Private Food & Wine Tour in Cascais
This private cooking class and guided walking tour in Cascais offers a fabulous gourmet experience for guests seeking a luxurious, imaginative full-day excursion from Lisbon. Situated just west of Lisbon along the Atlantic coast on the Portuguese Riviera, Cascais is a picturesque resort town known for its golden sandy beaches and vibrant marina. The town began as a humble fishing village, serving much of Lisbon and benefiting from maritime trade because of its strategic proximity to the Tagus River. However, its fate changed dramatically in 1870 with the arrival of King Luís I’s Royal Court, infusing the area with an enduring sense of glamour. During the Second World War, the area became famous for intrigue and hosted many spies and nefarious characters. Ian Fleming, the creator of “James Bond,” was based nearby in Estoril during the period.
Today, Cascais retains its blend of historic charm and modern elegance and remains one of Portugal’s wealthiest municipalities. In this idyllic setting, steeped in both natural beauty and historical significance, you’ll delve deep into the world of Portuguese gastronomy. Portuguese cuisine is known for fresh-from-the-sea fish and shellfish, aromatic vegetables, and an array of rich flavors brought to life with world-class olive oils, cheeses, and cured hams. And let’s not forget the desserts—the Portuguese are masters of indulgence when it comes to satisfying a sweet tooth! Guided by an acclaimed local chef, you’ll master the art of crafting a traditional Portuguese meal, learning techniques and secrets passed down through generations. It’s not just a cooking class; it’s an authentic, hands-on experience that will leave you with skills you can take home and cherish.
Contact us today and start planning your customized Coastal Gourmet experience.
As featured in
Signature journey
Highlights include private chauffeured transportation, a private cooking class, and a guided walk through Cascais.
Day 1Lisbon - Cascais - Lisbon
Your private cooking class in Cascais
Morning: Your private chauffeur will pick you up from your hotel in Lisbon, and you will drive along the Atlantic coast to the aristocratic seaside town of Cascais. Cascais has long attracted nobility and wealthy foreigners, and many beautiful villas were built along the sea in the 1800s. Upon arrival, you will meet your chef and host for the morning at the Cascais market.
You and your chef will embark on a culinary adventure, handpicking fresh ingredients and seasonal produce for today’s exclusive cooking class. Once your baskets are brimming with quality selections, you’ll go to a stunning marina-side venue with breathtaking harbor views as the backdrop to your culinary journey. During this hands-on experience, you’ll master the art of creating Portuguese delicacies such as stuffed Portobello mushrooms, the iconic Bacalhau à Brás, and a sumptuous chocolate mousse elevated by a splash of fine port wine. After immersing yourself in Portugal’s culinary techniques and rich gastronomic heritage, you’ll sit down to savor the exquisite meal you’ve helped craft, each dish paired with a selection of Portuguese wines.
Afternoon: After lunch, your guide—an expert in Portuguese royal history—will greet you for an intimate two-hour walking tour of Cascais. Discover how the arrival of the Portuguese Royal Family turned Cascais from a sleepy fishing village into a luxurious vacation retreat for European high society. As you meander through upscale residential neighborhoods, your guide will captivate you with insightful stories and trivia that bring the city’s rich history to life. Your private guided walk takes in Cascais landmarks such as Casa das Histórias Paula Rego, the Centro Cultural de Cascais, and the Museu Condes de Castro Guimarães. After exploring Cascais, settle onto the Hotel Albatroz terrace for a drink and sea views.
In the late afternoon, your driver will take you back to Lisbon and drop you off at your hotel. And this concludes your memorable gourmet experience today. We hope you had a magnificent time!
Genevieve has spent more than 20 years creating private food and wine journeys across Spain, Portugal and France. She regularly visits the regions featured in these collections, meeting winery, hotel, local guides, and restaurant partners, exploring new experiences, and reviewing feedback from Cellar Tours guests. Her role is to help travelers choose the wine region, itinerary style, and pace that best match their interests—not simply the destination with the most famous name.
Gratuities, personal purchases, and any food, drinks or admissions not specifically listed in your personal proposal are not included.
Yes. The cooking class, chauffeur service and guided walk are privately arranged for your party.
Yes. Share mobility considerations, allergies, dietary preferences and pacing needs early so we can adapt the day’s transport, cooking arrangements and walking tour where possible.
Jim Bryant, Kansas
The cooking class in Cascais was exceptional and a #1 experience
Sounds silly or surprising but from a dining perspective, this was one of the best full course meals I personally have ever had and without question the best food combination in Portugal. Miguel Oliveira who did the instruction and cooking was outstanding. I would do a cooking class without question again as he has now set a high value for others to be judged by. We plan on trying to duplicate his recipes. The food was so good we would have gone back to his restaurant on a different night. It was great.
