Take a hands-on journey through the gardens, kitchens, streets and waterways of Portugal
Personalised journeys from start to finish
Every trip helps support Conservation
Every detail taken care of
Itinerary highlights
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Dolphin spotting and a private surf lesson in Algarve
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A Portuguese cooking class
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Take part in a tile painting workshop
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Luxurious chocolate tasting in Porto
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A biking tour through some of Porto's beautiful parks and gardens
What's included
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Full support from your travel designer and travel concierge before, during and after your trip
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Privately guided tours
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Luxury accommodation throughout
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Cooking class and chocolate tasting
At a glance
From visiting working vineyards and sailing down the river, to getting arty with paint and nibbling on chocolate – Portugal is the ideal destination for a memorable family holiday.
You’ll begin with some exhilarating dolphin spotting and a private surf lesson in Algarve, before heading off to explore Lisbon. There, you will participate in a tile painting workshop, visit the old towns of Sintra, Cascais and Estoril.
By this time you’ll probably have developed a taste for Portuguese food, and so next you will get to venture into the kitchen to try your hand at recreating your new favourite flavours. Finally, you’ll board a high-speed train to Porto where a luxurious chocolate tasting awaits.
Make up for some of the indulgences with a biking tour through some of the city’s most beautiful parks and gardens, and then soak up the sights of the old town from onboard a boat as you bob down the river.
Example trip itinerary
Algarve
Transfer
Private transfer to your hotel in Algarve
Accommodation in Algarve
- 13 rooms and nine suites
- Two Michelin starred restaurant
- Bar and wine cellar
- Two swimming pool
- Spa
- Tennis court
Perched above the blue Atlantic and surrounded by evergreen gardens and fronted by a beautiful stretch of sandy beach, Vila Joya is striking family-run boutique resort.
There are just 22 rooms and expansive suites, each unique and with direct sea views, and casual, luxurious interiors of light, warm tones, natural materials and fine examples of Portuguese craftsmanship. Each room also includes a terrace or balcony, some with direct access to the garden.
At lunchtime and dinnertime, the terrace becomes a dining space under Dieter Koschina, patron at Vila Joya for over 25 years, winning two Michelin stars and becoming one of Portugal’s most highly decorated chefs. Fine dining is central to the Vila Joya experience and indeed the reason many people stay here again and again. There are also lighter bites at the Pool Restaurant. Indulgence continues at the fabulous spa which focuses on water, air and light.


Sitting right at the foot of the country, the Algarve is one of Portugal's most popular coastal destinations and home to some of its loveliest beaches. West of Faro you'll find golden sands and hidden coves, with the coastline getting wilder the further west you head. This is the perfect place to unwind and enjoy life by the sea.

You'll get to enjoy a privately guided expedition to discover Algarve's marine wildlife. It's the perfect opportunity to observe cetaceans in their natural habitat. There's a good chance of encounters with common and bottlenose dolphins, especially the latter as they often approach the seashore. Other cetaceans like the Risso's dolphin and the striped dolphin are also seen now and then, as well as the occasional orca and minke whale. You'll also have the chance to spot a variety of seabirds, hammer sharks and turtles.

