Embark on a luxury journey through Portugal, beginning in Porto, where you'll explore the city's rich history and savor exquisite cuisine along the scenic Douro River. Continue to Lisbon, where the city's vibrant culture and upscale dining set the stage for an unforgettable stay. Then, retreat to the Algarve, where stunning coastal views and exclusive resorts offer the ultimate in relaxation. This carefully curated itinerary combines Portugal's most captivating destinations with the finest in luxury travel.
Lisbon | 31 Aug - 3 Sep 2024 | 3 nights
Porto | 3–6 Sep 2024 | 3 nights
Algarve | 6–9 Sep 2024 | 3 nights
Lisbon Airport | 9–10 Sep 2024 | 1 night
If you need any assistance while you are traveling, or if you would like to make any changes, reservations or cancellations during your time in Portugal you can contact the following who will be your local contacts during your trip:
Portugal
Scenset
Important: Due to the time difference, for small day-to-day things like touring and dining reservations - or emergencies that need immediate assistance - it will be most efficient for you to use the local contacts as they are in the same time zone as you.
WhatsApp: If you don’t have WhatsApp on your phone, we strongly encourage downloading it for free as it makes contacting our local team easier.
The currency in Portugal is Euros.
Tipping is always appreciated, though not obligatory. For drivers, we generally suggest a tip depending on the transfer duration. For guides, we recommend a tip for half-day experiences or a tip for full-day experiences.
Here are some of our packing recommendations for your trip to Portugal:
Packing reminder! Make sure to bring a comfortable pair of walking shoes, tennis shoes, or sneakers. Portugal's streets are made of beautiful black and white cobblestone, which can make it tricky to walk in anything but comfortable shoes!
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 the correct one must be chosen for the specific appliances being used.
Here are some helpful Portuguese phrases for your travels:
Embrace the Portuguese love for a coffee break and use this guide to help you navigate Portugal’s aromatic world of coffee like a local.
Vamos tomar café - let's have a coffee!
A shot of black espresso. This is the most popular coffee drink in Portugal, usually ordered after a meal or during a quick break. This is what you will get if you order a "coffee".
A shot of espresso in a tall glass that’s topped up two-thirds of the way with milk. Similar to a latte but, slightly larger and milkier.
Half coffee and half milk - also similar to a latte.
Larger coffee with water.
These guidelines are for reference only. Scenset holds no responsibility for travel restrictions. Travelers are responsible for ensuring the right documentation to travel.
Upon arrival, your greeter will meet you for VIP airport assistance. The Personalized Assistance service was designed for passengers who enjoy comfort, discretion, and speed.
Arrival:
Fast track is guaranteed only at the X-ray, not at passport control.
Complimentary service by Scenet.
Arrival at Lisbon airport where you will be greeted at the arrivals terminal and transferred to your hotel in Lisbon.
Booked by Scenset.
Here are some of our favourite cocktail & rooftop bars:
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.
Massage reservations can be made upon arrival, if desired.
Meet your driver for tonight's transfer to your fado dinner.
Booked by Scenset.
Discover Alfama, Lisbon’s oldest and most enchanting neighborhood, where the charm of the past lingers in the corner. Wander through its narrow streets lined with historic houses, admire clothes drying in the windows, and savor the aroma of fish grilling in the open air. This is where the heart of the city beats with the vibrant energy of its scenset. Alfama is also the birthplace of Fado, the soulful music that emerged in the 19th century and is now recognized by UNESCO as Intangible Cultural Heritage.
As you explore these unique streets, you’ll arrive at the Palácio dos Condes de Linhares, a historic palace that now hosts an elegant Fado house. Here, renowned artists perform, while the kitchen serves traditional Portuguese cuisine in a refined setting.
Included:
Booked by Scenset.
After dinner, meet with your driver for your transfer back to your hotel.
Why we love it for you: Nestled in the heart of Lisbon, the EPIC SANA Marquês Hotel offers a luxurious blend of modern elegance and timeless Portuguese charm. This five-star retreat boasts spacious, stylishly appointed rooms, an exquisite rooftop pool with panoramic city views, and a selection of gourmet dining options that showcase the best of local and international cuisine. Guests can indulge in a state-of-the-art wellness center, complete with a spa and fitness facilities, ensuring relaxation and rejuvenation. With its prime location near the historic Avenida da Liberdade, the hotel serves as the perfect base for exploring Lisbon’s rich cultural and architectural heritage.
Booked by a user.
Embark on a captivating journey to Sintra and Cascais, where history and natural beauty intertwine. Sintra, a UNESCO World Heritage site, enchants with its lush landscapes and the iconic Palácio da Pena, a masterpiece of 19th-century romanticism that once housed Portuguese royalty. Explore the historic Quinta da Regaleira and the elegant Palácio de Seteais, now a luxurious hotel, each echoing the grandeur of bygone eras. Just a short drive away, Cascais, once a humble fishing village, has transformed into a sophisticated seaside resort, offering a blend of maritime charm and refined elegance along the stunning coastline.
Included:
You will return to your hotel in the evening.
Booked by scenset.
