Portugal, a Foodies Paradise

Day 1: Porto

Arrival to Porto, the capital of the north of Portugal.
Porto is a charming town, situated on the slopes of the Douro River. Classified as a UNESCO World Heritage Site, thanks to its beautiful monuments and historic buildings such as the imposing Cathedral and the Tower of Clerics, Porto is the second largest city of Portugal with superb views over the river and the world-famous Port Wine Cellars on the opposite bank, in Vila Nova de Gaia. The city provides a harmonious synthesis of ancient and contemporary attractions.
Fiercely proud of their heritage, the citizens of this merchant town have invested their blood and sweat in their commerce and wine. Nightclubs and restaurants mingle with cathedrals, churches, and museums in narrow alleys and broad avenues. There are many cafes around the city, where you can relax after strolling the many hills of Porto. With your guide, you will explore the city center and its many attractions.

For dinner, we recommend one of the very best restaurants in Portugal, the 2-Michelin star restaurant "The Yeatman" led by Chef Ricardo Costa. The Yeatman Hotel in Porto is a unique and distinctive landmark in the world of classic luxury hotels. Occupying a commanding hillside position on the south bank of the River Douro, every room at The Yeatman Hotel enjoys breathtaking, panoramic views over the historic center of Porto.

Day 2: Port Wine and Porto's flavors

Start this morning with a unique exclusive visit, a Walking Tour discovering the best Port Wine Lodges with a Knight of the Port Wine Brotherhood:
Have you ever thought possible to taste a wide range of spectacular Port wine with a Knight of the Port Wine Brotherhood? Are you looking to explore the world of Port wine with a passionate wine expert with 20 years of experience to guide you through the very best and offbeat Port wine lodges, bars and shops in Porto tasting some special or old wines? Then this experience is perfect for you! Your extremely knowledgeable and passionate wine guide will not only craft the idyllic vinous experience just for you, but will personally accompany you every step of the way providing insight, stories and comments on each tasting.

In the afternoon, Francesinha Cooking Workshop at Chef's Home:
Francesinha is the Portuguese take on the croque-monsieur French warm sandwich, typical from the Northern region of Portugal, mainly in Porto. The ingredients vary but it normaly includes: linguiça, pork sausage, cold cuts and lean beef steak. It is served on white bread, that is then covered all around with cheese, before being "drowned" in the sauce (a tomato base with beer and piripiri), and taken to the oven to warm the ingredientes and melt the cheese. At a cooking atelier learn from a professional chef how to make this staple in Porto's culinary and enjoy tasting the fruit of your labor after the class. We usually recommend booking it for lunch as this may be quite a heavy dish.

Day 3: Minho and the Green Wine

Today, after pick-up of your rental car at Porto city center leave the city. The best way to discover the region of Minho and its gastronomy, is to visit one of the many Manor Houses and through a personal and human contact with its people and their outstanding welcoming soul and empathy!

Therefore, we have prepared a unique Cooking Workshop at Casa de Juste Manor House:
While visiting the Douro Valley meet the Viscountess and learn about the history of the estate and her family's interesting and rich life story. At the old kitchens, using the wood burning stove and old pots, you will learn how to cook an authentic local menu under the Viscountess' guidance. After the cooking lesson, lunch will be served in one of the elegant dining rooms of the estate, or al fresco in the patio, and you will enjoy the dishes you have helped prepare.

Visit to a Green Wine Winery!

The far northwest of Portugal leads us through a landscape that is also green, divided into small plots which occupy the whole Minho region and extend south to the river Vouga.

Vinho Verde is unique worldwide, and is an excellent reason to explore the region. Its name is possibly related to the predominant color of the region in which it is produced or the acidity that is peculiar to it, as if the grapes were harvested before being ripe. However, both the whites and the reds are light wines that are drunk chilled, and go well with fish and seafood, which abound on the coast. The white, the most well-known and best-loved, is a particularly aromatic and refreshing drink, enjoyed as an aperitif, with salads, snacks or as a simple break on a hot day.