Portugal is blessed with a rugged coastline along the wild Atlantic, making it one of the most sought after surf destinations in the world. Depending on where you paddle out, you will find different breaks and swells as the Portuguese coast provides ideal conditions for everyone from first-time surfers to the most seasoned veterans.
Enjoy a private class with one of the oldest and more experienced surf schools in the Algarve. Go over your goals for the morning on the sand before venturing out into the surf to learn the tricks of the trade. Whether you are just learning to get up on the board, or you glide through barrels with ease, the jaw-dropping views and knowledgeable company promise a truly extraordinary experience on the water.
Transfer
Private transfer to your hotel in Lisbon
Lisbon
Accommodation in Lisbon
- 4 restaurants and lounges
- In room dining options
- 2 swimming pools (outdoor and indoor)
- Spa
- Fitness centre
- Rooftop running track
- Pilates studio
Located in the heart of the Lisbon, at the top of one of the city’s famous seven hills, the Four Seasons Hotel Ritz offers spectacular views across the city and river.
282 rooms and suites are beautifully decorated with 18th-century style furnishings as well as tapestries, painting and sculptures by contemporary Portuguese artists. Most rooms come with a private balcony overlooking the hotel gardens, Eduardo VII Park or the River Tajo so you can enjoy bird’s-eye-views and wonderful sunsets over the city’s rooftops.
One of Lisbon‘s gastronomic gems, the Verandah restaurant serves fresher-than-fresh seafood caught from the nearby Atlantic Ocean and boasts an impressive wine cellar. For those with a keen interest in cooking, the hotel can arrange tastings, visits to the fish market and cooking classes. There is a also a sushi bar for fresh, healthy bites.
Named after the famous Portuguese artist, Jose Almada Negreiros, the hotel lounge is a favourite haunt for guests and locals alike. The centrepiece of the Ritz bar is Pedro Leitao’s piano, which has been signed by world-famous artists. Take a seat under one of the hand-made Centauros tapestries or head out onto the terrace to drink in the views.
There is a spa featuring an indoor pool and treatment rooms for when you want to completely unwind, as well as a rooftop fitness centre and running track for those who like an active start to their day.
There are 60 pieces of art throughout the hotel and privatley guided tours can be arranged for guests to learn more about them and their history.
- 14 bedrooms
- A collection of 2, 3 and 5 bedroom villas
- Restaurant
- Bar
- Organic garden
Surrounded by a stunning 17-acre estate of umbrella pines, cork trees, wild sand dunes, wildflowers, rice fields and a stretch of pristine, white-sand beach, Sublime Comporta is a fabulous contemporary retreat a little over an hour from Lisbon.
There are 14 white, minimalist, rustic bedrooms spread between the main building and a nearby annex, as well as a selection of beautiful 2, 3 and 5 bedroom ‘cabana’ villas.
The chic restaurant, Sem Porta, celebrates seasonal local produce and producers in a relaxed, modern setting. Think fresh oysters and sea bass with herbs and vegetables from the organic twinned with wonderful regional wine. There’s also a cocktail bar as well as another drinks venue by the swimming pool.
Activities in the surrounding areas include horse-back riding on the dunes, fields and deserted beaches of Comporta, picnics on private lakes, excursions out with a local fisherman, wine tasting and excursions to discover Portugal’s only resident dolphin community, though sitting back and relaxing is the order of the day here. Sublime Comporta’s spa offers a wide variety of treatments in indoor and outdoor treatment rooms, a sauna, steam bath and a heated indoor pool with all organic products.
- 87 rooms in total
- 5 suites
- Restaurant and terrace BAHR
- Some rooms have balconies
- Historic downtown location
- Massage room
- Sauna and steam room
- Gym
- Amazing views of Lisbon and the Tagus River
Bairro Alto, a beautiful boutique hotel, is nestled in the historic downtown heart of Lisbon and combines style, bohemia and sophistication all with the classic charm of a different time. You’ll find it sandwiched between the bohemian Bairro Alto and the chic Chiado district, within easy reach of all the city’s sights.
With just 87 rooms and suites, the hotel has an intimate feel. There are 3 types of room to choose from, ranging from single to prestige Chiado. All rooms include main square or city views, and combine classic materials with the contemporary touch. The 5 suites are bright and spacious, with rooms looking out over the city of Lisbon and the Tagus River – some featuring private balconies from which to admire the views.
After showcasing the best that Portuguese food has to offer around the world, Chef Nuno Mendes has returned to his hometown to oversee the restaurant BAHR and terrace. Here you will enjoy modern and creative cuisine with a focus on Portuguese flavours. For sublime views, head to the top-floor terrace and enjoy a drink as the sun goes down and the city twinkles in the evening light. Or, for a re-invigoration of the senses, relax with a massage or head to the hotel’s steam room to let your skin breathe.


