There are many reasons to love Portugal. There are the foods, the wines, the beaches, the castles, the sea, the history, but most of all there are the people. Relax and wait to be captivated.

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APRIL 1

Bem Vindo a Portugal

You will make your way to the hotel by taxi.

Meet our national guide, Diana, in hotel lobby at 2PM for a motor coach tour. The main attractions include the Monument of Discoveries, Mercado Ribeira, Sao Geronimo, and your first famous Portuguese pastry –  Pastel de Nata. These egg custard tarts originated in the 18th century. The convents and monasteries used egg whites to starch their clothing. With the abundance of leftover yolks, they made rich pastries. They are delicious. Bet you cannot eat just one.

 

When we return to the hotel, we will have a welcoming drink and you will be free to hit the pillow, after a long day of travel.

 

APRIL 2

Away we go to Setubal after breakfast. And suddenly it is time for our first fine wine tasting at the impressive Jose Maria Fonseca. This is the oldest table wine producer in the country. You may recognize one of their products from your youth - Lancer’s! Thankfully they offer much more, and the rich history is beyond interesting. Their grounds are beautiful in April.

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Lunch at Casa das Tortas is great stop before we head back down the dramatic coast toward Lisbon.

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Dinner at Magano, a traditional restaurant featuring the outstanding gastronomic region of Alentejo B,D

 

APRIL 3

Today we are called to Cascais and SIntra, with their regal palaces and ancient castles. After a visit, we lunch at Incomun by Luis Santos. The French trained chef presents Portuguese cuisine, in a contemporary and welcoming space.

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After lunch we stop for a fascinating winery. Adega de Colares offers a romantic tasting as they explain the unique way that their grapes are planted to protect them from harsh sea winds. B,L

 

APRIL 4

Off to Évora and its ancient Roman temple ruins. In this very pleasant town, we have a 5 star historic hotel. When we complete the tour, you will enjoy wandering the streets before our very fun dinner with no menu and a lot of food. This is a place where everyone is family. B,D

 

APRIL 5

Back on the road to Peniche, Óbidos, and Coimbra. The charm of Obidos is only surpassed by its cherry liqueur served in chocolate cups. Coimbra is home to the first Portuguese university. It is a UNESCO World Heritage Site with a well-preserved aqueduct from the Roman era. Our dinner is at the acclaimed Tasca do Joel. Prepare yourself for fresh seafood and an excellent wine list. B,D

 

APRIL 6

Nazare’s huge waves are a surfing paradise. Watch for the famous seven skirts the ladies traditionally wear.

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We take time to see the Shrine of Fatima, before our lunch at Tia Alice. Our arrival at Quinta das Lagrimas is timed for dinner and a fado concert. B,L,D

 

APRIL 7

Coimbra is a favorite. It is the home of Portugal’s first University. It is also home to Caves Sangalhos a winery whose cellar is also an art museum.

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Our vary special lunch at Quinta das Bageiras, with another gracious family, features the noted leitao  (suckling pig). It is a delicious traditional treat from the wood-fired oven. You may possibly meet all 3 generations running this winery. This is like being invited to a family picnic.

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From lunch we depart for the Douro Valley. Upon arrival at Quinta Ventozelo Hotel, we are shown to our rooms and served a light dinner. B,L,D

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APRIL 8

Today is low key. Together, we take a short cruise on the Douro on a traditional rabelo boat. This is historically how port wine was transported out of the area. We will learn a lot about port. Lunch is the product of our harvesting vegetables from the garden of the hotel and watching a cooking demo. Enjoy the peace and quiet of this special place and stop into the small museum on site.  B,L

 

APRIL 9

A fun day ahead – we stop at a regional bakery and get our hands on some dough. Following that we walk through the olive grove of one of the leading olive oil exporters in Portugal. An oil tasting will warm you up for lunch. It is served next to the olive mill and include the bread from the afore visited bakery. Porto awaits and off we go. B,L

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APRIL 10

A morning walk provides an introduction, to this hilly town complete with a bridge designed by Gustav Eifffel. The itinerary  includes the afternoon touring of the Amorim Cork Factory. Cork is a huge industry for Portugal. Bottle corks are an integral part of the winemaking process and the final choice a winemaker makes to complete production. We have our farewell dinner tonight at O Gaveto.  B,D

 

APRIL 11

We have one last winery visit after breakfast, with lunch in Penafiel. You will have the late afternoon free to finish shopping and packing for home. This evening is deliberately open as many of you will have early departures tomorrow. B,L

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APRIL 12

Alas, today we are scheduled to say goodbye. There are 9 ways to say goodbye in Portuguese. I will go with até breve which is used when you are not sure when you will see this person again, but you genuinely hope you will.

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May the richness of Portugal’s people, food, wine, history, and culture remain in your hearts for a very long time.