10 Days in Portugal
CULTURE • GOURMET • BEACH
Bemvindo a Portugal! A captivating country where history and modernity entwine seamlessly to create unforgettable moments. Imagine yourself strolling through the historic streets of Porto, a UNESCO World Heritage Center, as you savor delectable Portuguese cuisine. Explore the vibrant neighborhoods of Lisbon, each brimming with its unique charm, and delve into the rich heritage of Sintra's ancient castles. The southern Algarve region, known for its stunning beaches and cultural treasures, beckons you to unwind and explore. Portugal's diverse landscapes and warm hospitality offer the perfect canvas for crafting lasting memories.
Day 1: Arrive in Porto
Welcome to Portugal! Upon arrival your guide will meet you to take you through customs and transfer you to your hotel. Porto has something to offer for everyone: From the historic center, to the trendy shopping streets and the amazing food. The city is famous for the Stock Exchange Palace, and the incredible granite work made, with magnificent neo-Arab influences.
Once you settle into your hotel, you will meet your experienced guide and driver to explore the historical center, recognized as a World Heritage Site by UNESCO, and pass by one of the trendiest and most cultural areas of the city, such as the Church of Sao Francisco the gothic Franciscan church now known as "the cave of gold" in an astonishing exhibit of wealth and power. Right next door you'll find the Stock Exchange Palace with incredible granite work and magnificent neo-Arab influences. On your way up to the Cathedral, you'll still have time to admire the interesting glazed tiles of the Sao Bento Railway station. After a visit to the Cathedral (12th century), you will be able to admire the river Douro and all of the Port Wine lodges that brought fame and fortune to the city.
Dinner will be at one of the top restaurants in the city, and after you can enjoy a glass of wine or a few cocktails on a rooftop overlooking the city.
Where to Stay: Porto
Porto's hotel scene boasts a diverse array of accommodations, from opulent palaces to budget-friendly havens, ensuring every traveler finds their perfect stay amidst the bustling charm of the city.
These are my favorites, but reach out with your preferences.
Where to Stay: InterContinental Porto
Palacio das Cardosas
• SIZE: 113 ROOMS • ROOMS STYLE: CLASSIC • VIBE: SOPHISTICATED
InterContinental Porto – Palacio das Cardosas offers a privileged location right in the heart of the city of Porto, a UNESCO World Heritage site. Only steps away from the city’s main attractions, the hotel inherits the elegance and history of an iconic 18th-century palace. Its specialized team offers seamless service, allowing InterContinental Porto to remain IHG’s number-one hotel in Europe in terms of guest satisfaction. Inside the hotel, guests can relax in the wellness center and the intimate library bar. For the perfect gastronomic experience, try Astória Restaurant’s modern Portuguese cuisine with Mediterranean flavors.
✧ TIP: Start their day the Porto way at Restaurant Astória’s outdoor terrace.
Day 2 - 3: Porto & Douro Valley
Explore the city from another angle: you'll spend some time in a Tuk Tuk, navigating the parts of the city not accessible by car, and tasting the city’s delicacies along the way. You will cross the D. Luís Bridge to Gaia, breathe the atmosphere of Port Wine and see the city from the best hotspot: Serra do Pilar Monastery, and then.pass by one of the trendiest and most cultural areas of the city called Boavista and Foz, and enjoy shopping and try some local delicacies!
The next day you’ll be picked up early to head to Douro Valley - a region famous for its wine production, and the famous Douro wines are produced on its hillsides. The entire region has been declared a UNESCO Heritage Site, for its cultural significance, as it is the oldest demarcated wine region in the world. Today you will have the opportunity to visit and explore prestigious Quintas in the area, explore the vineyards and learn all about the process behind the production of the famous wines. At the end of your tour, you will have the opportunity to enjoy a wine tasting and then a cruise on the river.
You’ll return to the city for another magical dinner and to pack for the next leg of your journey.
Day 4: Porto-Lisbon
After breakfast, you will meet your driver and head to Lisbon. On the way, you will have the opportunity to make two stops in the towns of Coimbra and Obidos. The town of Coimbra Is a truly charming city as it is not only one of the most ancient cities and university towns in the world but also one of the most harmonious sets of buildings in Portugal. Founded in 1290 by King Dinis the University of Coimbra is now a beacon of history and knowledge. Its library houses an incredible collection of over 200.000 books, stored on beautiful carved and gilded bookshelves. Located only a few meters away is the chapel of Saint Michael and a nice walk within the old medieval streets is also a must as you explore the town. Your next stop will be Óbidos, a magnificent medieval town. Travel back in time with the old, whitewashed houses completely surrounded by the old castle walls of the town.
