Why should you travel to Portugal with us?

Come for the dramatic, cultured coast of the Iberian peninsula. Stay for the Pastéis de Nata.

In 2005, we began charting the world as Black Tomato. In truth, we added destinations on an almost ad hoc basis – of those with which we had the strongest emotional connection. Portugal – we’ve consulted the notes, tattered as they are – was country no. 5. Why? Because of its unlike-nowhere-else cuisine, for the baroque-seaward cities of Lisbon and Porto, for its earthy, heavy-hitting wines and its gorgeous, easygoing hinterlands. Since those early days, we’ve built cast-iron connections with a host of local guides, partners and contacts; the same people who’ll ensure your luxury, bespoke trip to Portugal is as memorable as it first was for us.

Key facts

  • Population Population 10,600.000
  • Capital Capital Lisbon
  • Language Language Portuguese
  • Currency Currency Euro
  • Time difference Time difference GMT 0 | ET+5
  • Best time Best time Apr - Oct

Example Itineraries

These are simply suggestions for the kind of holiday you might have. Yours will be tailored, altered, and refined until it matches you completely.
Six senses Portugal

Highlights of Portugal: A Culinary and Cultural Discovery

This 8-night luxury adventure is a must for gastronomy lovers and culture seekers. Our team of Europe experts have created this perfect escape that will take you on the ultimate whirlwind adventure through the charming...

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Portugal

Lisbon and the Alentejo: A Chic Luxury Holiday in Portugal

Sitting snugly in the crook between Spain and the warm tides of the Atlantic, Portugal has all the vibrancy of its neighbour to the east, but with fewer crowds and a number of added hidden gems. From the whir of Lisbon's...

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Luxury vacations in Portugal

Eater Journeys: Porto

As luxury travel experts, we know a thing or two about getting around the world in style. That's why we've combined our round-the-world travel expertise with the culinary insight of Eater. This slice-by-slice tour of Po...

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What to see & do in Portugal

As ever, if you can’t see it here then we can still plan it for you.

MORE ABOUT PORTUGAL

Sitting snug in the crevice between Spain and the warm tides of the Atlantic, Portugal has all the vibrancy of its neigh...

Sitting snug in the crevice between Spain and the warm tides of the Atlantic, Portugal has all the vibrancy of its neighbour to the east, but with fewer crowds and a number of added hidden gems. Exuding a quiet confidence, a luxury holiday in Portugal lifts the lid on centuries worth of history and accompanies it with a side of delicious simplicity and beautiful scenery.

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Surfing in Portugal

GET OFF GRID

Wine production isn’t the only thing that Portugal’s Douro Valley does tantalizing well. It’s a mecca for ...

Wine production isn’t the only thing that Portugal’s Douro Valley does tantalizing well. It’s a mecca for the romantic, thanks to its off-the-grid feel, charming mountainside towns and high-end boutique hotels. Whether you stay put in one of regions glamorous resorts or opt to cruise down the river and land in the dazzling city of Porto, a honeymoon to this region of Portugal will be bursting at the seams with phenomenal sunsets, personalized spa treatments, and private winery tours.

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Lisbon city, Portugal

LUXURY IN LISBON

Lisbon has some sort of hypnotic essence about it. Sitting under the shadows of Castelo de Sao Jorge, the city smells of...

Lisbon has some sort of hypnotic essence about it. Sitting under the shadows of Castelo de Sao Jorge, the city smells of salty air, sounds like approaching cable cars, tastes like freshly baked pastel de nata, and embodies everything we love about the European lifestyle. For history lovers and sun seekers alike, our luxury tours of Lisbon include an insiders glance at both the city’s cultural sights and gastronomic delights, as well as a private venture to fairy tale Sintra.

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PORTUGUESE TOURS AND TARTS

From its expressive cities to its sun-drenched beaches and all of the lush valleys in-between, Portugal currently reigns...

From its expressive cities to its sun-drenched beaches and all of the lush valleys in-between, Portugal currently reigns as our most desirable and attractive Mediterranean country. In part due to its mouth-watering cuisine and partially due to our love affair with traditional fado music, we have this country to thank for welcoming zest and simplicity back into a sun soaked European vacation. A private tour of this seductive country will see guests discovering the Portuguese lifestyle and history from a handful of vantage points.

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PRIVATE TOURS INTO UNKNOWN PORTUGAL

While Lisbon, Porto, and the Douro Valley may seem to be on everyone’s bucket list, Black Tomato doesn’t want yo...

While Lisbon, Porto, and the Douro Valley may seem to be on everyone’s bucket list, Black Tomato doesn’t want you to limit your imagination. Thanks to our on-site experts and private local guides, the country’s more unspoilt and rural secrets can be yours to unearth. If you need convincing, a quick search of Portugal’s Alentejo region should do the trick.

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With our Portuguese trips, we place heavy emphasis on cultural and culinary discovery. My personal highlight is the Casa de Juste, a 16th-century manor 45 minutes from Porto. Here, we arrange for clients to enjoy a private cooking class with a local chef; learning about the tastes and styles of rural, Northern cooking.

Alys Colayera, Portugal Travel Expert

Top Locations in Portugal

If we were asked to choose our top three places in Portugal, we’d go for these.
Lisbon, Portugal

Lisbon

Baroque stylings, steep hills, and clattering trams.

Lisbon is an adventurous, historic city. Hilly, labyrinthine, and culturally fascinating, our Black Tomato highlights are many. The 18th-century Four Seasons Ritz. A local historian to teach you about the iconic Seven Hills. A trip to the Grand Monastery, and a descent into the cellars of its Port District – where we’ll serve you a two-star Michelin meal, listening to the melancholic tones of live fado music.

Vineyards in Douro Valley, Portugal

Porto & the Douro Valley

Welcome to port country.

For over 2,000 years, the locals have been producing port in this stunning valley. And it has fed the city of neighbouring Porto, too (the clue is in the name). You’ll set sail down the valley of Douro in a private yacht, with local wine tastings and visits to bucolic vineyards. In the city itself, enjoy an absolutely jaw-dropping meal at the Yeatman Hotel. It’s one of life’s major accomplishments, we think.

Alentejo Marvao Castle, Portugal

Alentejo

Sprawling.

This enchanting, traditional hilltop village – and its surrounding region – are a welcoming heartland for Portugal’s most traditional cuisine. Rolling, craggy hills, palaeolithic carvings, and Roman ruins stand side-by-side. Pork, game, bread, cheese, wine and seafood are its staples. And believe us when we say the locals know exactly what to do with them. It’s probably one of the world’s best surprises.

Best Hotels in Portugal

Nothing but the best. Browse the hotels that can feature in your bespoke Portugal itinerary.
Bairro Alto Hotel, Lisbon | Luxury Hotels in Portugal
Sublime Comporta
Sao Lourenco do Barrocal
The Yeatman
The Albatroz, Cascais | Luxury Hotels in Portugal
Hotel Ritz

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What the Press Say

Voted the world’s third best specialist tour operator in the Conde Nast Traveler Readers’ Choice Awards 2022Conde Nast Traveler Readers Choice Awards

Voted as one of the top 10 best tour operators in the World’s Best Awards 2023 Travel + Leisure World's Best Awards

“The hottest company in luxury travel takes transformative trips to the next level”

Forbes

“Black Tomato are one of the coolest things in the world. Don’t even try and live without them”

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“Black Tomato, the people who bring you the coolest vacations you’ve ever heard of”

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“Black Tomato prides itself on meeting customers every minor need or desires”

The Daily Telegraph

“Many companies brag about offering once-in-a-lifetime experiences. But with Black Tomato it’s not hyperbole”

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