Perched atop the Sintra Mountain, the Pena National Palace stands like a sacred jewel, its vibrant colors epitomizing Romanticism in Portugal. Built in 1839 by a King, this imaginative palace blends Moorish, Gothic, and Manueline motifs with the Wagnerian spirit of Central European castles, inspired by the palaces of Bavaria. Rising 500 meters above sea level, the palace's whimsical architecture invites all who visit to let their imaginations soar. With our exclusive fast-track entry, you can bypass the crowds and fully immerse yourself in the enchanting beauty of this historic masterpiece.
Booked by Scenset.
Indulge in a luxurious Royal Picnic set amidst the enchanting gardens, where culinary delights meet the elegance of nature. The exquisite menu features an array of delicacies, including roast beef with celery and apple rolls, Brie and Parma mini sandwiches, smoked salmon with crème fraîche, and a selection of artisanal sausages. Savor the freshness of cheese, tomato, and basil kebabs, alongside melon paired with Pata Negra, shrimp with mango, and mini vegetable quiches. Delight in sweet treats like carrot madeleines, lemon fondant, and tartlets of blackberry and passion fruit. Complement your feast with sparkling wine and refreshing natural juices, making this picnic a truly royal experience.
Roast beef, celery and apple rolls
Brie and Parma mini sandwiches
Smoked salmon and crème fraîche
Selection of sausages (two varieties)
Fresh cheese, tomato and basil kebab
Melon and Pata Negra kebab
Shrimp and mango kebab
Mini vegetable quiche
Carrot madeleines
Salad and sliced fruit
Lemon fondant
Blackberry tartlet
Passion fruit tartlet
Booked by someone.
Enjoy the evening at your own leisure.
Booked by a user.
The best way to enjoy a city is to walk among the locals, taste the same foods they eat, visit the same tourist attractions... Live authentic and quality first-person enogastronomic experiences in Portugal. Experiences designed by lovers of the Portuguese gastronomic tradition, thinking of all those who share this passion. Authentic and unforgettable moments that leave lasting memories of your visit to Portugal.
Together, we will explore Alfama, the oldest area of Lisbon... from Alfama, the trip continues through Baixa, where we will visit traditional and historic shops, taste sweets and snacks in places where the locals eat and end the tour by toasting with liqueur of ginjinha in an old tavern! A unique opportunity to immerse yourself in Portuguese culture, through its gastronomy and wines and relaxed moments chatting at the table, something that truly represents the Portuguese soul!
Included:
Booked by scenset.
At the end of your food tour, your guide will meet you for your shopping experience.
Lisbon, the first capital of a global empire, offers a unique shopping experience steeped in tradition and refinement. Explore the city’s finest stores with the guidance of a professional personal shopper, focusing on those that best match your interests. Highlights include an exclusive visit to a historic jewelry workshop, artisanal chocolate delights, and handmade soaps. From luxury cutlery to bespoke fashion, Lisbon’s shopping scene blends generational craftsmanship with modern sophistication.
Included:
You will be dropped of at your hotel at the end of the tour in the early evening.
Booked by Scenset.
Booked by someone.
This morning you will check out of your hotel and meet your driver for today's journey to Porto.
You will be warmly welcomed by your driver before embarking on a private transfer to Porto. Along the journey, enjoy a delightful stop in Coimbra, where you can savor a leisurely lunch and explore the city. To enhance your experience, your driver will also make additional stops throughout the picturesque countryside, allowing you to fully appreciate Portugal's captivating landscapes.
Booked by Scenset.
En route to Porto, you will make stops in Óbidos & Coimbra.
Please note this is a self-guided experience, there is no guide included.
We suggest having lunch at Tapas nas Costas restaurant.
You will arrive in Porto in the early evening.
Booked by Scenset.
Enjoy lunch today at Tapas nas Costas restaurant. Please make your own way to the restaurant.
Booked by Scenset - paid locally.
After you visit the University of Coimbra, reconnect with your driver to continue your transfer to Porto.
The second-biggest Portuguese city is in the midst of a travel renaissance, with an uptick of tourists also bringing new restaurants, bars, cafes, and cultural events. But in a rare instance of having your pastel de nata and eating it too, Porto hasn’t lost its soul that made it so attractive in the first place. The brightly colored buildings, lazy lunches, and riverside wine bars are an ingrained way of life in Porto and simply too good to give up.
If you're looking for authentic tapas-style food, consider visiting Portuguese tascas, renowned for their traditional flare and cozy ambiance. Here are a few of our favorites in Porto.
Here are some of our favorite cocktail & wine bars in Porto.
Upon arrival in Porto, check in to your hotel and enjoy the evening at leisure.
Why we love it for you: The first thing that stands out about The Lodge is its contemporary design, with every space from the lobby to the restaurant to your bedroom all giving the sensation of walking through an art sculpture. But that modernity is juxtaposed with the building's long history, which is home to centuries-old wine cellars. Enjoy a bottle of the house wine on the rooftop, overlooking colorful Porto and the scenic Douro River.
Booked by a guest.
