From stunning vineyards in the Douro Valley to fantastic beaches and an excellent food scenset; Portugal has it all. Throw in the picture-perfect cities of Porto & Lisbon, and you have an incredible itinerary in one of Europe's most beautiful (and underrated) 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.
Douro Valley | 3 nights | Six Senses
Obidos | 1 night | Pousada Castelo Obidos
Lisbon | 3 nights | Four Seasons Lisboa
Lagos, Algarve | 3 nights | Casa Mae
The weather in Portugal in the month of August is warm and sunny, as expected. Daily high temperatures are around 82°F, rarely falling below 75°F or exceeding 93°F. Daily low temperatures are around 65°F, rarely falling below 61°F or exceeding 70°F.
Douro Valley | 24-hour service manager: will be provided
Obidos | will be provided: will be provided
Lisbon | will be provided: will be provided
Algarve | will be provided: will be provided
Begin your journey through Portugal in the Douro Valley.
Pick-up Time: Afternoon
Pick-up Location: Four Points Sheraton Lobby
Driver: will be provided
Travel Time: Approximately 1.5 hours
Your group will be greeted at a location of your choosing in Porto by an English-speaking host and transferred in private to the Six Senses in the Douro Valley.
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.
Reservation confirmed in the 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.
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 | 3 nights
1 One-Bedroom Pool Villa with Extra Bed
2 Valley Suites
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 Location: Six Senses Lobby
Driver: A driver will be provided
Greeting by your host and private transfer to Sao Luiz Wine Estate.
Enjoy a light picnic-style lunch at a scenic vineyard, set on the terrace (weather permitting) with incredible views of the valley and river.
Private transfer to the small town of Pinhao.
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.
At the end of your kayaking experience, a private transfer will take you back to your hotel. The afternoon is at your leisure.
Reservation confirmed in the 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.
Pick-up Time: Morning
Pick-up Location: Six Senses Lobby
Driver: A driver will be provided
Transfer to the hilltops of the Douro, to a small village called Provesende.
With an expert guide, take a gentle hike in the Douro Valley to learn about the valley's significance to locals. Hike along the vineyard paths and backroads of the valley down towards the riverside.
Sailing on the Douro River is one of the most remarkable experiences when visiting the region. From the jetty in a town in the Douro Valley or in another nearby town, enjoy the beautiful landscapes of the Douro accompanied by wine tasting and sampling of regional delicacies aboard a luxury boat.
Quinta Nova is a working winery older than the U.S. The hilltop estate comes with sweeping views of the surrounding valley and guests are invited to explore the vineyards as if members of the house. Enjoy a delicious lunch with an exquisite wine pairing.
Return to your hotel to relax at leisure.
Enjoy your hotel amenities at leisure for the rest of the afternoon.
Meeting with the driver at the hotel, and transfer to dinner at a restaurant. Return transfer to your hotel after dinner will be provided.
Reservation confirmed in the evening
DOC is a Gourmet restaurant on the Douro River led by a Michelin-starred chef.
Today is your travel day in Portugal, going from the Douro Valley to Óbidos.
Pick-up Time: Morning
Pick-up Location: Six Senses Lobby
Travel Time: Approximately 3.5 hours
Driver: will be provided
Greeting by your host at the Six Senses lobby and private transfer to Óbidos with stops on the way at Nazaré.
The coast of Nazaré is proud of its fishing tradition dating back many hundreds of years, and boasts spectacular waves and picturesque orange-roofed buildings packed along a long, golden beach.
Óbidos draws visitors with its tranquil lagoon, a charming old town and rustic traditional cuisine. Offering everything you could want from a quaint Portuguese town – a Medieval castle, ambient cobblestone streets and leafy squares – Óbidos is only 53 miles from Lisbon. Explore the local food scene by sampling traditional cured meats and cheeses before heading off shopping on the flower-studded main street.
The cobbled “main” street in Óbidos leads from the Porta da Vila to the castle, past whitewashed walls decorated with tumbling bougainvillea and geraniums. Dating from the 1200s and expanded in the 16th and 17th centuries, it also passes the town’s central square, where you’ll find the 16th-century Santa Maria Church and the Municipal Museum. Direita is also the best place in town to buy souvenirs and to sample the ginja de Óbidos cherry liquor.
Rua Direita terminates at a well-preserved Medieval castle, one of the Seven Wonders in Portugal. Fortifications were erected on this hilltop Roman site by the Moors in the eighth century, but most of what we see today was constructed from the mid-12th century onwards, as a succession of Portuguese kings made additions and alterations. Circumnavigate the town by walking the 13m (43ft)-high battlements before checking into the three-star hotel that occupies the castle’s former royal palace.
Why we love it for you: The Pousada do Castelo de Óbidos is located in Vila de Óbidos and is one of the 7 wonders of Portugal. This Pousada is of enormous historical importance and includes medieval features from the 9th century. The castle was given as a wedding present by a King to a Queen during their wedding.
