Gastronomy of Portugal Part One - A Dream Food and Wine Tour from Porto to Lisbon
Portugal is undoubtedly one of the best destinations around for a dream food and wine tour. The country’s diverse culinary influences reflect its eclectic past and vibrant culture in equal measure, and of course, the stunning landscape helps too. With its long Atlantic coastline, fertile valleys and sun-drenched terroirs, Portugal bursting with the natural bounty of land and sea and our favourite local DMC, Portugal by TravelTailors, want to show you what you can offer your valuable clients when working with them.
Here, the food is rooted in simple dishes done exceptionally well; the mouth-watering fare of traditional eateries now complemented by a thriving contemporary culinary scene full of playful invention and intriguing taste twists - with the Michelin stars to reward it. And the warm, dry summers of the Mediterranean climate allow Portugal to produce some of the finest wines in Europe - not to mention its famous Ports - with exclusive varieties treasured for their complexity, depth and uniqueness of flavour.
The culinary delights of Portugal make for a feast best savoured slowly, and so, when we turned to our expert friends at Portugal by TravelTailors for guidance, we agreed to split our “Flavours of Portugal” exploration into two parts.
This, the first part of the tour, weaves its way south from Porto to Lisbon. On the way, guests sample some of the country’s world-class winemaking regions (including the Douro), uncover authenticity in the traditional fishing villages of the west coast, and enjoy immersion in some of Portugal’s top cultural and historic highlights. And of course, being a Portugal by TravelTailors' itinerary, it’s full of hidden gems and unique experiences for a truly wonderful and memorable trip!
We begin in Porto…
A taste of historic Porto
Your guests’ adventure kicks off in colourful Porto, with its incredible riverfront views, UNESCO-listed old town and harmonious blend of old and new. Set on the slopes of the Douro River, Portugal’s second-largest city is a charming place of hilly cobblestone streets and mediaeval architecture, where nightclubs and restaurants mingle with cathedrals, churches and museums across narrow alleys, hidden squares and broad avenues.
Accompanied by a private guide, your guests can spend their first afternoon exploring the secrets of the centre and its many attractions, discovering favourite local haunts (don’t miss the Livarario Lello, Porto’s oldest bookstore) and resting in one of the many cafés.
For dinner, the 2-Michelin star restaurant “The Yeatman”, led by Chef Ricardo Costa, is one of the very best in Portugal. Situated in the Yeatman Hotel on the south bank of the river, the commanding position offers breathtaking views over the historic centre of the City - a wonderful way to round off a perfect Porto day.
And where do we stay here in Porto?
Portugal by TravelTailors has a wide range of luxury, premium and boutique hotels to choose from in and around Porto - including the Yeatman Hotel itself and Vila Foz with its Michelin star restaurant under Chef Arnaldo Azevedo 5*, GA Palace Porto 5*, Jardins do Porto Boutique GuestHouse 4* or Portobay Teatro 4*
Portugal by TravelTailors' highlight today in this gorgeous city is the 5* Maison Albar le Monumental Palace with Micheline star restaurant under Chef Julien Montbabu. A member of the Leading Hotels of the World group, this spectacular spot boasts 76 spacious rooms and suites (all appointed to an exceptionally luxurious standard), 3 restaurants and a renowned café and Spa. Plus, despite its remarkable looks, it still maintains a laid-back, home from home feel - an idyllic place for your guests to spend their time in Porto.
Fiercely proud of their heritage, the townspeople of Porto have long invested their time and energies into commerce and wine - and of course, those world-famous Port Wine Cellars on the opposite bank in Vila Nova de Gaia. Day two begins with a unique morning walking tour discovering the best Port Wine Lodges in the expert hands of a Knight of the Port Wine Brotherhood. These passionate experts have more than 20 years’ experience, and are the ideal pairing to guide your guests through the very best - and the most secret - Port wine lodges, bars and shops, tasting special and old wines and enjoying insider insights and stories as they go.