Europe’s second oldest capital, Lisbon is an effortlessly elegant city, full of old-world charm. Winding your way through the city, you’ll pass rows of houses in warm shades of orange, yellow and rust red. Washing is strung from wrought iron balconies and window boxes overflow with flowers. Weaving their way through this pretty patchwork are the city’s trams, the favoured mode of transport of Lisbonites and a great way to hop between the different districts.
Lisbon has plenty to offer, with a plethora of museums and galleries as well as beautiful buildings covered in iconic azelujo tiles. The city is built on seven hills, each one offering spectacular views over the city and the River Tajo. It is also known for its lively restaurant scene and there are plenty of places to stop, sip a coffee and savour a Portuguese custard tart while watching the world go by

This tour allows you to discover Portugal's capital, colonised by many civilizations through the centuries including the Phoenicians, Greeks, Carthaginians, Romans, Moors and finally the Portuguese after 1147. You will visit the Castle of Saint Jorge and the surrounding area of Alfama, Lisbon's oldest quarter.
This city is linked with the heroic deeds of the Portuguese maritime exploration in the 15th and 16th centuries. This was the Age of Discoveries and the Golden Era of Portugal, transforming Lisbon into the opulent center of a vast empire. Part of the wealth from these expeditions was used to build magnificent monuments in the extravagant Manueline style. Some of these monuments can still be seen, especially in the area of Belem. You will visit also the traditional commerce zones of the city, with their 18th-century buildings as well as the Baixa and Chiado neighborhoods.

Today you'll visit the small family-run winery of Quinta de Sant'Ana where a local artist will be on hand to teach you all the skills you need to paint your own tiles. After you've let your creativity run riot, go on a guided visit to the vineyards and tuck into a picnic. Quinta de Sant’Ana boasts national grape varieties as well as some international grapes. The moderate climate makes for deliciously concentrated and complex reds.

This tour will take you on a journey to explore Portugal's traditional towns. Discover Sintra where hundreds of years of history and culture await. Walking through the city center you will find yourself surrounded by old houses now converted into quaint handicraft shops and traditional pastry shops. Driving around the mountain you will pass amazing chalets and aristocratic residences, until you reach the 19th-century Pena Palace, an incredible combination of architectural styles, colors and shapes.
The Palacio da Pena, located in the Sintra hills, is the greatest expression of 19th-century romanticism in Portugal. The palace was built in such a way as to be visible from any point in the park, which consists of a forest and luxuriant gardens with over 500 different species of trees originating from the four corners of the earth.
Cascais is a coastal town, once a small fishing village, that became popular with artists and writers thanks to its idyllic scenery. You will also have time to explore the town of Estoril.

Make your own way to the LX Factory where you will learn the secrets to preparing the ultimate traditional Portuguese meal with your hosts at Kiss the Cook. They will make sure your wine glass is always full as they walk you through creating a starter and main dish, explaining the importance of each ingredient. And, of course, you'll get to enjoy what you cook, along with a seemingly endless supply of bread, olive oil and cheese. The kitchen is located in an old textile warehouse that has been transformed into a bustling hub for local artisans, chefs and designers to share their work.
Transfer
Private transfer to Lisbon Train Station
Transfer
Train from Lisbon to Porto
Transfer
Private transfer to your hotel in Porto
Porto
Accommodation in Porto
- 109 rooms and suites
- Rooftop swimming pool
- Spa
- Two gourmet restaurants
This hotel was the family home of the Yeatmans, the British owners of a large port business. A hillside position on the banks of the River Douro in the heart of Vila Nova de Gaia and next to ancient port houses puts the hotel in a prime position for epic views and interesting activities.
The decor is classic and elegant, in keeping with the family’s heritage. The 109 rooms and suites feature antique artefacts and pictures from different Portuguese wine producers, opening out onto private balconies overlooking the river and the city’s historic centre. Be immersed in the city’s culture in the ADF Suite, where the bed head is an original barrel top and the domed oak ceiling mimics the enormous oak barrels used in wine production.
A highlight of a stay at The Yeatman is dining at the two gourmet restaurants. Enjoy imaginative cuisine where the traditional flavours are reinterpreted and presented immaculately. The restaurant is bright and airy and offers spectacular views over the river. There’s a comprehensive list of Portuguese wines and food and wine pairing menus take you on a journey through Portugal’s diverse and varied wine regions.
Relax and unwind at the hotel spa which offers a range of rejuvenating treatments, using natural ingredients from the surrounding vineyards. There is also an indoor and outdoor rooftop pool – take a dip in the evening and admire the twinkling lights of the city laid out before you.
- 105 rooms
- Restaurant
- Bar
- Spa treatments
- Fitness centre
Indulge in sophisticated luxury amid elegant surroundings at InterContinental Porto – Palacio das Cardosas in the centre of Porto. The exquisitely restored interiors speak of the palace’s grand past.
The 105 charming and spacious rooms and suites offer views out over peaceful enclosed gardens, Liberdade Square and the Clerigos Tower. The design is contemporary, making for comfortable inner-city havens. Chic suites boast living rooms, and balconies with views out over the Porto skyline.
Dine in style at Astoria Restaurant, where the menu features traditional Mediterranean and Portuguese cuisine with modern flourishes. Local, seasonal ingredients ensure the richness of the traditional flavours is preserved. As the sun goes down sip on cocktails and port wines in the elegantly stylish Cardosas Bar. Styled on a British library, this is also where you’ll find an indulgent afternoon tea.
When you are not out exploring the fascinating city, relax with a spa treatment or two, or fit in a work out in the fitness centre.


