Upon arrival at Lisbon Airport, you will meet your guide and be transferred to your hotel. The group transfer is included for your convenience.
In the heart of Lisbon, next to Rossio and Baixa Pombalina, only five minutes from Comércio Square and the Tagus River, and with St. George’s Castle only a hillside away, guests staying at the Portugal Boutique get to explore the city from its very heart. With 53 comfortable rooms, the Portugal Boutique Hotel offers its guests an excellent service that sets it apart from the rest, making each stay a unique and unforgettable experience. With its unique design this boutique hotel is a true homage to Lisbon by the renowned interior design architect Cristina Santos Silva.
After breakfast, we slip into the vibrant heart of Lisbon’s culinary world: Mercado da Ribeira. Crowned by its stately clocktower and graceful oriental dome, this historic market has anchored the Cais do Sodré district for centuries.
Originally inaugurated in 1882—and once celebrated as one of Europe’s great fish markets—today its 10,000 square meters unfold into a dazzling tapestry of color and flavor. Expect gleaming seafood counters, fragrant flowers, jewel‑bright produce, and an irresistible array of artisanal bites crafted by some of Lisbon’s most exciting culinary talents.
It’s a feast for the senses and a beautifully immersive window into the city’s gastronomic soul.
After lunch, we begin an elegant sweep through Lisbon’s most storied landmarks. Our city tour opens at the majestic Praça do Comércio, where golden arcades frame sweeping river views, before continuing to the lively rhythm of Rossio Square, the historic heart of Lisbon’s social life.
From there, we step into the city’s UNESCO‑listed treasures, including the breathtaking Mosteiro dos Jerónimos, a masterpiece of Manueline architecture. Inside, we pause at the tombs of Vasco da Gama and Luís de Camões, two icons of Portugal’s Age of Discovery and literary heritage.
We conclude at the iconic Belém Tower, rising gracefully over the Tagus—a symbol of exploration, artistry, and Portugal’s enduring maritime spirit.
Next, we make a delicious stop at the legendary Pastéis de Belém bakery—home of Lisbon’s original custard tarts. While parts of the building are currently under restoration, the ovens continue to turn out the same warm, silky pastries that have captivated visitors since 1837. We’ll step inside to savor these iconic treats fresh from the source.
We close our first day in Lisbon with a warm Welcome Dinner at A Gina, a beloved local restaurant known for its heartfelt hospitality and classic Portuguese flavors. It’s an inviting, relaxed setting—perfect for settling in, sharing stories, and savoring the spirit of Lisbon together.
After breakfast, we set out for Évora, a jewel in the heart of the Alentejo. Nestled between Lisbon and the Spanish borderlands of Estremadura, this museum‑city—designated a UNESCO World Heritage Site in 1986—unfolds layers of history dating back to Roman times.
Évora flourished in the 16th century, when Portuguese royalty made it their home, leaving behind a legacy of whitewashed houses, intricate tiles, wrought‑iron balconies, and sun‑drenched squares.
The Alentejo region is also celebrated for one of Portugal’s richest culinary traditions—deeply rooted in the Mediterranean diet and renowned for its soulful, rustic flavors. It’s a place where history, architecture, and gastronomy come together beautifully.
We continue into the Alentejo countryside for a beautifully immersive visit to a cork forest and working farm, where you’ll discover the remarkable world of cork harvesting—an ancient craft that sustains both local communities and the surrounding ecosystem. As you stroll beneath the majestic cork oak trees, you’ll witness a landscape found almost nowhere else on earth, alive with biodiversity and shaped by centuries of stewardship.
After this enriching experience, we gather for a regional lunch featuring the soulful flavors of the Alentejo—an ideal moment to savor the land’s bounty and reflect on the natural wonders you’ve just explored.
Return to the hotel to unwind and take advantage of the property's services.
After breakfast, we depart Évora and make our way to the enchanting medieval town of Óbidos, a storybook village wrapped in ancient walls and filled with winding cobblestone lanes. Here, you’ll have time to explore at your own pace—discovering whitewashed houses trimmed with bright bougainvillea, charming artisan shops, and hidden corners that feel untouched by time.
Enjoy lunch at leisure in one of Óbidos’ inviting cafés before we continue our journey toward Alvados.
Enjoy a cooking lesson and dinner at the renowned Emotional Hotel in Alvados. Immerse yourself in the local culinary traditions as you learn from expert chefs, crafting authentic dishes using fresh, regional ingredients. After the hands-on experience, savor the delicious meal you've prepared in the hotel's charming dining area, surrounded by a warm and inviting atmosphere. This unique experience not only tantalizes your taste buds but also creates lasting memories in a truly special setting.
After breakfast, we depart Alvados for the charming town of Alcobaça, where a gentle river, graceful bridges, and a welcoming historic center set the scene. Here we explore the magnificent 12th‑century Mosteiro de Santa Maria de Alcobaça, one of Portugal’s most extraordinary UNESCO World Heritage Sites, renowned for its soaring architecture and timeless serenity.
