PORTUGAL
SEPTEMBER 23rd to October 1st, 2017
Eight days to introduce this fabulous gem of a country? We like to think we’ve done just that with this itinerary designed around the country’s many, many charms. Whether it is Lisbon’s post-empire glory, the Alentejo’s profound—and delicious—sense of place or Porto’s hip-meets-history vibe, we have created an itinerary that is busy while never rushed; rich with 'must sees' as well as ‘only for us’ experiences. For a thousand and one reasons the time to visit Portugal is now!
$4150
Includes 8 breakfasts, 1 afternoon petisco break, 5 lunches, 5 dinners, 8 nights accommodation, all trip–related fees, admissions and transportation. Not included: airfare, airport transfers and alcoholic beverages unless otherwise stated. Single supplement $850. Trip begins at 2:00 p.m.
ACCOMMODATIONS :: POUSADA DE LISBOA, LISBON; M'AR DE AR ADEDUTO, EVORA; HOTEL PORTO RIBERIA, PORTO
Saturday SEPTEMBER 23rd
Architectural Walking tour
Trip begins at 2:00 p.m.
As those of you who have traveled with us know—we love to start with a good walk. We believe it is simply the best way to get to know a new city. Lisbon makes this particularly rewarding with its fabulous architecture, walkable streets and vibrant neighborhoods.
‘Tea’ at MEMMO ALFAMA
Another of our first afternoon favorites, this time tweaked just a bit to better enjoy the customs of the country. This 'tea time' we opt for petiscos (Portuguese tapas) and a favorite tipple or two at this fabulous spot in the Alfama, where the river views are as famous as the fare.
Dinner :: Open
We keep it flexible tonight—you can call it a day, venture out for dinner at one of the many neighborhood spots
SUNDAY SEPTEMBER 24th
Today we begin with a tour of one of Lisbon’s singular attractions, The Monastery of St Jerome. This UNESCO World Heritage site is a superb example of Manueline architecture built to commemorate Vasco Da Gama’s voyage of exploration. In both spirit and fact, the monastery lies at the heart of the Portuguese soul.
We stop for lunch at this popular spot on the grand Praca De Comercio
We tour this small gem of a museum which tells the outsized story of azulejos—tin-glazed tiles—and their continuing delight, influence and importance in Portuguese culture.
Saint George's Castle, with its earliest ramparts dating from the 6th century, is a magnificent oasis of calm that belies its fourteen centuries of turbulent history.
DINNER :: DINNER IN THE COUNTRY
Mariana Cardoso and her team at Lazy Flavors have arranged this special farm dinner in Portuguese countryside
MONDAY SEPTEMBER 25th
We depart Lisbon for Evora
LUNCH :: 'FLAVORS'
Walking Tour of Evora
Charming and very walkable, Evora’s centuries of history are evident at every turn. In addition to its stunning Roman aqueduct, there is its Temple to Diana, the 13th century cathedral, the imposing 14th century ducal palace and the macabre Capela dos Ossos--Chapel of The Bones--to name a few.
Open :: Dinner
A bit of self-guided time to explore the delights of Evora, culinary and otherwise.
TUESDAY SEPTEMBER 26th
Our Day in the Alentejo
We depart for Monsaraz for a guided tour of this ancient hilltop town which includes
a stop at Mizette Neilsen's textile shop, renowned for both its traditional and inventive designs.
Lunch :: SEM FIM
A terrific restaurant in a glorious converted olive oil millery.
ESPORAO VINEYARDS
A tour and tasting at this quintessential Alentejo vineyard
DINNER :: RESTAURANTE FIALHO
This picturesque restaurant has been Evora’s most celebrated since opening in 1945.
WEDNESDAY SEPTEMBER 27th
We depart Evora for Porto. It’s a three hour trip and we thought we’d break it up just a bit with a stop in COIMBRA,
one of the oldest university towns in Europe.
We have a light lunch upon arrival in Coimbra in this charming 17th century laboratory turned cafe.
UNIVERSIDADE DE COIMBRA BIBLIOTECA JOANINA and
We tour two stunning examples of Manueline Baroque architecture--the university's glorious 18th century library and the adjacent Chapel of Saint Michael.
Dinner :: ODE PORTO WINEHOUSE
We arrive in Porto in time to settle in to our digs, the gracious Porto AS 1829 Hotel, and then stroll to dinner at ODE Winehouse.
THURSDAY SEPTEMBER 28th
Walking Tour of Porto
Again, what better way to get to know the history and culture of a city than to see its sites on foot and up close?
LUNCH :: VINUM
The elegant restaurant attached to Graham Port Lodge has sweeping views and delicious fare.
Nothing is more essential to Porto than its port lodges--and Grahams is widely considered to have the finest 'caves'. We then enjoy a tasting in their renowned Private Vintage Room.
Open :: Dinner
Whether sidewalk café or Michelin-starred, Porto offers endless wonderful culinary choices.
FRIDAY SEPTEMBER 29th
We tour Porto’s superb contemporary art museum, widely considered to be one of the finest in Southern Europe, before breaking for an open lunch and afternoon.
DINNER :: DOP
This charming and intimate restaurant is one of Porto’s most popular special occasion spots--and its just up the hill from our hotel. The ideal combination!
SATURDAY SEPTEMBER 30th
We return to Lisbon in time for an afternoon of shopping, sightseeing—or maybe just chill time by the Tejo River.
DINNER :: POPULI
We keep it close to home on our last night in Portugal with this charming cafe across the beautiful
Praca do Comercio from our hotel.
SUNDAY OCTOBER 1st
Tour ends after breakfast.