In the afternoon, it’s time to experience the famous Portuguese Francesinha, a take on the French croque-monsieur which is typical of Northern Portugal. There are few better ways to learn how to make this sensational sandwich than with an exclusive cooking experience at home with a professional chef - making the perfect stop for lunch! The ingredients of this delicious dish can vary, but usually it consists of linguiça, pork sausage, cold cuts and lean beef steak served on white bread, covered with cheese and drowned in a tomato-based, piripiri-style sauce before being melted in the oven.
The Green Wines and Manor Houses of Minho
Day three sees Portugal by TravelTailors take your guests to the verdant northwest corner of Portugal to Minho, a region of breathtaking natural beauty and cultural richness known for its lush green landscapes, rolling vineyards and charming villages. The best way to discover this spell-binding place - and its fabulous gastronomy! - is to visit one of the many Manor Houses, each one offering a fabulously warm welcome.
At Casa de Juste Manor House, guests are hosted by the Viscountess herself and are taken through the enthralling history of this ancient family estate before heading to the old kitchens. Here, guests learn to cook an authentic local menu under the Viscountess’ tutelage, using the wood-burning stove and old pots for an added layer of immersion, before enjoying the fruits of their labour either al fresco or in one of the elegant dining rooms.
This landscape is home to the unique Vinho Verde, or green wines, the grapes entwining trees, climbing trellises and bordering the fields dotted with traditional granaries that run along the local river banks. A visit to a green wine winery is the perfect way to learn more about these gorgeously light red and fresh, aromatic white varieties, both drunk chilled and presenting the perfect pairing for fish and shellfish. Oenophiles are truly spoilt today, because there’s still time in the day to visit another of the most iconic Quintas (wineries) in the region, with options including the Quinta da Aveleda, the Casa de Sezim and the Palacio da Brejoeira - each as famous for their manor houses as they are for the quality of their wines.
And we can’t forget the local cuisine - a fine wine’s greatest ally! This region is famous for its traditional dishes - from caldo verde (cabbage soup) and local river trout, through mains of arroz de cabidela (chicken rice cooked in blood), rojões (braised pork chunks) or sarrabulho (pork rice cooked in pig blood) to sweet desserts like Abade de Priscos crème caramel. And where do Portugal by TravelTailors recommend to sample the food of the region? Part of the the 5* hotel Casa da Calçada, Largo do Paço by chef André Silva holds one Michelin star for its smart modernisation of the typical local gastronomy, achieved without forgetting its traditions.
A Day in the Douro
The Douro Valley, a UNESCO World Heritage Site, is a mesmerising landscape of rugged beauty, terraced vineyards and winding riverbanks, with centuries-old estates producing some of the finest Port wine vintages going (as well as exceptional olive oils). Here, the tradition of welcoming visitors and sharing of the region’s best is as old as the vineyards themselves. Best discovered with a private guided tour, a gentle stroll through one of Portugal by TravelTailors' recommended wineries is beautifully concluded with lunch set against a panoramic backdrop of the valley. After, a 2-hour river cruise is a wonderful way to explore one of the most beautiful sections of the valley, navigating up and down the Tua Rover and taking in the vineyards, villages, terraces, towns and ancient estates that line the banks.
And for dinner? The Restaurant DOC in Folgosa, Armamar is sure to blow guests away with both its setting and its food. On one of the most beautiful and scenic routes in Portugal, the restaurant extends out on an elegant wooden deck over the river with breathtaking tranquil views - the perfect place to enjoy Portuguese Chef Rui Paula’s modern and inventive take on traditional dishes.
To the heart of Portugal - Aveiro, The "Venice of Portugal."
Next, Portugal by TravelTailors encourage guests to venture further into the centre of Portugal, beginning with a visit to Aveiro. Often dubbed as the "Venice of Portugal," Aveiro is a picturesque coastal city renowned for its charming canals, colourful moliceiro boats and historic buildings, from its stunning Cathedral to its Art Nouveau-style houses. Visitors can explore the bustling fish market, sample local delicacies like ovos moles, an emblematic sweet of the city made from eggs and sugar and sold in wooden barrels or wrapped in a crispy wafer.
