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Portugal Wine and Food Adventure

With Chris & Nelly Saraiva and Maria Lawton


Departing: September 11, 2024

Begin your adventure in the stunning city of Porto, home to the famed fortified wine – port. After getting a taste of what the city has to offer, head out for a day trip stopping in Guimarães to explore Portugal’s first capital home to one of the most impressive medieval strongholds in Portugal. A trip to Portugal wouldn’t be complete without visiting the Douro Valley, so you’ll spend two idyllic days sipping wine and taking in the views. As you make your way toward Lisbon, enjoy a delicious gastronomic experience at the Torre de Palma property that dates back to 1338, now home to the Torre de Palma Wine Hotel, where you’ll stay the night. Wander Sintra’s colorful Pena Palace, explore the hills of Lisbon on a Tuk Tuk tour, and wrap up this delicious adventure with an impressive local dinner accompanied by Fado music!

12 days, from

$7,399

Price is in USD per person.

GROUP SIZE

30 people max

ACTIVITY LEVEL

 
2
Click to Book or call 1-844-565-0453
Trip code: 15181
In partnership with Brands of Portugal and Maria's Portuguese Table

This is an exclusive departure and bound to sell out – book your adventure now!

About Your Host

Chris & Nelly Saraiva, a husband-and-wife team passionate about sharing the hidden gems of Portuguese wine and spirits with Rhode Island, founded Brands of Portugal importing company in 2021. They strive to showcase a different side of Portuguese wines – one rich in quality, value, and family tradition. Going beyond just "terroir," they connect you with the people and stories behind the bottle.

Maria Lawton, known as the "Azorean Green Bean," is an esteemed host and executive director of the multi award-winning series "Maria's Portuguese Table" on PBS. With a deep connection to her Azorean roots in Portugal, Maria has successfully brought the essence of authentic Portuguese cuisine to American television audiences.

Trip Details

Transportation: Private vehicle, tuk tuk, boat

Accommodation: The Lodge Hotel, Porto; Lamego Hotel & Life, Douro Valley; Torre de Palma, Alentejo; Inspira Hotel, Lisbon

Meals:

  • Breakfasts: 11
  • Lunches: 7
  • Dinners: 8

This culinary adventure produced in partnership with Brands of Portugal and Maria's Portuguese Table

Itinerary

Show Full Itinerary

Day 1: Porto

Welcome to Porto. Take your included group arrival transfer to your hotel in the city. As you will be arriving late this day, take some time to get settled and prepare yourself for the wonderful journey ahead.

Day 2: Porto

Join your leader today for an orientation walking tour to discover the beautiful city of Porto, known for majestic bridges, medieval riverside district with its cobbled streets, merchants’ houses and cafes. Porto is also well known for one more thing; Porto is the birthplace of the fortified wine, port. Perhaps discover some famous tawny and ruby ports at one of the many wine houses across the river. Most of the grapes are grown and harvested in the nearby Douro Valley. If interested you can learn more about the history of wine and port making at the Museu do Vinho later on in the afternoon. This evening join the group and enjoy an included Em Canto welcome dinner in one of its magnificent restaurants. Walking to the restaurant is expected to take 30 minutes (b,l,d)

Day 3: Porto > Aveiro > Costa Nova > Porto

Head to Aveiro to explore the city’s colorful charming canals then venture to quaint coastal town of Costa Nova and enjoy a pleasant lunch by the ocean (not included). After a quick walking tour of the town, travel back to Porto. End the day with an included dinner at one of Porto’s excellent local restaurants. (b,d)

Day 4: Porto > Guimaraes > Braga

Travel outside the city today to Guimarães, Portugal’s first capital and the birthplace of the country’s first king, the town consists of a well-preserved old city and an impressive castle. Explore Palace of the Dukes of Braganza located in the historical center of the city and witness the greatness of the Guimarães Castle, one of the most complete medieval strongholds in Portugal, dating from the 10th century. As the believed birthplace of King Afonso Henriques, the castle is something of a national shrine. Next, it’s on to Braga, considered by many to be one of Portugal’s most stunning cities. It has long been a religious center, and overflows with churches, monasteries, and chapels. The charm of this place lies in its impressive Baroque buildings, most notably the Bom Jesus Sanctuary. On the western slopes of Monte Espinho, the sanctuary is led to by a magnificent crisscrossing staircase that has 14 different chapels, each representing a station of the cross. Drive back to Porto after your day of exploration. (b,l)