The vineyards, which are mainly concentrated along the rivers, are influenced by the Atlantic Ocean and, in search of the sun, the vines entwine along the trees, climb on trellises and border fields punctuated by typical granaries.

Finally, you mustn't leave without a visit to the most iconic Quintas in the region, as famous for their manor houses as the quality of their wines. We recommend the follow quintas (wineries):

Quinta da Aveleda / Casa de Sezim / Palacio da Brejoeira

But you mustn't forget the wine's greatest ally - the local cuisine. Start with caldo verde (cabbage soup), continue with river trout or some excellent fish from the coast, an arroz de cabidela (chicken rice cooked in blood), rojões (braised pork chunks), sarrabulho (pork rice cooked in pig blood) and end with a sweet noodle or Abade de Priscos crème caramel for dessert.

Tonight, we recommend dinner at Largo do Paço by chef André Silva. Inserted in the 5* hotel Casa da Calçada and distinguished with one Michelin star, this restaurant modernized the typical gastronomy of the region, without forgetting its tradition.

Accommodation in one of our suggested Luxury, Premium or Boutique Hotels.

Day 4: The Douro Valley

It is in the Alto Douro Wine Region, created in 1756, that Port wine, always intended for exportation, is produced. No wonder that there is a centuries old tradition here of welcoming visitors and sharing with them the best that the region has to offer. To start with, there's the superb scenery of the Douro valley, where you will find man-built terraces, to plant vines on the region's rugged slopes. A landscape was produced that was classified by UNESCO as a World Heritage Site. A good way to discover the region is on board a cruise ship, visiting some of the most iconic sites linked to the production of fine wines from the Douro and Porto.

Visit to a Traditional Winery and Olive Oil producer

Our recommendations are:

Quinta de la Rosa / Quinta do Crasto / Quinta da Romaneira / Quinta da Covela / Quinta das Tecedeiras

Enjoy a Private guided tour with wine expert, walk through the vineyards, taste the wines and lunch with a panoramic view to the Douro Valley.

In the afternoon, enjoy a relaxing 2-hour River Cruise in the Douro Valley.

Navigate upstream towards the mouth of the Tua River, one hour to navigate upstream and one hour to navigate downstream, in one of the most beautiful sections of the Douro Valley. You'll see plenty of vineyards, terraces, villages and towns and 18th and 19th century estates that are part of the wine industry. Includes a complementary Port wine tasting. For dinner, we recommend a delightful experience at the restaurant "DOC":

Located in Folgosa, Armamar, on the road along the river between Régua and Pinhão, DOC is one of the most beautiful and romantic scenic routes in the country. The building, which lays on a pillar base, extends over an elegant wooden deck over the river, and includes a river structure integrating two piers – with a capacity for 15 boats – a wine cellar and a car park.

DOC restaurant is led by the Portuguese Chef Rui Paula, with a modern and inventive touch, that makes the kitchen a historical laboratory based on several generations of culinary recipes.

Here, every meal is a unique and special moment. Either from the glazed room or from the suspended terrace over the river, the view is breath-taking: the terraces of vineyards and shale, the tranquility of the riverside villages, the trains passing by on the other shore, momentarily breaking the stillness around the valley, large boats transporting tourists over International Douro!

Accommodation in one of our suggested Luxury, Premium or Boutique Hotels.

Day 5: Aveiro and Bairrada Wine Region

Continue to the center of Portugal. Start the day with Aveiro. Discover a landscape dominated by water. Aveiro is located next to the sea and the ria (estuary), crossed by a network of channels through which "moliceiros" (local boats) meander. These slim, colorful vessels were used to collect algae and seaweed, and today are for sightseeing trips. Visiting on foot does not take too much effort since the city is flat. Aveiro has a number of buildings in Art Nouveau style that are worth seeing. Many are situated along the main channel, but there are some off the beaten track and in other locations.

