Lisbon Private Food & Wine Tour

Upon landing at Lisbon’s International Airport, a warm and friendly driver-guide will eagerly await you in the arrivals lounge. From there, be escorted to your palatial hotel in the heart of the elegant Lapa district, a hallmark of Lisbon’s sophistication. After a seamless check-in and stowing away your luggage, immerse yourself in relaxation. A visit to the hotel’s renowned spa by Elemis? Imagine unwinding under the skilled hands of a masseuse or finding solace amidst the hotel’s meticulously curated gardens.

Later, your driver will take you to the heart of Lisbon for a gourmet picnic lunch, complemented with fine wines, set amidst the serene gardens of a historic convent. This experience offers a tranquil transition from travel mode to the relaxed vacation ambiance.

After a delicious lunch, you will be ready to stretch your legs, and your knowledgeable private art/historian guide will meet you and take you on a fascinating walking tour. You will explore the authentic Alfama quarter, a labyrinth of winding narrow lanes, the city’s oldest and most historic region. This area withstood the devastating earthquake of 1755 and its ensuing fires and tidal waves, preserving its age-old charm almost untouched. Discover its Baroque Igreja de Santa Engrácia (which took nearly 300 years to build!), the Moorish Saint George Castle (renamed this after the Moors were conquered), and take in the impressive views beyond the river to the sea from the top or enjoy an aperitif on a terrace overlooking Lisbon as the sun heads into the west.

Late afternoon, your driver will take you back to your hotel. The hotel’s lounge or terrace, with its plush seating and panoramic views, is the perfect spot to sip on a glass of wine as you contemplate the evening ahead. Then, prepare for a culinary spectacle at the 2 Michelin-starred Belcanto, with attire leaning towards smart casual. This is by one of Portugal’s celebrity chefs, José Avillez, and you will indulge in his tasting menu paired with specially selected wines. Dishes on the menu include lobster Cesar Salad, Goose egg, Suckling pig with orange peel purée, aged beef loin, onion tart, creamed spinach, and truffle sauce.

And this ends your first day in the stunning “city of light.” Bem Vindos!

This morning, your chauffeur will collect you, and you will head south to Azeitão, on the coastal Setúbal Peninsula near the Arrábida Mountain and national park, where you will be visiting the famed Quinta da Bacalhôa estate. One of Portugal’s wealthiest men, Joe Berardo, a significant art lover and patron, owns this delightful wine estate with lush vineyards and 16th-century Renaissance gardens. As part of your VIP visit, you will tour the “Azulejo” room, with the country’s most extensive collection of antique Portuguese tilework.

At a private tasting of their best wines, you will taste the zippy Caterina (oak-aged Chardonnay blended with the native Fernão Pires grape) and Palácio da Bacalhôa (Bordeaux blend of Cabernet Sauvignon, Merlot, and Petit Verdot).

After a delightful morning in the wine country, journey to the picturesque fishing village of Sesimbra. An exceptional lunch awaits you at ‘O Velho e o Mar‘ (Old Man and the Sea) restaurant, exuding a contemporary nautical charm. As you’d expect in a village like this, fish is the highlight – and with good reason. The owner, a former fisherman, ensures that local fishermen deliver only their freshest catch daily. While overlooking the tranquil bay of Sesimbra, indulge in a tasting menu tailored to your preferences, complemented by exquisite Portuguese wines. You will delight in dishes like curried prawns, seafood rice with lobster, grilled mullet, sautéed vegetables, and fried cuttlefish.

Post lunch, take a digestive stroll along the picturesque bay or soak up some rays. Then, it’s back to Lisbon for a private Portuguese Wine Masterclass. This is a fantastic way to get to know the main Portuguese wine regions and your knowledgeable sommelier host has plenty of fun and exciting ways to enhance your wine knowledge. Local cheeses and a charcuterie board accompany the tasting.

