Portugal for the Discerning Palate: A 12-Day Wine & Culinary Immersion
Welcome to Portugal. This bespoke 12-day journey is crafted to celebrate your special anniversary and birthday, immersing you in the heart of Portugal's vibrant culture, extraordinary cuisine, and world-renowned wine regions. With a dedicated driver-guide, every moment will be captured as you indulge in an intensive exploration of the country's finest wineries, from renowned Alentejo to the terraced vineyards of the Douro Valley, with optional staying in exquisite historical and boutique hotels along the way.
Day by day
- Day 1 — Welcome to Lisbon: A Captivating Capital
Upon arrival at Lisbon Airport, you will be greeted by your private driver-guide for a seamless transfer to your hotel. Settle in and enjoy the remainder of the day at your leisure, perhaps with a stroll through the charming neighborhood of Chiado or along the grand Avenida da Liberdade before a welcome dinner. - Day 2 — Lisbon's Legacy & A Storied Vintner
Discover Lisbon's iconic landmarks, from the historic Alfama district to the UNESCO World Heritage sites of Belém. In the afternoon, journey to Azeitão for a special visit to the José Maria da Fonseca winery, the historic producer of Lancers and Faisca Rosé, fulfilling your unique family connection. - Day 3 — The Enchanting Palaces of Sintra & the Estoril Coast
Experience a fairytale day in Sintra, a cool mountain enclave of palaces and noble estates. You will visit the breathtaking Pena Palace and one other estate of your choice before journeying to Cabo da Roca, the westernmost point of continental Europe, and returning via the elegant coastal towns of Cascais and Estoril. - Day 4 — Journey to the Alentejo: History & Harvest in Évora
Travel south to the sun-drenched plains of the Alentejo, a region of cork forests, vineyards, and whitewashed villages. Enroute, stop by Jose Maria da Fonseca, famous for producing the Lancers wine. Your destination is the UNESCO-listed city of Évora. After exploring its Roman and medieval history, you will have your first introduction to the powerful and complex wines of the Alentejo. - Day 5 — The Soul of Alentejo: A Full-Day Wine Expedition
Immerse yourself in the vinicultural heart of Alentejo today, as your private guide escorts you on an exclusive journey to two additional local wineries. From charming family-run quintas to state-of-the-art estates, each visit offers a refined tasting experience and the option to evaluate a convenience of direct, international shipping for your treasured selections. - Day 6 — From Ancient Scholars to the River of Gold
Journey north, stopping in the historic town of Coimbra. The famous UNESCO World Heritage town, hosts one of the oldest universities in Europe. In the afternoon, you will arrive in the breathtaking Douro Valley and check into your hotel, your base for the next four nights. - Day 7 — The Western Douro: Terraced Vineyards & Famed Estates
Your immersion in the Douro begins. This first day will focus on the famed quintas (wine estates) of the Baixo Corgo and Cima Corgo sub-regions. You will visit two local wineries, selected for their quality and ability to ship, with possible option to enjoy lunch with wine pairings at one of them. - Day 8 — The Heart of the Douro: Barrel Tastings & a River Journey
Today offers two iconic Douro experiences. You will visit a premier estate for an exclusive barrel tasting with the winemaker, a truly unique insight into the aging process. In the afternoon, relax and admire the terraced landscape from a different perspective during a private boat trip on the serene Douro River. - Day 9 — The Wild Beauty of the Upper Douro
Venture into the Douro Superior, the region stretching to the Spanish border, known for its dramatic landscapes and high-quality table wines. This lighter day expedition includes visit to one additional winery, providing a comprehensive understanding of the entire Douro Valley's winemaking process. - Day 10 — Journey to Porto: The Capital of Port Wine
Leaving the Douro Valley behind, today's scenic journey takes you to Porto, the city that gave Port wine its name. After checking into your hotel, you will cross the iconic Dom Luís I Bridge to Vila Nova de Gaia for a private tour and tasting at a legendary Port wine cellar. - Day 11 — Porto's Artistic Soul & a Celebratory Dinner
Discover Porto's charm, from the famous azulejo-tiled São Bento Station to its bustling shopping streets. The afternoon is reserved for you to explore Porto's thriving art scene at your own pace, with visits to private galleries. The evening should be dedicated to your celebration with a reservation at a superior-starred restaurant. - Day 12 — Farewell to Portugal
After a final Portuguese breakfast, your private driver will transfer you to Lisbon Airport (LIS) in comfortable time for your departure flight, concluding your unforgettable journey through Portugal.