Emblematic of the city is the sweet made with eggs and sugar - the "ovos moles" (soft eggs) that are sold in wooden barrels or wrapped in a crusty wafer in different shapes.

After this sightseeing continue a bit more south, towards the Bussaco Royal Palace. Here we have arranged a magnificent lunch in the historic hotel with a tasting menu of 5 moments at "The Mesa Real" (The Royal Table).

At the beautiful Mesa Real, a former royal banquet hall that once hosted historic banquets, decorated with ten huge paintings of Camões´Os Lusiadas', depicting scenes of Vasco da Gama's voyage to India, and under a magnificent Moorish ceiling, you will indulge with fine modern Portuguese terroir cuisine mastered by prominent Chef Miguel Silva, who proposes a most authentic and creative gastronomical tour of the best local flavors.

A large selection of old Portuguese wines is also available, with a highlight on the Bussaco Wine, the legendary specialty mis-en-bouteille-au-château since 1920, considered a world-class wine -with its marvelous old aging legendary reds, drinkable from 1945 onwards, and exceptional whites, starting by an astonishing 1944 harvest. So, if you are lucky, you can probably still find a vintage from your birth year.

An ideal setting for a most romantic getaway or a leisurely meal is the outdoor veranda, under a stone vaulted roof, with rounded arches and tracery, and overlooking the formal garden with the lake and the overwhelming slope with its giant trees.

Visit the Private Wine Cellar of Bussaco Royal Palace, which was once the private cellar of the Portuguese Kings.

We've prepared a very special experience for you, combining a wine tasting of some unique and rare wines at the wine cellar of the legendary Bussaco Palace (built for the last Kings of Portugal in 1885, now amongst the most beautiful and historical hotels of the world).

Time to stretch your legs and be surrounded by Nature and the giant trees "Bussaco Cypress and Cedars" with 1-hour hiking tour in the National Forest accompanied by a mountain guide.

A large and majestic forest, the Serra do Buçaco is a genuine botanical garden where roughly 700 native and exotic species can be found, all of them protected by a Papal Bull issued in the seventeenth century threatening anyone damaging the trees with excommunication.

Together with the numerous lakes and paths, these buildings lend this spot a truly magical atmosphere. The breathtaking beauty of the Serra do Buçaco, particularly the Vale dos Fetos (Fern Valley) and the Fonte Fria (Cold Fountain), can be admired from the Miradouro da Cruz Alta (High Cross), from where there is a panoramic view over the whole of the surrounding region.

For dinner, try the famous local dish - Leitão à Bairrada (Roasted Suckling Pig) , in one of our selected restaurants.

Accommodation in one of our suggested Luxury, Premium or Boutique Hotels.

Day 6: Coimbra, Tomar and Brotherhood of Cabra Velha Chanfana

Another day of intense and rich experiences is waiting for you! Begin with Coimbra, with a private guided half-day with local guide.
Welcome to the capital of Beira Litoral Province, named Aeminium by the Romans in 400ad, also the former capital of the Kingdom of Portugal. One of the most beautiful cities of Portugal, holding several historical monuments, medieval churches, and the most important library in Portugal, where treasures and rare single volumes from various fields of knowledge are stored. Coimbra, located on the River Mondego, is in the geographical center of Portugal, and boasts famous academic republics, medieval narrow streets, lovely courtyards, arches, cafes, galleries and bookstores.

Coimbra also housed the forbidden love of King Pedro I and the Galician Lady Inês de Castro, who was executed by order of King Afonso IV, who saw the danger in this love of a subjugation to Castile. Inspiring poets and writers, its history remains part of the city's heritage.

Entering the city of Coimbra, you will find several traces of the past. Nevertheless, there's still a blow of youthfulness with the big student community arriving every year to the old University. This monument should indeed be one of the highlights of your visit and you cannot miss the University chapel and its Baroque library.

For lunch, try the famous local dish "Chanfana" (Goat Stew in Red Wine, Bayleaf, garlic, and Olive Oil) at its main site "Miranda do Corvo".