Portugal's second city is one of Europe's most charming. Built on a steep riverbank, a jumble of colourful medieval houses hug the calm waters of the Douro River where wooden boats bob on the surface and people spill out of its cafes and bars, more often than not with a glass of the wine that gave the city its name.

This tour is a great introduction to Porto, its history and its cultural treasures. Discover a colorful city with medieval relics, soaring bell towers, extravagant baroque churches and stately beaux-arts buildings piled on top of one another.
Visit landmarks such as the Stock Exchange Palace, the Church of Saint Francis, the Cathedral and Lello Bookstore in the historic Ribera district - one of the most ornate bookstores in the world with carved wooden ceilings and stained glassed roof.

Indulge your sweet tooth with a decadent chocolate tasting experience. Make your way to Arcádia Chocolate Store in the heart of Porto. Owned by the Bastos family since 1933, Arcádia is especially well-known for its “cat’s tongue chocolates”. Witness the unmolding process of the chocolate and enjoying a tasting served with a delicious glass of port.

Meet your bike escort in the lobby of your hotel and head out into the city to discover a different side of Porto. You will learn about the urban history and discover gardens and other green areas of the seaside city. Explore urban palaces of the 19th and 20th centuries, opulent cottages, city parks, museums and an outstanding sea landscape. This is a fun and active tour highlighting the city's diversity. Some of the sites you will visit include the Teófilo Garden, City Park, Garden of the Passeio Alegre, Carlos Alberto’s Garden, Casa da Musica (Music House) and Crystal Palace.

