Welcome to Porto! Transfer from the airport to our hotel with our private driver/escort and take a little time to unwind and settle in for the next three nights. Let’s meet at the bar for a welcome drink of Port wine with a creamy Portuguese custard tart, before we head down for dinner. Soak up the atmosphere in Porto’s iconic Ribeira district on the banks of the famous Douro River for a sumptuous dinner in a delightful setting.  D

Porto, known for its production of port wine, is a lively and vibrant city set on a great gorge of the River Douro. This morning we explore the city on a walking tour taking in the spectacular Sao Bento train station with its gorgeous blue and white tiled interior, the Baroque Clérigos Church and its imposing bell tower, the Rua das Flores, once one of Porto’s most important streets, with a line of palatial manor houses for the city’s elite, and the famous Arab Hall at the neo-classical Stock Exchange Palace. You’re in for a culinary treat when we visit one of Porto’s oldest and most famous food markets. Sample some of the region’s traditional cuisine at leisure at one or more of its many food stalls. After your lunch break, we will head over to the other side of the river for a visit to the Vila Nova de Gaia, a hub of the Port wine industry, and where some of the most famous cellars are located.  Let’s enjoy a tipple or two, sampling some of the best brands on offer.  Evening at leisure to discover Porto’s lively social and eclectic dining scene. B

An early start this morning to embark on a fabulous full day trip sailing the Douro River between Porto and Pinhao. Breakfast and lunch will be served on board today as well as a wine tasting experience with snacks at a “Quinta”, (an estate). The Alto Douro Wine Region, including the Douro River, is a UNESCO World Heritage site, recognised for its unique cultural landscape and centuries old wine making traditions.  The terraced vineyards, a testament to human ingenuity, are a major draw, along with the Douro River’s role in transporting wine and the region’s historical significance. The cruise schedule is between 8am start and 9pm finish. BL

We bid farewell to enchanting Porto and head to the famous seaside town of Nazare situated on the Silver Coast of Portugal. The town has evolved from a fishing village to a popular European seaside resort, but where the community continues its strong, deep-rooted traditions, and where local women can occasionally be seen wearing the colourful seven layered skirts at festivals and religious events.  Nazare is also famous for big waves surf and where you can visit Big Wave Point (Praia do Norte) to see the spectacular surfing competitions.  The largest wave ever surfed here measured 28.57 meters, 93.73 feet, ridden by German surfer Sebastian Steudtner in February 2024. Look out for the delicious “Caldeirada”, a very tasty Portuguese Fish Stew.  After lunch we continue south to Obidos, one of the finest examples of a Portuguese walled town.  Gifted to Queen Isabel of Portugal in 1282 on her wedding day, Obidos is one of the most charming and attractive towns of central Portugal.  Discover traditional houses, pretty, cobbled stone streets and an imposing medieval castle.  Obidos is known for its literary heritage, having been nominated a UNESCO Creative City, and for its famous and delicious production of a sour cherry liqueur called “Ginja” - typically served in a small, dark chocolate cup by the street vendors. We continue to Lisbon and check in to our hotel for the next 3 nights.  This evening, we enjoy a drink together at one of the lovely terraces with a view over Lisbon near our hotel followed by an orientation walk of our charming old-world neighbourhood, the Alfama, and dinner.  B D

In the land of great discoveries, enjoy your discovery of this very historic maritime city, and in a most unique way. We will board our own exclusive, iconic vintage tram, with wine tastings and gourmet bites, as well as our own private Fado performance on board the tram. Sail through the historic streets of Lisbon and visit the charming Alfama, Baixa and Chiado neighbourhoods in this very unique way. This afternoon is at your leisure.  Choose what most interests you; from the Monument of the Discoveries and the Jeronimos Monastery in Belem, or the immersive Quake Museum, simulating the devasting earthquake that destroyed Lisbon in 1755. The National Blue Tile Museum, the Time Out Market, and so much more. This evening you might want to sip a cocktail or two from the top of the Vasco da Gama Tower, or head down to As Docas, restored arsenals and warehouses on the banks of the Tagus River, now serving as vibrant restaurants and bars. B D imbra on a walking tour. Discover the medieval capital of Portugal for over 100 years, including one of the oldest universities in the world, and its magnificent Baroque Joanina library. Next, we’ll head down to the coast for a visit to Nazare to enjoy a fish and seafood lunch.  Nazare is famous for the traditional fishermen’s wives dressed in the seven layered skirts, and for its incredible surfing beaches, having the highest recorded wave to date, reaching a height of 86 feet (26.2 metres) surfed by Germany’s Sebastian Steudtner in 2020.  We continue to Óbidos, surrounded by an old wall flanked by round towers and square bastions. The town was gifted by King Denis to his young wife, a gesture that was repeated by future monarchs until 1833. You can explore the town, which is also known for its unique cherry liqueur “Jinja” served in small chocolate cups. From here. The final stretch to Lisbon for the next three nights. Enjoy the balance of your evening at leisure.  Meals included: B L

This morning, we head to the sunny southern shores of Portugal in the beautiful Algarve.  Blessed with miles of long, wide stretches of golden sand beaches, iconic carved out sea rock formations and its reputation for its inviting coastal towns and resorts, the Algarve remains one of Europe’s most sought after holiday destinations. Our journey will take us to Portimao for a lunch break, a walk on the beach and a chance to browse the lovely shops.  From Portimao, we continue down to Tavira for the next 4 nights, where we stay at our private farmhouse retreat.  A family home that goes back four generations and beautifully restored twenty years ago. Enjoy a candlelit dinner out on the terrace with beautiful sea views. B D

Tavira is located in a privileged area, protected from high-impact tourism and next to the Ria Formosa Natural Park. Stretching for 60 kilometres (40 miles) along the southern coast of Portugal between Faro and Tavira, our trip today will take us through a maze of sandbars, lagoons, canals and marshes, with vivid displays of water birds, like pink flamingos and abundant sea-life like sea horses native to this habitat. After our boat ride, take in the many nature walks in this area, or for a relaxing time on the beach for a swim.  This evening, enhance your experience of this special protected area, with a horseback ride on Tavira’s magnificent beach followed by dinner at a fish and seafood restaurant at the same location. B D

After breakfast, we go to the local market to take in the aromas of the seasonal produce which will be used in our cooking class today.  Put on your aprons and grab your wooden spoons and let’s cook some local family recipes, lovingly recreated under the watchful eye of our hosts Marina and Ines.  Using certified organic products from their own farm, this will be a fantastic opportunity to cook in a beautiful setting with the freshest and finest ingredients.  Enjoy your farm to table lunch that you created. This evening, we take an e-bike ride escorted by one of the family hosts in to the countryside near the farmhouse and work some of today’s indulgences off!  Balance of the evening at your leisure B L

Today we’ll visit some local producers to introduce us first hand to their organic olive oil, local wine, cheeses, honey and Sel de Fleur, for the ultimate tasting experience of what this rich land delivers. After our visits, our hosts have prepared a delicious picnic lunch to enjoy out in the fresh air in the surrounding hills. The balance of the afternoon and evening are at your leisure. B L

Your day as you would like to spend it.  If you loved the Ria Formosa, perhaps take a boat to an island beach, or spend a relaxing day in Tavira, or in the relaxing serenity of the farmhouse. This evening, we will enjoy our farewell dinner together in a traditional local restaurant in Tavira with new-found friends and making our last treasured memories of this great trip. B D

This morning after breakfast, there will be one group transfer to the Faro airport for the first leg of your journey home.  And that’s a wrap!