Continuing south, a magnificent lunch awaits at the historic Bussaco Royal Palace Hotel. Once a Royal Hunting Lodge, this authentic fairytale castle is tucked in an enchanting National Forest setting, exuding old-world majesty with its ornate architecture, lush gardens and opulent interiors complete with treasured artworks. Here, guests enjoy an indulgent 5-course tasting menu of fine modern Portuguese cuisine prepared by prominent chef Miguel Silva - an authentic and creative gastronomic tour of the very best local flavours. In the former royal banquet hall, diners eat under a magnificent Moorish ceiling surrounded by ten huge paintings depicting Vasco de Gama’s voyage to India, with a wide selection of Portuguese Bussaco wines at their disposal. From legendary reds to exceptional whites, there are vintages here that date back to the mid-1940s so lucky visitors might find a bottle from their birth year for a truly personalised experience! Full of great food and fine wine, the outdoor veranda is the most romantic place to rest and take in the views before heading for a very exclusive private wine cellar visit in the Palace itself. This incredibly special tour takes visitors into what was once the private wine cellar of the Portuguese Kings to sample some of the unique and rare wines of this legendary Palace.
And, to top off this incredible day, a 1-hour hiking tour of the magical National Forest setting is a wonderful way to stretch the legs surrounded by nature in all its glory. The Serra do Baçaco botanical garden provides a home to around 700 native and exotic species - all, rather uniquely, under the protection of the Church thanks to a 17th Century Papal Bull threatening anyone causing damage with excommunication! Here, giant Bussaco cypress and cedar trees tower above, and breathtaking panoramic views over the whole region, including the Vale dos Fetos (Fern Valley) and the Fonte Fria (Cold Fountain), can be enjoyed from the Miradouro da Cruz (High Cross).
And if all that hiking works up an appetite once more? Guests should seek out the most famous regional dish, Leitão à Bairrada (Roasted Suckling Pig), to complete their authentic local experience.
The ancient culture, Christian heritage and revered cuisine of Coimbra and Tomar
Day 6 sees guests depart their accommodation in Porto and head further south, stopping first at beautiful Coimbra, known to the Romans as Aeminium and the capital of the Kingdom of Portugal between 1131 and 1255. Providing inspiration to generations of writers and poets, this is a city steeped in romantic tales, including the forbidden love story of King Pedro I and the Galician Lady Inês de Castro, executed on the orders of King Afonso IV to protect the realm from Castillian rule. Coimbra’s historic centre, a UNESCO World Heritage site, is a labyrinth of narrow streets, academic republics, ancient squares and historic monuments, including the iconic Coimbra University, one of Europe’s oldest academic institutions. A hub of research and tech innovation and learning, Coimbra University is also home to Portugal’s most important library, the Joanina Library, whose intricate Baroque architecture keeps many irreplaceable literary treasures, old manuscripts and rare single volumes safe. And it’s the University that lends this place, so rich in past culture, a thriving youthfulness, with a large student population bringing a fresh feel with every registration.
Here, after a morning of thorough exploration, Portugal by TravelTailors recommends that guests try the famous local dish “Chanfana”, a rich and flavorful stew made with marinated goat meat and cooked slowly in a clay pot with red wine, garlic and bay until meltingly tender. This hearty stew is so revered that there’s even an institution set up to ensure its preservation - the Brotherhood of Cabra Velha Chanfana - founded in the picturesque village of Miranda do Corvo to preserve, promote and celebrate the authentic heritage and craftsmanship behind this iconic dish.
In the afternoon Portugal by TravelTailors takes travellers to Tomar, once the seat of the Order of the Knights Templar, where trying the local convent sweets “Beija-me depressa” (Kiss me quickly) is a must! Here, a fascinating mediaeval centre is lined with traditional shops, and guests can feast on delectable local pastries, from almond and squash queijadas to the unique Fatias de Tomar. Today, Tomar is a city rich with artistic and cultural wealth, led by the stunning Convent of Christ complex, a perfectly preserved example of Portuguese Renaissance architecture.
