Portugal Private Food & Wine Odyssey

On arrival at Porto’s International Airport, you will rendezvous with your charming chauffeur, your private driver for this tour. Next, drive into Porto City, crossing the river and heading into Vila Nova de Gaia, where the famous Port Wine Lodges are located. You have a fantastic day ahead, with private tours and tastings to look forward to, beginning with a visit to Graham’s Lodge, one of our favorites.

This classic Anglo-Portuguese lodge is also one of the most impressive, with extensive aging cellars and thousands of casks. On a private tour of the property, you will learn about Porto, the oldest demarcated wine region in the world, and how the lodges functioned as storehouses (as they still do) while the wine is made in the Douro Valley. Finish your visit with a tasting of Vintage Ports from single “Quintas” (the highest quality), including a very old vintage of over 35 years.

Lunch is next, and you will be ready to sit down and relax over a tasting menu at Vinum, on-site at Graham’s. The atrium (for cooler days) and the terrace have the most beautiful views over the port houses, the river, and Dom Luís I Bridge. Here, you will dine on a very special tasting menu designed for you, including dishes such as Trás-os-Montes cured ham, cured mackerel in Clams Sauce, Green Ceviche, Vinum’s “Brás” Style Cod, Chargrilled Octopus, Duck Magret with Figs Tartlet all expertly paired by the restaurant sommelier with wines from different Symington family estates, including the superb Quinta do Vesuvio. Then, finish with a selection of artisan cheeses and a 20-year-old Tawny port.

Post lunch, you can take a short digestive walk to your next appointment at Churchill’s Port Lodge, or if you wish, your driver can take you. Churchill’s is relatively new on the scene, founded in 1981 (the first Port company to be established in 50 years) by John Graham and named after his wife, Caroline Churchill. After touring the lodge, you will sit in a homely private lounge and taste a range of their exquisite Vintage Ports, including Quinta Gricha Vintage Port!

Mid-afternoon, your chauffeur will escort you to your luxurious accommodations at the Yeatman. Upon arrival, you’ll receive a complimentary Cellar Tours welcome package, including a hand-selected bottle of premium wine and your bespoke bound itinerary. An on-call personal concierge will be at your service throughout your stay, ready to arrange any additional activities or reservations, like in the hotel’s Vinotherapy Spa, a sanctuary of rejuvenation. Here, you can avail of the many wellness services on offer, for example, a massage or reserve a private area exclusively for your use, where you can indulge in a Red Wine Grape Bath with views out over Porto.

Tonight, you will dine at the hotel’s 2 Michelin stars restaurant, which is led by Chef Ricardo Costa and offers a modern twist on traditional Portuguese flavors. Your tasting menu will take you on a culinary journey through Portugal’s diverse wine regions and highlight Portugal’s abundance of fresh produce.

Enjoy a leisurely breakfast this morning and a little more spa time. As late morning approaches, your chauffeur will escort you to the city’s captivating historic center. Your curated adventure starts at the iconic São Bento Train Station, where an expert local guide will greet you for an exclusive walking tour.

Some highlights include visiting the Lello bookshop (one of the most beautiful in Europe), the Arabian Salon at the historic Stock Exchange, and the Gothic masterpiece Igreja de São Francisco church. Each stop is thoughtfully selected to provide a rich understanding and appreciation of the city’s deep-rooted culture and artistry.

As the tour culminates, you’ll likely find that all this exploration has sparked your appetite. It’s the perfect segue into a sumptuous lunch at Pedro Lemos. Slightly off the beaten track in a quiet Porto street, this Michelin-starred restaurant offers an intriguing tasting menu focusing on local, seasonal products expertly paired with curated wines from their impressive cellar. Here are some dishes you can anticipate: Foie Gras, Squid with Pear, Sea Urchin Carbonara, Beef and Chickpea Stew, and a selection of local cheeses.

Following a long and relaxed wine lunch, you will be chauffeured to the Douro Valley, about a two-hour drive. You will arrive in Lamego in the early evening at your Spa Hotel, Six Senses Douro, which is set in a renovated 19th-century manor house. You have now reached the striking Douro Valley!

After breakfast, your driver transfers just a few miles down the valley to the family-run Quinta de Tourais. This boutique estate, now in the third generation of the Coelho family, has proudly placed itself on the map since 1999 when Fernando started producing their own DOC wines and Port instead of selling the grapes to other producers as before. You will receive a warm welcome from the owners before being shown around. This delightful, intimate experience ends with tasting their internationally prized wines on the terrace of the family home.

