís I Bridge over to Vila Nova de Gaia and visit one of the most famous port wine cellars. Discover the origins of Portugal's fortified wine production and partake in a tasting or two. 

Day 3: Day Trip to the Douro Valley: Wine Tasting & River Cruise

Pack a day bag for a big day out. At the appointed time, a private driver will transfer you from the city streets to the vineyards and valleys of the famous Douro Valley wine region. Thanks to your expert guide, spend the day visiting traditional wineries and learning about the region's fascinating UNESCO-protected wine heritage. After a wine tasting at a magnificent vineyard, enjoy a traditional lunch at one of the valley's famous quintas (estates).

After lunch, it's time to hop aboard a traditional wine boat for an hour-long cruise down the tranquil Douro River. Relax and admire the beautiful scenery of the valley, where the vines roll down to the riverbank while sipping on a glass of port wine. At the end of the day, return to Porto, where you can spend your evening at leisure.

Day 4: Transfer to Lisbon, Private Cooking Class with a Michelin-starred Chef

After breakfast at your hotel in Porto, it's time to hit the road with your private driver. Your three-hour drive south will land you in Portugal's colorful capital, Lisbon.

Once settled at your hotel, you'll join a private cooking workshop with a Michelin-starred chef in a cuisine lab, a private space dedicated to food research, recipe development, and new projects. You'll learn how to create two savory dishes, highlighting the incredible flavors of Portugal's fresh fish and meat. Your top chef will give you tips and tricks along the way and teach you to create a special Portuguese dessert, too. After all your efforts, you'll sit down together to savor your three-course meal, accompanied by fine Portuguese wines selected by your Michelin-starred chef. 

Day 5: Half-Day Guided Tour of Lisbon, Fado Experience

Fill up on breakfast this morning before you join a walking tour of hilly Lisbon. One of the best ways to see the city is by strolling its unique cobblestone streets. Start with the historic Alfama and Castelo neighborhoods, two of the oldest areas of Lisbon. Filled with steep streets, the views are some of the best in the city. Ride the quintessential yellow trams up to the Graça, Santa Luzia, or Portas do Sol scenic viewpoints, where you can gaze over the sea of red roofs to the Tagus River. Check out the Lisbon Cathedral, the 17th-century National Pantheon, and the 11th-century Castelo de São Jorge.

On your way back down to sea level, grab lunch near the riverfront at the city's Time Out Market, where you'll find an entire floor devoted to food stalls serving an array of international cuisine. After lunch, catch a tram or taxi to Belém, the neighborhood home to the Belém Tower and the Jerónimos Monastery, both UNESCO World Heritage Sites. Finally, venture to bohemian Bairro Alto in the evening and enjoy a night at one of the city's best fado restaurants, where good food and the melancholic tones of fado music come together for a truly authentic night in Lisbon.

Day 6: Day Trip to Sintra: Wine Tasting & Sightseeing

Today you'll venture out to Sintra, Lisbon's most popular day trip. Instead of making tracks for the region's famous 19th-century palaces, you're here this morning to explore some of the oldest vineyards in Portugal. Here in the sandy soils, ramisco and malvasia grapes have their origin. Start today's private experience at one of the oldest and largest cellars in Portugal, where you'll taste some of the wines produced from those castes.

Then enjoy a homely Portuguese lunch at a rustic restaurant in the historical center of Sintra before exploring the incredible Quinta da Regaleira. Lush gardens, lakes, mysterious dens, and enigmatic buildings surround this mystical and romantic palace. All of these places have hidden alchemical meanings, such as those evoked by the Freemasons, Knights Templar, and Rosicrucians.

Day 7: Transfer to the Algarve, Dinner at Vila Joya

Today, your private driver will take you on a roughly three-hour drive south to the Algarve region. Spend the afternoon at your leisure, ideally checking out some of the most spectacular beaches that the beautiful Algarve coastline has to offer. For instance, Praia Dona Ana is a 534-foot (163 m) sandy stretch surrounded by rugged rock formations, offering a dramatic and photogenic landscape. Or Ponta da Piedade, hidden behind dramatic tall cliffs, offers crystal-clear water and a photogenic arch made from rock. 

In the evening, get ready to indulge in an exquisite evening at Vila Joya, where your Portuguese culinary dreams will come true. Led by the talented two-star Michelin chef Dieter Koschina, you'll witness a remarkable gastronomic spectacle. As you sit at your table, be captivated by the masterful preparation of a decadent 12-course meal unfolding right before you. Immerse yourself in this world of food artistry and savor each delightful bite.

Day 8: Catamaran Cruise to Benagil Cave

Today you'll explore the Algarve's iconic soaring cliffs and curious coastal formations during a 3.5-hour catamaran cruise. Depart Portimão destined for the world-famous Benagil Cave. Along the way, you'll pass the beaches of Carvoeiro and Algar Seco, as well as the Alfanzina Lighthouse and Praia da Marinha's stunning views. Relax on the catamaran's twin sunbathing nets and enjoy the gentle breeze as you cruise along this unforgettable coastline, stopping at secret spots only accessible by sea. Anchor in the coves of João de Arens to swim and snorkel before returning to shore.

Day 10: Transfer to Lisbon, Depart

It's time to say goodbye to Portugal! If you have the time, join an optional tour of Ponta da Piedade, a breathtaking natural cliff formation of sea caves and towering cliffs that overlook crystal-clear turquoise waters. Or simply take a scenic cliffside walk at sunrise. When the time is right, a driver will transfer you to Lisbon airport for your departing flight. Safe travels!

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