Departure from the USA with an overnight flight to Porto, Portugal. Airfare is not included in the price. Celestial Voyagers can help you choose the best routing and schedule. You may want to arrive earlier. Please let us know if you need additional nights at the hotel upon arrival. Should you decide to purchase your own airline ticket, it is very important to let us know and send us a copy of your ticket.
Arrival in Porto. Transfer to the hotel is not included. We are happy to make arrangements for airport pickup but in order to do so, we must have a copy of your airline ticket.
In the late afternoon we’ll meet for a river cruise on the Douro River ( +/- 50 minutes) to see Porto from another perspective. After the river cruise, we’ll go to a local restaurant for a welcome dinner featuring typical Portuguese food.
After breakfast depart for a full day discovery of Porto with an expert local guide. We will see the world-famous art nouveau Livreria Lello, allegedly the inspiration for architectural elements in the Harry Potter series . We’ll visit the cathedral, the historic Jewish quarter, and the São Bento railway station covered with 20,000 hand-painted. Lunch will be on our own in the large food market where there are plenty of choices.
In the afternoon we’ll visit the Museu de Serralves, a marvel of mid-century modern architecture with its contemporary collection and temporary shows surrounded with beautiful gardens.
In the evening, we’ll go by bus to enjoy a memorable dinner at Casa de Chá da Boa Nova, a unique 2-star michelin restaurant, built right over the rocks near the lighthouse where star-chef Rui Paula brings the fruit of the sea to the table creating his exquisite presentations. (drinks are not included)
Free time in the morning to discover Porto on your time.
In the afternoon we leave by bus to Peso da Régua in the wine region of the Douro Valley. Here, we board a boat and enjoy the view from the river passing through the heart of the wine Region amidst hillsides covered with wines ( +/- 50 minutes).
We continue to Lamego and arrive at our hotel, a former estate set amidst 325 acres of vineyards, fruit trees, ornamental plants, and vegetables. The Contessa will lead our cooking class in the old kitchen with its wood-burning oven and fireplace followed by dinner of the dishes that we prepare. Accommodation at the domain for two nights.
After breakfast, depart by bus to Pinhão, in the heart of the vineyards and on the banks of the Douro. Its charming railway station is renowned for the beauty of its azulejos (tiles panels). Near Pinhão we explore two gems of the region: the belvedere of Casal de Loivos and the small village of Provesende.
In Pinhão, we’ll visit a typical “quinta” (wine-estate), where Port wine and Douro wines are both produced. Lunch will be at the vineyard.
In the afternoon, we board the MiraDouro train to Peso da Régua, a train formed by a diesel locomotive and Schindler tourist cars produced in the 1940s and recently restored. The panoramic windows can be opened during the ride! This will be an unforgettable experience along the banks of the Douro River. We arrive in Peso da Régua, capital of the Port wine region.
On the way back, discover Lamego and the Baroque sanctuary of Nossa Senhora dos Remédios overlooking the town.
We return to Casa dos Viscondes da Várzea (dinner not included) and overnight stay.
After breakfast, we depart for the Bairrada Region. Along the way, we’ll stop at Sangalhos to visit the underground Museum at Caves Aliança, which features sparkling wines and eight private collections from archeology to mineralogy to paleontology and more.
Lunch in a local restaurant to enjoy the justly famous “suckling pig,” a local specialty. (An alternative menu will be available if desired).
In the afternoon, we’ll tour the old university town of Coimbra with a local guide, including the magnificent Library (subject to availability) followed by a concert of Fado music at the Fado Cultural Center. This exquisite musical form developed in Coimbra by university students.
Check into our hotel located in the heart of the old town for two nights.
Our day starts with a walking tour of Aveiro, known as “the Venice of Portugal,” with its canals running throughout. After that, we visit the fascinating Maritime Museum in Ilhavo focusing on a special type of fishing that has been enormously important to the history and economy of Portugal: The “Faina Maior” – cod fishing with lines and hooks as done in Newfoundland and Greenland.