Carry along the river and meander up the steep road to Quinta do Noval; this dramatic setting will give you some fantastic photo opportunities. On arrival at Quinta do Noval, you’ll be greeted with a revitalizing Port Tonic, enjoyed in the shade of a majestic Cedar tree. Before guiding you on a private estate tour, your host will educate you about Quinta do Noval’s historical milestones. These include their groundbreaking 1931 vintage declaration and the illustrious “Nacional Vintage,” an extraordinary port wine produced in very limited quantities from a secluded plot of ancient, ungrafted vines that remarkably escaped the phylloxera blight. After your estate tour, lunch beckons.

Your sumptuous, home-prepared lunch will likely feature an array of regional cheeses and succulent, slow-roasted veal, complemented by freshly harvested garden vegetables. Dessert will be a luxurious chocolate mousse, all perfectly paired with selections from Quinta do Noval’s wine repertoire: Cedro do Noval, Quinta do Noval DOC, and culminating with the esteemed Vintage Quinta do Noval. Welcome to an unforgettable experience in the Douro Valley!

Then, your chauffeur will drive you back down the hill to Pinhão dock, where your luxurious yacht and friendly crew will be waiting to welcome you aboard for a private Douro river cruise. Enjoy sipping chilled wine as you watch the dramatic scenery pass by; the view from the water gives you a different perspective of this stunning place.

In the late afternoon, your boat will drop you off at the dock, transfer you back to your hotel, and enjoy an evening of leisure.

Six Senses is celebrated for its spa and wellness facilities, and the Douro Valley location is a testament to this focus. Choose from an eclectic array of treatments such as the Herbal Therapy Sauna, Hydrotherapy, Color Therapy, Sound-water Therapy, and the rejuvenating Salty Bubble Pool. For a more holistic experience, partake in Hatha yoga sessions, guided mindfulness, and breathwork, all enhanced by specialized massages and energy therapies.

After pampering in the spa’s serene therapies, take some time to prepare for an extraordinary culinary treat at the hotel’s open kitchen. The chef will curate a seasonal tasting menu featuring ingredients freshly picked from the hotel’s organic garden. Each dish is a masterpiece of flavor and presentation, expertly cooked in a wood-fired oven and the acclaimed Josper grill—a perfect end to a perfect day in the Douro Valley.

After breakfast and check-out, your chauffeur will escort you to one of the most prestigious Douro producers, Quinta do Crasto. Run by the Roquette family, this winery makes frankly fantastic wines. Wine Spectator Robert Parker and international wine critics like Jancis Robinson concur, and the Quinta do Crasto wines are consistent award winners. You will tour the estate and enjoy a private tasting of their flagship wines; the view from their terrace is magnificent.

As late morning approaches, your next appointment is at Quinta de la Rosa. Enjoy a private tour of this charming estate with Sophia Bergqvist, the 6th generation of her family involved in Port production and 3rd in Quinta de la Rosa. The charming Sophia will guide you on a short winery tour and tell tales of your family history in the region. This winery is unusual because the Port production is carried out from start to finish on-site (uncommon as most Quintas age their Ports in the Port lodges in Vila Nova de Gaia). Sophia will host you in a tasting of their DOC range of wines.

By now, you should have worked up an appetite. With spectacular views of the Douro River, your lunch in the on-site restaurant “Cozinha de Clara” will be a perfect finale for your Douro part of the tour. Executive chef Pedro Cardoso, who trained in many of the top restaurants in Portugal, conjures up seasonal, modern interpretations of authentic local dishes. On your menu, you will find dishes like Slow-roast Cauliflower, Hazelnuts, and a Butter Sauce; Fresh Tuna Salad with Mango and Cherry Tomatoes; Salted Cod cooked with Creamy Mashed Potato and Fish Sauce reduction; Iberian Black Pork crowning Creamy Mashed Potato flavored with Truffles, Asparagus & Mushrooms.

After lunch, you will bid farewell to the picturesque Douro Valley; your journey continues to Coimbra, a wonderful city situated along the banks of the river Mondigo in the heart of Portugal, which boasts a rich history as the nation’s one-time capital. The city is a tapestry of preserved medieval architecture, most notably encapsulated in the historic University of Coimbra. So sit back, relax, and enjoy the scenery en route. It is just over a 2-hour drive, and there will be plenty of opportunities for photos and rest stops.

After your leisurely drive, you arrive at your home for the night, a place as steeped in history as it is in luxury—the Quinta das Lágrimas Hotel, which has hosted royalty for centuries. Today, the hotel, set on a spectacular estate, offers a blend of natural beauty, charm, and luxury. After check-in, allow yourself some time to relax and absorb your wonderful environment. Take some time and explore the estate’s gardens, and enjoy a dip in the swimming pool or spa facilities, including deep skin massage or a Turkish bath.

