Portugal food and culture trip: Porto to Lisbon

Begin your Portugal travel in Porto. On arrival at Francisco Sá Carneiro Airport you will be met and transferred to the elegant, centrally located Hotel Teatro, about a 25 minute drive.

For a unique indulgence, book an optional Caudalie Vinotherapy Spa treatment at the Yeatman Hotel overlooking the Douro River. A signature barrel bath with grape extract and essential oils, followed by a neck, shoulder and scalp massage, improves circulation and leaves skin renewed.

After breakfast, set out on a private half-day tour of Porto as part of your tailor-made Portugal food and culture trip. Wander through the landmark Mercado do Bolhão, housed in a striking neoclassical building, then visit the Baroque Clérigos Church and climb its 75-meter tower for sweeping views of the city. Step inside the ornate Lello Bookstore, known for its neo-Gothic façade and iconic crimson staircase.

In the afternoon, visit a prestigious port wine cellar for a relaxed tasting session. Sample aged vintages from the comfort of a plush armchair, and soak in the rich history behind one of Portugal’s most iconic exports, or dive even deeper into the country’s wine heritage with a dedicated Portugal wine trip.

A private transfer takes you on a scenic 90-minute drive to the Douro Valley, followed by check-in at the refined Quinta do Vallado winery hotel. Savor a picnic amid the verdant hills of this UNESCO World Heritage Site, enjoying chilled sparkling white wine and regional delicacies that highlight local producers.

Spend the afternoon at leisure exploring vineyards and tasting rooms or relaxing at the quinta.

Wake to breakfast at your Douro hotel, then spend the day exploring terraced vineyards, hilltop towns, and riverside villages. Visit sunlit terraces carved by the Douro River, and after, go on a scenic boat cruise from Regua offering rare views of vineyards and centuries of winemaking.

You can also book an optional lunch at Rui Paula’s Michelin-starred DOC in Folgosa, where river views set the scene for inventive, regionally inspired dishes. Known for superb coastal fish and elegant presentation, it’s an ideal stop for a tailor-made culinary experience on your Portugal food and culture trip.

After breakfast, your private driver takes you to coastal Aveiro for a half-day exploring codfish culture: visits to the maritime museum, a cod processing factory, and a ship museum, followed by a cod tasting lunch and a private Moliceiro boat ride with ovos moles and Bairrada sparkling wine.

Continue to Buçaco and check in at Buçaco Palace for an overnight stay. An optional dinner can be arranged at Mesa Real, which presents modern Portuguese terroir by chef Miguel Silva with rare Bussaco vintages.

Today you will be transferred to Évora. This day places you in the heart of Alentejo life and adds a rich cultural layer to your Portugal itinerary.

Enjoy a guided afternoon exploring the historic center: the Roman Temple of Évora, the commanding Évora Cathedral with panoramic tower views, and the Igreja de São Francisco with the compact Ossos Chapel lined with human bones.

Enjoy a tailored winery visit in Évora. Explore one of the region's most acclaimed estates, learn about the six vine varieties that shape Alentejo's exceptional whites and reds, and join a guided tasting that highlights local winemaking traditions.

Cycle through vineyard lanes, then relax with a picnic of tasty petiscos, traditional Portuguese snacks.

After breakfast, you will be transferred to Lisbon and check in at the refined H10 Duque de Loulé hotel, an elegant base for the next stage of your Portugal food and culture trip. In the afternoon, a private guide leads a tailored walking tour through Lisbon's culinary scene.

Sample pastéis de nata, traditional pastries, regional cheeses, fish, and seafood while learning about Portuguese history and city landmarks. This authentic food experience highlights local producers and hidden gems, creating memorable tastes and stories.

This day offers a scenic and culture-rich escape from Lisbon with a private guided tour to Sintra, Cabo da Roca, Cascais, and Estoril. Wander Sintra’s forested hills to explore the 11th-century Sintra National Palace and the pastel-colored hilltop Palace of Pena. Pause at Cabo da Roca for sweeping Atlantic views, then stroll through Cascais’ medieval old town and along its beaches.

In Estoril, discover a touch of glamour with luxury hotels, golf courses, and its iconic casino. For a standout meal, you can also book an optional lunch at Hotel Fortaleza do Guincho, where Michelin-starred chef Miguel Rocha Vieira serves refined seafood with seasonal Portuguese flavors and uninterrupted ocean views.

Spend a relaxed day in Lisbon exploring at your own pace. Choose authentic, tailor-made experiences: savor pastéis de nata in a historic pastry shop, wander Alfama's winding streets to hear live fado, ride the classic tram 28, or browse riverside boutiques and markets.

Continue your trip with optional visits to Belém's UNESCO monuments and contemporary museums.

After breakfast, enjoy a private full-day tour around the Setúbal Peninsula. Explore sea caves and the coastal mountains of Arrábida Natural Park, walk wetland trails at the Sado Estuary to spot abundant birdlife, and stand atop Cabo Espichel as the ocean pounds the cliffs.

Taste regional cheeses, wines, and traditional Azeitão pies, and browse the fresh seafood at Livramento Market in Setúbal.

Enjoy a leisurely breakfast at your hotel, then savor free time to explore Lisbon's cobbled streets, rooftop miradouros, and intimate cafes. When ready, a private transfer will bring you to Francisco Sá Carneiro Airport in time for your departure flight, concluding your Portugal food and culture trip.

Ask your travel agent about last-minute offers, such as a guided tour of street food stalls or a private tile-making workshop, to make your final hours unforgettable, or start planning your next Portugal trip with a new region, new tastes, and a fresh perspective.