Portugal Your Way: Exclusivity and Privacy

Overnight flight from the U.S. to Porto.

Arrive today in Porto. Walking tour of the historic center of Porto. Visit the Livraria Lello which is one of the oldest bookstores in Portugal and rated among the top bookstores in the world and inspired Harry Potter’s library in Hogwarts. Continue to beautiful San Bento Rail Station with its walls covered with 20,000 lovely blue and white tiles. (3 Nights)

Tour Porto’s highlights including a visit to the neoclassical Palacio de Bolsa (former stock exchange) with its massive staircases, library, president’s room, and portraits room. Then on to the Gothic church of Sao Francisco. Later, cross the bridge to Vila Nova de Gaia for a visit and tasting of Port wine.

Visit Guimarães, one of Portugal’s historical cities, a UNESCO World Heritage Site, and “birthplace of Portuguese nationality.” Continue to Quinta Aveleda winery for a visit and tasting of Vinho Verde wine. Optional bread making session afterward.

Depart for the Douro Valley stopping en route at Mateus Gardens located in the 18th-century Casa de Mateus, one of Portugal’s great baroque masterpieces. Transfer to your hotel. (2 Nights)

Depart for Quinta Nova Winery for a private visit with their winemaker followed by tapas lunch. This winery dates back to 1764 and is located in the heart of the Douro Valley. After lunch relax at your hotel. In the late afternoon board your private sailboat for a fantastic sunset cruise in the heart of the Douro while you sip a favorite local cocktail called Porto Tonico. Dinner at our favorite restaurant in the Douro.

Depart for Coimbra, a historic university town, one of the oldest in Europe, the first capital of Portugal and birthplace of 6 Portuguese kings. After lunch and touring continue to Óbidos. (2 Nights)

Depart for Nazaré one of Portugal’s famous fishing villages. See the fishwives in the market and at the beach. The lovely cove is protected by high cliffs, atop which the Sitio da Nazaré offers a memorable view. After a seafood lunch, drive to nearby Alcobaça to visit the Cistercian Monastery of Santa Maria, a UNESCO World Heritage Site.

Morning visit to the picturesque medieval town of Óbidos before departing for Sintra. Seafood lunch overlooking the sea at Guincho Beach, the westernmost beach in Europe. Visit a local winery with a history that goes back to the 18th century. Tour the grounds and learn the story behind this amazing estate.

Depart for nearby Sintra a UNESCO World Heritage Site, the favorite summer residence of the kings of Portugal. Visit the National Palace which dates from the 14th century. Especially beautiful are the tiles from the 15th and 16th centuries that decorate the various halls, patios, and Royal Chapel. Transfer to Lisbon. Visit the studios of the Museum of Decorative Arts, where you can see artisans restoring antiques using traditional techniques. Later explore the colorful Graça and Alfama neighborhoods. After dinner in Lisbon return to your hotel. (3 Nights)

Depart for Cascais a holiday resort that dates back to 1870, when King Luis made the citadel his official royal summer residence. Continue to Queluz Gardens, an old country manor transformed into an elegant baroque garden. Queluz is often classified as the “Versailles of Portugal.” After lunch transfer to Lisbon and visit the impressive Monastery of the Jerónimos, which evokes the “Golden Age of Exploration,” a UNESCO World Heritage Site, and masterpiece of the “Manueline” style. See the Tower of Belém another UNESCO World Heritage Site and the Monument to the Discoveries across the street. Remainder of the afternoon is free in Lisbon until you return to your private hotel, your oasis, for an intimate dinner with Fado singing. (2 Nights)

This is a free day on the coast for hiking, biking, horseback, or cooking classes. We can help you arrange individual pursuits today. In the late afternoon depart for a sunset 2-hour sailboat cruise from Cascais to Lisbon port. Arrive in Lisbon and transfer with your driver to the restaurant for farewell dinner. After dinner, transfer back to your private hotel.

Depart for Lisbon International Airport for flights to the U.S. and home.