Overview
Portugal: A Culinary Adventure from Porto to Lisbon
Europe
8 days
7 nights
12 people
Moderate
Food & Drink
Join us for a tantalizingly tasty journey through Portugal, where each day promises a new adventure for your taste buds! Uncover the secrets of Portuguese cuisine, steeped in tradition and whispered from one generation to the next, and discover the history behind some of Portugal’s most enchanting cities. From the vintage wine cellars of Porto to the bustling markets of Évora and the soulful fado-filled restaurants of Lisbon, your Portuguese culinary and cultural odyssey promises unforgettable memories and scintillating flavors that will linger long after you bid Portugal adeus!
Global Community: Spend time with local bakers in Alentejo during a hands-on bread-making class, learning the secrets of the regional style.
Travel with Purpose: Visit the Aveiro salt pans, where a small number of local producers are keeping alive the tradition of cultivating salt as it has been done for centuries.
Highlights
- Master the art of Portuguese specialties like custard tarts and francesinha in four fun-filled, hands-on cooking classes
- Taste local delicacies like suckling pig, oysters, bacalhau, bifana sandwiches and ovos moles
- Visit the Aveiro salt pans by boat, where local producers keep alive a local tradition of cultivating salt.
- Visit iconic port houses and wine cellars and try ginjinha, vinho verde, port and moscatel
- Learn the regional secrets of Alentejo's bakers during a hands-on bread-making class.
Explore Portugal through food, from the cities to the seaside.
Day 1
Welcome to Portugal!
Your Portuguese culinary adventure begins with a warm "Bem-vindo" followed by a private transfer from Porto Airport to your hotel. Take a moment to unwind and recharge, before heading out to explore the stunning UNESCO-listed city of Porto with your local guide. Watch the sunset over the skyline, before indulging yourself in some traditional Portuguese hospitality with a delicious welcome dinner in one of the riverside neighborhoods that line the magnificent Douro River.
Welcome to Portugal!
Your Portuguese culinary adventure begins with a warm "Bem-vindo" followed by a private transfer from Porto Airport to your hotel. Take a moment to unwind and recharge, before heading out to explore the stunning UNESCO-listed city of Porto with your local guide. Watch the sunset over the skyline, before indulging yourself in some traditional Portuguese hospitality with a delicious welcome dinner in one of the riverside neighborhoods that line the magnificent Douro River.
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Vila Gale Porto Riberia or similar, Porto
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Welcome Dinner
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Vila Gale Porto Riberia or similar, Porto
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Welcome Dinner
Day 2
Markets, Francesinhas and Wine Cellars
Today you’ll embark on a gastronomic adventure through the historic streets of Porto, exploring vibrant markets and visiting local eateries. Learn how to make francesinha, a mouth-wateringly good meat sandwich smothered with cheese, during a fun workshop that includes a hearty lunch. The afternoon is yours to get lost amongst the azulejo murals, Baroque churches and buzzing port houses of Porto. Later, learn about Portuguese wines during an intimate wine tasting in a traditional cellar, followed by a fine dining experience designed to introduce you to the many delights of Portuguese haute cuisine.
Markets, Francesinhas and Wine Cellars
Today you’ll embark on a gastronomic adventure through the historic streets of Porto, exploring vibrant markets and visiting local eateries. Learn how to make francesinha, a mouth-wateringly good meat sandwich smothered with cheese, during a fun workshop that includes a hearty lunch. The afternoon is yours to get lost amongst the azulejo murals, Baroque churches and buzzing port houses of Porto. Later, learn about Portuguese wines during an intimate wine tasting in a traditional cellar, followed by a fine dining experience designed to introduce you to the many delights of Portuguese haute cuisine.
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Vila Gale Porto Riberia or similar, Porto
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Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
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Vila Gale Porto Riberia or similar, Porto
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Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Day 3
From Salt Pans to Suckling Pig
Discover picturesque Aveiro today, known as the ‘Venice of Portugal,’ famous for its charming canals, colorful moliceiro boats, and Art Nouveau architecture. Try ovos moles, a local sweet pastry treat before heading out on a boat trip around the salt pans which will culminate in an oyster tasting. Enjoy a leisurely lunch of roast suckling pig at a traditional Bairrada restaurant before making your way to Coimbra for a tour of this charming university city, crammed with hulking Romanesque churches and ornate Baroque palaces. The evening is yours to wander around solo and discover the culinary gems of the city.
From Salt Pans to Suckling Pig
Discover picturesque Aveiro today, known as the ‘Venice of Portugal,’ famous for its charming canals, colorful moliceiro boats, and Art Nouveau architecture. Try ovos moles, a local sweet pastry treat before heading out on a boat trip around the salt pans which will culminate in an oyster tasting. Enjoy a leisurely lunch of roast suckling pig at a traditional Bairrada restaurant before making your way to Coimbra for a tour of this charming university city, crammed with hulking Romanesque churches and ornate Baroque palaces. The evening is yours to wander around solo and discover the culinary gems of the city.
