Portugal with Luxury & Style (8 Days): A Sample Itinerary

ID #: DT-P-8-4-5-10-RAIJ

DavidTravel Itinerary Highlights include:

Savoring life slowly is a Portuguese passion. For any lover of fine food and wine, this journey is a dream come true. This epicurean adventure is set against the backdrop of historic Portugal, a country covered with international World Heritage Sites and graced by one of Europe’s most relaxed and attractive capitals. Discover the historical landmarks, lovely old restaurants, and sun dappled vineyards. It might be hard to discern if the warm feeling inside is coming from the natural beauty of the country or from the delightful glass of port that lingers on your palette. A perfect and elegant maturity crafted to delight the senses seems to characterize everything you experience on this journey through the less traveled wonders of Portugal.

• Explore Porto and visit the Stock Exchange Palace, the Lello bookshop, and Casa do Infante

• Journey along the picturesque River Douro through the Port Wine region and meet the owner at Quintada Pacheca wine estate

• Take in the breathtaking views of the Portuguese Riviera and Lisbon

• Enjoy a private visit to Herdade dos Coelheiros wine estate

Overview:

Though overshadowed by its more popular neighbor to the east, Portugal remains one of Europe's unspoiled gems. This land of traditional villages and vibrant cities has a countryside strewn with historical treasures and a wide assortment of World Heritage sites - natural and cultural wonders that offer a window into this once great seafaring nation.

Portugal's lively capital, Lisbon, and its northern sibling, Porto, are magical places for the wanderer, with picturesque neighborhoods, broad plazas and old-fashioned trams still rattling through the streets. Both cities have their share of enticing urban life, with eclectic restaurants, colorful boutiques, bohemian cafes and stylish nightclubs that make good use of the waterside setting. Smaller towns offer their own enchantment, with well-preserved medieval quarters that invite exploring in towns like Évora, Coimbra, Guimarães and Braga .

Outside the cities, travelers can enjoy Portugal's warm sunny weather exploring centuries-old vineyards, visiting stone villages in the mountains or soaking up rays on the magnificent southern shoreline. Dramatic scenery lies all along the coast from windswept cliffs with edge-of-the-world views to wild dune-covered beaches.

More than just a static backdrop, the scenery sets the stage for outdoor adventure. Hiking, surfing, windsurfing, horse-riding, big game fishing, kayaking, diving, golfing and mountain biking are a few ways to spend a sun-drenched afternoon.

Those seeking a different slice of Portuguese culture can join in the revelry at a traditional festival, discover the melancholic music of fado (Portugal's answer to the Blues), sample the great fruits of the sea or go port wine tasting.

Perhaps best of all, visitors can stay overnight in some beautiful settings, from converted medieval monasteries to sprawling manor houses, elegant beach resorts to urban townhouses set in the heart of a historic neighborhood.