You will indulge in a gastronomic journey tonight at the hotel’s esteemed ‘Arcadas Restaurant.’ Under the expert guidance of Chef Vítor Dias, you’ll savor dishes crafted from locally sourced, organic ingredients. Your palate will be delighted with selections such as Scallops paired with Cucumber, Tomato, and Gin; Cod accented with Beans and Wasabi; Duck accompanied by Risotto, Soy, Corn, and Strawberries; and Angus Beef complemented by Parsnip, Eggplant, Pine Nuts, and Basil. For a sweet finale, indulge in Chocolate with Passion Fruit and Tonka Bean. Each course is thoughtfully paired with exquisite Portuguese wines, making for an unforgettable dining experience.

This morning, after breakfast, you will head south on your journey to the heart of Portugal’s wine country, the Alentejo region. The area is characterized by cork forests, Moorish castles, and bold “monster” wines. As the scenery changes, you will have many opportunities for photos along the way, or stop in one of the many pretty towns like Arraiolos en route to avail yourself of local amenities and enjoy a cup of coffee or stretch your legs.

Mid-morning, you will arrive at Herdade de Coelheiros. First, you will tour the Coelheiros estate; it is truly delightful: vines, cork forest, walnut trees, and acres and acres of virgin land. You will then taste the Coelheiros range, including the intense yet elegant Tapada de Coelheiros from Cabernet Sauvignon and Alicante Bouschet.

Next for lunch, tucked away on a side street in the heart of Évora’s historic center, is Origin. The restaurant’s intimate, elongated dining space features a contemporary design, with an open kitchen anchoring one end. Super cool proprietors Chef Gonçalo Queiroz and his wife Eugénia create seasonal menus with local ingredients. The wine list is excellent, with a top selection of Alentejo, national, and international wines.

After lunch, what better way to work off your sumptuous lunch than a leisurely walking tour of this captivating and historic city escorted by a passionate local guide? The historic center is now protected by Unesco and designated a World Heritage city. You will discover sights like the 2nd-century Roman temple, the Igreja de São Francisco, and the Capela dos Ossos (a beautiful 16th-century church and, later, the spooky bone chapel, which makes for an unforgettable visit). Also, not forgetting the courtyard at St. Michael’s Palace, one of the most emblematic buildings in the city.

In the late afternoon, arrive at your luxury spa resort, Convento do Espinheiro. This converted Monastery is a 5-star gem in the countryside just outside Évora. After check in, relax and enjoy the facilities. Explore the Cisterna Wine bar and partake in a pre-dinner aperitif.

Dinner tonight is at Divinus, the onsite gourmet restaurant situated in a historic wine cellar once frequented by monks. As one of the region’s top eateries, Divinus offers an atmosphere steeped in rich heritage. Tonight, Chef Jorge Peças has curated an exclusive tasting menu that artfully blends traditional local flavors with Mediterranean flair. You will savor dishes such as Tuna Tartar accented with Cucumber, Avocado, and Huacatay; Alentejo Gazpacho paired with succulent Fried Octopus; Atlantic Dory garnished with luxurious Caviar, Courgette and Almond; and mouth-watering Alentejo Black Pork accompanied by a refreshing Tomato, Apple, and Celery Salad. To round off your gastronomic journey, indulge in an aromatic selection of Alentejo cheeses. The restaurant’s sommelier will expertly curate wine pairings featuring top-quality local vintages to complement each course.

Your driver will arrive in the late morning today, allowing you a few hours to enjoy the spa, walk, swim, sleep in, or have a long leisurely breakfast in the incredible vaulted dining room. Then, it’s about a 30-minute drive to the historic town of Estremoz, known for its white houses, ancient walls, and castle. The city is a significant hub for white marble production, earning the name ‘white city.’ Here, you will have some free time to explore on your own, and we highly suggest you have a coffee in the graceful Pousada, a 13th-century castle that now houses a hotel.

Next is a special treat, a tour, tasting, and lunch at Dona Maria. This distinguished estate is owned by a husband and wife team: Julio, the winemaker, and Isabel, the convivial hostess. Isabel will lead you through the stylish grounds of the winery, giving you a brief overview of the winery’s workings and underlining some key historical anecdotes. After tasting the range (it’s hard to find a favorite here, as everything Julio produces is top-notch, although the Amantes Reserva, from 100% Viognier, is quite unusual), Isabel will invite you to dine in her family’s beautifully preserved 18th-century dining room, where lunch awaits you.

