Unforgettable Portugal

Begin your journey by flying into Lisbon’s airport where you’ll be met by our driver for a private transfer to your hotel. Take time to rest and refresh, perhaps before heading out to do some exploring on your own. Just getting lost among the cobbled alleyways is enjoyable in this alluring destination. You might want to visit one of the open squares to sip coffee or a glass of wine, taking the entire scene in while people-watching. The Time Out Market is a great place for a bite with stalls selling budget-friendly eats, some of which are prepared by Michelin-starred chefs.

This morning brings a private guided tour of the Belem Quarter, a beautiful area of the city that’s an ode to the age of the Portuguese Discoveries, maritime routes and territories discovered during the 15th– and 16th-centuries. It’s home to some of the city’s most significant monuments, with two UNESCO World Heritage Sites, the imposing Jeronimos Monastery and Belem Tower which lies along the Tagus River. You’ll also see the official residence of Portugal’s president, Belem Palace. End with a stop at either Pasteis de Belém os Pastéis de Nata where you can try one of the best pastries in Lisbon.

Visit one of the most popular destinations in Portugal on a private full-day excursion: Pena Park, home to the romanticist Pena Palace with its colorful façade and storybook architecture. Perched atop the highest hill overlooking Sintra, it offers magnificent views that stretch to the Atlantic. As you explore the palace and the park with its “secret” caves, your guide will regale you with the stories behind them. Afterward, explore Sintra’s historic center and enjoy a scenic drive to Roca Cape with its dramatic cliffs sometimes referred to as the “end of the world.” Conclude by strolling along the bay in picturesque Cascais.

This morning you’ll say farewell to Lisbon and take a private transfer to Alentejo. Once there, join a local guide for a private walking tour of Evora. It boasts a well-preserved Old Town with a more than 2,000-year-old history. Wander the cobbled streets that are home to over 4,000 historic structures, including centuries-old walls, Roman temples, and the Cathedral of Evora, one of the most important gothic buildings in the country. Its oldest sections date to the 12th-century when the Christians drove out the Moors. Discover the famous Chapel of the Bones (Capela dos Ossos) with its walls covered in skulls and bones.

A private guided tour explores more of the rural Alentejo region, sometimes called “New Tuscany,” with its wine country and enchanting views. Start in the charming village of Arraiolos, known for its handcrafted goods. You’ll learn about the art of rug making and perhaps watch the craftswomen at work. Visit a unique winery afterward, touring the vineyards and a private horse carriage museum followed by a wine tasting. Next, enjoy an olive oil tasting experience at an organic olive grove and estate, ending the day with a tour of a cork factory to learn all there is to know about cork.

Leaving the Alentejo region, our driver will pick you up for private transfer to Algarve, Portugal’s gorgeous southern coastline. It’s made up of spectacular sandy beaches and picturesque fishing villages, providing the perfect place to relax and enjoy the sunshine for the next few days. After settling into your hotel, you might want to relax on one of the beaches nearby like Praia da Baleeira, next to the working Sagres harbor. Enjoy golden sands, views toward the Ilhotes do Martinhal islands, and watch the boats come and go. Praia de Mareta is a long stretch with rocky headlands keeping the water calm for swimming.

Enjoy a day of leisure, perhaps beach hopping to check out the wide variety of options along this stunning coast. One of the most picturesque in all of Portugal is Marinha Beach, with its soft sands surrounded by limestone cliffs and edged by turquoise water. The highlight is a must-do, a cliffside walk that follows about a mile-long path passing Arco Natural, the “heart rock.” The Benagil Cave is a popular attraction along the coast as one of its most unique places. Created by erosion over time, a circle in the ceiling draws in the sunlight, providing a fabulous photo-op.

Enjoy another full day to do as you like in this beautiful region. If you’ve had your fill of the beach and would like to do some more exploring, you might want to head to the port city of Lagos with its more than 2,000-year-history. After it was occupied by the Visigoths in the 6th-century, the Byzantines and Moors followed, with traces of all three that can still be seen today, including the Moorish-style Castle of Lagos. Wander through the 16th-century inner walls and explore the cobbled streets. There is a wide range of shops, restaurants, and nightlife options inside and outside the walls.

As they say, all good things must come to an end. Today it’s time to depart, with our driver meeting you at your Algarve hotel for private transfer to Faro Airport just west of the Algarve town of Faro. Catch your return flight home or head out on further travels, with our expert staff always ready to help create a bespoke addition to your itinerary. Otherwise, we wish you a safe journey with memories of a lifetime to take with you.