Portugal
Highlights of Portugal: A Culinary and Cultural Discovery
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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 and often forgotten country of Portugal. Shaken and stirred with a Black Tomato twist, this exclusive trip will have you indulging in Portugal’s mouth-watering cuisine as well as sampling the finest wine in the traditional wine-houses. Hand-selecting the finest hotels combined with our favourite Portuguese experiences, our travel experts have tried and tested this trip relishing its finest offerings that will promise to show you the true wonders of Portugal. Food markets, exclusive wine cellars, endless Portuguese delicacies, spectacular city views; this is only a taster of what to expect.
THE LUXURIES OF LISBON
Upon arrival in Lisbon we’ll whisk you over to Bairro Alto Hotel; highly luxurious, this will be your hideout for the next few days. Situated in the heart of Lisbon, we say to settle in, unwind and catch incredible landscape views of the city right from your hotel, spotting pastel-coloured buildings and unique sites that sit in the district of Lisbon. Or take a stroll through the streets and uncover Lisbon’s rustic sites; but be sure to save your energy for tomorrow as you’ll be conquering Lisbon’s rugged landscape.
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Start PlanningThe next day we’ll show you some of our favourite spots of Lisbon, starting off at the Seven Hills. A trek up the hilly landscape (trust us – you’ll thank us later) along with your tour guide will bring you to the peak. As you learn about the history of the famed Seven Hills, rest up and enjoy unforgettable panoramic views overlooking the city before venturing onto your next adventure in Belem, one of Lisbon’s most historical and monumental areas. After a visit to the Grand monastery and the beautiful Belem tower, a well-deserved Pastel de Nata (Portugal’s famous custard tarts) will be waiting for you. Enjoy Portuguese Ginjinha liquor in a chocolate glass to fuel you up before enjoying a night at one of the city’s best fado restaurants, where good food, the perfect setting and the melancholic tones of the fado come together for a truly authentic night in Lisbon.
CASCAIS AND THE ESTORIL COAST
For your next adventure, we will take you back in time to the small-town charm of Sintra; a walk along the cobbled streets will bring you to palaces and castle ruins in the midst of an emerald green landscape. It is then a beautiful drive to the town of Cascais, where you’ll find the cosmopolitan life side by side with the Atlantic. You’ll then return to Lisbon via the the famous ‘Marginal’ Road, taking in the stunning contrast of white sandy beaches and opulent fortresses that run along the Estoril coast.
PICTURESQUE PORTO
Feasting on custard tarts will be sure to bring you into a food coma that will leave you energised the next morning ready to delve into the capital of the North of Portugal. Porto is your next call, a city famous for its Port wine and glorious food. A three-hour train journey from Lisbon will bring you to Porto where we’ll steal you away to the trendy Yeatman Hotel. Striking the claim as a unique landmark in the world of luxurious hotels, The Yeatman is the perfect spot for wine lovers with the hotel hosting a cellar house packed with an abundant range of Portuguese wine for you to roam and sample; The Yeatman is one of our favourite chic hotels. With a glass of wine in hand, we suggest enjoying the panoramic views of the River Douro stretching across to the centre of Porto from the comforts of your own balcony.
Our favourite way to uncover the shining city is to travel down the picturesque streets by foot where you’ll discover Porto’s mix of old and new, hitting its vibrant spots and unearthing its quirky cafes. We’ll provide you with a tour to further explore the city, with a visit to the famous Livarario Lello. Being recognized as Porto’s oldest bookstore, you’ll understand why Lello is famed for its grand and impressive decor. Standing in the hub of Porto as one of the oldest bookstores in the city, marvel at the impressive stairway as well as its ornate decor and stained-glass ceiling. The hand-crafted Arcadia chocolate shop is your next stop, but be sure to leave room for some afternoon tea; we’re taking you to enjoy a spot of tea at the Majestic Cafe famed for being one of the most beautiful cafes in the world. Your tour will finish sampling a selection of wines in a traditional Port wine cellar in Gaia. You’ll enjoy a leisurely drift along the River Douro by boat as we take you to your final destination of the day passing Porto’s picturesque landscape of quirky houses and ornate buildings.
WINE AND DINE
As a Portuguese dessert pro, it’s time to turn up your culinary game a notch that will truly impress your friends and family back home. We’ve arranged for you to partake in a cooking lesson from a professional chef who’ll teach you the secret traditional ways of creating the perfect Portuguese meal. The next day is a stroll through Old Town Porto where you’ll be taken to Caves Ferreira wine cellar. Sample the different types of wine accompanied by a bread and cheese platter as you learn about the fascinating wine culture.
As your Portugal adventure comes to an end, your final stop is the stunning Douro Valley with the luxurious Six Senses as your base. After taking the afternoon to unwind in their tranquil spa that overlooks emerald greenery, your next day will start with a visit to the Olive Oil Museum, followed by a short 6km hike through the vineyards to Quinta da Roeda winery. Your last full day in the Douro will have you fully immersed in the culinary identity and wine culture of Douro. We’ve arranged for you to take a stroll through the Viscountess’s farm passing the organic gardens and vineyards on the beautiful estate. Visit during autumn and the team will even equip you with a pair of shears as you lend a hand in the yearly harvest. Upon return, you’ll take to the kitchen one last time to create the finest Portuguese menu using the freshest ingredients picked straight from the garden before its time to say adieus and head back home.