Embark on an enchanting sidecar tour of Porto, where you’ll experience the city’s iconic landscapes in a delightful and vintage manner. This 3-hour journey, starting in the morning or afternoon, offers a fun and authentic exploration of Porto’s historic center, riverside charm, and Gaia’s scenic beauty. Enjoy the thrill of riding in a classic motorcycle sidecar, guided by a professional driver who will unveil the city's hidden secrets and breathtaking views. Your tour includes pick-up and drop-off, photo stops, and a range of amenities like a helmet, raincoat, and a refreshing glass of champagne or wine tasting, all while ensuring a carbon-neutral experience.
Included:
Booked by a client.
Meet your driver for your transfer to your evening boat experience.
Booked by Scenset.
Immerse yourself in the stunning beauty of Porto’s landscape with a private boat tour, guided by a knowledgeable captain. Choose the West Route for a 2-hour journey, gliding along the serene banks of Porto and Vila Nova de Gaia. Marvel at breathtaking views, cross six historic bridges, and learn the fascinating stories behind them, all from the comfort of your own exclusive boat. Enjoy a tranquil and personalized experience, where space and comfort are tailored to your preferences without the presence of other passengers.
Included:
Crew, welcome drink, water, souvenir, exclusivity of the boat, insurance, VAT.
After your tour you will be transferred back to your hotel.
Booked by Scenset.
Booked by a guest.
Following breakfast this morning, meet your driver for the transfer to Douro Valley.
Booked 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.
Set sail on the Douro River aboard the oldest boat on its waters, surrounded by breathtaking landscapes where iconic Port Wine is crafted. Your journey begins in Folgosa, leading to a delightful lunch at the esteemed Quinta Nova de Nossa Senhora do Carmo, where you’ll savor the authentic flavors of Portugal. Explore the wine cellar and museum, then enjoy a gourmet meal at Conceitu's Winery Restaurant, perfectly paired with Quinta Nova wines. Conclude your memorable experience with a scenic return to Folgosa, making for an unforgettable day on the river.
Today's itinerary:
Morning - Boarding in Folgosa
Midday - Disembark at Cais do Ferrão - Transfer by car from the Quinta.
Midday - Visit the cellar and Wine Museum center.
Lunch at Conceitu's Winery Restaurant - paired with QN Wines.
Afternoon - Transfer by car from Quinta Nova to Ferrão pier.
Afternoon - Board in Ferrão.
Afternoon - Disembark to Folgosa.
Please note: onboard catering not included.
Included:
Booked by scenset.
Booked by a person.
After breakfast this morning, you will check out of the hotel and meet your driver for today's journey to the Algarve.
Your driver will pick you up at your hotel and transport you to the airport for your flight to Faro.
Booked by Scenset.
Today's flight is scheduled with Ryanair. We highly recommend downloading the Ryanair app and logging into your booking using the booking reference.
Once you have the app downloaded on your phone, you will have access to your boarding passes and any flight updates.
Booked by Scenset.
Meet your driver in the arrivals area of the airport, after clearing customs. Upon meeting your driver, you will be transferred to your accommodation.
Booked by Scenset.
The Algarve was the go-to beach destination for European travelers long before Portugal was on the tourist map, and its enduring popularity is a testament to everything that it has to offer. Michelin-level restaurants serve up spectacular meals while music spills out from flashy beach clubs from midday to nighttime, but even those pale in comparison to the Algarve’s golden beaches and ethereal caves carved out by the waves of the Atlantic.
Why we love it for you: Perched on the sun-kissed cliffs of Albufeira, EPIC SANA Algarve offers a luxurious retreat where contemporary elegance meets the serene beauty of Portugal's southern coast. With its lush gardens, sweeping ocean views, and direct access to Falesia Beach, this five-star resort provides an idyllic setting for both relaxation and adventure. Indulge in world-class amenities, from rejuvenating spa treatments to exquisite dining, all while basking in the tranquil ambiance of the Algarve's most picturesque landscapes.
Booked by a user.
At this hotel the following amenities are included in your scenset booking:
Enjoy a day at leisure to relax and explore your surroundings.
Booked by someone.
After breakfast, meet your driver for your transfer to today's wild life adventure.
Booked by Scenset.
Set sail on an exhilarating marine life adventure along the breathtaking Algarve coastline. This unforgettable journey invites you to witness the wonders of the ocean up close, starting with playful dolphins that leap through the waves, their graceful arcs a mesmerizing sight. As you glide further into the deep blue, keep an eye out for majestic seabirds soaring above, their wings slicing through the sky. Below the surface, elusive sea turtles may make a rare appearance, adding a touch of magic to your voyage. Whether you’re a nature enthusiast or simply seeking a serene escape, this marine life-watching experience promises awe-inspiring moments and a deeper connection with the natural world.
Booked by scenset.
After your tour, meet your driver for your transfer back to the hotel.
Booked by Scenset.
Booked by a user.
Drive your rental car to Lisbon at your own pace today.
Own arrangements
Head out today; the hotel is a 5 minute walk from the airport.
Upon arrival at the airport, a greeter will meet you in the boarding area or at the designated meeting point and accompany you to check-in, provide luggage service, and accompany you to the boarding gate using fast track* services.
Complimentary service by Scenet.