Portugal

Upon arriving in Lisbon you will be transferred to our centrally located hotel, where you can relax, recover from your journey, and meet your fellow travelers. For those who arrive early, our tour leader will be on-site to offer recommendations and help everyone make the most of their time. In the evening we’ll gather for a welcome dinner at a renowned Lisbon restaurant for a first taste of Portuguese cuisine.

For our first day in Lisbon, we’ll embark on a half-day tour that will introduce us to a city shaped by diverse influences and vibrant culinary traditions. We’ll start in the heart of the city, savoring a traditional sweet at a local bakery before strolling through bustling streets to Rossio Square, where we’ll pause to enjoy “Ginjinha,” a cherished cherry liqueur.

We’ll continue sampling Port wine, cheese, cured ham, and pastel de nata as we pass by Lisbon’s energetic areas, along Avenida da Liberdade, and into downtown Lisbon, blending old and new.

After lunch at a regional restaurant, you’ll have the afternoon at leisure to explore neighborhoods like Bairro Alto, check out unique shops and cafés at LX Factory, see the historic Tram 28, or take in the views from Miradouro da Senhora do Monte.

We'll begin the day with a visit to a small local ceramics factory, where we’ll take part in a hands-on workshop crafting age-old Portuguese azulejos (tiles) under the guidance of skilled artisans. You’ll learn about the history and techniques of tile-making, design your own patterns, and paint your own tile to take home as a unique souvenir.

Afterwards we’ll return to Lisbon's city center, giving you free time to explore lively neighborhoods like Alfama with its narrow winding streets, visit some of the famous landmarks such as the Belém Tower or Jerónimos Monastery, browse through charming shops in Baixa, or relax at a café with a view of the Tagus River.

In the evening we'll head to a nearby local home where our friendly host will prepare a delicious meal for us, allowing you to enjoy traditional Portuguese hospitality and savor homemade dishes.

After a relaxed morning in Lisbon, we'll embark on a 1.5-hour drive to the Setúbal Region, renowned for its stunning coastal landscapes and exceptional wine production.

We'll stop for lunch at a traditional inn, where we’ll savor a variety of authentic Portuguese dishes made with fresh, local ingredients.

After lunch we'll visit a nearby winery for a guided tour, where we’ll learn about the winemaking process, discover the region’s unique grape varieties, and enjoy a tasting of Setúbal’s finest wines.

Our journey will conclude in Évora, a UNESCO World Heritage city, where we'll check into our cozy hotel. The rest of the day will be free for you to relax at the hotel or explore Évora’s charming streets, perhaps enjoying a quiet dinner at a local restaurant.

Today we'll start with a historic tour of Évora, exploring the ancient Roman Temple of Diana, a well-preserved site that highlights the city’s rich Roman heritage, and the impressive Évora Cathedral, one of Portugal’s oldest and largest Gothic cathedrals. We'll also wander through charming squares before diving into local traditions at the Évora Market.

Afterwards we’ll visit a weaving art studio, where skilled artisans will demonstrate their intricate techniques that help preserve the region’s rich artisanal heritage.

In the afternoon we'll travel to the nearby town of Arraiolos, known as the "Eternal Bride" for its pristine white houses adorned with blue and yellow stripes. Here we'll visit the Arraiolos Carpet Interpretive Center to learn about the history and craftsmanship behind the town’s famous handwoven carpets, and watch embroiderers at work. The day will conclude with a delightful dinner at a quaint restaurant back in Évora.

After a leisurely breakfast we’ll take a one-hour drive to Monsaraz, a small hilltop community encircled by medieval walls and offering sweeping countryside views. We’ll explore its quiet streets and historic fortifications, with some free time to enjoy the Portuguese landscape on our own.

Afterwards we’ll settle in for lunch on a balcony overlooking Europe’s largest artificial lake, savoring traditional Alentejo dishes like “cozido de grão” (boiled chickpeas) and “ensopado de borrego” (lamb stew).

We’ll then return to Évora for a hands-on jewelry workshop, where you’ll create your own set of four pieces, a necklace, bracelet, ring, and earrings, using cork, one of Portugal’s most sustainable and versatile materials. Guided by a skilled artisan, you’ll learn the techniques and craftsmanship behind this tradition while designing pieces to take home.

Today will start with a hands-on cooking class in a rustic 19th-century family house just outside Évora, where we’ll use fresh, local ingredients to create classical Portuguese dishes. An expert chef will guide us through each step, preparing a menu designed to highlight the best seasonal flavors. We’ll create an array of tapas, salads, hearty stews, and delightful desserts inspired by the cherished recipes of Évora’s historic convents.

After we enjoy our creations, the rest of the day will be yours to enjoy at leisure. You can relax at the hotel, wander through Évora’s picturesque streets, visit the unique Chapel of Bones, explore the serene University of Évora Botanical Garden, or visit an art gallery to experience contemporary Portuguese art.

In the evening, we’ll gather for our farewell dinner, having one last taste of Portuguese cuisine.

We’ll start the day with a 1.5-hour drive directly to Lisbon Airport, where you can catch your departing flight home. Your departure flight should be after 1:00 pm.

For those who wish to stay in Lisbon, we can also arrange a transfer to the city center, allowing you to continue exploring this vibrant city at your own pace.