Very Best of Portugal Vacation in 10 Days

The Douro Valley will be your destination for today, and you will embark on a full-day wine tour that will highlight the inner workings of a few local wineries. During your tour, you will visit several wineries, private estates, and vineyards, in addition to having the opportunity to sample olive oil, to indulge in a river cruise, and to witness some of the most spectacular views in all of Portugal. While you are touring the facilities, you will make your way through luscious vineyards and witness the behind-the-scenes operations of how the wine is actually produced. After indulging an amazing feast at one of the estates for lunch, you will continue to explore with a stop at a local estate, where you can sample fresh-pressed olive oil and raw, artisan honey.

The great outdoors will beckon to you today, and the natural playground of Peneda-Geres National Park will beg you to come and explore every inch of its pristine beauty. You will be traveling in a 4WD vehicle, and the day will be a true safari, leading you to secluded and off-the-beaten-path locations that are only accessible by the off-road vehicles. From hidden pathways that lie on emerald mountains to spectacular views of cascading waterfalls that will make you wonder if they are even real, you will be presented with fascinating views at every turn. The highlight of your day will be an al fresco picnic that will be complete with an unrivaled view of the park’s spectacular waterfalls.

After departing Porto, you will make your way to Sintra for an overnight getaway that is fit for royalty. Upon your arrival in Sintra, you will be met by your private guide, who will lead you away for a full day’s tour of Sintra, which is complete with castles and an age-old ambiance. Your entire day will be filled with unreal beauty and wonder, and you will visit Quinta da Regaleira, its gorgeous onsite gardens, the mystical Castle of the Moors, and Pena Palace. Even as your private driver picks you up to return you to your luxurious accommodation, you will be wishing that you could stay here forever.

This morning, after a lovely brunch, you will make your way to Lisbon, where you will arrive after a short and comfortable ride. Once you arrive, you will check-in to your luxurious accommodation and waste no time in flying into your first Lisbon adventure, which will be a private helicopter tour. While you fly above the city skyline, you will enjoy a bird’s eye view of the city’s most iconic sites, including Belem Tower, the 25th of April Bridge, and Jeronimos Monastery. Afterward, you will end the day with an evening pastry class. Under the tutelage of a master chef, you will learn how to craft Portugal’s signature pastry: Pastel de Nata.

Today, you will cruise on a private yacht for an escape down the Portuguese coast. You will have your very own captain, guide, and cabin crew at your disposal, and your destination will be the awe-inspiring Arrabida Natural Park and the Sado Estuary. As you make your way along the coastline, you should stay on the lookout for native birds and dolphins, which have been known to frequent these waters. Some options for your day include snorkeling, swimming, and basking in the sun. You will also make a stop at Sesimbra, which is a charming fishing village that will capture your heart.

Today you will explore the Portuguese countryside on horseback among the scenic hills outside of Lisbon. While many travelers focus their attention on the capital and its world-famous landmarks, few indulge in the opportunity to explore the lesser-known of Portugal. This private ride will invite you to witness a different side of this gorgeous nation while riding on a trusted steed and traversing some of the most majestic scenery in the country. Your ride will end at a stunning estate that overlooks rolling vineyards, which produces some delicious wines. After being wined and dined, you will be provided with a glimpse into the winemaking process from grape to bottle before sampling the winery’s varieties of Portuguese blends.

Today, you will venture to your final destination of Faro. After checking in to your luxurious accommodation, you will meet your private guide. While leading you to each spectacular locale, your guide will regale you with backstories and facts that will make Faro come to life. Once you have witnessed the highlights of Faro, it will be time to feast, and as you set sail aboard a luxury liner, you will enjoy a relaxing sunset dinner that will feature the freshest Mediterranean fare and the finest wine in the region. After you finish your last bite of dessert and sip that final drop of wine, the liner will dock, and your driver will return you to your accommodation for the evening.

Today will have you embarking on a day sail to the famed Ria Formosa Natural Park, where you will be led to secret spots that only locals know about, including several deserted beaches that you will have to yourself. As you luxuriate on the yacht deck and work on your vacation tan, you should keep your eyes open for native birds that are known to frequent this region, including egrets, storks, and flamingos. During the day’s adventure, you will make a stop at Culatra Island, which is a small fishing haven that does not have any cars. The remainder of the day will be yours to spend as you wish.

As you wake up on your final day in Faro, you will certainly not want to bid Portugal farewell. A mouthwatering farewell brunch also serves to sweeten the morning, and as you finish your last mouthful of Mediterranean fare, your private driver will be waiting to whisk you away to the airport for your flight home.