Portugal

We arrive in Porto, a city defined by its colorful facades, winding streets, and deep connection to wine and trade. After settling into our hotel, we'll head to the WOW district for wine experience and learn how Portugal's wines are shaped by region, climate, and tradition.

We'll end the evening with a welcome dinner centered around Portuguese gastronomy. This is our first introduction to the country’s flavors, from fresh seafood to regional specialties, and a chance to connect as a group as the journey begins.

Meals: D

Hotel: NH Porto Jardim

Today we'll explore Porto, walking through its historic streets and along the Douro River. We'll visit landmarks like São Bento Station, known for its blue and white azulejo tiles that depict scenes of Portuguese history, and the city’s cathedral overlooking the river.

Crossing into Vila Nova de Gaia, we'll step into one of Porto’s famous wine cellars to learn about port wine, a fortified wine that has been produced here for centuries and exported around the world.

After lunch along the Ribeira waterfront, the afternoon is yours to explore. You might wander through narrow alleys, browse local shops, or sit along the river and take in the view.

In the evening, we'll gather again and step into the kitchen with a Michelin-recognized female chef known for her creative, ingredient-driven approach. This is not just a cooking class, but an exploration of modern Portuguese cuisine, where flavors are reimagined through technique and seasonality.

Meals: B, L, D

Hotel: NH Porto Jardim

Today we venture into the Douro Valley, one of the world’s oldest wine regions and a UNESCO-listed landscape defined by terraced vineyards carved into the hillsides.

We stop in a charming riverside town with cobbled streets and historic architecture before boarding a rabelo, the traditional boat, once used to transport barrels of wine down the river. As we cruise along the Douro, we take in the quiet beauty of the valley from the water, surrounded by vineyards and rolling hills.

Our journey will conclude at one of the most distinguished Port houses in the valley where we'll have a chance to explore the magnificent property and learn about the production of port and regional wines before sitting down for a bountiful lunch and port tasting.

We'll return to Porto in the evening with the rest of the night at your leisure.

Meals: B, L

Hotel: NH Porto Jardim

We'll depart Porto and head south along the coast, stopping in Nazaré, a fishing village known for its deep connection to the sea. Nazaré is famous for its massive waves, but it also offers a glimpse into traditional coastal life, with colorful boats, drying fish, and local customs still very much alive.

We'll take time to explore and enjoy a seafood lunch before continuing to Lisbon. As we arrive in the capital, the atmosphere shifts to something more vibrant and expansive.

The evening is yours to settle in, explore nearby neighborhoods, or relax after the journey.

Meals: B, L

Hotel: Inspira Liberdade Boutique Hotel

We'll kick off our first day exploring the capital via tuk-tuk. These small electric vehicles allow us to navigate the city’s narrow, winding streets while stopping at key viewpoints and local spots for tastings (and save us from hiking all those hills)!

We’ll pause for lunch before visiting a working tile-painting atelier in the heart of Lisbon, where a local female artisan welcomes us into her intimate studio to explore the tradition of Portuguese azulejos. After learning the cultural significance behind these iconic tiles, we’ll paint our own piece using traditional techniques - an easygoing, creative experience that offers a meaningful connection to Lisbon’s heritage and a keepsake to bring home.

We'll reconvene in the evening for a traditional Fado dinner in one of Lisbon's most charming neighborhoods. Fado is a deeply emotional style of music that reflects themes of longing, love, and nostalgia. Recognized by UNESCO, fado is more than music, it is a window into the Portuguese soul.

Meals: B, L, D

Hotel: Inspira Liberdade Boutique Hotel

Today we step into the storybook world of Sintra, a lush hillside town long favored by Portuguese royalty for its cooler climate and romantic landscapes. Surrounded by greenery and winding streets, Sintra feels distinctly different from Lisbon, with palaces and gardens tucked into the hills.

We begin with a visit to the colorful Pena Palace, one of Portugal's most iconic landmarks, located at the top of the Sintra hills. Afterwards, we’ll have time to wander the historic center, where you can browse small shops or stop for a light lunch. We'll then visit the Quinta Regaleira, famous for its mystical gardens, hidden tunnels, and iconic Initiation Well.

Time permitting, we'll take a panoramic drive back through Cacais on our way back to Lisbon. Evening and dinner at your leisure.

Meals: B

Hotel: Inspira Liberdade Boutique Hotel

Today we'll journey into the Portuguese countryside with a visit to a working estate surrounded by vineyards and rolling hills.

We begin with a traditional bread-making workshop, learning how to knead, shape, and bake bread using techniques passed down through generations. The result is simple and deeply satisfying, often enjoyed with olive oil, garlic, and local flavors.

We'll then dive into a wine blending experience, where we create our own custom wine by combining different grape varieties. It’s a hands-on way to understand balance, flavor, and personal preference.

Finally, we'll sit back and enjoy a relaxed barbecue lunch, wine in hand, before returning to Lisbon, carrying with us a deeper connection to Portugal’s rural traditions.

Evening at your leisure.

Meals: B, L

Hotel: Inspira Liberdade Boutique Hotel

We leave Lisbon behind and continue traveling south to the Algarve, a region known for its dramatic coastline, golden cliffs, and relaxed pace of life. As we arrive, the energy shifts, trading city streets for ocean views and open space.

After checking into our hotel, the rest of the day is yours to settle in and unwind. You might spend time at the beach, book a spa session at the hotel, or take a walk along the coastline.

Whether you choose to explore or simply slow down, today is about easing into the Algarve and enjoying its natural beauty at your own pace.

Meals: B

Hotel: Tivoli Carvoeiro Algarve Resort

Today we'll experience the Algarve from the water, beginning with a boat excursion to the Benagil Caves. These natural sea caves are one of the region’s most iconic sights, with dramatic rock formations, open skylights, and secluded beaches only accessible by boat. As we move along the coastline, you’ll take in arches, cliffs, and hidden inlets shaped over time by the ocean.

After the boat experience, we'll embark on a leisurely 2-hour stroll through the Seven Hanging Valleys Trail. This scenic walk winds between dramatic limestone formations, hidden coves, and sweeping ocean views, offering plenty of moments to pause, take photos, and soak in the raw beauty of the Atlantic.

The rest of the day is at your leisure to explore before we come together for an evening farewell dinner, reflecting on the journey and everything we’ve experienced across Portugal.

Meals: B, D

Hotel: Tivoli Carvoeiro Algarve Resort

After breakfast, we begin our journey home with a private transfer to Faro Airport. Depending on your departure time, you may have a quiet moment to enjoy the morning, whether that’s a final walk along the coast, a coffee with a view, or simply taking in the slower rhythm of the Algarve one last time.

As we make our way to the airport, it’s a chance to reflect on the journey, from the riverfront charm of Porto and the vineyards of the Douro Valley to the cultural depth of Lisbon and the coastal beauty of the Algarve.

Meals: B