Discover Porto's old town, bridges and historic landscapes from the river. Make your way to the Douro Marina Port where you will meet the crew, board a boat and set out onto the river. From the water you'll see medieval relics, soaring bell towers, baroque churches and beaux-arts buildings clustered beneath the sun. Enjoy a traditional Portuguese lunch and selected refreshments on board.
Transfer
Private transfer to Porto airport
We design private journeys for people who wish to go beyond the typical and experiencing something truly special. Our amazing team of travel designers, concierges and local guides work together to create unique journeys that get deep under the skin of where you’re visiting.
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Family Adventure in Portugal
How we work
From visiting working vineyards and sailing down the river, to getting arty with paint and nibbling on chocolate – Portugal is the ideal destination for a memorable family holiday. You’ll begin with some exhilarating dolphin spotting and a private surf lesson in Algarve, before heading off to explore Lisbon. There, you will participate in a tile painting workshop, visit the old towns of Sintra, Cascais and Estoril. By this time you’ll probably have developed a taste for Portuguese food, and so next you will get to venture into the kitchen to try your hand at recreating your new favourite flavours. Finally, you’ll board a high-speed train to Porto where a luxurious chocolate tasting awaits. Make up for some of the indulgences with a biking tour through some of the city’s most beautiful parks and gardens, and then soak up the sights of the old town from onboard a boat as you bob down the river. | Whats included?
|
Days 1-4 |
Algarve |
Flights & transfers
Private transfer to your hotel in Algarve |
|
Accommodation in Algarve
•
Vila Joya - $$$$$
Perched above the blue Atlantic and surrounded by evergreen gardens and fronted by a...
|
|
Three nights in the Algarve Sitting right at the foot of the country, the Algarve is one of Portugal's most popular coastal destinations and home to some of its loveliest beaches. West of Faro you'll find golden sands and hidden coves, with the coastline getting wilder the further west you head. This is the perfect place to unwind and enjoy life by the sea. |
|
Dolphins and seabirds boat experience You'll get to enjoy a privately guided expedition to discover Algarve's marine wildlife. It's the perfect opportunity to observe cetaceans in their natural habitat. There's a good chance of encounters with common and bottlenose dolphins, especially the latter as they often approach the seashore. Other cetaceans like the Risso's dolphin and the striped dolphin are also seen now and then, as well as the occasional orca and minke whale. You'll also have the chance to spot a variety of seabirds, hammer sharks and turtles. |
|
Private surf class Portugal is blessed with a rugged coastline along the wild Atlantic, making it one of the most sought after surf destinations in the world. Depending on where you paddle out, you will find different breaks and swells as the Portuguese coast provides ideal conditions for everyone from first-time surfers to the most seasoned veterans. Enjoy a private class with one of the oldest and more experienced surf schools in the Algarve. Go over your goals for the morning on the sand before venturing out into the surf to learn the tricks of the trade. Whether you are just learning to get up on the board, or you glide through barrels with ease, the jaw-dropping views and knowledgeable company promise a truly extraordinary experience on the water. |
|
Flights & transfers
Private transfer to your hotel in Lisbon |
|
Days 4-8 |
Lisbon |
Accommodation in Lisbon
•
Four Seasons Hotel Ritz - $$$$$
Located in the heart of the
•
Sublime Comporta - $$$$$
Surrounded by a stunning 17-acre estate of umbrella pines, cork trees, wild sand dunes,...
•
Bairro Alto Hotel - $$$$$
The Bairro Alto reopened in 2019 after a two-year renovation and expansion project under the...
|
|
Four nights in Lisbon Europe’s second oldest capital, Lisbon is an effortlessly elegant city, full of old-world charm. Winding your way through the city, you’ll pass rows of houses in warm shades of orange, yellow and rust red. Washing is strung from wrought iron balconies and window boxes overflow with flowers. Weaving their way through this pretty patchwork are the city’s trams, the favoured mode of transport of Lisbonites and a great way to hop between the different districts. Lisbon has plenty to offer, with a plethora of museums and galleries as well as beautiful buildings covered in iconic azelujo tiles. The city is built on seven hills, each one offering spectacular views over the city and the River Tajo. It is also known for its lively restaurant scene and there are plenty of places to stop, sip a coffee and savour a Portuguese custard tart while watching the world go by |
|
