Many people do not realize how remarkable Portugal’s cuisine is, and you can indulge in the best that this country has to offer during this luxurious 10-day journey that will lead to Portugal’s palate-pleasing establishments. Portugal has increasingly become one of the trendiest destinations in Europe and for excellent reasons. Every year, a plethora of tourists travel to Portugal to witness its magnificent castles, to stroll down its cobblestoned streets through charming villages, and to learn...
Customizable Itinerary
Day 1
Lisbon – Culinary Adventures
Upon your arrival in Lisbon, your private driver will be waiting for you at the airport to transfer you to your luxurious accommodation in the heart of the city. Once you have had some time to settle in, you will meet your private guide for a food tour of Portugal’s capital city. You will spend most of your time in Belem, where you will witness the iconic wonders of Jeronimos Monastery and Belem Tower. Afterward, you will stop at the famed Belem pastry shop, which is known as being the original bakery that introduced Pasteis de Nata to the country. After touring the bakery, you will be able to sample the dessert. Then, you will have the incredible opportunity to learn how to create your own Pasteis de Nata from scratch.
What's Included:
Day 2
Lisbon – Exclusive Wine Tour
Day 3
Lisbon – The World of Berries
Day 4
Lisbon – A Shiitake Mushroom Farm
Day 5
Cascais – Fishing with a Local
Day 6
Constancia – Amazed by Almourol Castle
Day 7
Evora – Break Bread with Locals
Day 8
Evora – Olive Oil Experience
Day 9
Serpa – Serpa’s Signature Cheese
Day 10
Serpa – Departure
Trip Highlights
- Learn how to craft Portugal’s most beloved pastry, Pasteis de Nata, during a private baking class with a master baker
- Savor every sip during a relaxing wine tour through the Cheleiros and Bucelas region
- Craft Portuguese bread before sharing a meal with the locals in Evora
- Venture to Lisbon’s countryside and harvest fresh berries in addition to being provided with a hands-on glimpse at the inner workings of a raspberry and blueberry farm
- Marvel at the beauty of Almourol Castle before satisfying your sweet tooth in the charming village of Constancia
- Indulge in a tour of Lisbon with your expert guide, lingering in the ancient alleyways while being inspired by the capital city’s wealth of history
- Partake in a glamping experience at a fascinating shiitake farm, shadowing a farmer and his family through their local harvesting operation
Detailed Description
This luxurious, 10-day culinary adventure has been handcrafted with you in mind, ensuring that no gastronomical gem of Portugal goes undiscovered. From learning how to bake the country’s most beloved pastry in Lisbon to preparing Serpa’s world-famous, spicy sheep’s cheese, your palate and spirit will be delighted throughout every moment of this mouthwatering adventure.
Your European getaway will begin when you land in Lisbon, where you will spend your first afternoon and evening on a private tour, including visiting the site where the country’s most popular pastry, Pasteis de Nata, originated. Following your tour, you will be provided with the opportunity to bake your own Pasteis de Nata from scratch with the help of a master baker.
The following morning, you will leave the city behind and embark on an excursion that will delight the sommelier in you. You will journey through the Cheleiros and Bucelas wine regions, where you will sample the finest blends while visiting a pair of private wineries. Day three will find you diving into the flavorful world of fresh berries as you make your way to Lisbon’s surrounding countryside to visit two working berry farms. Whether you favor the red or blue variety, you will learn more than you ever thought possible about the two fruits. You will also be able to sample nearly endless treats that have been made with their juices, such as jams, syrups, and preserves.
An overnight luxury glamping experience will be waiting for you the following day, but before you indulge in your glamping experience, you will visit a shiitake mushroom farm. Far from roughing it, this outdoor adventure that has you sleeping under the stars in elite cabanas will have you wondering why you ever preferred to stay in a hotel.
On the morning of day five, your private driver will whisk you away to the stunning, seaside haven of Cascais. You will spend the morning on a boat with a master fisherman before learning the fascinating history of the area and trying your hand at casting out a line to catch some of the famed Cascais fish. Afterward, you will venture back to your gracious host’s home, and that evening, you will be taught how to prepare a local dish with your catch of the day. Once you have cooked your catch of the day, you will be wined and dined at your host’s personal abode.
The small enclave of Constancia will beckon to you on day six, and upon your arrival to this charming village, you will visit and admire the enchanting Almourol Castle before venturing back to Constancia to indulge in its signature treat of Queijinhos do ceu. Evora will be the next stop on your epicurean adventure, and as you depart Constancia on the morning of day seven, you will make your way to this lovely enclave that is known as the “Portugal’s Bread Basket.” Here, you will break bread with the friendly locals in addition to sharing a meal with them after they have graciously taught you how to bake some of their bread from a secret family recipe.
The following day will find you escaping to a nearby olive oil farm, where you will be able to witness every step of the process of olive oil production. Serpa is your final destination, and you will make your way here on day eight. Here, you will be able to sample and learn how to make Serpa’s world-famous sheep’s milk cheese, which will culminate your European adventure with a spicy kick.
Throughout every stop on your trip, you will be housed in luxurious accommodations and have every detail of your vacation absolutely taken care of in advance in addition to private transfers to and from all destinations. Nearly everything about this itinerary is entirely customizable, so you can adjust anything and everything to better suit your moods and desires once you are in Portugal.
Starting Price
$9,800 per person (excluding international flights)
What's Included
- Accommodations
- In-country transportation
- Some or all activities and tours
- Expert trip planning
- 24x7 support during your trip
Your final trip cost will vary based on your selected accommodations, activities, meals, and other trip elements that you opt to include.
Reviews of Zicasso's Referral Service
4.92 stars based on 1326 reviews.
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.
It was an incredible trip and the Zicasso travel company did an excellent job, from preparing the itinerary to being available practically 24/7 to answer questions and provide assistance, including anticipating our needs. I was very impressed with the company.
Reviewed By Lynne V.
The trip was a fantastic introduction to Portugal and a great mix of history, activities, and relaxing.
We had three generations of family members on the trip, with a wide range of interests and dietary needs. Zicasso's travel company did an amazing job guiding us every day and accommodating last-minute changes. Each of the guides were very knowledgeable about the area and history, and flexible to our needs.
Reviewed By Jay B.
The planning experience was wonderful overall. From the initial conversation about what my family was looking for to the final touches to the itinerary, Zicasso's travel expert was engaging, responsive, and helpful.
The accommodations he selected for us exceeded expectations; they were spacious, beautiful, and well-located. The tours/activities suggested were really fun and gave us a sense of the locale in a unique and memorable way that fit our family well. Once we were in-country, communications were easy and helpful. We felt very well cared for.
Payment to our travel company was easy and it was a real pleasure once we were in-country to have all the identified items already paid for. I would definitely book a trip with them again.
Reviewed By Olivia L.
Zicasso's travel company, especially our agent, did a fantastic job! They listened to our preferences and planned an unforgettable itinerary. We would absolutely use them again.
Reviewed By Kate O.