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 back to the Iberian Peninsula before boarding your flight back home.
The Algarve | Late June
Lisbon | Late June - Early July
Madeira | Early July
Upon arrival at Humberto Delgado Airport (LIS) in Lisbon, you'll receive VIP Assistance with a personalized escort during disembarkation.
You will then be met by a greeter and be taken through passport control.
Please be advised that the arrival assistance service at Lisbon Airport does not include bypassing lines at passport control/immigration; it is only an escort service. You will be expedited through immigration/customs through the fastest lines available (bypassing or skipping lines is not possible).
Booked by Scenset
After going through customs, you will be escorted to the arrivals hall to meet your private driver.
You will then enjoy a private transfer to the Algarve and check in at your hotel.
This is a drive of approximately 2 hours 40 minutes.
Booked by Scenset
The Algarve seems unchanged throughout the centuries. Gold, green and blue highlight the scenset where you can lose yourself in the narrow streets of a warm city or find yourself in the immensity of the coastal strip, decorated with mountains and the sea. The distinctive smells at low tide and the perfume of wildflowers will let you know where you are. In the 15th century, the Portuguese departed from this region on an epic journey that led them to discover other peoples and cultures. Here you’ll also find some of Europe's most beautiful beaches, from where you can admire the rocky coastline and the playful shadows they cast on the sand. After being enchanted by the landscape, you will surrender to the aromas and flavors of the traditional Algarve cuisine.
The history of Vila Vita Hotels dates back to 1980. Vila Vita Parc, situated on the Portuguese Algarve coast was added to the group in 1992 and became an instant success. The stylish luxury resort, a member of ’Leading Hotels of the World’ was named runner-up in the category ’Best Beach Resort in Europe’ by the renowned travel magazine ’Geo Saison’.
VILA VITA Parc Resort & Spa
Junior Suite interconnecting to a Deluxe Room with extra bed
Booked by someone
Today, you will head to Benagil Beach with your driver (approximately 20 minutes driving) and venture yourself on a 90-minute kayak tour to explore the remarkable Benagil caves.
Located on a superb coastline, with the finest of beaches nestling between dunes and cliffs and stunning rock formations, this beach/cave is actually a grotto and is only accessible by water. You will have a private guide with you so that you can get the most out of this unforgettable trip, where you will witness the beauty of this magnificent natural place. When you return to shore, your driver will be waiting to take you back to your hotel.
The afternoon is at your leisure.
Meeting Point: Hotel lobby
Meeting Time: Morning
Duration: Approximately 2.5 hours
The Benagil Caves have increasingly attracted people from all over the world and, during the Summer, the site might experience high levels of visitors.
Booked by Scenset
VILA VITA Parc Resort & Spa
Junior Suite interconnecting to a Deluxe Room with extra bed
Booked by a guest
In the morning, you will be met by a private driver and head West to the Beliche area, a one-hour and fifteen-minute ride from your hotel.
Upon arrival, meet your hiking guide and after a brief introduction, your hiking adventure will begin. The Fishermen ́s Trail follows the coastline and offers breathtaking views of the incredible southern coast landscape. As the official route is way too long to fit in this tour, your guide will lead the way on the Telheiro Beach circuit, where you will explore monumental cliffs, ravines covered with native vegetation and ancient rock formations. Telheiro Beach is a place of extraordinary geological interest, an incredible Geosite where one of the most spectacular disconformities on the Iberian Peninsula can be witnessed. A disconformity is an abrupt transition between rocky formations from different ages, in this case, ages that are possibly millions of years apart. In addition to its scientific interest, the cliffs of Telheiro Beach are a treat for the eye, with a red sandstone layer on the dark and ancient rocks. The best locations for observation are only accessible at low tide. The path progresses along the clifftop whose altitude, at times, exceeds 50 meters.
Meeting Point: Hotel lobby
Meeting Time: Morning
Duration: Approximately 5 hours
Booked by Scenset
In the afternoon, you will be immersing yourself in local life as you visit Sagres & Lagos, with your private guide and driver.
You will start in Sagres, a village that is marked by a mystical atmosphere and a dramatic landscape, where the sea and the hills come together. The natural beauty of its beaches, the breathtaking seaside cliffs, and its local historical heritage are some of the things that mark this region. There is a diverse and rich local gastronomy provided by the local population that is still very much dedicated to traditional activities, such as fishing and farming. In Sagres, the rich historical and cultural heritage remains intact, as does its nature, to the delight of those who have a passion for the days of old. Cabo de Sao Vicente is one of the finest natural features of the Algarve, and the natural most westerly point of Europe.
You will also discover the city of Lagos, surrounded by ancient Moorish walls, the largest and best-preserved in the Algarve. Lagos has a delightful historic center, and a rich Phoenician, Greek, Carthaginian, and Roman past. The Moors built two rings of ramparts to protect the city. You can visit the Chapel of Santo António, where a King attended Mass on the eve of his ill- fated expedition to Africa. The chapel also houses a museum with prehistoric artifacts and sacred art dating to the 16th and 17th centuries.