Upon arriving in Lisbon, you’ll check into your hotel and have the evening to explore before dinner.
Where to Stay: Lisbon
Lisbon’s hotels range from luxurious inns to chic townhouses, catering to every traveler's desires. These are my favorites, but reach out with your preferences.
Where to Stay: Pousada de Lisboa - Praca do Comercio
• SIZE: 90 ROOMS • ROOMS STYLE: CONTEMPORARY • VIBE: SOPHISTICATED
With a prime position on the corner of Praça do Comécio – Commerce Square – Pousada de Lisboa has watched over Lisbon's comings and goings for centuries. Now, beautifully restored and transformed into a luxury boutique hotel, it's an elegant hideaway in the heart of the city.
Where to Stay: Valverde Hotel
• SIZE: 47 ROOMS • ROOMS STYLE: CONTEMPORARY • VIBE: SOPHISTICATED
Located along chic Avenida da Liberdade, Valverde Hotel magically mixes retro furnishings, antique prints, bright fabrics, and bold patterns in an eclectic feast for the senses. Plan the day’s escapades on the moody living room’s plush, magenta-purple couch; then breakfast in the surprisingly low-key Sítio Valverde brasserie.
✧ TIP: The courtyard patio offers a leafy escape for afternoon tea or passion fruit mojitos by the pool.
Day 5: Lisbon
After breakfast at your hotel, embark on an unforgettable journey through Lisbon's heart and history with a Tuk Tuk tour - the perfect way to navigate the narrow streets and steep hills of this enchanting city. Your private local guide will lead you through the iconic neighborhoods, starting from the old downtown district, Baixa, where you'll taste the famous Pastel de Nata (custard tart) - a delightful introduction to Portuguese cuisine.
As you weave through the bustling streets, you'll explore the vibrant Rossio, Figueira, and Comércio Squares, each brimming with history and life. Glide into Chiado, Lisbon's glamorous part, known for its classic cafés and chic shops. Your journey then takes a mystical turn into Alfama, the hauntingly beautiful Moorish quarter, where the echoes of the past are palpable in every corner. You'll get breathtaking views from atop some of the city's famous seven hills, offering a unique perspective of Lisbon's landscape.
The adventure continues to Belém, the launchpad of many Portuguese explorers, including Vasco da Gama. Here, you'll visit the monumental Jerónimos Monastery and the iconic Belém Tower. And of course, no visit to Belém would be complete without savoring the original Pastéis de Belém, another Pastel de Nata. With a special secret up our sleeve, you'll enjoy these delicious treats without the hassle of long queues.
If you still haven’t had enough Pastel de Nata, you can join a cooking class to make your own for the ultimate souvenir or continue on to one of the city’s many wine bars.
Day 6: Sintra
Today you will have the opportunity to explore charming towns surrounding Lisbon. After meeting your private driver and leaving the city, you’ll head straight to the World Heritage Site of Sintra were hundreds of years of history and culture are waiting for you to discover. Doing a short walk in the old city center you'll find yourself surrounded by the old houses now converted into small quaint handicraft shops and traditional pastry shops.
Driving around the mountain you will pass by amazing royal palaces, chalets, and aristocratic residences in the most incredible combination of architectural styles, colors, and shapes that you will find in Portugal. Your driver guide will include stops for you to explore the local churches, including the Igreja Ulgueira, and Igreja Paroquidal de Sao Pedro de Sintra.
You will also see the colorful Pena Palace, a UNESCO World Heritage site. After lunch in one of the many restaurants available in town, it will be time to head to Cascais. Once a small fishing village only, the town of Cascais managed to maintain its seafaring traditions combined with the aristocratic and royal presences of the late 19th and beginning of the 20th century. Walking by its animated town center you'll find the cosmopolitan life side by side with the Atlantic.
You will then board a sailboat to return to Lisbon, giving you the chance to observe this magnificent coast from a different perspective. Revel in the sight of white sandy beaches and amazing 17th-century palaces starting from the town of Estoril and its famous casino.
Dinner will be at a famous fado restaurant where you get a traditional meal served alongside a mysterious and romantic fado performance - the perfect way to say adeus to Lisbon.
Day 7: Lisbon – Algarve
After breakfast, you will meet your driver and enjoy a short drive to the Algarve. Nestled in the southernmost region of Portugal, the Algarve is a sun-soaked destination known for its sandy beaches, stunning cliffs, and vibrant culture. With a history dating back to the Roman Empire and a significant Moorish influence, this region offers a diverse blend of architectural and cultural treasures alongside its natural beauty. The Algarve is a tapestry of charming towns, each with its unique appeal, you will have the rest of the day to relax and explore at your leisure.