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Quinta das Lagrimas or similar, Coimbra
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Breakfast, Lunch
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Quinta das Lagrimas or similar, Coimbra
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Breakfast, Lunch
Day 4
Flavors of Tomar & Évora
Journey through time in Tomar today, as you unravel the mysteries of the Knights Templar at Convento de Cristo, then roam the charming old town streets with your guide, stopping for a traditional lunch where regional flavors will take center stage. Later, you’ll visit the charming city of Évora for a cookery class that focuses on Alentejan cuisine, followed by a guided tour through Évora’s captivating old town. Enjoy some free time this evening to explore the city at your own pace.
Flavors of Tomar & Évora
Journey through time in Tomar today, as you unravel the mysteries of the Knights Templar at Convento de Cristo, then roam the charming old town streets with your guide, stopping for a traditional lunch where regional flavors will take center stage. Later, you’ll visit the charming city of Évora for a cookery class that focuses on Alentejan cuisine, followed by a guided tour through Évora’s captivating old town. Enjoy some free time this evening to explore the city at your own pace.
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Hotel Albergaria do Calvario or similar, Évora
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Breakfast, Lunch
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Hotel Albergaria do Calvario or similar, Évora
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Breakfast, Lunch
Day 5
Alentejo's Culinary Treasures
Uncover the secrets of Évora today with a guided tour of its most spectacular historic gems, including the majestic Évora Cathedral, and a thought-provoking exploration of the Chapel of Bones. Next, you’ll visit a cork shop and factory and learn about one of Portugal’s biggest exports. Feast on the flavors of the Alentejo region for lunch, sampling local specialties and drinks, then discover the art of making bread during a hands-on bread making class. The night is yours to continue your exploration of Évora under the stars.
Alentejo's Culinary Treasures
Uncover the secrets of Évora today with a guided tour of its most spectacular historic gems, including the majestic Évora Cathedral, and a thought-provoking exploration of the Chapel of Bones. Next, you’ll visit a cork shop and factory and learn about one of Portugal’s biggest exports. Feast on the flavors of the Alentejo region for lunch, sampling local specialties and drinks, then discover the art of making bread during a hands-on bread making class. The night is yours to continue your exploration of Évora under the stars.
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Hotel Albergaria do Calvario or similar, Évora
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Breakfast, Lunch
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Hotel Albergaria do Calvario or similar, Évora
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Breakfast, Lunch
Day 6
Setúbal: From Markets to Moscatel
Get ready for a tasty morning adventure in Setúbal! Dive into the lively fish market, packed with fresh goodies and local treats that define Setúbal's food scene, chat with vendors, and sample local specialties. Then, visit a charming tile atelier in Azeitão to marvel at traditional Portuguese craftsmanship. Enjoy lunch at an intimate spot, where delicious dishes meet perfect wine pairings. Then take a behind-the-scenes look at winemaking in the Peninsula de Setúbal. Tour the cellars, taste regional wines, and top it off with a special sip of their renowned moscatel. As evening falls, Lisbon beckons. Discover the nocturnal wonders of the Portuguese capital at your leisure.
Setúbal: From Markets to Moscatel
Get ready for a tasty morning adventure in Setúbal! Dive into the lively fish market, packed with fresh goodies and local treats that define Setúbal's food scene, chat with vendors, and sample local specialties. Then, visit a charming tile atelier in Azeitão to marvel at traditional Portuguese craftsmanship. Enjoy lunch at an intimate spot, where delicious dishes meet perfect wine pairings. Then take a behind-the-scenes look at winemaking in the Peninsula de Setúbal. Tour the cellars, taste regional wines, and top it off with a special sip of their renowned moscatel. As evening falls, Lisbon beckons. Discover the nocturnal wonders of the Portuguese capital at your leisure.
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Brown’s Boutique Hotel or similar, Lisbon
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Breakfast, Lunch
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Brown’s Boutique Hotel or similar, Lisbon
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Breakfast, Lunch
Day 7
Gastronomic Lisbon and Farewell Fado
Your day begins with an epicurean walk through Lisbon, exploring its markets, bakeries and gourmet shops. Unleash your inner pastry chef with a hands-on Pastel de Belém workshop, where you’ll learn how to make this iconic custard treat. In the afternoon, the city is yours to explore at your leisure, why not check out the oldest bookshop in the world or treat yourself to a sip of ginjinha, a cherry liqueur at a bar dating back to 1840 ? Whether you crave history, souvenir shopping, or people watching from a cozy café, Lisbon delivers. As the sun sets, go native with a traditional farewell dinner alongside a blast of fado, soulful Portuguese singing that turns tragic love affairs into epic dramas.