In the afternoon, visit Tomar, the UNESCO World Heritage Site Convent of Christ and try the local convent sweets "Beija-me depressa" (Kiss me quickly)

The former seat of the Order of the Knights Templar, Tomar is a city of great charm for its artistic and cultural wealth, whose greatest expression is in the Convent of Christ, one of the chief works of the Portuguese Renaissance.

Climbing up to the Templar castle and discovering the monumental work of the Convent of Christ is a must. The Charola (Rotunda) is the oldest part. This Templar chapel was built in the 12th century, like the castle, which was at the time the Kingdom's most up-to-date and advanced military set-up, inspired by the fortifications of the Holy Land.

Tomar has not only witnessed the fighting of the Christian Reconquest in the 12th century but also preserves an interesting testimony to the Jewish religion, in the old 15th-century Synagogue, currently the Abraão Zacuto Luso-Hebrew Museum, devoted to this distinguished 15th-century astronomer and mathematician. Located in the former Rua da Judiaria, it contains a valuable documentary and epigraphic collection. Note the holes at each corner which were used to place earthen jugs on the wall in order to improve the acoustic conditions of the house.

Day 7: Our Fishing Traditions

The West Coast of Portugal is extremely rich in fishing traditions. With numerous fishing towns and fishing ports, this is the most important source of income for the locals. Learn more about these traditions, meet our most fun and cheerful fishwives and learn how to open and slice a fish as well as Sea Urchins.
Nazare: Visit the beautiful fishing village of Nazaré. Meet the fishwives in the market, learn how to prepare the fish and take it to the beach for sun drying. Enjoy a seafood lunch at a local restaurant. Go sightseeing through the lower and higher parts of the village, learn about the history and fishing traditions.

Ericeira (Sea Urchins Experience): Visit the beautiful fishing village of Ericeira and learn all about sea urchins. Visit the caves of a local grower, learn how to pick them and pick some yourself, learn how to open them and taste the uni roe straight from the ocean. Enjoy a seafood lunch at a local restaurant overlooking the ocean where you will be able to taste some of the delicious dishes the locals make with this delicacy.

For lunch, we recommend the famous Portuguese coast fish, such as the Sardines, Sea Bass and the Gold Bream or even the Snapper.

At sunset visit Obidos

The mediaeval town of Óbidos is one of the most picturesque and well preserved in Portugal. You will find a well-preserved castle within the walls, and a maze of streets and white houses that are a delight to stroll amongst. Along with the Manueline porticoes, the colorful window boxes and the small squares, many fine examples of religious and civil architecture from the town's golden days provide a host of reasons for making a visit. Naturally, you should also taste the famous Ginjinha de Óbidos, a sour cherry liqueur preferably drunk from a small chocolate cup, where the liqueur is quite rich and sweet, contrasting with the bitterness of the dark chocolate cup which you should eat afterwards.

Day 8: Colares Wine Region, Sintra and Cascais

Today you will visit one of the most interesting wine regions in Portugal – The Colares Wine Region, classified as the most western vineyards in Europe, with great climate influences from the Atlantic Ocean. At the foot of the Sintra mountains and very close to the sea, the town of Colares is absolutely delightful and has long been a very popular summer resort. Colares is also a demarcated wine-growing region, producing the very popular and increasingly rare Colares wine, which can be tasted at one of our selected wineries, where we recommend the following:

Winery Quinta de Sant'Ana, or Quinta Casal Santa Maria.

For lunch, we recommend one of the following Michelin Star Restaurants:

Gastronomic Restaurant - Fortaleza do Guincho

Acclaimed Chef Antoine Westermann introduced in 1998 a French fine dining restaurant concept, which quickly became a reference in Portugal. Originally with a classic French concept, have now, since the arrival of our Chef Miguel Rocha Vieira in summer 2015, Portuguese products and traditions been gaining prominence at Fortaleza do Guincho. His philosophy is based and inspired by the Atlantic, the background setting of the Hotel. The best fish and seafood from the Portuguese coast as well as highest quality of local and national products are a constant on the Guincho table, honored and created in every dish, every season, recognized by national and international press and critics. In 2001 the restaurant received a 1*Michelin, held until today.