Afterwards, we discover the Vista Alegre porcelain, visiting the museum that promotes the heritage of the Fábrica de Porcelana da Vista Alegre [porcelain factory], inspiring visitors to get to know the ceramic culture through its collections of this historic brand that represents Portugal all over the world.
We pass by charming Costa Nova to see an area that became a popular beach resort in the mid-19th century, well-known and famed for its “palheiros”, traditional houses built to provide shelter for the local fishermen.
Return to Coimbra and have the evening free to explore this small city on your own,
In the morning, we drive to Lisbon. En route we will see Nazare, a paradise for surfers and a colorful fishing town, the most traditional in Portugal. We continue to Óbidos and stop at this medieval village surrounded by the walls of its castle with its typical white houses.
We continue to Lisbon, and before checking at our hotel for 3 nights we will make a stop at the famous Tile Museum set in the former Madre de Deus Convent, showing the history of Portugal through its collection of exquisite tiles.
Dinner in a local restaurant.
After breakfast, meet your guide and depart to visit a traditional market, then proceed to Baixa where you will learn more about the history of the city while you discover some gastronomic gems, local shops, and hidden places. You will have the opportunity to taste delicious Portuguese foods.
After lunch,visit the Gulbenkian Museum, which contains the owner’s personal art collection. His passion for art enabled him to collect more than 6.000 pieces, from Antiquity to the early 20th -century, including works by Rubens, Van Dyck, Rembrandt, Renoir, Manet, Degas and Monet.
Free time in the late afternoon and evening at leisure.
Breakfast and departure with your local guide for a half day visit to Sintra. The colorful former royal summer residence has been an inspiration to writers and poets, such as Lord Byron who named it “the Garden of Eden.” Its exceptional location at the foot of the mountain that bears its name, has been the privileged residence of princes, artists, and writers for centuries.
Continuation to drive by the seaside resorts of Cascais and Estoril.
Our farewell dinner will be in the simple and authentic atmosphere of a traditional restaurant. The owner will welcome you and serve a traditional Portuguese meal with good wines accompanied by Fado music. The singers will perform for you and will be happy to respond tom your questions about this musical form.
Breakfast.
End of services. Transfers to the airport are not included but can be arranged.
All passports must expire at least six months after the trip’s end-date, so after November 4, 2025
This itinerary is subject to possible changes or adjustments due to weather and traffic conditions or other unpredictable events. We will make every effort to ensure that any substitutions are of equal or greater value and interest.
This custom tour was created for Aliza Green Culinary & Cultural Tours
www.alizagreen.com, spice@alizagreen.com
Registrations are made through Celestial Voyagers
Aliza Green is a renowned chef, an award-winning author of 15 cookbooks, and a certified tour director who is experienced in planning and leading international culinary tours. She loves to share her deep culinary knowledge, her fascinating stories, and kitchen tips and tricks gained from her extensive experience in the kitchen.
April 25 – 27, 2025
2 nights, Porto: Hotel Porto Bay Teatro,4* / Porto
https://www.portobay.com/en/hotels/porto-hotels/portobay-hotel-teatro/
PortoBay Teatro hotel is a 4-star hotel in Porto belonging to the PortoBay Group. After being fully refurbished in the first half of 2021, it is now reopening its doors with a fresher, brighter and fully rejuvenated image. It is located in the theatre district, right in the historical center of the city, in Rua Sá da Bandeira. Next to the entrance, but with its own access, the Il Basilico restaurant offers Italian comfort food flavors in the bruschettas, tortelloni, pizzas and risottos that find their way to the tables.
April 27 – 29, 2025
2 nights, Lamego: Hotel Rural Casa dos Viscondes da Várzea, 4*
https://hotelruralviscondesvarzea.pt
See why so many travelers make Hotel Rural Casa dos Viscondes da Varzea their hotel of choice when visiting Lamego. Providing an ideal mix of comfort, value and convenience, it offers a romantic setting with an array of amenities designed for travelers like you.
In the rooms, guests will find amenities such as a sofa, and can access the internet with free Wi-Fi available at the hotel.
The property also features a swimming pool and breakfast, to further enhance your enjoyment. If you are driving to Hotel Rural Casa dos Viscondes da Varzea, there is free parking available on site.
