From stunning vineyards in the Douro Valley to fantastic beaches and an excellent food scene; Portugal has it all. Throw in the picture-perfect city of Lisbon, and you have an incredible honeymoon in one of Europe's most beautiful countries.
Saudade is a uniquely Portuguese word to describe a deep longing for something. It’s a sensation with no easy translation, but you can hear it in the soulful voice of a fado musician, detect it in the vibrant colors of mosaics, or even savor it in a glass of sweet port wine. However you perceive it, you’ll already be feeling wistful saudade for your next trip to Portugal before boarding your flight back home.
Oct. 1 - 2 | Travel to Portugal
Oct. 2 - 5 | Lisbon
Oct. 5 - 7 | Douro Valley
Oct. 7 - 8 | Lisbon
Oct. 8 | Departure
October is a great month to visit Portugal. The weather is still warm and pleasant, and the temperatures are much more manageable for sightseeing or hiking. It's also a wonderful time to visit many of Portugal's wineries with the grape harvest in full swing!
Plugs: In Portugal, the standard plug type is Type F, which has two round pins and an additional grounding pin in the middle. Type C plugs, which have two round pins without the grounding pin, are also commonly used. An adapter will be needed to plug devices into the outlets.
Voltage: The electrical voltage is 230 volts, and the frequency is 50 Hz. In the US, the voltage is 120 volts, and the frequency is 60 Hz. Therefore, a converter or adapter will be needed to use US electrical appliances in Portugal to match the voltage and frequency. It's important to note that not all converters are the same, and a suitable one must be chosen for the specific appliances to be used.
Restaurants, Bars & Cafés: In Portugal, it's customary to leave a tip in restaurants, cafes, and bars. The standard amount to tip is 5-10% of the total bill, depending on the level of service you received. Tipping is voluntary, and you should only tip if you feel that the service was good. Some restaurants may include a service charge in the bill, so be sure to check before leaving an additional tip.
Guides & Drivers: For a half-day tour, a good guideline is to tip around €10-€20 per person, and for a full-day tour, €20-€30 per person. For drivers, you can tip around €10-€20 per day. Tipping is a way of showing appreciation for good service, and it's always up to your discretion.
Get introduced to the soothing and heartbreaking sound of Fado Portuguese music with this playlist, featuring famous singers. Fado is characterized by mournful tunes and lyrics about life's hardships. Often performed with a guitarra portuguesa, fado is a deeply emotional and soulful style of music.
Pick-up Time: Afternoon
Pick-up Place: Arrivals Terminal Lisbon Airport
Contact: will be provided
Arrival at Lisbon airport where you will be greeted at the arrivals terminal and transferred to your hotel in Lisbon.
Included by scenset.
Lisbon is one of the oldest cities in the world, although it was practically rebuilt from scratch after a 1755 earthquake. The only neighborhood to survive was the Alfama district, where cobbled streets and the sounds of fado music recall a nostalgic past. Throughout the rest of Lisbon, new restaurants and bars continue to reinvent the seaside city, often by serving modern takes on traditional tasca cuisine like fresh seafood, seasonal produce, and local wine.
On an independent basis, after checking into your hotel and settling into your accommodations, we recommend exploring your neighborhood at leisure. The hotel is located in the heart of the Bairro Alto neighborhood, which is famous for its narrow streets, historic buildings, and vibrant nightlife. Stroll around the neighborhood to discover colorful houses, street art, and traditional Fado music venues.
Reservation: Evening (TBC)
Address: Here
From your hotel, walk over to Versiculo Restaurant for dinner. Versículo d'O Faia, often simply referred to as "O Faia," is a renowned Fado restaurant that has a cozy and intimate ambiance with dim lighting, rustic decor, and a quintessential Portuguese atmosphere. Here, guests are treated to the soul-stirring allure of live Fado music performances, featuring talented Fadistas and skilled musicians who evoke deep emotions with their heartfelt renditions of this traditional genre. Alongside this captivating music, patrons can savor a menu of authentic Portuguese cuisine, including dishes such as bacalhau à Brás and grilled sardines, complemented by a selection of Portugal's finest wines.