Day 5: Douro Valley

Travel this morning to the Douro Valley. Famous not only for its sublime scenery, but also known for producing some of the world’s most wonderful wines. Today you will have the chance to find out why as you head out for a tasting tour at one of the region’s best wineries. You can’t spell Portugal without Port, and to taste this iconic fortified wine is to taste thousands of years of Portuguese history. Learn the story of its origins and the history of wine production in the area while discovering which locally produced vino is your tipple of choice. Enjoy a gentle boat ride on the Douro River, stopping by the lovely little riverside village of Pinhao, then continue on to your accommodation, tucked away between the rolling hills and terraced vineyards of the spectacular Douro Valley, boasting unbeatable views of the Douro River. On arrival, you may like to make the most of your hotel's scenic outdoor pools, or perhaps find a spot on the terrace and soak in the scenery. (b,d)

Day 6: Douro Valley

Embark on a captivating day trip, venturing beyond the Douro Valley's iconic vineyards to discover the hidden gem of the Dão wine region. Immerse yourself in the rich tapestry of Portuguese flavors with a guided tour of Quinta Madre Agua, a renowned Dão winery. Travel through charming villages and rolling hills arriving at Quinta Madre Agua. Embark on a guided tour of the winery, uncovering the secrets behind their acclaimed Dão wines. Savor the unique flavors of Serra de Estrela cheese tasting, a regional specialty. Indulge in a delectable lunch paired with a selection of Quinta Madre Agua's finest vintages. Journey back to the Douro region, with dinner later in the evening at a local restaurant.(b,l,d)

Day 7: Alentejo

Travel south today making a stop for lunch in Coimbra, which was once the medieval capital of the country, and its royal heritage can be felt in its ancient streets and buildings. Visit the Botanical Gardens, located in the heart of the city since 1772. Arrive midafternoon at your accommodation in Alentejo and enjoy a refreshing glass of wine at sunset, in the tower followed by a delicious dinner in the hotel’s restaurant, ruled by the Michelin star chef Miguel Laffan. (b,l,d)

Day 8: Alentejo

Today, enjoy a tour around Torre de Palma property, dating back to 1338, the remains of the ancient house were restored in 2014 to embody the current Torre de Palma Wine Hotel. Inspired by the old traditional lifestyle of the prominent Basilii family and Alentejo customs, Torre de Palma holds a world of authentic experiences for you to discover. Explore the Winery and Barrel Room before finishing at PALMA Restaurant. Here discover the Wines at the Table experience which brings together the best of Alentejo gastronomy, with the best of the wines produced onsite. Your afternoon is free to experience some optional activities offered by the hotel like Blind Tasting, Yoga classes, as well as wine and agriculture workshops. (b,l,d)

Day 9: Lisbon > Setubal > Lisbon

Travel to Quinta da Alorna in Tejo for lunch/tasting and a brief of tour of mansion. Retuning to Lisbon for check in and refresh at our hotel, we then head onto Quinta do Piloto in Setubal early evening for a guided visit to the farm, followed by a Top of Range Wine and Muscatel tasting and dinner. Quinta do Piloto is heir to the winemaking tradition of four generations of the Cardoso family. Its wines are the result of lots chosen from 200 hectares of vineyards in the best terroirs of the region (b,l,d)

Day 10: Sintra

Head out for a half day trip to Sintra – a royal sanctuary full of pastel colored Romanticist buildings. Your leader will explain how the cooler climate made Sintra a summer retreat for royalty, and why it has drawn and inspired many poets, writers and travelers for centuries, including Lord Byron. Spend some time exploring Sintra’s colorful Pena Palace. Lunch at a local restaurant before traveling back to Lisbon for the rest of the day on your own (b,l)

Day 11: Lisbon

Join on a Tuk Tuk Tour through the Portuguese capital. This tour is perfect for those who wish to discover the city through its historic and cultural heritage. It will take you along Lisbon’s oldest quarters, the most picturesque and colorful neighborhoods characterized by its narrow streets, winding alleyways, steep flights of steps and old ladies at the windows. The afternoon is free to make further discoveries of Lisbon – perhaps roam through the delightful streets of distinct local neighborhoods, visit Belem Tower, or the spectacular Monastery of the Jeronimos. We will see for our farewell dinner accompanied by fado, a genre of Portuguese soul music that originated from Africa and has evolved to suit the streets of Lisbon. The show will be accompanied by petiscos, Portugal's answer to tapas! (b,d)

Day 12: Lisbon

Your great adventures come to an end today, with an included group departure transfer to the airport. (b)

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