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Overview

Treasures of Portugal

The treasures of Portugal are immense, from its landscape and coastline to its cultural riches, to its wonderful weather. It offers a stunning range of magical experiences in its bustling cities, sleepy fishing villages, fairytale-like towns, and lush green landscapes.

During this culinary and city tour of Portugal, meander your way northward, starting in the capital city of Lisbon, which has captivated visitors for centuries with its history and which is now home to a number of UNESCO sites. Stops on this journey also include Porto (also known as Oporto), which was named as the best European destination in 2012 by European citizens; the medieval town of Óbido; and up to the northern countryside village of Arco de Valdevez. Last but certainly not least, finish in Braga, a city rich in architectural and religious treasures.

Throughout the tour, experience the gastronomical scene firsthand, including a centuries-old pastry recipe, and don’t forget to try the popular alcoholic drink particular to Portugal, Ginja. Situated as the country is by the sea, seafood is a big part of the cuisine here, but meat and vegetables — as well as olive oil — make up a large part of the diet as well.





Latest Review

We gave this trip 5 stars
Denise & Katherine
MN
Trip taken May 2019
Just finished a wonderful trip. The walks and views of beautiful historic Portugal were amazing. The food was wonderful and our Chef-led cooking lessons were fun and delicious. Highly recommend!

Trip Details

Your culinary holiday features classes and tastings to show you the wonders of Portuguese cuisine. All the classes and tastings will inspire you to take these traditions home with you.

In Arcos de Valdevez, get busy in the kitchen during a fun workshop featuring cornbread, a staple in northern Portugal. You can also help the chef prepare dinner if you want extra time in the kitchen!

Itinerary

Day One

  • Meet your driver at Lisbon airport for a transfer to Hotel Mundial (or similar).
  • Take some time to get settled into centrally-located hotel and, if you’re not too jet lagged, perhaps take a walk around the beautiful coastal city. We can also help you book a sunset cruise on the Tegus River, or a guided walking tour.
  • Dinner on your own.
  • Overnight in Lisbon.

Castle of Saint George in Lisbon


Day Two

  • Breakfast.
  • Depart around 8:30 am and head 30 km away to the center of European Romantic architecture, the UNESCO town of Sintra. This town was a favorite summer destination for Portuguese kings for thousands of years. In town, spend some time on your own perusing the shops, full of handicrafts, and the Pena Palace (entrance ticket included). Visit the Casa Piriquita for one of the famed “queijada” pastries of Sintra.  Return transfer back to Lisbon. Lunch on own.
  • Next, wind your way through the city of Lisbon’s unique and narrow streets that are lined with whitewashed houses and chapels. Visit the 16th-century Jeronimo’s Monastery, a UNESCO World Heritage site known for its beautiful Manueline architecture that reflect Portugal’s trade over the centuries (entrance ticket not included). Next, stop at the Monument of Discoveries, which honors Portuguese explorers and their patrons through exhibits and stunning sculptures. Then, visit the impressive Belem Tower (entrance ticket not included), a fortified tower that is also a UNESCO site.
  • Head to an old patisserie that is known for one of Portugal’s finest pastries, pastéis de Belem, for a tasting of this fabulous custard pastry.
  • Dinner on your own. Overnight in Lisbon.

Fish dish during a culinary vacation in Portugal


Day Three

  • Following breakfast, depart for Portugal’s “Silver Coast,” and begin your journey in Óbidos, a fortified city that dates back to the early Celt tribes. Enjoy some time on your own and don’t forget to try ginja (or ginjinha)! This popular Portuguese alcohol is made by infusing ginja berries with alcohol.
  • Lunch will be on your own in the picturesque fishing village of Nazaré. It is an excellent opportunity to taste the grilled fish and seafood rice. Nazaré is famous for the local women who wear skirts with seven petticoats. Women would sit on the beach waiting for their fishermen to sail home. It is also famous as a surfing destination, and the location of one of the largest waves ever ridden by a surfer!.
  • Arrival in Porto, check in and overnight.

The city of Porto, Portugal


Day Four

  • Breakfast.
  • In the morning, take a 3-hour guided walking tour through Porto to see the city’s vibrant history and stunning architecture. The tour begins with the Torre dos Clérigos, an impressive bell tower that is part of a Baroque church. Continue on to Livraria Lello e Irmåo, an old bookstore that purportedly inspired J.K. Rowling’s Harry Potter; Avenida dos Aliados, a large square in central Porto; Estacåo de S. Bento, a historical train station; Ponte Luis I, a double-decker bridge; Sé Cathedral, an important Romanesque monument; Bairro da Sé, the city’s old quarter; and Ribeira, another historic square. (Please note this is a walking tour and Porto has some steep streets! We recommend comfortable shoes. Entrance tickets to monuments not included and paid locally.)
  • End the tour with a short presentation and tasting of Portuguese olive oils and local products, as well as a wine tasting of two types of port.
  • Lunch and dinner on your own. Overnight in Porto.

Watching the chef at work


Day Five

  • Following breakfast, some time on your own to explore Porto and check out.
  • At 11:30 am meet your driver. You will first stop at the Pinhais & Cia cannery, which has been a top producer of canned sardines since 1920. Sardines are one of Portugal’s top fishes, and the canned version is considered a delicacy. You will end the tour with a tasting of sardines, bread, and Portuguese wines.
  • In the afternoon, transfer to Arcos de Valdevez, where you will explore a new side of Portugal, one unknown to mass tourism. Sleep in the heart of Minho near the Peneda-Geres National park, and explore the beautiful nation of this region. You may even see the Garrano – wild ponies – that have been part of the region since the first millennium B.C.
  • Dinner tonight is at your charming and rural hotel that promotes Portuguese Slow Food, and you can help the chef prepare it if you choose.
  • Overnight in Arcos de Valdevez.