Gastronomic Restaurant - LAB by Sergi Arola

Awarded by the prestigious Michelin Guide with its first star, LAB by Sergi Arola is a celebration of artistic creation and gourmet cuisine in a setting that is sophisticated and modern.

The quality and freshness of the seasonal ingredients, the innovative touch in each detail, become a gastronomic adventure that awakens the senses and where each taste is a delight. With a privileged view of the magnificent golf course, the restaurant offers an intimate setting with seating for 22. LAB by Sergi Arola provides an elegant cuisine with three different tasting menus as well as à la carte options. The restaurant also offers 550 wines from around the world, exclusive Cognac and Armagnac selections and a tea menu with 40 different varieties.

Situated close to the sea and traditionally a fishing village, CASCAIS enjoyed an important period of development in the 14th century, when it was a major stopping off point for boats on their way to Lisbon, turning it into a very busy port at that time. Visit the fish market of Cascais and stroll around the village.

Continue along the coast until you reach Lisbon.

Day 9: Discover Lisbon and its flavors

Today we recommend a full-day cultural tour in Lisbon, while in the morning you will visit the most important highlights of the city, in the afternoon your guide will take through the iconic cafes, markets and pastry shops of Lisbon.
Lisbon is a city that makes you want to go exploring, to discover whatever might appear in every neighborhood, on every street. It's a safe and friendly city, relatively small but with so much to see. It's an ideal place to spend a few days or as a starting point for touring the country. It's old. It's modern. It is, without doubt, always surprising.

You can choose a topic or a theme to explore this amazing city. The range is wide: Roman Lisbon, Manueline, Baroque or Romantic Lisbon, literary Lisbon, the Lisbon of Bohemian nightlife, the city of Fado… There are also very different ways of exploring: by foot, by tram, by Segway, by hop-on-hop-off bus, in a tuk-tuk, seen from the river on a boat trip or from the other side, after crossing the Tagus on a cacilheiro ferry... the suggestions are endless.

Experience our Half-day Foodie's Walking Tour in Lisbon, with a local Foodie Tour Guide.

Our guide will meet you at your hotel to take you to visit some of the most traditional cafes, bars and boutique shops in Lisbon while tasting some delicious specialties of Lisbon (and Portugal). The tour will start at the lobby of your hotel and take you through the most iconic quarters of Lisbon, such as Baixa, Chiado and Bairro Alto.

Examples of Sites: Grocery Shop "Manteigaria Silva", established in 1890 | Liquor Shop "A Ginjinha", established in 1840 | Cafe "Nicola" | Bookstore and Tabaco Shop "Monaco", established in 1875 | Canned Fish shop "Conserveira de Lisboa" | Farmers' Market of Mercado da Ribeira | "Casa das Vellas Loreto" The oldest shop in Lisbon selling candles, since 1789 | Pastry Shop "Manteigaria Uniao" | Cafe "Brasileira" | Portuguese Vintage and Antiques Store "A Vida Portuguesa" | Pastry Shop "Alcoa" | Traditional Tavern and Restaurant "Beira Gare".

Dinner at of the following Michelin star restaurants:

Alma by Chef Henrique Sá Pessoa, or Belcanto by Chef Jose Avillez

Day 10: Full day with Chef Artur

VIP Gastronomic Experience: Full Day tour to Setubal, Azeitão and Arrabida with Chef Artur Over the course of a full-day, chef Artur will lead you on an exclusive, private tour in his kitchen "on wheels" along the seaside. Together you will visit the Setubal farmers' market, where you will source the best and freshest local ingredients. Enjoy a traditional Portuguese breakfast with the chef at a local bakery and visit a shellfish farm to buy fresh seafood that you will cook for lunch. Explore the beautiful sights of the Atlantic Ocean from the Arrábida hills and stop at a cliff overlooking the water where chef Artur will head up a cooking lesson to help spin that bounty into a delicious lunch using the kitchen in his van and outdoor grilling. Partake in an informal lunch together, nap in the sun or take a plunge in the cool water at the nearby beach, before heading out to yet another small village - Azeitão to taste some specialty sweets and local wines, before returning to your hotel.

