PORTUGAL
Portugal Package
Duration
11 Nights / 12 Days
Tour Type
International
DAYS 1-2 : Lagos
Lagos, Portugal
Fly into Faro, pick up your car hire and drive an hour west to the water-front city of
Lagos, to check in to friendly Casa Mae—made up of three buildings each with a unique
atmosphere. There’s an excellent restaurant serving food that celebrates the Portuguese
seasons.
Take a stroll through the city’s historic old town and get your first fix of a Pastel de Nata
before heading to one of the stunning stretches of nearby beach—try the iconic Praia do
Camilo or Ponta da Piedade, where stacks of cliffs rise from the shimmering water
below. Spend your second day exploring more secluded coves and picturesque beaches,
or take a 40-minute drive out to Cabo Sao Vincente, the south-westerly tip of mainland
Europe, taking in the view as huge waves crash against the mainland.
DAYS 3-5 : Comporta
Your next stop is Comporta, just two hours north of Lagos. Hailed as host to Portugal’s
best beach, here you’ll find 12km of uninterrupted sand, though the area has plenty
more to it than that. With a beach-shack vibe and an a-list crowd of artists and surfers,
the region around the village of Comporta is worth exploring too. Look out for flamingos
in the river and stop for lunch at Ilha do Arroz.
Check in to Sublime Comporta—nestled in 17 hectares, it’s surrounded by umbrella
pines, cork trees, sand dunes, vineyards and rice fields. Contemporary in design, this
hotel has been built to be in harmony with its natural surroundings. Stay in a Bio-Pool
suite—designed by architect José Alberto Charrua, each cabana is built on stilts over a
biological pool, where the water is treated solely by aquatic plants. Each suite has a
private terrace that’s perfect for an early morning dip. Stay between June and October
and don’t miss the hotel’s beach restaurant just a 10-minute stroll away, at Carvalhal
beach.
DAYS 6-7 : Lisbon
Lisbon, PortugalDragging yourself from the coast may prove difficult, but know that
you’ve got a city-sized treat in store, just over two hours' drive away. Lisbon sits on
seven hills, where light seems to dance around every yellow and pink-painted corner—
it’s packed with an unending supply of quirk, charm and independent family run places.
Walk through the Alfama and Mouraria districts, stop by the castle, and spend your
evening listening to some soulful fado at Casa do Fados. Head to the stunning rooftop of
the Rossio Gastrobar or have dinner at Basque. Arrive on a Tuesday or Saturday and
browse the flea market, Feira da Ladra for an array of craft, design and vintage
collectibles.
Stay at The Vintage Hotel for its mid-century design and rooftop bar.The Vintage Hotel,
Lisbon, Portugal.
DAYS 8–10 : Douro Valley
Drive an hour inland to wine country for a stay at the five-star Douro 41 Hotel & Spa
famed for its beautiful views of the Douro river. The hotel has its own menu of
experiences, from yoga and massages to picnic baskets in the gardens, olive oil
workshops, boat trips or fishing, so there’s no shortage of things to do. There’s even a
trip to a traditional smokehouse on offer, for a lunch of local smoked sausages.
If you can, take a drive along the Estrada National 222 between Peso da Régua and
Pinhão. With the river running alongside you, the views are world-class. Don’t miss
Churchill’s—one of the most prestigious brands of Douro and Port wines in the world
for a wine tasting.
DAYS 11-12 : Porto
Porto, PortugalFrom the Douro Valley, it’s just a 45-minute drive to charming Porto. A
former port city, the Douro river flows through the heart of the city, making a beautiful
backdrop for riverside lunches or a sunset stroll. Make pit stops at Bishop’s Palace.
Porto Cathedral, Dom Luis Bridge and head to Miradourra da Vitória—one of the
best viewing points in the city and stroll around the neighbourhoods of Ribeira, Baixa
and Bolhão.
Wander around the Mercado de Bolhao, an iconic, 2-story market packed with fresh
fruit, vegetables, chesses and local delicacies Porto is the birthplace of the Pastel de
Nata, so don’t hold back. With a history of Port production dating back to the 17th century, the
region is the only true port-wine producer in the world.
Check out the Espaco Porto Cruz, a 5-story space celebrating the city’s wine culture and
history and stop off at Early, a speciality coffee shop in a former bookstore that serves
locally sourced produce for an early breakfast through lunch and afternoon snacks.
You’ll find it at Ruados Bragas, 374 in Cedofeita, one of the coolest neighbourhoods in
Porto.