Portugal Through Its Cuisine

Although long overlooked in favor of more famous neighbors, the charms of Portugal are a secret no more. Indeed, recent years have seen many visitors flock to this nation on the Iberian Peninsula, and it's not hard to see why. Even if you have only a few days to explore, you can experience stunning scenery in the Douro Valley, fairytale castles on the rugged Atlantic Coast, and two of the most jaw-droppingly beautiful cities in Porto & Lisbon.

The country is also renowned for its incredible cuisine & wine, and you can be sure that food & drink will be a theme throughout this journey.

Over seven nights you will sample some of the finest cuisine, experience the beauty of the country, and travel in some classic modes of transportation. As it's an Origin trip, there are sure to be some surprises along the way!

You will be met in the arrivals hall by our representative, who will escort you to the vehicle for your private transfer.

Truly one of the most beautiful capital cities in Europe, it's easy to see why Lisbon is so popular just by looking out the airplane window as you come in to land. The city is home to a wonderful mix of neighborhoods, each boasting its own individual character and style. You can explore the winding cobbled streets on foot, or hop on board an iconic yellow tram.

Welcome to the heart of this noble, bohemian, and inspiring city, where tradition meets irreverence at every corner. A member of The Leading Hotels of the World, Bairro Alto Hotel is a pioneer when it comes to 5-star luxury boutique hotels in Portugal.

We recommend relaxing on your first evening and exploring the city at your leisure.

This morning you will enjoy a walking tour of the historical center, which will give you a great overview of this beautiful city.

Start in Baixa, an area that became the heart of Lisbon after its destruction in the 1755 earthquake. The Marquês de Pombal took it upon him to have avenues and plazas created and laid out within a grid plan.

Continue to the enchanted Chiado and visit the famous Elevador de Santa Justa, a remarkable iron elevator built in the late 19th century.

Head to the Alfama district, the unmistakable soul of the capital. Alfama unfolds through a charming network of slender cobbled streets, with charming traditional old houses and many of Lisbon’s most important historic buildings.

Finally, visit Saint George's Castle. Located at one of the highest points of the city, it offers some of the best views of Lisbon.

Return to your hotel to relax and enjoy lunch, before a late afternoon Epicurean Tour with a local foodie guide.

During this Epicurean walking tour through Lisbon's streets and neighborhoods, you will discover the Portuguese "Petiscos" (tapas). You’ll make strategic stops for tapas & drinks, not at formal restaurants but in the typical “tascas” or local shops where you usually find a wide variety of traditional delicacies such as cheese, hams, codfish pastries, sardines in olive oil, and of course local wines and beers.

At the end of your walk, your guide will escort you back to your hotel.

This morning is all about seafood. After a leisurely afternoon, you will be treated to a very special dinner.

An oyster farming experience is first on the agenda today. Drive to Setúbal, a coastal town just south of Lisbon. Wade out into the water and taste the freshest oysters straight out of the sea, and learn firsthand how to shuck an oyster.

Next, enjoy a seafood and sparkling wine lunch. A beautiful high table will be set for you inside the lake so you can comfortably sit down and enjoy your oysters as well as a feast of decadent seafood and shellfish all brought to your table and paired with the most refreshing sparkling wine. A seafood lover’s dream come true!

After lunch head back to the city and relax for the afternoon. Relax and enjoy the facilities at your hotel, before your special dinner this evening.

Tonight, you will have a unique gastronomic experience at Belcanto, by Chef José Avillez. This 2 Michelin starred restaurant is currently ranked number 42 on “The World’s 50 Best Restaurants List”. You will have dinner at the "Chef's Table", allowing you to have an insider's look into the kitchen, as you savor the flavors of a revisited Portuguese cuisine that truly embodies José Avillez's creativity.

You’ll enjoy a tasting menu created by Chef Avillez, which will be paired with Portuguese wines.

Today, you will be driven into the stunning Douro Valley. En route, you will stop for a typical Portugese lunch of leitão assado da bairrada - roasted suckling pig.

