Fall head over heels for Portugal’s most romantic corner with an exploration of the Douro Valley, and Estoril Coast. Marvel at the landscapes, sigh at the views and feast on exceptional food and world-class wines as you succumb to the seductive glamour and good taste of Porto, Lisbon, Cascais and Sintra. To make your luxury Portugal holiday truly special, we’ve suggested some especially stunning accommodation where you can spoil yourself with some serious pampering.
Kicking off your luxury holiday in Portugal, you’ll enjoy complimentary airport departure lounge access ahead of your flight to Porto. On arrival, we’ll spirit you to The Yeatman, a luxuriously stylish retreat set on a slope south of the Douro River and unashamedly dedicated to wine; from the 25,000-bottle cellar to the decanter-shaped infinity pool, life here revolves around the grape.
Relax and unwind in the Caudalie spa, enjoy a sauna or swim in the indoor pool. Soothe any aches or travel stress with a spa treatment such as a merlot scrub or a signature massage using grape extract. Take a tour of the hotel’s extensive cellar, select your favourite vintage and sit back satisfied in the cosy sofas of Dick’s Bar.
Immerse yourself in the city of Porto on a guided walking tour with a local. Let your top guide lead you to essential sights such as the city’s stunning cathedral, Clerigos Tower and the Sao Bento Railway Station with its incredible tiled panels. Spend time in the Bolhao Market too for a flavour of the city. Next, you will cross one of the six beautiful bridges spanning the Douro to explore a Port wine cellar in Vila Nova de Gaia, the traditional home of Port, where you will be led through a wine tasting by an expert.
Drift through the city and soak up the exceptional views from your privileged vantage point. In the evening ask us to secure a table for you at one of Porto’s acclaimed restaurants for a sumptuous dining experience; our favourites include the Vinum Restaurant in Grahams wine cellars and the DOC Restaurant run by Michelin-starred chef Rui Paula.
Venture beyond the city and explore the Douro Valley. We will arrange a private driver to collect you and whisk you into the lush-green countryside, travelling along one of Portugal's most scenic national roads. You'll soon arrive at the picturesque village of Pinhao, where you'll visit one of the oldest wine-producers in the region. Here, you'll be treated to a guided tasting, indulging with their finest varietals and learning how the Douro Valley became the world's first demarcated wine region.
Then, for the return leg, you'll board a traditional rabelo boat for the scenic cruise back to Porto – a perfectly evocative way to see the perfectly terraced vineyards. In the evening, spoil yourself with a table for two in the exceptional two Michelin-starred Restaurant at The Yeatman, the only restaurant in the city with such an award, and enjoy an inspired multi-course tasting menu based around neo-Portuguese cuisine. Be sure to finish the evening with a sublime vintage port.
After a final leisurely and indulgent breakfast at The Yeatman overlooking Porto, we will arrange a train between Porto and Lisbon where your hotel the Tivoli Avenida Liberdade is a short taxi ride away in the centre of the capital, Lisbon. Your new base is one of the most stunning hotels in Lisbon, offering laid-back indulgence in the heart of the city where everything is within walking distance.
After breakfast, your private guide will escort you into Lisbon and discover the culture and contrasting experiences here. And, you'll get your bearings with a private tour of its rich heritage, strolling through the historic Alfama district, famed for its narrow streets and colourful houses. It was one of only a few parts of Lisbon to survive the earthquake of 1755. You'll also take in the city's historic main square before taking the fin-de-siecle lift up into the hills for spectacular views over Lisbon.
As you go, be sure to ask your local guide about the local gastronomy. They'll be able to point you towards the best Portuguese tapas, or petiscos, in town, before you drive back to your luxury accommodation.
Escape the city by letting us take you to explore the bucolic Estoril coast. A private driver will lead you to the delightful fishing village of Cascais, where you will be able to amble along the quay, soak up the port’s atmosphere and admire some of the finest beaches in the area. A short drive through the lush forest will bring you to the secret some-time summer retreat of the Portuguese royal family. The town of Sintra is a magical stop, now recognised by UNESCO as a World Heritage Site. Walk slowly through the sunny alleyways and stumble on pretty squares and superb examples of Moorish architecture.
Once you’ve drunk in the atmosphere, we will whisk you to one of the most westerly vineyards in Europe where a leading wine producer will guide you through a tasting session. On your return to the Penha Longa, treat yourself to a tailored spa treatment and consider a table in the gastronomic LAB, a Michelin-starred restaurant at the resort with an exceptional menu and exclusive range of Cognacs and Armagnacs to dip into.
After a final stroll through around the city centre, we will arrange a private driver to collect you from your hotel and take you to the airport in time for your onward connection and flight home.
"This is the perfect itinerary for those wanting more out of their trip to Lisbon than a standard city-break. Enrich your visit to Portugal instead by journeying from Porto to Lisbon whilst seeing all that the country has to offer in between. I find the lazy village life and fine wine offered up by the countryside just as seductive as the bustle of the charming capital. "
Andy Austen
Destination Specialist
Mar / Nov from: £1,905 pp
Apr - Oct from: £2,280 pp
Includes