Portugal for the Seasoned Traveler: 14-Day Vacation

Today will have you exploring the beautiful and historic city of Porto on a private tour that will be focused on the architectural wonders of the city. Some of the iconic sights that you will be able to see on your tour include centuries-old buildings and intricate churches. After visiting the Palacio da Bolsa and the Torre dos Clerigos, you will surely notice several buildings that are marked by the signature Azulejo tiles, which are unique to Portugal. At the culmination of your architectural tour, you will be able to try your hand at crafting your own Azulejo tiles with the help of a master craftsman. Your evening will then be spent enjoying a live Fado performance that will be complemented with a delicious dinner.

Today, you will break away from the Porto city lights when you are whisked away to the Portuguese countryside. You will spend the day discovering the beauty of the enchanted Douro Valley while also sipping some of the finest wines in the world. During your time in the Douro Valley, you will be provided with the exclusive opportunity to indulge in a wine tour. This guided tour will enlighten you with intriguing information about the wine culture of this remarkable region in addition to introducing you to a wealth of aesthetic wonders. Throughout the day, you will visit two stunning wine estates, enjoy an al fresco lunch at a vineyard, and sample local artisan honey and olive oil.

Depart from Porto on day four and head to Aveiro, where you will embark on a wonderful tour that will engage all of your senses. You will spend the first half of your day visiting a local orange farm, where you will have the unique opportunity to participate in its orange harvest. After leaving the farm armed with a gift basket of delicious oranges courtesy of your gracious hosts, you will make your way to the main town of Aveiro and embark on a private walking tour of this charming enclave. Upon the culmination of your stroll about the city, your private driver will take you to your Aveiro luxury accommodations.

This morning, you will venture to Tomar, where an epic adventure into the medieval past will be waiting for you. Today will find you uncovering the mystical origins of the Knights Templar while following in their footsteps. You will be awed and inspired as you learn fascinating facts about the impact that this religious sect had upon the surrounding region. During the day, you will visit an abundance of beautiful landmarks, including Almourol Castle and the synagogue of Tomar. After your enlightening tour into the past, you will be returned to your opulent accommodation.

This morning, you will leave Tomar and transfer to Nazare, where you will spend two days exploring the city and its surrounding area. This charming fisherman's village, which is known for its massive ocean waves and epic surf, will be sure to delight and relax you. After checking in to your new accommodation in Nazare, you will be led on a gastronomic tour that will have you tasting your way through the eclectic flavors that make Portuguese cuisine such a favorite among travelers. After your food tour, you will stroll through the town’s streets. Exploring the nearby medieval village of Obidos will fill the remainder of your afternoon.

After enjoying the sights within Nazare’s city limits, today will have you exploring the natural wonders in the surrounding area. Throughout your private tour, you will be provided with the opportunity to witness some of the most iconic natural sites in the western region of Portugal, including caves and several natural springs. Some of the highlights of this exclusive experience will include stops at Serra d’Aire and Candeeiros Natural Parks, Pia do Urso eco-park, and the salt-pans of Rio Maior. After your tour, you will be returned to your accommodation in Nazare for your final evening in the captivating city.

After spending two days in Nazare, you will transfer to Ericeira, which is an equally famous surf haven. The first thing on your agenda will be to indulge in a guided stroll through the center of the village, where you will be able to feel the essence of the city as you pass the scenic seafront before heading to the harbor. Nearby Mafra will be your destination for the afternoon, where you will visit the iconic Mafra National Palace, which is an 18th-century palace and monastery that was once one of the residences of the Portuguese royal family. You will conclude your evening in Ericeira with an epic sunset surf session alongside a local pro.

Today will promise to be just as whimsical as the first week, and this morning, you will depart Ericeira and venture to Sintra, which is a land that is so gorgeous that you may not believe what you are seeing is actually real. Once you arrive in Sintra, you will spend the day visiting the rainbow-colored Pena Palace, the charming Sintra town, which is listed as an official UNESCO World Heritage Site, and the coast. A visit to the popular and bustling seaside resort of Cascais will conclude your tour. You will then return to Sintra, where you will enjoy a horse-drawn carriage ride through the city streets. Afterward, you will return to your luxurious accommodation, feeling like royalty.

Fast on the heels of your overnight adventure in Sintra, today you will transfer to Lisbon. After checking in to your luxury accommodation, you will spend the day on an exhilarating scavenger hunt tour that will lead you to most of the most amazing places in the city. This will prove to be a fun and unique way to discover Lisbon. After your sightseeing scavenger hunt adventure, you will have certainly worked up an appetite, making the evening’s dinner cruise along the Tagus River the perfect ending to the day.

This morning, you will indulge in a culinary endeavor. By leaving the buzz of the city behind, you will be swept away to the countryside, where majestic mountains will be waiting to enchant and mesmerize you. At the summit of one of these mountains, a windmill will be waiting to welcome you into its onsite kitchen, where you will learn how to bake homemade bread by using a special wood oven. After the bread is ready and you have finished your lunch, you will return to Lisbon for the evening.

After learning to create a traditional loaf of bread at the hands of a master baker, you will shift to becoming the apprentice of a master sommelier, who will guide you as you become a winemaker for the day. You will transfer to Evora, where you will spend the day at a private wine estate. At the estate, you will have the opportunity of touring a winery that continues to maintain a tradition of stomping the grapes with one’s feet. After touring the grounds and being provided with a firsthand look at how the wine is produced, you will have the exclusive opportunity to craft a signature blend of wine under the tutelage of your gracious host.

Still glowing from yesterday’s wine tasting, you will transfer to Tavira, where you will spend the entire day on a lovely walking tour of this charming town and its surroundings. The path will lead you through Ria Formosa Natural Park, which will provide you with a feast for your eyes and heart. Especially for well-suited travelers who adore coastal hikes and ocean scenery, this excursion will act as the perfect balance of sightseeing and exercise. Today’s adventure will also offer you the opportunity to reconnect with nature and to admire the peace and serenity of the great outdoors.

Today, you will spend your final morning in Portugal enjoying a Portuguese breakfast before receiving a personalized send-off. After breakfast, you will be escorted to the airport so you can catch your flight home.