Spectacular Portugal Adventure: Kayaks and Cooking

Portugal’s hilly landscape is postcard-perfect, and its greenery proliferates from the countryside to the headlands. Its pastel-colored homes, white-domed cathedrals, and unique architecture dominate a significant portion of the skyline. Upon your arrival, you will transfer to your luxurious accommodation. After checking in, you may explore what other wonders lay hidden behind the prevailing cityscape. Lisbon will prove to be the perfect introduction to your memorable vacation.

Each neighborhood in Lisbon overflows with character and will immerse you in the local lifestyle with each passing moment. Today, you will traverse their colorful streets and find boundless photo opportunities among the tasteful street art and flowered homes. Your exploration of Lisbon will take the form of a tour in which you will uncover the authentic city gems. This afternoon, you will be seduced by authentic Portuguese cuisine. You will attend a private cooking course that will allow you to discover the secret blend of ingredients and cooking techniques behind Portugal's decadent delicacies. Your course will be completed under the guidance of a professional chef at a renowned culinary school.

The Romantic period is perfectly captured within the breathtaking Pena Palace, a marvelous castle that rests atop the Sintra Mountains. Its Moorish origins are depicted in the artwork that has been emblazoned on its inner walls, and its colorful facade is reminiscent of an intimate era, during which artistry was elegant and royal. Standing behind the magnificent architecture’s battlements, vistas of the rolling hillside and the buoyant cityscape will sweep you off your feet. As you transfer back to the city, you will stop at an authentic Fado house for an endearing dinner and Fado show.

Recognized for its pristine beaches and spectacular seascape, Lagos is a whimsical retreat when compared to the bustling city of Lisbon. 16th-Century charm radiates from the charming churches that are sprinkled across its Old Town. Whether you wish to join in the jubilant atmosphere that sweeps the crowded beaches or find a secluded spot to enjoy the views at hideaway lookout points, Lagos has it all. Some may even find comfort in discovering its historical allure during a leisurely stroll through town.

Today, you will descend steep wooden stairs to a sandy cove where kayaks will be yours for the taking. You can hop in a kayak and paddle across the sea to discover what lies beyond the shores. Along your journey, you will find deserted beaches that make for great resting places, shadowy caves, and stretches of the reef where you can snorkel and catch a glimpse of the colorful marine creatures. After your seafaring adventure, you will have the remainder of the day to spend at your leisure.

While seaside landscapes present themselves along much of Lagos’ coastline, there are few as remarkable as Ponta da Piedade, a staggering headland you will visit today. Onboard a boat, you will witness the paradisiacal seascapes en route to Ponta da Piedade’s golden cliffs. The massive rock formations are a geological wonder that boast magnificent vistas from every angle. You can swim in the water under the cliffs' looming shadows as the day slowly advances. Your lazy afternoon cruise will be complete with a succulent seafood snack as you return to shore.

There are few caves as mesmerizing as the Algar de Benagil, which is the destination of your seaside cruise. The grottos will reveal themselves in all their jagged allure until you reach the entrance of the bewitching Benagil, a breathtaking cave. Once inside, you will find yourself standing on a small beach. The golden sunshine will filter through an aperture in the ceiling of the cave. The scene is almost magical and is very much reminiscent of the types of special seascapes found in the fairytales of Neverland.

In Portuguese, Adeus means goodbye. As sad as you will be to say it today, you will be absolutely thrilled to have had the pleasure of spending eight days here. You will look back on your memories of the buzzing city of Lisbon and the seaside experiences across Lagos and feel charmed by the captivating culture that you experienced. With one last taste of Portugal for breakfast, you will head to the airport, reluctantly ready for a peaceful journey home.