When you're ready, your driver will take you back to your hotel.
Meeting Time: Afternoon
Duration: 4 hours
Booked by Scenset
VILA VITA Parc Resort & Spa
Junior Suite interconnecting to a Deluxe Room with extra bed
Booked by a guest
This morning, a private driver will meet you at your hotel and drive you to Lisbon, approximately 2h30m of driving. Upon arrival, you ́ll head to your hotel for check-in.
Meeting Point: Hotel lobby
Meeting Time: Late morning
Booked 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.
A member of The Leading Hotels of the World, Bairro Alto Hotel is a 5-star luxury boutique hotel, located side-by-side with two of the most iconic neighborhoods in Lisbon: on one side, bohemian Bairro Alto, with its alternative shops, restaurants and bars; and on the other, the cosmopolitan Chiado, with its typical cafes and charming stores. The Hotel’s architecture preserves elements from iconic buildings from the 18th century, creating a surprising harmony between classic and contemporary.
Bairro Alto Hotel
Suite Tejo with extra bed interconnecting with Classic Tejo Room
Booked by someone
Embark on an enchanting journey through Lisbon's heart with a Tuk-Tuk food and sightseeing tour. Explore the city's most historic and vibrant neighborhoods, where tradition meets modernity. Delve into the essence of Lisbon's culinary heritage, sampling dishes that capture the soul of its people. Discover the evolution of flavors, from ancient preservation techniques to contemporary cuisine, all while guided by a local foodie who will share the city's best-kept secrets. Experience the highlights of Lisbon, savor authentic local eats, and drink in the city's spirit, all within a few memorable hours.
Meeting Point: Hotel lobby
Meeting Time: Late afternoon
Duration: Approximately 2.5 hours
Booked by a traveller
This morning, you'll meet your private guide and driver for a half-day tour of Lisbon, focusing on the Belém district.
The most iconic monuments of this neighborhood are graced by the colors and light of the Tagus River. It is impossible not to see the unique Belém Tower, which originally stood in the middle of the River but is now just off its shore. For centuries, Portuguese explorers set off from this 16th-century fortress in search of the riches of the new world.
You will visit Mosteiro dos Jerónimos, an incomparable monastery that epitomizes the Manueline style, a highly decorative form of architecture that emerged during the reign of Manuel I (1495-1521). This ambitious building reflects the confidence Portugal enjoyed when its explorers roamed the seas, and it is classed as a UNESCO World Heritage site. One of the greatest navigators, will be provided, is buried in the monastery’s church.
Before departing, we also recommend stopping for some Pastéis de Belém, the incredibly tasty cream-filled pastries that are named after the district. These treats will undoubtedly be the highlight of your afternoon!
Meeting Point: Hotel lobby
Meeting Time: Morning
Duration: 4 hours
Booked by Scenset
Break for lunch after your tour before continuing on to a family-friendly baking workshop. Local restaurant recommendations will be provided by your local guide depending on your location. Lunch is to be paid directly.
In the afternoon, you will put your baking skills to the test! Your private driver will take you to meet a Pastry Chef for a delicious workshop. The Pastel de Natal (custard tart) is well known all over the world and, nowadays, it’s impossible to visit Portugal without trying it. So, not only will you learn how to do it, but you will also take the recipe home and surprise your friends with a Portuguese treat. This is a fun, hands-on, workshop that will unveil the secrets behind this simple, yet delicious delicacy. The workshop lasts roughly two and a half hours and it is appropriate for both children and adults. All the necessary ingredients for a delightful time will be provided as you learn how to bake this traditional sweet treat.
When you're ready, your driver will take you back to your hotel.
Meeting Point: Hotel lobby
Meeting Time: Afternoon
Duration: Approximately 3.5 hours
Booked by Scenset
Bairro Alto Hotel
Suite Tejo with extra bed interconnecting with Classic Tejo Room
Booked by a scenset
Today it's all about the Portuguese kitchen and its secrets! Portuguese Cuisine is very rich, and every region is very proud of what they "bring to the table" when it's time to cook up a meal. We have in store for you a very special treat, as you will meet a local Chef for a hands-on and intimate cooking class, which will demonstrate why food is a large part of Portuguese culture.
Your private driver will pick you up at your hotel and take you to meet your Chef. Together you'll go to a local market, where you'll buy the special ingredients for your lesson. Then you'll go to the Chef's home, and you will learn how to prepare a few dishes. The class can be as hands-on as you want it to be, and because it is done in a very intimate environment, it will give you the opportunity to ask as many questions as you want as you learn how to make these dishes. Once you finish, you'll taste your work in a delightful lunch, accompanied by great wine. When you ́re ready, your driver will be waiting to take you back to your hotel.
Meeting Point: Hotel lobby
Meeting Time: Morning
Duration: Roughly 5 hours
Booked by Scenset
Bairro Alto Hotel
Suite Tejo with extra bed interconnecting with Classic Tejo Room
Booked by a scenset
Today a private driver will pick you up at your hotel and escort you to Lisbon Airport, where you will board your flight to Funchal.