Lisbon highlights tour This tour allows you to discover Portugal's capital, colonised by many civilizations through the centuries including the Phoenicians, Greeks, Carthaginians, Romans, Moors and finally the Portuguese after 1147. You will visit the Castle of Saint Jorge and the surrounding area of Alfama, Lisbon's oldest quarter. This city is linked with the heroic deeds of the Portuguese maritime exploration in the 15th and 16th centuries. This was the Age of Discoveries and the Golden Era of Portugal, transforming Lisbon into the opulent center of a vast empire. Part of the wealth from these expeditions was used to build magnificent monuments in the extravagant Manueline style. Some of these monuments can still be seen, especially in the area of Belem. You will visit also the traditional commerce zones of the city, with their 18th-century buildings as well as the Baixa and Chiado neighborhoods. |
|
Tile painting workshop Today you'll visit the small family-run winery of Quinta de Sant'Ana where a local artist will be on hand to teach you all the skills you need to paint your own tiles. After you've let your creativity run riot, go on a guided visit to the vineyards and tuck into a picnic. Quinta de Sant’Ana boasts national grape varieties as well as some international grapes. The moderate climate makes for deliciously concentrated and complex reds. |
|
Sintra, Cascais and Estoril tour This tour will take you on a journey to explore Portugal's traditional towns. Discover Sintra where hundreds of years of history and culture await. Walking through the city center you will find yourself surrounded by old houses now converted into quaint handicraft shops and traditional pastry shops. Driving around the mountain you will pass amazing chalets and aristocratic residences, until you reach the 19th-century Pena Palace, an incredible combination of architectural styles, colors and shapes. The Palacio da Pena, located in the Sintra hills, is the greatest expression of 19th-century romanticism in Portugal. The palace was built in such a way as to be visible from any point in the park, which consists of a forest and luxuriant gardens with over 500 different species of trees originating from the four corners of the earth. Cascais is a coastal town, once a small fishing village, that became popular with artists and writers thanks to its idyllic scenery. You will also have time to explore the town of Estoril. |
|
Portuguese cooking class Make your own way to the LX Factory where you will learn the secrets to preparing the ultimate traditional Portuguese meal with your hosts at Kiss the Cook. They will make sure your wine glass is always full as they walk you through creating a starter and main dish, explaining the importance of each ingredient. And, of course, you'll get to enjoy what you cook, along with a seemingly endless supply of bread, olive oil and cheese. The kitchen is located in an old textile warehouse that has been transformed into a bustling hub for local artisans, chefs and designers to share their work. |
|
Flights & transfers
Private transfer to Lisbon Train Station |
|
Train from Lisbon to Porto | |
Private transfer to your hotel in Porto | |
Days 8-11 |
Porto |
Accommodation in Porto
•
The Yeatman - $$$$$
Many of the oldest port firms were founded by British merchant families, and the Yeatmans were...
•
InterContinental Porto – Palacio das Cardosas - $$$$$
Indulge in sophisticated luxury amid elegant surroundings at InterContinental Porto –...
|
|
Three nights in Porto Portugal's second city is one of Europe's most charming. Built on a steep riverbank, a jumble of colourful medieval houses hug the calm waters of the Douro River where wooden boats bob on the surface and people spill out of its cafes and bars, more often than not with a glass of the wine that gave the city its name. |
|
Porto city tour This tour is a great introduction to Porto, its history and its cultural treasures. Discover a colorful city with medieval relics, soaring bell towers, extravagant baroque churches and stately beaux-arts buildings piled on top of one another. Visit landmarks such as the Stock Exchange Palace, the Church of Saint Francis, the Cathedral and Lello Bookstore in the historic Ribera district - one of the most ornate bookstores in the world with carved wooden ceilings and stained glassed roof. |
|
Chocolate tasting experience Indulge your sweet tooth with a decadent chocolate tasting experience. Make your way to Arcádia Chocolate Store in the heart of Porto. Owned by the Bastos family since 1933, Arcádia is especially well-known for its “cat’s tongue chocolates”. Witness the unmolding process of the chocolate and enjoying a tasting served with a delicious glass of port. |
|
City and garden bike tour Meet your bike escort in the lobby of your hotel and head out into the city to discover a different side of Porto. You will learn about the urban history and discover gardens and other green areas of the seaside city. Explore urban palaces of the 19th and 20th centuries, opulent cottages, city parks, museums and an outstanding sea landscape. This is a fun and active tour highlighting the city's diversity. Some of the sites you will visit include the Teófilo Garden, City Park, Garden of the Passeio Alegre, Carlos Alberto’s Garden, Casa da Musica (Music House) and Crystal Palace. |
|
Old town boat tour Discover Porto's old town, bridges and historic landscapes from the river. Make your way to the Douro Marina Port where you will meet the crew, board a boat and set out onto the river. From the water you'll see medieval relics, soaring bell towers, baroque churches and beaux-arts buildings clustered beneath the sun. Enjoy a traditional Portuguese lunch and selected refreshments on board. |
|
Flights & transfers
Private transfer to Porto airport |