After your masterclass, your driver will bring you back to the comfort of your hotel. However, if the allure of further exploration beckons, consider venturing into Bairro Alto. Explore the local cuisine by visiting ‘Petiscos.’ Your driver will be happy to share insider tips on the best establishments in the area. These charming, family-owned establishments are renowned for their delectable, rustic delicacies, complemented exquisitely by a glass of local wine. It’s the perfect culmination to your evening.

After a hearty breakfast, your chauffeur will drive you northwest for about half an hour to the dreamy, fairytale-esque town of Sintra. This wealthy and manicured historic town has been the home to Portuguese aristocrats, European nobility, and eccentric foreigners for centuries. Its villas and palaces peek out of the lush trees that rise majestically out of the Serra de Sintra.

You’ll rendezvous with your expert local art/historian guide at a designated spot. Together, delve into the heart of Sintra town, where tales of its history and tantalizing scandals come to life. Traverse the well-preserved ramparts of the Moorish castle, offering glimpses into Portugal’s layered past. Up next is the unique Palácio da Pena. Constructed between 1842 and 1854, this castle, patronized by Ferdinand of Saxe Coburg-Gotha, is a mesmerizing blend of Neo-Gothic, Manueline, Moorish, and Bavarian styles — akin to a whimsical fairy-tale land. Wander its captivating gardens and marvel at the imaginative architecture. Your journey continues to the nearby Monserrate Palace. Discover the grandeur of this villa and its gardens, a vision of Sir Francis Cook from 1858. The meticulous restorations have rekindled the splendor of this once-forgotten gem, making it a paradise for garden enthusiasts.

You will then head down to the coast, where lunch awaits at the Fortaleza overlooking the sea at Guincho. The building was originally built as a military fort in 1642 but was renovated in 1998 and is now a 5-star Relais & Chateaux hotel with a Michelin-starred restaurant.

Overlooking the vast expanse of the sea, indulge in Chef Gil Fernandes’ ultra-light, innovative cuisine inspired by the rich surrounding natural habitat. Cellar Tours has curated a tasting menu for you, featuring dishes such as cuttlefish; sand-comb with sea broth, wild clam fricassee, honey, and seaweeds; Azores king crab; a sumptuous fish stew featuring John Dory and Azores squid, complemented by artichoke; a selection of local cheeses; and a smoked crème brûlée enriched with pine nuts. Each dish is expertly paired with top Portuguese wines by the restaurant’s esteemed sommelier.

Post-lunch, ascend the mountain to the enthralling Capuchos Monastery. Under the expert guidance of Eva, delve deep into this unique monastery, carved into the rock and adorned with cork. Founded by D. Álvaro de Castro, inspired by his father’s dream—the Portuguese Viceroy of India—this enclave was home to Franciscan monks like the age-defying Friar Honório, who pursued spiritual enlightenment away from worldly distractions. Through the ages, this revered site, once patronized by royalty and immortalized by Lord Byron, witnessed varied custodians until its monumental restoration in the 20th century.

After this interesting and informative tour, your driver will return you to your Lisbon hotel as the sun lowers in the sky. Take some time out to reflect and relax. Enjoy the hotel services or sip wine at the hotel bar. As the evening descends, and after your moments of respite, get ready for a culinary climax.

Tonight, we are pulling out all the stops. Your final meal of this gastro extravaganza will be very memorable. In Lisbon’s historic Chiado district opposite the Academy of Fine Arts, Restaurant Epur boasts a minimalist decor with an open kitchen, contemporary lighting, geometric ceilings, traditional azulejo panels, and stunning views of the River Tagus. It is helmed by Chef Vincent Farges, who worked at several Michelin-starred restaurants before taking on the starring role at Epur. On tonight’s menu, you will find hamachi sushi, celtuce, Peruvian black mint; oxtail, anchovies, pine kernels, sage; fish of the day, Fava beans, smoked eel; black pork, pistachio, and lettuce. All paired perfectly with Portuguese wines. An experience to cherish forever.

After breakfast at your selected time this morning, your driver will take you to the airport for your onward journey. As we bid farewell to your delightful Lisbon city sojourn, we’d like to extend our heartfelt thanks for choosing us. We hope to have the pleasure of your company again soon!