Meeting Point: Hotel lobby
Meeting Time: Late morning
Upon arrival, proceed to the arrivals hall where you will meet your private driver for a transfer to your hotel for check-in.
This is a drive of approximately 20 minutes.
Booked by Scenset
Rising from the Atlantic Ocean off the coast of Portugal, Madeira is a lush, subtropical island renowned for its dramatic landscapes, rich culture, and year-round spring-like climate. Often called the "Pearl of the Atlantic," this volcanic island captivates with its rugged cliffs, terraced vineyards, and vibrant botanical gardens. Known for its namesake wine, stunning hiking trails, and charming seaside villages, Madeira offers an alluring blend of adventure and relaxation.
The best of Madeira Island—the ultimate sunsets, the idyllic atmosphere, the delectable foods, the secluded natural views—is waiting, safeguarded by The Reserve. Exclusive and reserved for a select few, the hotel holds the key to outstanding sea and land experiences and to a one-of-a-kind stay. Thanks to the services of a dedicated Guest Experience Personal Assistant (GEPA), guests will be pampered and made to feel like the most important traveler there. The hotel includes unlimited spa access, a private pool and terrace, and luxury experiences like a guided fishing boat ride or a private yacht tour. Guests will enter a world of undivided attention and full attention to every detail, a true luxury exclusive to them—the most extravagant service.
This morning, a driver will escort you to the marina. Today you will go underwater and experience the mild and clear waters, rich fauna, and beautiful underwater landscapes that Madeira has to offer. In a private snorkeling experience, you’ll enjoy a great free-diving adventure. Mask, snorkel and fins are all you need! In the hands of a private instructor, you’ll observe and learn about Madeira’s underwater life. The diving spot will be chosen according to the sea conditions.
After, you might head back to the West, in the direction of Fajã dos Padres and Girão Cape. Fajã dos Padres are located on the South Coast, on the right side of Cabo Girão (a promontory that rises 580 meters above sea level), in the parish of Quinta Grande. It’s set on a remote cove, almost inaccessible by land, and it’s considered a wonderful paradise.
Upon return to Funchal, and disembarking, a driver will escort you back to your hotel, where you ́ll enjoy the remainder of the day at leisure.
Meeting Point: Hotel lobby
Meeting Time: Morning
Duration: Several hours
Booked by Scenset
In the morning, after breakfast, your next adventure awaits! You will board a Jeep and head to the remote village of Jardim da Serra, a natural amphitheater, located between high mountains and deep valleys.
During this panoramic tour, you will enjoy breathtaking views over the distinctive small parish of Nuns’ Valley (Curral das Freiras), nestling between almost perpendicular mountains in the heart of the island. This is one of the most striking landscapes that you will encounter. The legend says that in 1566 the nuns from the Santa Clara convent fled from pirates attacking Funchal and found seclusion in Curral das Freiras.
For lunch, you will enjoy a local delicacy. Madeira features varied gastronomy and one of the most famous and loved typical dishes of the island is the "Espetada", beef served in laurel skewers. Over time, the laurel wood skewers were replaced by skewers of iron or aluminum. You will see the difference!
When your tour is over, you will be escorted back to your hotel.
Meeting Point: Hotel lobby
Meeting Time: Mid-morning
Duration: Approximately 4.5 hours
Booked by Scenset
This afternoon, alongside a private guide and driver, you will explore Madeira’s capital city. You will start the tour by boarding Funchal’s cable car. The journey up to Monte used to be by train, but now you can experience the ride in a 3.2 km long steel cable.
Once you have the city at your feet, you’ll visit the Tropical Garden "Monte Palace". Over 2000 exotic plants from all continents are displayed in an area of 70 thousand square meters, together with swans and ducks, that populate the central lake, peacocks, and chickens, that walk free in the main areas of the property. Its museum is nestled within the beautiful surroundings of a tropical garden. There are three floors, two of which are dedicated to sculptures, and the third houses a unique mineral collection gathered from the four corners of the world.
Please note that it's not possible to visit the interior of the Palace building.
Then it’s time for a fun and exciting basket ride. With the toboggan drivers on command, you will slide down to Livramento mounted on a wicker basket. When your tour is concluded, your private driver will escort you back to your hotel.
Start Time: Afternoon
Duration: 4 hours
Booked by Scenset
Sadly all good things must come to an end. This morning you will bid Madeira farewell and head to the airport to catch your flight home.
Meet your driver in the hotel lobby for a transfer to Madeira Airport (FNC) for your international flight home. Goodbye, Portugal!
This is a drive of approximately 18 minutes.
Booked by Scenset
If you like what you read and are ready to pull the trigger on this once-in-a-lifetime adventure, then you may either complete the secure payment link or arrange a bank transfer as detailed below.
Once payment has been received, we will begin confirming the itinerary and let you know of next steps!
Should you wish to pay by wire, the total trip cost will be provided with a deposit will be provided due at time of booking.
Please use these details to send both domestic wires and ACH transfers to Scenset's Mercury account:
Beneficiary
Receiving Bank Details
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