Confirmed by scenset
Why we love it for you: Situated in the heart of this noble, bohemian and inspiring city, where tradition meets irreverence at every corner, the Bairro Alto is a member of The Leading Hotels of the World, and a pioneer when it comes to 5-star luxury boutique hotels in Portugal.
Bairro Alto Hotel Lisboa
Classic Tejo Room
Confirmation Number: will be provided
Booked by scenset
Pick-up Time: Morning
Pick-up Place: Hotel Lobby
Guide: will be provided
Meet up with your private guide to explore the streets of Lisbon.
Included by scenset
Take a tuk-tuk through old town Lisbon with your expert guide. Explore the historic heart of Lisbon aboard a charming tuk-tuk, winding through cobblestone streets and picturesque alleyways. Discover centuries-old architecture, hidden viewpoints, and vibrant neighborhoods, all while an experienced guide shares captivating tales of the city's rich heritage.
Included by Scenset
Enjoy lunch at leisure. A guide will provide restaurant recommendations depending on your interest.
Guide: A guide will be provided
Embark on a captivating tour of the city's culinary tapestry. Your gastronomic adventure will include Pastelaria de Belém, an iconic bakery in the historic Belém district, where you'll savor warm, cinnamon-dusted pastéis de nata. Stop at a traditional Alfama tasca, indulging in the comforting embrace of Bacalhau à Brás—a classic Portuguese dish that weaves together salted cod, potatoes, and eggs. Sip on the sweet and tart notes of ginjinha liqueur served in a delectable chocolate cup.
Included by scenset.
Here are some top recommendations for dinner, walking distance from your hotel:
Bairro Alto Hotel Lisboa
Classic Tejo Room
Confirmation Number: will be provided
Booked by scenset
Pick-up Time: Morning
Pick-up Place: Hotel Lobby
Guide: will be provided
With your expert guide, private transfer to Sintra for the day. This charming town in the foothills of the Serra de Sintra has long been a favorite destination of Portuguese royalty, and it’s known for its many whimsical palaces and villas – including the Palácio Nacional de Sintra and the magical garden of Quinta da Regaleira.
Included by scenset.
You will have time at leisure in Sintra for lunch. A guide will provide recommendations depending on your interest.
In the afternoon, your return journey to Lisbon takes you along the scenic coastline, where you'll encounter breathtaking highlights like Cabo da Roca, the westernmost point of Continental Europe, and the charming Portuguese Riviera towns of Cascais and Estoril. As you traverse this coastal route, you'll be treated to awe-inspiring vistas and the coastal allure of these enchanting destinations.
Included by scenset.
Here are some top recommendations for dinner, walking distance from your hotel:
Bairro Alto Hotel Lisboa
Classic Tejo Room
Confirmation Number: will be provided
Booked by scenset
Pick-up Time: Morning
Pick-up Place: Hotel Lobby
Greeting by your driver and private transfer to the Douro Valley (approx. 3.5 hours).
Included by scenset.
During the journey, you'll have the opportunity to make a stop in Nazaré for a visit and have lunch at your leisure. Nazaré is a traditional Portuguese coastal town with a rich history as a fishing community and is renowned for its captivating folklore and the iconic "7 skirts" costume worn by local women. Today, Nazaré's expansive beaches draw in visitors from far and wide, while its world-record-breaking ocean waves make it a mecca for surfers from across the globe.
Included by Scenset-
Drinking Port wine in Porto is as unforgettable an experience as drinking Champagne in Paris, but just like venturing out into the Champagne region of France, it’s worth going to the scenset. That would be the terraced vineyards of the Douro Valley, best known for its fortified Port wines, although you’ll also taste red, white, and even green wines. River cruises are the ideal way for traveling between wineries or quintas, taking in the views with a glass in hand.
Check in to your hotel and enjoy its amenities at your leisure, including its gardens, spa and outdoor pool with sweeping views of the valley.
Reservation: Evening
Located at the Six Senses Resort and occupying two generous spaces and a large terrace, the interior dining room boasts a traditional walk-in fireplace and 18th century azulejo tiles, cork ceilings and granite floors. Outside there is a sunny terrace with beautiful vineyard views and fountain. Classic, yet contemporary décor creates an intimate atmosphere with high ceilings and floor-to-ceiling windows.