You’ll delight in an authentic Alentejo feast, starting with a hearty tomato soup adorned with a Poached Egg. The main course features succulent Cod laid over a bed of home-grown Spinach. To complete your culinary journey, an assortment of local desserts awaits.

This afternoon, you will drive a little under an hour south, further into the depths of the Alentejo to São Lourenço do Barrocal. Your idyllic retreat is set in an ancient farming village. The estate spans over 7 million square meters and features 16 Neolithic dolmens dating back over 7,000 years. Vines, olive groves, vegetable gardens, cattle, horses, and an incredibly diverse range of bird species create a natural sanctuary that invites you to reconnect with nature.

This afternoon, you can go on a megalithic tour, go horseback riding, take a hot air balloon ride, take a bike ride to nearby Monsaraz, or relax. The spa also comes highly recommended, using Susanne Kaufmann’s organic products. Enjoy a tour of their winery, sampling the organically produced wines under the skilled leadership of winemaker Susana Esteban.

For dinner, enjoy an alfresco dining experience at Hortelão restaurant, beside the tranquil pool and flourishing organic kitchen garden. Experience the difference in an authentic farm-to-table experience featuring zero-kilometer ingredients: grilled fresh vegetables, delicious certified organic veal, succulent acorn-fed Alentejo pork, and freshly caught fish from the Alqueva lake.

Today is your last winery visit in the Alentejo, and you will visit the pioneering Esporão, one of Portugal’s most exceptional and innovative wine companies. The property is stunningly beautiful, and driving up to the cellars, you will pass by hundreds of olive groves (Esporão is one of the best olive oil producers in the country as well).

Australian flying winemaker David Baverstock has been the head winemaker here for years and was one of the first to recognize the potential for single-varietal wines made with native Portuguese grapes. Esporão makes different ranges of wine, including the Monte Velho wines at the lower end and the Esporão Private Selection Garrafeira range at the highest end. You will get the chance to try five of their best wines, along with their olive oils.

After your tour and tasting, your host will invite you to the bright and airy dining space, where an exquisitely curated tasting menu awaits, tailored exclusively for you by Cellar Tours. Each delectable course is expertly matched with wines you’ve experienced during your earlier tasting, creating a harmonious gastronomic odyssey. Your feast may begin with Esporão Patês—olive and tuna blends and the vibrant Vinha da Defesa white wine. This will be followed by succulent stone bass baked to perfection and complemented by a nuanced grape sauce. A savory vegetable crepe and a delicate apple vichyssoise will introduce you to the Esporão Reserva white. For the main course, savor red wine-marinated Wild Boar coupled with Chestnuts, elevated by the rich notes of their Trincadeira single varietal wine.

Your culinary journey reaches its pinnacle with the regional dessert “Sericaia,” a tantalizing fusion of cinnamon, lemon, and eggs, potentially paired with a robust fortified (“Licoroso”) red wine.

After lunch, take a leisurely post-meal stroll through the enchanting village of Monsaraz—one of Alentejo’s most photographed gems. It is known for its whitewashed houses and darling narrow lanes and offers panoramic vistas of the river Guadiana and the distant Spanish horizon. Ensure you visit the majestic castle, the evocative Torre das Feiticeiras or ‘Witches Tower,’ and the historic bullring.

After an exciting day, your chauffeur will drive you safely on the approximately two-hour journey to Estoril. Sit back, relax, and anticipate arriving at the iconic Palácio Estoril Hotel. This landmark accommodation has been a favorite retreat for royalty and aristocrats since the 1930s. Adding to its allure, the hotel boasts a compelling connection to James Bond lore. Ian Fleming, the creator of the iconic spy, drew inspiration from his experiences at the hotel during World War II for his inaugural book, ‘Casino Royale.’ Additionally, scenes from the Bond film ‘On Her Majesty’s Secret Service’ were filmed on location at the Palácio Estoril.

After check in, and some time to refresh, why not enjoy a pre-dinner cocktail, maybe something ‘shaken, not stirred’ before dining at the Bougainvillea Terrace Restaurant overlooking the garden and pool, decorated in a relaxed and chic style.

Enjoy a leisurely morning where you can sleep in or relish a late breakfast at your Hotel. No need to rush; today is about savoring each moment.

By mid-morning, your private chauffeur will be at your service, ready to transport you to the vibrant city of Lisbon. Upon arrival, you’ll be greeted by your sommelier host, who will lead you on an enriching journey through a meticulously curated wine masterclass. As you sip, you’ll discover hidden gems from Portuguese wine regions like Dao, Minho, Tras-os-Montes, and Madeira—places you haven’t explored on this tour.

