During this 10-day journey, you will witness some of the most iconic aspects of Portugal. Portugal is an amazing travel destination that is often overshadowed by some of the larger European countries, but this unique country has something to please everyone and usually always has its guests leaving enamored. Escape to Madeira Island for three days, indulge in a dinner cruise, and spend the night at a 13th-century castle.
Customizable Itinerary
Day 1
Porto – Indulge in a River Cruise
Upon your arrival to Porto, you will be met by your private driver, who will transfer you to your luxurious accommodations in the heart of the city. After checking in and having ample time to settle in, you will embark on a romantic dinner cruise on the Douro River. This river tour will prove to be an amazing way to witness the picturesque city from a unique perspective, and during your cruise, you can dine on some of Portugal’s freshest fare. After admiring the gorgeous views as you sail, you will be returned to your luxurious accommodation.
What's Included:
Day 2
Viana do Castelo – Tales of Lore
Day 3
Braga – Private Horseback Ride
Day 4
Guarda – Visit the Jewish Quarter
Day 5
Guarda – Reconnect with Nature
Day 6
Obidos – Sleep in a Castle
Day 7
Obidos – Learn How to Make Ginjinha
Day 8
Funchal – Escape to Madeira Island
Day 9
Funchal – Taste the Flavors of Funchal
Day 10
Funchal – Departure
Trip Highlights
- Escape to magical Madeira Island for three days of exploring tropical gardens, farmers’ markets, and delighting in picnics
- Indulge in a dinner cruise in Porto that will have you gliding along the calm waters of the Douro River
- Venture on a horseback riding tour among the beautiful backdrop of Braga’s scenery
- Marvel at Viana do Castelo, where you can hear tales of the town’s fascinating folklore
- Escape to the alluring Estrela Mountains, where you can admire the spectacular views that will surround you on every side
- Peruse the historical wonders of Guarda’s Jewish Quarter before discovering the beauty of Guarda’s castle and cathedral
- Spend the night in a 13th-century castle that has been converted into a stunning bed and breakfast
Detailed Description
When it is time for you and your significant other to escape, Portugal provides the perfect destination. From its charming villages that are full of cobblestone streets and medieval architecture to its numerous castles, Portugal presents a wonderland that boasts boundless beauty and boundless marvels to explore. This luxurious, 10-day journey will provide you with some of the most exclusive experiences that this country has to offer.
Your journey will begin in Porto, where you will begin with a dinner cruise, sightseeing the city from a unique perspective as you glide along the Douro. Day two will find you venturing to Viana do Castelo, which is a lovely enclave that is imbued with charm and history. While here, you will listen to fascinating tales of folklore. Later in the evening, you will be provided with the incredible opportunity to craft your own to keepsake.
You will transfer to Braga on day three, and upon your arrival, you will witness the Bom Jesus before embarking on a private, horseback ride. Two unforgettable days in Guarda will be waiting, which is where you will indulge in an escape to the Estrela Mountains. This getaway will give you the chance to reconnect with nature among majestic, mountain scenery. While here, you will enjoy perusing the historical gems that can be found in the Jewish Quarter before become exploring the city’s castle and cathedral.
Obidos will be next on your agenda, and here, you will indulge in a private tour of the city’s highlights. Your accommodation in Obidos will be what was once a royal castle but is now a high-end bed and breakfast. During your second day in Obidos, you will enjoy its many outdoor offerings as you begin the morning by embarking on a stand-up paddleboarding adventure at Obidos Lagoon. Following your SUP session, you can spend the afternoon strolling and sunbathing on the beach before partaking in your exciting evening event. This evening you will indulge in a class that will be taught by a local master on how to craft the famous cherry liqueur known as Ginjinha.
The final leg of your getaway will find you flying to Madeira Island for a three-day adventure. The following day will have you exploring two tropical gardens. Following your foray into the blossoming world of the botanical gardens, you will be led on a gourmet food tour excursion. During your tour, your culinary guide will introduce you to the flavors of the city.
Throughout your vacation, you will stay in luxurious accommodations and have every detail of your journey taken care of, including all private transfers to and from each destination. Nearly everything about this itinerary is customizable, so you can adjust nearly anything and everything to better suit your moods and interests once you are in Portugal.
Starting Price
$3,300 per person (excluding international flights)
Your Zicasso trip is fully customizable, and this sample itinerary is a starting place for your travel plans. Actual costs are dynamic, and your selection of accommodations and activities, your season of travel, and other such variables will bring this budget guideline up or down. Throughout your planning experience with your Zicasso specialist, your itinerary is designed around your budget. You can book your trip when you are satisfied with every detail. Planning your trip with a Zicasso travel specialist is a free service.
What's Included
The starting price is based on travel during the low season for a minimum of two travelers staying in shared 3-star accommodations. Please inquire for a custom trip quote based on your travel preferences and travel dates.
Reviews of Zicasso's Referral Service
4.92 stars based on 1334 reviews.
Zicasso’s travel consultant was excellent and attended to everything we wanted in our trip. Our tour guide was exceptional and felt like family.
Reviewed By Christine S.
The execution of the trip by Zicasso's tour operator was seamless. The app we had was wonderful. Communication with the guides was excellent.
Reviewed By Karen H.
The whole trip was perfect. The guides (and especially our driver) were fantastic. The hotels were great and the advice given beforehand by Zicasso's travel company was super-useful. We might have had one too many palaces and heard a bit too much about kings, but we essentially enjoyed everything. The amount of time on our own was just about perfect.
Reviewed By Indy B.
I'm not sure it's possible to be any more satisfied with the service provided by the Zicasso travel partner's team.
Ahead of the trip, our travel designer was in constant contact, by phone and email. In terms of the itinerary and the logistics/preparation for the trip, we discussed the right locations, iterated on the excursions, and ultimately planned out a wonderful holiday in celebration of our 25th wedding anniversary. He listened (for example, that we wanted more food experiences vs wine), suggested (for example, Segovia vs Toledo, Nerja vs Marbella), and coordinated all of the details.
And our concierge was amazing once we were on the ground. Coordinating with drivers and guides (especially since our inbound flight was delayed), making suggestions for restaurants and booking reservations, and providing guidance for myriad logistical situations (for example, the best route to take while driving from Sevilla to Ronda).
The travel company's team really delivered for us and we cannot thank them enough for our incredible Spain experience!
Reviewed By Alex G.
We had an excellent trip! We loved the tours and how the Zicasso travel company was accessible during the duration of the trip. We encountered one issue, but the team responded and worked with us to resolve it.
Reviewed By Nicole M.
This trip was fantastic! My husband and I, along with my three daughters in their 20s, had the best time. Planning with Zicasso's travel expert was easy. She was quick to respond to emails, texts and calls before and during the trip.
We wanted some unique experiences, like making Portuguese filigree jewelry, and she found a great place for us! The hotels she selected were perfect for our larger group.
Reviewed By Lisa P.