Day 11: Evora and Alentejo Wine Region

Continue your journey in Portugal, head towards the biggest rural and agricultural region of Portugal – Alentejo.
Privately Guided Walking Tour In Évora

This tour invites you to explore the medieval city of Évora, classified by UNESCO as a World Heritage City, due to its excellent preservation along the centuries. An open-air museum according to UNESCO since 1986. Its walls have been guarding the streets and buildings practically unaltered throughout the centuries.

Feel the atmosphere of this town! After reaching the walled city our guide will invite you to visit the enigmatic church of St. Francis and its Chapel of the Bones. Continue up the narrow streets of the old town reaching the Giraldo square where the Inquisition once had its headquarters. Visit the millennium-old Roman Temple and visit the interior of the 13th-century cathedral. In the 16th century, Évora thrived with culture and tradition in its university as much as it still does today. Finish your walking tour with the wonderful 16th-century university, once a prestigious Jesuit college.

For lunch we recommend one of the super traditional restaurants:

Fialho, or O Alpendre

Alentejo is a wine producing region with a long tradition, the Alentejo boasts wines that will surprise you for their excellence, aromas and colors as unique as the landscape and the cuisine.

This region, where the skyline extends as far as the eye can see, on which the cork oaks bestow a sense of strength and durability, was once an expanse of wheat fields. Today, the wheat fields have been replaced by vast vineyards, whose wines take in the power of the landscape and the heat.

There is a distinction between the white wines, which are aromatic, fresh and balanced, and the red wines, ruby, merlot or garnet-colored, which are more intense, full-bodied and at the same time smooth and slightly astringent.

Visit one of our unique traditional Wineries and taste their premium wines, the options are Herdade das Servas, or Dona Marina, or Cartuxa.

Day 12: The ancestry of "Vinho de Talha" and the Brotherhood of "Porco Preto" Ham

In the morning, start the day with a UNIQUE visit! Travel back in time and discover the roman process of Wine making in amphorae, in Portugal this tradition is also known as "Vinho de Talha".
In Portugal, the Alentejo region has long been the guardian of talha wines. Here, the techniques developed by the Romans, for making wine in the clay amphorae called talhas have been kept. The talha winemaking process has been handed down from generation to generation throughout history, almost without change.

The wine made in talhas is unmatched. Whether it results from more classic procedures or modernised ones, talha wine is the essence of the millenary wine culture of the Alentejo.

Historical data suggest that talhas existed as far back as Roman times, in other words, for over two thousand years. The proof includes engravings showing how the Romans made and stored their wine in vessels similar or almost identical to those that we find today in Portugal.

Lunch in one of the following super traditional restaurants:

"O Encalhado" (Amareleja) or in "Sao Lourenço do Barrocal" (Monsaraz)

Continue to Barrancos for a truly genuine experience - visit a smoke house where the famous Smoked Black Pork Ham is produced, known in Spain as "Pata Negra" and in Portugal as "Porco Preto". Enjoy a VIP private visit, a Ham Carving Workshop and naturally the final prize, a tasting of the outstanding Ham.

The Casa do Porco Preto (Black Pig's House) offers you the possibility to go on a visit full of flavor, where you can find all the secrets behind our traditional production of hams, shoulder cuts, black pork loins and sausages, a culinary treasure recognized worldwide.

In a naturally unparalleled environment, you can learn from the unique characteristics of the Black Pig from Alentejo Race to the unique taste of our special products.