April 29 – May 1, 2025
2 NIGHT, Coimbra: Sapientia Boutique Hotel, 4*
https://www.sapientiahotel.com/
Set in Coimbra, 300 m from University of Coimbra, Sapientia Boutique Hotel features air-conditioned rooms with free WiFi throughout the property. Guests can enjoy the on-site restaurant. Every room includes a flat-screen TV. Some rooms feature a seating area to relax in after a busy day. The rooms are equipped with a private bathroom equipped with a bath or shower. For your comfort, you will find free toiletries and a hairdryer. There is a 24-hour front desk at the property. The hotel also offers bike hire. S. Sebastião Aqueduct is 400 m from Sapientia Boutique Hotel, while Portugal dos Pequenitos is 800 m away.
May 1 – 4, 2025
3 nights, Lisbon: Hotel Lumen,4*
Lisboa https://www.lumenhotel.pt/pt
Located in the heart of the city, the Lumen Hotel & The Lisbon Light Show opened in 2021 and promises to honor the famous Light of Lisbon, invading those who visit it with sensations. This 4 star superior is the first hotel in Portugal to offer an immersive experience of light, through a video mapping show that introduces Lisbon to all the guests. All rooms are equipped with the latest technology (such as tablets and USB sockets) and extra wide beds to provide guests with the greatest comfort.
$7,475 per person sharing in a twin room
Single supplement $1,580
$1,000 deposit at the time of reservation
Balance due: Friday, Feb 7, 2025
| This trip is a land only program. Your airline ticket is to be issued to travel from the USA to Porto returning from Lisbon. Celestial Voyagers is an IATA licensed tour operator. We will be able to advise the best schedule, the most convenient routing and best value for your ticket to Portugal. Please contact us before booking your flights. Should you choose to purchase your airline ticket on your own, provide us with a copy of your schedule in order to provide assistance at the airport. Celestial Voyagers can also assist you with providing a private car or taxi on arrival and departure. |
Celestial Voyager’s Terms and Conditions relate to specific contracts with various suppliers. The policies and regulations below must be strictly enforced.
Aliza Cultural & Culinary Tours, Celestial Voyagers, and all their partners in Portugal will surpass your expectations and deliver a trip of superior quality
We may adjust the program, but we will commit to creating the best possible program for guests with safety, comfort, and ease our top priorities
$1000 deposit to hold your place.
Full payment due by Friday, Feb 7, 2025
All changes and cancellations must be provided in writing via email or postal service.
Your deposit is refundable up to Wednesday, January 23, 2025 minus $350 processing fee.
For cancellation received in writing between Thursday, Jul 24, 2025 and Saturday, Feb 8, 2025, the deposit is non refundable.
For cancellation received in writing between Sunday, Feb 9, 2025 and Saturday, Feb 22, 2025 the penalty is 50% of the trip value.
For cancellation received in writing after Saturday, Feb 22, 2025 and in case of no show the penalty is 100% of the trip value.
Should you be able to provide a new participant to take your place the name change fee will be waived and no penalty will apply.
We highly recommend taking travel insurance to protect yourself from these penalties.
We advise all travelers to purchase travel insurance in case of any unforeseen circumstances and if you are no longer able to travel. We offer the following insurance policies through Allianz Travel Insurance: Basic, Classic, and Classic with cancel anytime. Prices vary with age and amount insured. Click on the link below for more details:
https://celestialvoyagers.com/leisure/leisure-insurance-passports-visas/
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Passport
Most countries require that a passport be valid for six months beyond the completion of a trip. If your passport expires before November 4, 2025, you must apply to renew your passport.
Visa
If you are not a US citizen please check with the consulate of Portugal or a visa agency for the latest requirements. You will also need a re-entry permit to return to the USA
Aliza Green is a renowned chef, an award-winning author of 15 cookbooks, and a certified tour director who is experienced in planning and leading international culinary tours. She loves to share her deep culinary knowledge, her fascinating stories, and kitchen tips and tricks gained from her extensive experience in the kitchen.