Named after the river that runs from Porto into Central Spain, the Douro Valley offers a stunning landscape and showcases the best of the Portuguese countryside. The hills on either side of the river are covered in vineyards, and the winemaking traditions in this region have been in place for centuries. Port is the specialty here, and the most well-known brands including Cockburns, & Taylors have their main production facilities here.

Check in and relax, before an al fresco dinner at your hotel.

One of the most luxurious properties in Portugal, the Six Senses offers contemporary decor with a Portuguese flavor, and rooms that offer incredible views of surrounding vineyards, and the Douro River.

Tonight, you will enjoy dinner at the Summer Garden. Open during the warm Douro summer nights from June to September, this pop-up outlet is set in a quiet corner of the formal gardens, overlooking the organic garden. Relax at communal tables nestled under the vines.

Today may be a full day of touring, but there will still be plenty of time to relax whilst cruising down the river. However not before the ride of your lives, in style!

Driving around in an air-conditioned touring vehicle is all well and good, but if the plan is to cruise down the iconic N222 highway, you want to do it in style! On your drive today, hop into a vintage Cadillac El Dorado or Renault Caravelle. Cruise towards Ferradosa dock in these classic cars!

From classic cars to vintage vessels. It's time to bid farewell to four wheels and step onboard the Friendship l. This boat is 66 feet and has two-suite cabins recently remodeled, with every comfort, convenience, and charm of the 50's.

Lunch on board will be a real treat, as your menu will be designed by Chef Rui Paula, owner of three Michelin stars.

In the early evening, you will be transferred to the family-owned wine estate Quinta da Massorra. Traditional grape stomping awaits, as you join in this harvest tradition with plenty of food and local music.

Spend the morning at leisure to enjoy the facilities at your resort. As with all Six Senses properties, there is an incredible spa on the property.

Porto is the capital and gateway to the north of Portugal. It presents an amazing geographical location that dances with the river Douro. Its rich history dates back to many centuries and enriches its cultural wealth as the city is one of the oldest European centers.

Upon arrival at Porto, meet your private guide for an Epicurean walking tour. In the company of a gourmand expert, you will uncover the secrets of Porto’s delicacies, history, and context.

To fully immerse yourself in the local food scene, you might visit the city’s central market. Here, you will be meeting the unique vendors, and learn about the ingredients that fill up Porto’s restaurants and home kitchens.

After your food tour you will transfer to The Yeatman.

The Yeatman is a wine hotel in the Historic Port Wine Cellar District in Oporto (Portugal). It is the city’s address of choice for discerning travelers and wine lovers as well as those visiting Oporto and the north of Portugal.

Tonight, enjoy dinner at Euskalduna Studio. Euskalduna means "Basque" in basque and this was the name chosen by Chef Vasco Coelho Santos for his project of author’s contemporary cuisine.

Enjoy a morning at leisure, before tasting even more Port this afternoon. In the evening, you will get to experience a special farewell dinner.

Established over three centuries ago in 1692, Taylor’s is one of the oldest of the founding Port houses. It is dedicated entirely to the production of Port wine and in particular to its finest styles, housing most of the company’s extensive reserves of wood-aged Port as well its Vintage Port cellars. You'll be guided through barrels, tanks and vats and upon completing the tour, you will have a private tasting.

Tonight you will dine in a private room at your hotel, where you'll enjoy a degustation menu selected by the 2 Michelin Star Chef, Ricardo Costa. Wine pairing will be served.

You’ll taste imaginative cuisine in which the traditional flavors of Portugal are interpreted and presented with contemporary flair, paired with Portuguese wines. Listing a comprehensive choice of Portuguese wines, as well as a wide selection from other great vineyards around the globe, the gastronomic restaurant makes a special feature of food and wine pairing.

Today, you'll check out from your hotel and you'll have a private transfer to Porto Airport, where you'll board your departure flight.

For an itinerary like this, you can expect pricing to start around €15,000 per couple. This includes accommodations for 7 nights with bed and breakfast as well as various activities, meals, and transfers as stated in this itinerary. International flights are excluded.

Just let us know and we'll get planning. We are happy to customize your trip based on your desires and preferences.