Climbing up to the Templar castle, this remarkable complex includes the Charola (Rotunda), a 12th-century Templar chapel. Inspired by fortifications seen in the Holy Land, the Charola and castle represented Portugal’s most advanced military defences at the time, and both were painstakingly restored in the 16th century, a restoration kept intact right up to the modern day to earn the chapel UNESCO World Heritage status. And the history here is not just Christian, though it did witness the fighting of the Christian Reconquest in the 12th century. There is also an interesting testimony to the Jewish religion in the old 15th-century Synagogue, currently the Abraão Zacuto Luso-Hebrew Museum, devoted to this distinguished 15th-century astronomer and mathematician and containing a fascinating documentary and epigraphic collection.
Where to stay? Portugal by TravelTailors love the authentic luxury of the 5* boutique Hotel Repulica Tomar, a beautiful refuge in the heart of the ancient city offering elegant accommodations and fabulous food. Portugal by TravelTailors can also offer guests an exclusive "Chef's Table" experience here with an exclusive view of the Hotel's kitchen and a menu specially prepared for you with wine pairing .
Other hotels recommended in the area include the MS Collection Aveiro Palácio de Valdemouro 5*the unique Areias do Seixo 5* and the more moderately priced Luz Houses 4*
The Fishing Traditions and Seafood of the Portuguese Coast
Portugal’s western coastline is extremely rich in fishing traditions, with numerous towns and ports where the industry is the primary source of income for the local community - not to mention a huge part of the culture. Day 7 brings the opportunity to dive deep into this fabulous ocean heritage, meeting cheerful fishwives of Nazaré and learning how to open and slice fish and sea urchins like a pro. In the beautiful fishing village of Nazaré, colourful boats, cobblestone streets and sweeping ocean views make the ideal backdrop for a bustling market. Here, the warm, friendly fishwives are on hand to teach guests how to prepare the fish with the deftness of a local, taking the perfectly filleted results to the beach after to dry in the sun.
After a delicious seafood lunch - Portugal by TravelTailors highly recommend local sardines, sea bass, gold bream and snapper - there’s time to sightsee in this gorgeous spot, learning more about its fishing and cultural history before heading to another stunning fishing village, Ericeira, for a unique experience amongst the sea urchins. The spiny sea urchins of Ericeira are prized delicacies known for their rich, briny flavour.
Guests are able to tour the caves of a local grower, learning how to pick their own urchins and experiencing their distinctive taste at its freshest - straight from the ocean.
Sunset is the perfect time to visit the mediaeval town of Óbidos, one of the most picturesque and well preserved in the entire country. Perched on a hilltop, this historic gem captivates with its historic charm and well-preserved walls; its delightful maze of cobblestone streets winding past whitewashed houses dressed with vibrant window boxes and religious and civil architecture from the town’s golden days to finally arrive at the majestic Óbidos Castle. Inside the castle walls, visitors discover quaint shops, cosy cafes, and artisanal boutiques offering local handicrafts and delicacies like Ginjinha de Óbidos, a rich and delectably sour cherry liqueur drunk from a small, edible chocolate cup, whose hint of bitterness provides a wonderful contrast.
Fine Wines from the foothills of the Sintra Mountains
After a restful night,day 8 heralds an exploration of one of the most interesting wine regions in Portugal - Colares. The most western vineyards in mainland Europe, the terroirs of Colares lie at the foot of the Sintra mountains where the land falls down to the Atlantic coast. The town itself has long been a well-kept summer secret for the Portuguese, and is a demarcated wine-growing region, renowned for its very popular and increasingly rare Colares wines. Typically red though occasionally white, these bold wines are unique and distinctive, produced from indigenous Ramisco and Malvasia grapes grown in sandy soils just a stone's throw from the Ocean and full of the characteristics of the maritime climate. Why are Colares wines increasingly rare?It’s because of the region's unique microclimate. Colares wines are particularly prized for their quality and sense of place, making them a distinctive choice for wine enthusiasts seeking something truly special.
And how do you follow such special wines? The perfect pairing for a tasting at one of Portugal by TravelTailors' excellent selected wineries, which include the Winery Quinta de Sant’Ana and Quinta Casal Santa Maria, is a Michelin-starred meal - and there are two exceptional restaurants in the locality to pick from.
At Fortaleza do Guincho, the restaurant has deservedly held its Michelin star since 2001. Here, acclaimed chef Miguel Rocha Viera has fused the restaurant’s founding classic French cuisine with Portuguese products and culinary traditions, using the very best fish and seafood from the Atlantic coast and the highest quality of local and national produce to create stunning seasonal dishes.