Day 13: Southern Alentejo and its intense red wines

Today you will head south towards the wonderful region of Algarve. En route, you will visit your last winery, still part of the region of Alentejo. This southern part of the Alentejo is seriously hotter! However, conditions are more challenging in Granja-Amareleja, Moura and Vidigueira, with poor, limestone-based soils and a significantly hotter climate. Nonetheless, a new generation of producers, particularly around Vidigueira, have shown the potential of these southern parts of the Alentejo.
The most common grape varieties are the white Antão Vaz, the star grape of the region, with good acidity and tropical fruit flavors. Arinto and Roupeiro also offer precious acidity; white Diagalves, Manteúdo, Perrum and Rabo de Ovelha make up the blends. Aragonez (Tempranillo) is the most widely-planted red grape. The red-fleshed French grape Alicante Bouschet is also present. Alfrocheiro, Castelão and Trincadeira also have valuable parts to play, with Moreto, Tinta Caiada and Tinta Grossa assisting the blends.

Visit and lunch with wine tasting at one of our selected premium wineries:

Quinta do Quetzal - Quinta de Ribafreixo - Malhadinha Nova

After lunch, continue to the Algarve and relax in the afternoon.

Dinner at one of the following Michelin Star Restaurants:

Vila Joya by chef Dieter Koschina - Hotel Vila Joya

Ocean Restaurant by chef Hans Neuner - Hotel Vila Vita Parc

Henrique Leis

São Gabriel by chef Leonel Pereira

Day 14: Algarve, a fish and seafood experience

Today we've prepared two of the most authentic experiences in the Algarve. At the table, Algarve will always present its best dishes! Be delighted with the fresh fish and seafood, either grilled or in a stew. These are divine flavors which you can enjoy on a simple beach terrace or in the most refined Michelin-starred restaurants, where chefs turn out new versions of traditional cuisine.
In the morning, embark on a private fishing experience on board a traditional fisherman's boat. Enjoy moments of fun on a traditional wooden fishing boat, a truly genuine experience with a local fisherman and an opportunity to enjoy the beautiful scenery of the Natural Park of Ria Formosa. Fishing rods and bait are included. Quiet and steady waters of the lagoon allow everybody to enjoy fishing or just have fun.

In the afternoon, partake in a Clam Picking Experience: A unique local experience, an opportunity to spend the day with a local clam picker on his daily clam picking tasks. A real-life adventure on a traditional fisherman's boat with life experience of these ancient skills and secrets. The activity takes place in the heart of the Natural Park of Ria Formosa, a protected lagoon for different species of fauna and flora. Guided by a local experienced fisherman and a marine biologist, you will learn the old ways of clam and razor clam picking. Finish with an oyster tasting accompanied by a glass of wine.

In the evening, you should head to the town of Guia, and try out the famous "Guia Chicken Piri Piri". A hot, spicy sauce coated onto the meat as it roasts and is a must for every visitor in the Algarve.

Day 15: Western Algarve and its traditional cuisine

Today you'll enjoy a scenic tour in the morning, visiting the most southwestern point of Portugal, Cape of Sagres, and the historic town of Lagos. A half-day tour to West Algarve. We'll start with the Cape of Sagres, encompassing the area from Ponta da Piedade to Cape of São Vicente and from the cape to the beach of Arrifana. A buttressed fortress was built in the 15th century by Prince Henry the Navigator, who died here in 1460. The presence of this fortress endowed Sagres with a unique role in the history of Portugal, integrating it within the imaginary universe of the Portuguese discoveries and conferring international recognition to the site.
Nearby, at one of the most westerly points of the European continent (after cabo da Roca), is the cape of S. Vicente (a sacred place for the Roman's that named it Promontorium Sacrum) opening on to a vast horizon of sea and sky.

Continue the morning, now returning to Lagos. Everything seems to invite you to the beach and the simple pleasures of life. But there are also stories of sailors and pirates, the result of a relationship with the sea that is maintained in the colorful trawlers that still bring fish to the market and the Marina where yachts from all over the world are moored.

