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A perfect introduction to Portugal’s highlights, combining city heritage with rural charm. Take in the famous sights of Lisbon and Porto and the Douro Valley, and discover off-the-beaten-track gems that dot the pretty Portuguese countryside. There’s everything from ancient Roman ruins and world-wonder monasteries to pretty fishing villages and hidden medieval towns. In between, there’s the likes of fairytale Sintra’s hilltop palaces and world-class vineyards. Staying in some of Portugal's finest luxury accommodation, and including expert-led tours, wine tastings, and gastronomic experiences.
Start your luxurious short break in Lisbon by enjoying exclusive airport lounge access before your flight to Portugal. On arrival we will arrange a private transfer to your luxury boutique hotel located a short walk from Avenida da Liberdade, the most elegant avenue in Portugal. There is so much to see, from historic palaces to the most recent museums, from the classic to the contemporary, from listed monuments to new interactive exhibitions. Your private guide will help you explore the oldest part of the city, next to Lisbon's Castle, you will find preserved Roman and Moorish vestiges, and the most amazing viewpoints in the city. Next your guide will show you the beautiful neighbourhood of Belem, from where vessels departed during the Age of Discovery. To end the tour visit one of the oldest pastry shops in the city to taste the famous custard tart - Pastel de Belem, the secret recipe inherited from the convent just across the street.
Stay: Porto Bay Liberdade, Lisbon (Deluxe)
Breakfast included
After breakfast your guide will take you to discover the charming and picturesque town of Sintra with its majestic Palaces, the National Palace of Sintra, the Moorish Castle or the Pena National Palace, a fairytale castle located on one of the highest peaks of Sintra.
In the afternoon travel to Cabo da Roca, the most westerly point of Europe, and admire the unique scenery of the Atlantic Ocean, Guincho beach and ‘Boca to Inferno’ before continuing to Cascais set along a beautiful bay of sandy and calm beaches, pinewoods and dream houses. Historically, a fishing port, until the Portuguese nobility transformed the town into a summer retreat, filled with grand villas. Travel through Estoril before returning to Lisbon and to your hotel.
Stay: Porto Bay Liberdade, Lisbon (Deluxe)
Breakfast included
After breakfast, meet your driver for a private transfer to Porto, perhaps taking the scenic route via the coast and stopping at off-the-beaten-track monasteries, or stopping at the medieval walled town of Óbidos to taste a ginja de Óbidos, a cherry liqueur served in a chocolate cup. In Porto and enjoy the rest of the day at leisure to explore the charms of Portugal’s second city. In its medieval Ribeira district narrow cobbled streets wind past merchants’ houses and riverside cafés; watch as locals gather in tabernas and seafood restaurants that spill out from street-level arcades.
Stay: Porto Bay Flores, Porto (Deluxe)
Breakfast included
After breakfast enjoy a guided tour to explore the charismatic and beautiful city of Porto. Walk through the historical centre, with narrow streets and squares and feel the magic of the old city and the warmth of its inhabitants. Admire the iconic bridge of D Luís I, built by one of the disciples of Gustav Eiffel. See the Palacio da Bolsa stock exchange and the imposing Cathedral of Porto, one of the most enchanting buildings of the city. Visit the São Bento railway station and learn all about the blue and white tiles that tell the history of the North of Portugal. Then visit Taylor’s wine cellars and learn about one of its oldest and most famous producer’s, the house of Taylor’s, one of the world’s most respected historic wine houses. Followed by one of Porto’s favourite restaurants Barão Fladgate Restaurant enjoying a spectacular location and atmospheric setting in the grounds with magnificent views across the Douro River to the old historic centre of Porto. With a contemporary interpretation of traditional cuisine where the accent is on fresh local ingredients and on showcasing the authentic flavours of Portugal.
Stay: Porto Bay Flores, Porto (Deluxe)
Breakfast & Dinner included
After breakfast, check out and meet your driver for a private tour to the to discover the charming and unique Douro Region. With Stops at the Romanesque town of Amarante on the Tâmega River where the locals battled Napoleon’s army in 1763. Continue to the Douro Valley, the birthplace of the well known Port wine, with stunning landscapes of green and golden slopes covered with vineyards. Visit the Catholic pilgrimage town of Lamego. Continue to Peso da Régua and visit the Douro Museum. Peso da Régua played a fundamental role in the production and sale of Port wine, where from the barrels were transported in the special boats know as ‘ rabelos ’ to Vila Nova de Gaia. Continue to Pinhão, with its beautiful and historical train station and visit a ‘Quinta’ and vineyard, for a tour and wine tasting before arriving at your stunning accommodation for the next two nights in the heart of the vineyards for spa treatments and relaxation ranging from colour therapy to forest bathing.
Breakfast included
After breakfast meet your driver for a private transfer to Lisbon where you will enjoy a final night farewell dinner and Fado show with drinks at one of Fado restaurants in Alfama or Bairro Alto quarters. Fado is the ‘musical expression of the Portuguese people’. Considered Lisbon’s version of the blues, marked by a heartfelt emotional voice and a Portuguese guitar.
Stay: Porto Bay Liberdade, Lisbon (Deluxe)
Breakfast & Dinner included
After breakfast, a private transfer will bring you to the airport in time for your flight home.
Breakfast included
"I designed this itinerary to show the true highlights of Portugal in luxury, combining the history, culture and tastes of Lisbon, Porto and the Douro Region, whilst staying in a selection of hand-picked hotels, ranging from boutique luxury to ultimate spa retreat. Enhanced by privately curated experiences and expert local guides to help bring the itinerary to life."
Andy Austen
Destination Specialist
Low Season from: £3,225 pp
High Season from: £3,570 pp
Includes