For lovers of gastronomic artistry and innovation, LAB by Sergi Arola, also with a Michelin Star, is a must-try. This modern, sophisticated restaurant offers three different tasting menus and à la carte options, all based on high-quality, fresh seasonal ingredients prepared with an innovative touch to every detail. With a privileged view of a magnificent golf course, this intimate dining experience seats just 22, and holds a cellar of 550 wines from around the world, exclusive Cognacs and Armagnacs and a tea menu with more than 40 varieties.
Guests top off a wonderful day of fine food and drink with a stroll around beautiful Cascais, a coastal gem that charms visitors with its sandy beaches, chic boutiques, lively cafes and a bustling marina. Once a major mediaeval port, this elegant town now presents a wonderfully relaxed and luxe vibe, making it the ideal stop for a spot of oceanfront relaxation and exploration.
And next? Portugal by TravelTailors take your guests to the final destination for part one of this dream foodie tour - Lisbon.
The Full Flavours of Lisbon
Portugal's capital bewitches with its blend of old-world beauty and modern energy, from the winding alleys of Alfama to the grandeur of Belém. Arriving in the early evening, guests check in to their luxury accommodations. Portugal by TravelTailors recommends The One Palacio da Anunciada as a prime pick. Housed in a 16th-century Palace, this fabulous boutique hotel is in the most exclusive part of town. Its exquisite architecture is beautifully updated with modern amenities, and its elegant guest rooms feature marble bathrooms and hand-painted Portuguese ceramics. Here, guests can indulge to their heart’s content - lazing by the outdoor pool, resting in the private gardens, pampering in the spa and wining and dining in the Portuguese restaurant, wine and tapas bar. And of course, being in the best part of town means they’re just a few minutes’ walk from the heart of Lisbon.
Other hotels we love in Lisbon include Palacio Ludovice 5*, Palacio Principe Real 5*, H10 Duque de Loulé 4*, Almalusa Baixa-Chiado 4* and Hotel das Amoreiras 4*
After a sumptuous night, a full-day cultural tour of this safe, friendly and oh-so-intriguing city awaits. Lisbon is a city made for exploration, with endless attractions and delightful surprises around every corner - a place of boundless vitality where you could spend days and still leave wanting more. Portugal by TravelTailors suggest choosing a topic or theme to guide your itinerary. The choice is truly vast, from Roman Lisbon to Manueline, Baroque or Romantic Lisbon; literary Lisbon to bohemian Lisbon to the Lisbon of Fado.
And let’s not forget the food! A half-day foodie’s walking tour brings a local expert to guide guests around some of the most iconic cafes, bars and boutiques, tasting the specialities of city and country en route. Taking in the most iconic quarters, from Baixe and Chiado to the Bairro Alto, visitors experience legendary local secrets like the Manteigaria Silva Grocery Shop (est. 1890), the Cafe Nicola, the Farmers’ Market of Mercado da Ribeira and the Pastry Shop Alcoa, tasting and testing as they go.
On our final night of this Porto to Lisbon extravaganza? There’s no better way to cap this gastronomic experience than dinner in one of Lisbon’s most celebrated Michelin-star restaurants, from the Alma by Chef Henrique Sá Pessoa, with its lively Chef’s table, to the ultra-chic Belcanto, where Chef Jose Avillez serves up modern takes on Portuguese classics.
For those not done with their culinary tour of this stunning country, stay tuned for Part Two of our Dream Food and Wine Tour, where we head further into the sunny climes of the South for an exploration of the Alentejo, Algarve and Setubal!
We hope this itinerary from Portugal by TravelTailors has offered lots of culinary inspiration for your guests’ perfect foodie tour in Portugal from Porto to Lisbon, packed with gastronomic adventure, fine wines and cultural experiences! To personalise a tour that perfectly suits your clients, Portugal by TravelTailors are on hand to craft a bespoke itinerary that delivers on their every desire.
For more information and to set up a meeting with Portugal by TravelTailors, just get in touch today.