Pousada Castelo Obidos | 1 night
1 Special Suite
1 Balcony Cottage
1 Superior Room
A quick transfer will get you to the beautiful coastal city of Lisbon.
Pick-up Time: Morning
Pick-up Location: Pousada Castello Obidos
Driver: Will be provided
Greeting at the hotel lobby and private transfer to the Lisbon Airport in time for your flight departure.
Pick-up Time: Morning
Pick-up Location: Hotel
Travel Time: Approximately 2 hours
Greeting by a representative in the hotel lobby and private transfer to Lisbon.
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.
Enjoy the rest of the day at leisure with your hotel's luxury amenities or exploring old Lisbon independently.
Why we love it for you: This landmark hotel was built in 1959 to prove that Lisbon could do luxury as well as any other European capital. More than half a century later it is still setting the bar, managed by the Four Seasons Group with its inimitable service and impressive spa and fitness facilities.
Four Seasons Ritz Hotel Lisboa | 3 nights
2 Superior City Rooms
Today you will explore the Portuguese capital with an expert guide.
Pick-up Time: Morning
Pick-up Location: Four Seasons Hotel
Guide: will be provided
Meet up with your private guide today as you explore the streets of Lisbon.
Late afternoon: In the charming Alfama Quarte of Lisbon, experience a tile making workshop of the traditional azulejos of Portugal. A master craftsman will show you how these tiles are made, after which you can design your own tiles and have them go through the kiln and shipped to your home address if you're interested!
Evening: Private transfer back to your hotel.
Take the day to explore the castles of Portugal with your expert guide.
Pick-up Time: Morning
Pick-up Location: Four Seasons Hotel
Guide: A 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.
Evening: Arrive at the hotel for some free time.
Time to head south to Portugal's Gold Coast.
Pick-up Time: Morning
Pick-up Location: Four Seasons Lobby
Travel Time: About 30 minutes
Greeting by a representative and private transfer to the Lisbon airport in time for your flight to Faro.
Airline: TAP
Booking: will be provided
Arrival at Faro where you will be greeted at the arrivals terminal and transferred to your hotel in Lagos.
Travel Time: Approximately 1 hour
A favorite amongst the Portuguese themselves, the Southern Coast of Portugal has it all: wall-to-wall sunshine, laidback vibes, secluded coves, picturesque fishing villages, and stylish resorts. You'll be staying in a charming town.
Take a stroll through the quiet streets of Lagos.
Why we love it for you: This former estate on Portugal's sunniest coast lets you unwind in style. From the minimalistic main building to your own boho chic cabana, complete with bathtub, right through to the classic suites in the old estate building. Pick your perfect room to set the scenset for an idyllic vacation.
Casa Mae | 3 nights
1 Esplanada Room
1 Deluxe Room
Pick-up Time: Morning
Pick-up Place: Casa Mãe Parking Lot
Duration: Morning
Contact: A member of the guest relations team will be provided.
In the morning, take a chance on yourself and learn how to surf some of Portugal's best waves with an instructor.
Walk 5 minutes to the Municipal Market of Lagos from your hotel.
A unique Portuguese experience is walking through a local fish market with the fresh catches of the morning for sale. The Lagos market is extra incredible, situated across from the marina and boasting three floors filled with stalls selling products such as fish and seafood, along with unexpected items, including land-based meats, fruits, vegetables, olive oil, cheese, and homemade Portuguese sauces.
Enjoy the rest of your afternoon and evening at leisure at your hotel or explore Lagos independently.
Pick-up Time: Morning
Pick-up Place: Southwest Office at the Lagos Marina
Duration: Full day (around 10am to 5pm)
Contact: A guest relations representative will be provided.
Explore the coast of the Algarve on a Beneteau Oceanis 411. The tour will consist of sailing along the coast of both the East and the West sides of the Algarve. The boat will anchor in a special place where you will be able to swim, dive, sunbathe, and take paddle boards to explore the grottos.
A person's passion for tradition has taken them all around the world in search of other techniques to incorporate into the traditional Portuguese way of crafting ceramics. They now have residencies in France, China, Japan, and India, and you can spot their work in the Casa Mãe too – they designed a number of the pieces at the resort. This person also runs classes, helping visitors understand the right materials and throwing techniques to craft incredible pottery, so you can take home your own self-made, expert-assisted bowls, plates, or vases.
Enjoy the rest of your day at leisure at your hotel or explore Lagos independently.
Private transfer to the Faro airport for your flight to London.
Pick-up Time: Early morning
Pick-up Location: Casa Mae Lobby
Travel Time: Approximately 1 hour
Airline: British Airways
Booking: will be provided
You have been upgraded to Business Class for this flight. Enjoy!