Confirmed by scenset.
Why we love it for you: Set in the unspoiled, natural landscape of Portugal’s Douro Valley, chosen for the group’s European debut, the 60-bedroomed Six Senses houses the country’s best hotel spa, a reflection of the group’s commitment to wellness; as well as offering a fully immersive experience in the world of Douro wines.
Six Senses Douro Valley
Valley Superior Room
Confirmation Number: will be provided
Booked by scenset
Travel Greener
Six Senses is a leader when it comes to sustainability efforts. A Six Senses property has protected a 10-acre (4-hectare) woodland on the property, highlighting its commitment to sustaining the environment and beautiful old-growth trees.
Pick-up Time: Morning
Pick-up Place: Hotel Lobby
Transfer to the small town of Pinhão, considered the center of the Douro Valley. Visit to the town on arrival and its bucolic, tile-covered train station.
Included by scenset.
Then, take kayaks on the Douro River and enjoy the beauty of the valley from the water. A guide will take you through the rivers and streams that wind around this stunning region of Portugal.
Included by scenset.
Enjoy a picnic-style lunch at Quinta da Côrte Wine Estate, set on the terrace (weather permitting) with incredible views of the valley and Douro River.
Included by scenset with Lunch.
After lunch, enjoy a guided visit to the wine estate and tasting of wines.
Included by scenset.
Private transfer back to your hotel for some free time.
Pick-up Time: Evening
Pick-up Place: Hotel Lobby
Meet with the driver at the hotel and take a private transfer to DOC Restaurant.
Included by scenset.
Reservation: Evening
DOC is a Gourmet restaurant on the Douro River led by a Michelin-starred chef. It is a hidden gem nestled amidst stunning vineyards. With its enchanting riverside location, it offers panoramic views of the Douro River. The menu showcases exquisite Portuguese cuisine with a modern twist, featuring fresh local ingredients and innovative flavors. The restaurant's elegant ambiance and impeccable service create an unforgettable dining experience.
Confirmed and included by scenset.
Six Senses Douro Valley
Valley Superior Room
Confirmation Number: will be provided
Booked by scenset
Enjoy the modern amenities of your hotel and relax by the pool taking in the views of the property.
Because of your early morning flight from Lisbon, you will be checking out this morning and spending the day in the Douro Valley, followed by a private transfer to Lisbon for a night at an airport hotel, avoiding an early wake-up call on your last day.
Pick-up Time: Late morning
Pick-up Place: Hotel Lobby
Greeting at your hotel and private transfer along the scenic roads of the UNESCO Douro Valley to a top wine producer and estate. Arrive at the Quinta Nova winery and enjoy a 3-course lunch paired with 4 wines.
Sailing on the Douro River is one of the most remarkable experiences when visiting the region. From the jetty in Ferrão or in Ferrão Sul, enjoy the beautiful landscapes of the Douro accompanied by wine tasting and sampling of regional delicacies aboard a luxury boat.
Included by scenset.
Departure Time: Afternoon
Reunite with your driver and transfer down to the pier where your cruise will be waiting. Private cruise on the Douro river aboard a classic Dutch boat, offering a unique perspective of the valley while enjoying wine and local tapas.
Duration: About an hour
Arrive at the river dock on the southern bank of the Douro River. Your driver will be waiting for you and transfer you down to Lisbon, arriving in the evening.
Included by scenset.
Melia Lisbon Airport Hotel is a modern and convenient choice for travelers seeking comfort and accessibility near Lisbon Portela Airport. Boasting contemporary design and upscale amenities, the hotel offers well-appointed rooms, a stylish restaurant serving Portuguese and international cuisine, a fitness center, and event facilities. Its prime location right at the airport ensures seamless transit for guests with early departures or late arrivals.
Melia Lisbon Airport Hotel
Premium Room
Confirmation Number: will be provided
Booked by scenset.
This morning, request a complimentary shuttle bus through your hotel concierge.
Scenset invests in making the world a better place. Scenset will offset the fuel used during the trip. On top of that, we will offset an extra 10% to make your trip a carbon-positive experience.
Currently, we support Gold Standard Climate+ Projects from the Gold Standard Foundation.