Best Friends' Trip Through Portugal

Portugal | Mar 26 - Apr 4, 2025

Douro Riverside is a gorgeous hotel, repurposing a perfume factory. All the modern amenities are there for you. The staff was above and beyond helpful and friendly and even gave us a glass of the local port wine as we checked in. The views from every balcony are of the Douro River in all its glory. We even got to watch a crew practice one morning. The restaurant and bar are great and the staff is exceptional. Only one thing to know before booking - this hotel is not in Porto. You will have to drive or Bolt (Uber) to the center. There really isn't anything in walking distance and parking in the city would be challenging. Other than that - this hotel is perfect!

Staying in this historic hotel/convent was an experience. I wish we had more nights to explore the surroundings (we were there only one night). The restaurants and bars are really good - the wait staff friendly, approachable and they took their time with us to share information of the area. The hotel itself is well appointed, clean and quiet. It feels more like a retreat than a hotel.

This hotel is gorgeous. Built into a cliff on the Atlantic in the town of Lagoa, it is separate from the town and quiet - almost retreat-like. Not all the rooms face the ocean, but there is a view from each balcony. The layout of the hotel is magical and walking the grounds and surrounding cliffs is a highlight. The food was good and the drinks better - made perfect by the wait staff. It is a big hotel and it is easy to get lost in it, but that is the fun of exploring, isn't it?

I felt like we were in a fancy, upscale, alternative universe. This is a high-end hotel overlooking the Baixa neighborhood of Lisboa. We stayed on the top floor (67 steps - no elevator) and that was no problem, because the staff saw to our every whim, including hauling heavy luggage up and down those stairs. The bar and restaurant served great food and the staff were very friendly. We did not eat at the exclusive restaurant. Parking is taken care of with valet service - use it - driving in Lisboa is challenging. The hotel is off the main drag and on a quiet street. There are things to do and see near the hotel and if you don't want to take the funicular to the Baixa, you can Bolt (Uber) anywhere in the city.

This was enlightening, educational and fun. Our guide was so knowledgeable about the the religious, economic, cultural and political history of Evora and Portugal at large. She was funny, and easy to talk with. I felt we were with a best friend for the day,

Thanks for all the information, the snacks, the drinks and the smiles. The sailboat is comfortable, the captains were knowledgeable and multilingual and shared all kinds of history with us from the river. What a great way to learn about Porto and Gaia! A must take trip for anyone who has never been to the area.

AMAZING! Thank you Pepito, for the laughs, the history and the fun food facts. We met a truly wonderful human being on this private food tour.

Sofia rocked! What a kind, funny, smart young woman. We had a larger group and she made sure to spend time with each member. We were all from Germany, Canada and the States and everyone felt at home with her. She took us to local restaurants to eat local foods. She gave us historical knowledge on our walk of all the things we saw. It was more than a food walk.

LOVE LOVE LOVE You have to do this trip, and ask for Filippa as your guide. She is one of the owners of the company and she is the best. Sintra - I have no words for the place other than magical. La Quinta de Regaleira is a must - what a beautiful, special place. She gave us time in the little town of Sintra for lunch and pointed out places to eat and sample the local sweets. She was so good at showing us around and explaining what we were seeing, then giving us space and time to explore on our own. Cabo de Rocas and Cascais were the icing on the cake of this trip. What a great way to see beauty outside a huge city.