We then continue to Nazaré, a once‑quiet fishing village now celebrated for its dramatic coastal viewpoints and authentic maritime spirit. We’ll enjoy lunch at a local restaurant, savoring fresh regional flavors, before visiting the lively Mercado Municipal.
Afterward, we return to Alvados, carrying with us the beauty and stories of Portugal’s Silver Coast.
Dinner in local restaurant in Alvados
Overnight at Emotional Hotel in Alvados.
After breakfast, we depart Alvados and travel north toward Porto, pausing en route to explore Coimbra, Portugal’s storied “City of Knowledge.” Home to one of the world’s oldest universities, Coimbra blends academic grandeur with medieval charm, offering a glimpse into the intellectual heart of the country.
After our visit, we continue to Porto for check‑in at the Porto Ribeira Carris Hotel, where you’ll have time to unwind before dinner at a local restaurant. The evening is yours to settle into the rhythm of Portugal’s northern capital.
After breakfast, we begin our day with an excursion to Mercado do Bolhão, Porto’s beloved 1914 market and a vibrant symbol of the city’s soul. Set in the heart of downtown, Bolhão captures the essence of Porto with its lively stalls, warm vendors, and an irresistible array of fresh fish, meats, fruits, flowers, and colorful local specialties.
This historic market is more than a place to shop—it’s a window into daily life in Porto, where tradition, flavor, and community come together under one iconic roof.
In the afternoon, we delve into one of Porto’s most cherished traditions with a visit to a historic Port wine facility. Here, you’ll uncover the rich story of Port—from the sun‑drenched vineyards of the Douro to the centuries‑old techniques that shape each bottle.
A guided tour leads us through atmospheric cellars lined with aging barrels, where you’ll learn how time, wood, and craftsmanship come together to create Port’s signature depth and character.
We conclude with a curated tasting, savoring a selection of distinctive Port styles and appreciating the artistry behind this iconic Portuguese wine.
This morning, we board our Douro Valley river cruise and glide upstream toward Régua, entering one of Portugal’s most enchanting landscapes. This is a land shaped by centuries of tradition—a mystical valley where terraced vineyards cling to the hillsides and nature and humanity exist in perfect harmony.
The Douro was the world’s first officially demarcated wine region, internationally celebrated for its extraordinary wines and enduring craftsmanship. Here, ancient practices still thrive: harvests gathered by hand, grapes crushed by foot, and generations of knowledge passed down with care.
As we sail through this breathtaking scenery, you’ll feel the deep connection between the land, its people, and the timeless art of winemaking.
We enjoy some free time in Régua before boarding the train back to Porto for our Farewell Dinner. Take a leisurely stroll along the shimmering Douro River, browse charming local shops, or settle into a riverside café with a glass of the region’s celebrated Port wine.
The terraced vineyards rising above the valley create unforgettable views—perfect for capturing the final moments of our time in the Douro.
This gentle interlude offers a chance to savor the landscape, the culture, and the quiet beauty of the valley before we gather in Porto for a memorable Farewell Dinner to celebrate our journey together.
After breakfast at the hotel we will depart for the Porto airport to connect with our international flights. The program includes the group transfer.
Tour Cost with 10 participants
Price Per Person - 5997 € converted to USD at time of final payment.
Single Supplement - 500 € converted to USD at time of final payment.
Payment: A non-refundable deposit of $2000 US per person is required upon booking. To request a Reservation Form and pay the deposit, please contact us at susan@eatsmartguides.com or call 608-285-2390.
Final Payment: Due 45 days prior to departure.
Cancellation and Refund: If a written notice of cancellation is received from passenger 46-90 days or more prior to departure, all advance deposits will be refunded. If cancellation is made 45 – 30 days before departure, the cancellation charge is 35% of the tour cost. If cancellation is made 29 – 15 days before departure, the cancellation charge is 75% of the tour cost. If cancellation is made 14 – 1 days before departure, the cancellation charge is 100% of the tour cost.
Included Services:
• Group airport transfers
• Land transportation by air-conditioned vehicle
• Professional English-speaking guide throughout the tour
• Services of tour leaders Joan Peterson and Susan Chwae
• Entrance fees to museums and historical sites included in the group day tours
• All cooking and wine demos, lunches and dinners, unless specified
• 1 soft drink, tea, or coffee during lunch and dinner
• Bottled water (available on the motor coach and at lunch and dinner)
• Copy of culinary guidebook, Eat Smart in Portugal, by Ronnie Hess and Joan Peterson
Services not included:
• International flights*
• Alcoholic and non-alcoholic beverages during lunch and dinner unless specified in the itinerary
• Tips for guide and driver
• Tips for porters at hotels
• Tips for wait staff
General Notes:
• On this tour there is moderate walking on uneven surfaces, so you will want to pack good walking shoes.
* Tour leader and travel advisor, Susan Chwae (based in US), can help you obtain international flights and trip insurance.