After an informative masterclass, it’s time for a special lunch. A short stroll leads you to the serene gardens of a nearby convent in Principe Real. Here, a gourmet picnic featuring a variety of organic foods and wine hand-selected by Cellar Tours has been prepared just for you.

Then, it’s time to rest your taste buds and get a few steps in to work off all that food and wine on a privately guided walking tour of the charming capital. Your guide, an expert in art and history, will take you on a private tour through Lisbon’s charming streets, through the Rossio Square, admire Lisbon’s red-roofed palaces with the Tagus River in the background, meander through the narrow streets and steep staircases, and soak up the vibrant city life. Learn about Portugal’s fascinating history, the devastating earthquakes, fires, and extraordinary stories of adventure and discovery.

Finish up in Commerce Square, where your chauffeur will collect you, and if you still have a thirst for more sights, drive to see the captivating Belem Tower, followed by a short tour of the Saint Jeronimo Monastery.

As the sun sets, your chauffeur will drive you back to your hotel to do a little evening shopping or relax at your Hotel.

For something fun this evening, you could take in a Fado show (the Hotel concierge can arrange a booking for you) or dine in the Hotel’s “Restaurante Grill Four Seasons”

You will head to Sintra this morning to tour some of its most cherished heritage. Home to Lord Byron, who famously called it “Paradise on Earth,” Sintra is a wealthy town in the lush hills northwest of Lisbon. It is undoubtedly one of Portugal’s loveliest towns, full of villas and palaces, ancient “Azulejos” (blue and white tilework), and some fantastic attractions like the Pena Palace (an Alice in Wonderland whimsical castle) and the dramatic ruins of the Moorish castle.

Begin your visit with a private guided tour of the Pálacio do Pena and its gardens; what a fascinating place! Drive on to Montserrate Palace next, a romantic expression of gothic and Indian influences with Moorish touches. The gardens are heavenly, with so many exotic plants to admire.

Your next destination is the stunning coastal setting of Fortaleza do Guincho; a luxurious dining experience with spectacular views awaits. Originally constructed around 1642 as a military stronghold, this historic fort is now a 5-star Relais & Chateaux hotel, housing a Michelin-starred restaurant. As you take in sweeping views of the sea, prepare for a gastronomic adventure curated by Chef Gil Fernandes. His cuisine, inspired by the area’s abundant natural offerings, is innovative and ethereal. Cellar Tours has specially arranged a tasting menu for you, showcasing exquisite dishes such as Cuttlefish paired with a delicate sea broth and wild Clam Fricassee; Sand-comb featuring accents of Honey and Seaweeds; Azores King Crab, a regional delicacy; A hearty fish stew made with John Dory and Azores Squid, complemented by Artichoke; A curated selection of local cheeses; a smoked Crème Brûlée with Pine Nuts; Each dish is expertly paired with Portugal’s finest wines, selected by the restaurant’s sommelier.

On your way back to Estoril, you will stop in Cascais, once a sleepy fishing village. It was transformed when the royals and nobles chose it as their vacation destination. Cascais is a beautiful town to scroll around, brimming with architectural gems, pretty boutiques, gift shops, and views over the handsome bay.

In the late afternoon, your driver will take you back to Estoril. Spend some relaxing time at the spa or relax in the hotel bar, reflecting on the day’s adventures. But don’t get too comfortable; ready yourself for an exquisite evening as your farewell dinner is set in one of Lisbon’s most esteemed dining establishments.

This evening promises to be the pièce de résistance of your culinary journey. In the historic Chiado district, directly across from the Academy of Fine Arts, Restaurant Epur is a sanctuary of modern elegance. With its minimalist design featuring an open kitchen, state-of-the-art lighting, geometrically designed ceilings, traditional azulejo panels, and panoramic views of the River Tagus, Epur is a feast for the senses.

At the helm of this gastronomic haven is Chef Vincent Farges, a veteran of multiple Michelin-starred establishments, who now lends his culinary artistry to Epur. Tonight’s carefully crafted menu includes dishes that are as inventive as they are delicious: Hamachi sushi accompanied by celtuce and accented with Peruvian black mint; A savory concoction of oxtail, anchovies, pine kernels, and sage; A daily catch of fish complemented by Fava beans and smoked eel; Black pork elevated by pistachio and crisp lettuce.

After breakfast at your preferred time, your driver will take you to Lisbon’s international airport. Your driver will be on hand to assist you with your luggage and check-in. We hope your time with us has been superb, filled with enriching experiences, culinary delights, and the warm hospitality that Portugal is renowned for. We are eager to hear about your adventures and very much look forward to the privilege of hosting you again. Boa viagem e até logo