This connection to the sea had its high point in the 15th and 16th centuries, because it was in Lagos that Henry the Navigator fitted up the caravels that would set out for the coast of Africa, launching the Portuguese Age of Discoveries, and it was from here that Gil Eanes sailed, the navigator who demonstrated that the world did not end at Cape Bojador and that the sea was not filled with monsters.

One can't help delighting in the local cuisine. Fish and shellfish are the main ingredients for a number of delicacies: from snacks with clams, barnacles, octopus or roe, soups and the most famous cataplana (copper casserole with steamed fish and seafood), or specialties such as carapaus alimados (skinned marinated horse mackerel) and stuffed squid. Sweets are another highlight, especially dom-rodrigos (egg and almond sweets), a recipe from the nuns of the Convent of Nossa Senhora do Carmo.

In the afternoon, we recommend a visit to a traditional town still preserving century-old traditions such as bread baking, fruit liqueurs from the Algarve (Orange, Almond, Carrot and Fig) and tasting of the famous "almond sweet cakes of Algarve" which are shapped like fruits but are made of almond cream and sugar.

Day 16: Farewell

Transfer to Faro or Lisbon Airport.
Return home.

Day 1: Porto
Day 2: Port Wine and Porto's flavors
Day 3: Minho and the Green Wine
Day 4: The Douro Valley
Day 5: Aveiro and Bairrada Wine Region
Day 6: Coimbra, Tomar and Brotherhood of Cabra Velha Chanfana
Day 7: Our Fishing Traditions
Day 8: Colares Wine Region, Sintra and Cascais
Day 9: Discover Lisbon and its flavors
Day 10: Full day with Chef Artur
Day 11: Evora and Alentejo Wine Region
Day 12: The ancestry of "Vinho de Talha" and the Brotherhood of "Porco Preto" Ham
Day 13: Southern Alentejo and its intense red wines
Day 14: Algarve, a fish and seafood experience
Day 15: Western Algarve and its traditional cuisine
Day 16: Farewell

• 2-night accommodation at Portobay Flores DBL BB;
• 1-night stay at Monverde Wine Experience DBL Prestige BB;
• 1-night stay at Quinta Nova de Nossa Sra do Carmo DBL Premium BB;
• 1-night saty at Quinta das Lágrimas DBL SPA BB;
• 2-night stay at Rio do Prado DBL SUITE STD BB;
• 3-night stay at Hotel do Chiado 4* - DBL classic APA;
• 2-night stay at Casa do Governador DBL room BB;
• 2-night stay at Portobay Falésia DBL BB;
• 1-night stay at Portobay Marques DBL BB;
• Private arrival & departure transfers;
• Half day Walking Tour in Porto with private guide;
• Walking Tour to Port Wine Lodges with a Knight of the Port Wine Brotherhood (tastings included);
• Francesinha Workshop (4 hours);
• 12 days rent-a-car - CDMD - Compact,5-Dr,Manual,Diesel, A/C - Peugeot 308 Diesel or similar;
• Cooking Workshop at Casa de Juste;
• Visit and Tasting at Casa de Sezim;
• Wine tasting at Quinta de La Rosa;
• Private Cruise in Douro River (2 hours);
• Visit and tasting at the Private Wine Cellar of Bussaco Royal Palace;
• Hiking in Bussaco Forest (1 hour);
• Half day Walking Tour in Coimbra with private guide (entrance fee to Biblioteca Joanina included)
• Visit and wine tasting at Casal de Sta Maria with Tapas;
• Half day private tour with driver and guide to Lisbon;
• Half day Foodie Walking Tour in Lisbon;
• Full Day tour to Setubal, Azeitão and Arrabida with Chef Artur;
• Visit and tasting at Herdade Dona Maria;
• The ancestry of "Vinho de Talha" visit and the Brotherhood of "Porco Preto" Ham visit and tasting;
• Visit, wines & tapas at Quinta de Quetzal (lunch not included);
• Algarve, a fish and seafood experience.

• Porters;
• Meals not specified;
• Gratuities to drivers, guides, restaurants and any other personal services;
• Any other service not mentioned above.