Where to Stay: Algarve
Algarve's hotel scene offers a diverse selection, from lavish resorts to cozy hideaways, ensuring every traveler discovers their ideal haven amidst the allure of Portugal's southern coast. These are my favorites, but please reach out with your preferences.
Where to Stay: Bela Vista Hotel & Spa
• SIZE: 38 ROOMS • ROOMS STYLE: ECLECTIC • VIBE: CASUAL
Located on the cliff top of Praia da Rocha, the Bela Vista Hotel & Spa has a privileged and wide open view to the Atlantic Ocean. The hotel’s beach location offers guests private and direct access to the golden sand. This iconic mansion built in 1918, a prestigious family’s beach chalet, is a proud member of the French association Relais & Châteaux. The Bela Vista features 38 luxurious rooms and suites, the Michelin-starred restaurant VISTA, and Spa by the French brand L´Occitane. The swimming pool offers guests unequalled wonderful
relaxing sea views, a lounge, and a Bistro restaurant.
Where to Stay: Vila Vita Parc
• SIZE: 203 ROOMS • ROOMS STYLE: CLASSIC • VIBE: SOPHISTICATED
Vila Vita Parc immerses you in an ultra-luxurious and lush seaside oasis with every imaginable service, amenity, activity and pleasure. Perched majestically atop a cliff overlooking the Atlantic Ocean, set nearby the typical village of Porches, with its Moorish style influenced architecture, it is harmoniously inserted in the local landscape along the Algarve coastline. Breezy, sea-themed rooms, suites, and villas are scattered about Vila Vita Parc to provide guests with the ultimate privacy. After a signature treatment at the Spa by Sisley Paris, a cruise on one of the yachts, or an unforgettable dinner at the two-Michelin starred Ocean. No request is too large or small at this unapologetically plush cliffside resort in the Algarve, which offers direct access to the beach and something for everyone... golf, water sports, 12 dining venues, and a phenomenal kids’ playground.
✧ TIP: A variety of two- to five-bedroom, fully staffed villas offer the ultimate in everything: private pools and state-of-the-art appliances. One even has its own Jacuzzi and gym!
Day 8-10: Algarve
Today you’ll explore the incredible coastal towns of Algarve. After breakfast, your first stop will be the town of Silves. Known for its medieval, reddish-colored castle that overlooks the medieval town, Silves was one of the most important centers of the Muslim occupation of the Algarve. Your next stop will be the former capital of the Algarve: Lagos. Due to its historic importance, the town is one of the highlights of the region and should be on the bucket list of every history buff. Roam in the old streets of the medieval center, the fortified city walls, and find the statues of some of the most important historical figures of the Portuguese discoveries. The next stop of your tour will be the fortification of Sagres and then, after a short exploration of the fortress, you will continue to the "end of the World" of the Cape of Saint Vincent. Your guide will happily explain the myths surrounding the Cape before you have some free time to explore on your own and enjoy lunch. After that, you will head to Aljezur, a small town in the area of the Natural Park on the Vicentina Coast. Here you will find the truly authentic beaches the region of Algarve is known for!
The next day, start your day with an unforgettable half-day kayaking adventure to the majestic Benagil Cave. Take breakfast to go and your private driver will escort you from your hotel to Benagil Beach, one of Algarve's best. Accompanied by two experienced guides and with the catamaran in close proximity so you can relax if needed, you will spend the day exploring some of the most beautiful sites in Algarve by kayak.
You'll paddle your way towards the remarkable sea cave, often referred to as the Benagil Cathedral. The cave, renowned for its colossal size and stunning natural formations, offers an immersive experience with its sea-facing entrances and a ceiling hole that floods the space with sunlight. Inside, a small beach welcomes you, where you can walk around, admire the golden and amber hues of the cave walls shaped by millennia of wind and sea erosion, and soak in the tranquil atmosphere.
Your kayaking journey will not only cover the Benagil Cave but also introduce you to other hidden sea caves along the stunning Algarve coast. Another highlight of the tour includes the chance to marvel at the iconic golden cliffs of Praia da Marinha.
After the tour, your driver will bring you back to the hotel where you can spend the rest of the day at leisure.
Your final day in Algarve will be spent relaxing by the pool or on the beach, soaking up the warmth of the sun, the people, and the memories. You will be picked up by private driver to take you to the Faro airport for your return journey home.
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✧ Buffet breakfast daily, for two guests per bedroom
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