This is Portugal

Arriving at the airport, you’ll be met by a private chauffeur who’ll drive you across the capital to Palacio Ludovice, your home for three nights. This isn’t just a hotel, but a historical landmark, and you’ll be sleeping in the fresco-filled former private residence of the late King João V’s talented architect, João Federico Ludovice. It’s been pain-stakingly restored, with 18th-century tiles and artwork still adorning the walls.

Lisbon is nicknamed the City of Seven Hills – which should give you some clue as to what’s to come. Don’t worry, though, this isn’t all steep, sidewalk explorations, but a chance to explore the backstreets in the most fun way possible; in the sidecar of a vintage motorbike, or the backseat of a tuk tuk (a particularly big hit for the kids and big kids amongst you). From the bar-lined Barrio Alto to the sun-dappled streets of Alfama, where laundry dangles overhead, you’ll spend half a day soaking up the city’s best miradouros (or lookouts) and historic sites. You’ll snack on pesticos along the way, and get insider info on where to head for dinner.

Today, you’re travelling south-east, pausing for a leisurely lunch at the magnificent 14th-century estate of the Fitapreta Winery. You’ll wander the vineyards, cellars, and medieval palace with a wine expert, and sample wines – directly from the barrel – that are still ageing. Soon, you’ll arrive at the beautiful Sao Lourenco do Barrocal, a boutique hotel and 780-hectare estate of meadows, with light-flooded bedrooms and stone floors. That evening, in the inky darkness of the Alqueva Dark Sky Reserve, the world’s first starlight tourism destination, you’ll be joined by a local astronomer to gaze at the stars through a telescope – a highlight for astronomers of all ages.

São Pedro do Corval is a quaint Alentejo village that’s home to 20 pottery workshops, but you’re not just here to watch, but to do. Under the encouraging eye of a master potter, you’ll learn how to knead and shape terracotta clay before firing and glazing your new favourite ceramic. How’s that for a holiday souvenir? Then, you’ll head to the magnificent Monte da Oliveira Velha olive oil estate to taste a mature and fruity extra virgin Galega oil – its olives nurtured right here on this land. Afterwards, join the owners for a long lazy lunch, prepared using local produce, including porco preto (black pig) and the famous sericaia com ameixas, an Alentejo cake topped with plums.

Leaving the countryside behind, you’re heading further south by private transfer to coastal Alentejo and, more specifically, your next hotel, Sublime Comporta. The setting is just one element that makes this sustainable stay so special – your suite is surrounded by wildflowers, cork trees, and pines. Just beyond? Sand dunes and tumbling waves. Your bio-pool suite – or cabana – is similarly serene, with white-washed walls and cement floors. It looks out over one of Europe’s largest biological pools, with a private terrace and ladder access for your freshwater plunge. Tonight, you’ll fall asleep to the hypnotic soundtrack of the frogs that call the gardens home.

You’ve appreciated Alentejo from the land – now’s your time to take it in from deck of a private motor yacht. Today you’ll sail across the shimmering waters off the coast of Arrábida Natural Park, a paradisiacal landscape where limestone cliffs and mountains rise from the sea. See a spot where you want to drop anchor and dive in? The choice is yours. Or your captain will happily take you to his favourite secret swim spots where you can unwind on the sundeck or float in the water. As you head back to land, keep your eyes peeled – there’s a high chance you’ll be joined by pods of wild dolphins in the Sado Estuary, an encounter that’ll thrill both kids and adults.