Food during a culinary vacation in Portugal


Day Six

  • Breakfast.
  • Explore the wonderful beauty of the Sistelo region this morning. Known for its charming landscapes, it offers lush greenery, winding paths, and bubbling brooks.  Learn about the culture of the area as you walk its  pathways, and soak in the peacefulness of the surroundings.
  • For lunch stop at a charming local restaurant, where you’ll taste the region’s authentic flavors. Feast on traditional dishes crafted from fresh, locally sourced ingredients, providing a true taste of Sistelo’s culinary heritage.
  • Return to the hotel for dinner, which you can help the chef prepare if you wish.
  • Overnight in Arcos de Valdevez.

Drinks in Portugal


Day Seven

  • Breakfast.
  • In the morning, participate in a cooking workshop. The workshop will focus on “broa de milho” – a Portuguese version of cornbread. Corn has an ancient history in this region, and that’s still in evidence today with the number of water mills, fields, and granaries dotting the landscape.
  • Lunch to follow.
  • In the afternoon, head to the city of Braga, which is nicknamed “Portuguese Rome” in large part for its religious history. Have a guided walking tour, and then time on your own to explore.
  • Dinner on your own.
  • Overnight in Braga.

Hotel room in Porto


Day Eight

  • Breakfast followed by group transfer to Porto airport. (For a return transfer to Porto city center or Lisbon airport, please inquire).

Interested in extending your journey? We can also offer 3-night extensions to the Azores or Madeira! Please inquire. 


Trip Details

Included in the 7-Night Trip

Accommodations

  • 2 nights accommodations in Lisbon’s Turim Marquês Lisboa (or similar)
  • 2 nights accommodations in Porto’s Hotel Teatro (or similar)
  • 2 nights accommodations in Arcos de Valdevez’s Casas da Li (or similar)
  • 1 night accommodation in Braga’s Porta Nova Collection House (or similar)

Food & Beverages

  • Daily breakfast
  • 2 lunches
  • 2 dinners
  • Food tastings

Classes & Instructors

Your culinary holiday features classes and tastings to show you the wonders of Portuguese cuisine. All the classes and tastings will inspire you to take these traditions home with you.

In Arcos de Valdevez, get busy in the kitchen during a fun workshop featuring cornbread, a staple in northern Portugal. You can also help the chef prepare dinner if you want extra time in the kitchen!

Excursions

  • Walking tour of Lisbon
  • Excursion to Sintra (entrance ticket included)
  • Visits of Óbidos and Nazaré
  • Guided walking tour of Porto
  • Visit of sardine cannery
  • Guided walk in Arcos de Valdevez

Transfer Details

  • Arrival transfer from Lisbon airport to your hotel
  • Departure transfer to Oporto airport in Porto (a return transfer to Lisbon can be arranged for an additional cost)

Please note the bagage limits for transfer: 1 large case per person, a maximum of 20 kg (33 pounds) per bag, and 1 backpack/personal item per person.

Miscellaneous

  • Olive oil & local products tasting
  • Port tasting

Not Included

  • Entrance tickets to museums and monuments (except where otherwise indicated)
  • Drinks during meals
  • Overnight city tourist tax

Accommodation Information

Lisbon – The Turim Marquês Hotel in Lisbon is a large, posh 4* hotel in the city center, near to the Eduardo VII Park.

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Porto – The PortoBay Hotel Teatro is perfectly located in Porto’s theater district, right in the heart of the city. The modern hotel was completely renovated in 2021 and boasts a restaurant and bar.

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Arcos de Valdevez – The Casas da Li is a country house located in a little mountain village. It boasts a terrace and garden with seasonal outdoor pool, a. fabulous restaurant featuring Portuguese cuisine, and five comfortable en suite rooms.

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Braga – The Porta Nova Collection House is ideally situated in the historical center of Braga. The hotel is in a historical house, fully of wooden beams, windows, and picturesque nooks. The rooms feature a modern but warm decor, lots of light, and wonderful views.

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Pricing & Tour Dates



2024 Portugal Culinary Tour Pricing:

7-night Program

US$2995 per person based on double occupancy

  • Add US$480 for single occupancy (use of a double room by 1 person)

Special pricing may apply for national holidays, including Carnival, Easter, Christmas, and New Year’s.

Please note that dietary restrictions are not easily accommodated for this itinerary. Please inquire if you have dietary restrictions.

30% deposit due to confirm booking.

Balance payment due 60 days prior to tour start date. Questions? Please contact us!

2025 Portugal Culinary Tour Pricing:

7-night Program

US$3180 per person based on double occupancy

  • Add US$480 for single occupancy (use of a double room by 1 person)

Special pricing may apply for national holidays, including Carnival, Easter, Christmas, and New Year’s.

Please note that dietary restrictions are not easily accommodated for this itinerary. Please inquire if you have dietary restrictions.

30% deposit due to confirm booking.

Balance payment due 60 days prior to tour start date. Questions? Please contact us!

Single supplement is for single use in a twin room.


Tour Dates

Available the following weeks for a minimum of 2 people. Other weeks also possible, please inquire.

2024
8-October-2024 to 15-October-2024 – sold out
22-October-2024 to 29-October 2024
12-Novembro-2024 to 19-November-2024
Other departure dates on request

2025
January 14-21
February 4-11
February 22-March 1
March 18-25
April 12-19
May 6-13
May 31-June 7
June 28-July 5
Other weeks available on request.

Reviews

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We Can Help Plan It All

We Can Help Plan It All

Flights, additional nights and tours, Transportation, and Much More…

We might not be able to pack for you, but there are tons of things we can help with to make your vacation that much better.

Contact us for more information, or you can indicate your interest during check out and we will follow up directly!

Contact Us

 


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