Gastronomic Lisbon and Farewell Fado
Your day begins with an epicurean walk through Lisbon, exploring its markets, bakeries and gourmet shops. Unleash your inner pastry chef with a hands-on Pastel de Belém workshop, where you’ll learn how to make this iconic custard treat. In the afternoon, the city is yours to explore at your leisure, why not check out the oldest bookshop in the world or treat yourself to a sip of ginjinha, a cherry liqueur at a bar dating back to 1840 ? Whether you crave history, souvenir shopping, or people watching from a cozy café, Lisbon delivers. As the sun sets, go native with a traditional farewell dinner alongside a blast of fado, soulful Portuguese singing that turns tragic love affairs into epic dramas.
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Brown’s Boutique Hotel or similar, Lisbon
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Breakfast, Lunch, Farewell Dinner
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Brown’s Boutique Hotel or similar, Lisbon
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Breakfast, Lunch, Farewell Dinner
Day 8
Adeus!
With a heart and belly full of memories, it’s time to bid your fellow travelers goodbye. But the fun doesn’t have to end here. You’ll find plenty more to explore in picture perfect Portugal. Check out the Atlas Obscura Guide to Portugal for inspiration. Until next time!
Adeus!
With a heart and belly full of memories, it’s time to bid your fellow travelers goodbye. But the fun doesn’t have to end here. You’ll find plenty more to explore in picture perfect Portugal. Check out the Atlas Obscura Guide to Portugal for inspiration. Until next time!
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Breakfast
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Breakfast
What is included?
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Accommodations throughout the trip.
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Most meals (as described in the itinerary).
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Transportation (as described in the itinerary), including airport transfers.
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Admission/entry to activities (as described in the itinerary).
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AO Trip Leader throughout the trip.
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Special access to AO places and experiences (as described in the itinerary).
What is not included?
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Flights to and from destination.
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Pre/Post trip accommodations.
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Travel insurance (strongly recommended).
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Visas and passport fees.
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Meals outside of those described (including most alcoholic beverages).
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AO Trip Leader tip.
Additional info
Pricing & Trip Deposit
Deposit to book your trip: $250 USD.
Balance due 90 days prior to departure.
The listed price of this trip is per person based on double occupancy.
Pricing & Trip Deposit
Deposit to book your trip: $250 USD.
Balance due 90 days prior to departure.
The listed price of this trip is per person based on double occupancy.
Traveling Solo?
You’re in good company.
Opt for a Private Room to yourself, subject to availability, for a supplemental cost:
2024 departures: $850 USD per person
2025 departures: $780 USD per person
Solo travelers typically make up about half of our small groups. With curiosity at the center of our experiences, there’s a natural camaraderie that develops over the course of a trip.
If you don’t opt for a Private Room, you'll be matched with another solo traveler of the same gender.
Traveling Solo?
You’re in good company.
Opt for a Private Room to yourself, subject to availability, for a supplemental cost:
2024 departures: $850 USD per person
2025 departures: $780 USD per person
Solo travelers typically make up about half of our small groups. With curiosity at the center of our experiences, there’s a natural camaraderie that develops over the course of a trip.
If you don’t opt for a Private Room, you'll be matched with another solo traveler of the same gender.
Activity Level
This tour has a moderate activity level. Consider four to six miles of walking each day, with lots of time spent moving around and on your feet. You should be comfortable walking on both flat and uneven ground, as well as stairs.
Activity Level
This tour has a moderate activity level. Consider four to six miles of walking each day, with lots of time spent moving around and on your feet. You should be comfortable walking on both flat and uneven ground, as well as stairs.
Arrival & Departure
You should plan to arrive by 12 p.m. on Day 1, and depart anytime on Day 8. Porto airport (OPO) connects to a range of flight hubs. The best flight connections to Porto are offered by TAP Air Portugal, United Airlines & Turkish Airlines.
*Airport transfers are only provided if arriving & departing on the trip dates, or if pre/post arrangements have been made through Atlas Obscura.
Arrival & Departure
You should plan to arrive by 12 p.m. on Day 1, and depart anytime on Day 8. Porto airport (OPO) connects to a range of flight hubs. The best flight connections to Porto are offered by TAP Air Portugal, United Airlines & Turkish Airlines.
*Airport transfers are only provided if arriving & departing on the trip dates, or if pre/post arrangements have been made through Atlas Obscura.
Have more questions?
Check out the Essential Trip Information for this trip or our general FAQs.
Any questions about this trip? Don't hesitate to reach out
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Call us at +1 833-919-9154
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Send us a
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Trip inquiry
Have a question for us about Portugal: A Culinary Adventure from Porto to Lisbon? We're here to help!
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Call us at +1 833-919-9154
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Trip inquiry
Have a question for us about Portugal: A Culinary Adventure from Porto to Lisbon? We're here to help!
-
Call us at +1 833-919-9154
-
Check out our FAQ
This site is protected by reCAPTCHA and the Google Privacy Policy and Terms of Service apply.