Portugal
Portugal is hot. Everyone is talking about going to Portugal. On a luxury Portugal holiday with us you’ll find it’s affordable, accessible and full of interesting landmarks and history, exceptional wine and food. The country is small enough to navigate but surprisingly diverse. From perennial favourites like charming Lisbon and pretty Porto to secret cities such as Sintra, there are cultural and culinary experiences to seek out and enjoy. Whether you believe the country’s real trophy is its gorgeous beaches or bucolic Douro Valley, there’s an authentic, immersive opportunity for luxury travel here that’s not to be missed as part of our tailor-made tours.
Immerse yourself in Portugal’s capital, Lisbon, to discover its timeworn charm. Cruise along the Tagus river in a sail boat. Search out Roman remains, medieval convents and modern architecture. Go on an urban photography safari with a professional photographer. Let a local show you the hidden corners filled with innovative urban art on a street art tour. Take to the air in a helicopter for an alternative perspective. Explore the World Heritage listed Douro Valley on a luxury rail journey and experience Michelin-calibre cooking conjured from a tiny, rocking kitchen as you rattle over the rails. Enjoy private access to exclusive wine estates such as Quinta do Vesuvio. Take part in wine tastings and vintage port tastings with an expert sommelier and wine maker. Join a winemaker to take part in the ancient foot treading ceremony to squash the grapes. Sleep in a bed carved from a wine vat, in a hotel unashamedly dedicated to wine, with a cellar containing more than 25,000 bottles. Spoil yourself with gourmet seasonal dining or a trip to a two Michelin-starred kitchen. Arrange intimate al fresco dining or a romantic table just for the two of you. Celebrate regional produce by taking a cookery class with a top chef. Listen to fado during an evening of Portuguese music and song at a traditional Casa do Fados with private backstage access or catch a troubadour playing a traditional 12-stringed Portuguese guitar. Sign up to a dance class with a seasoned professional. Hit a round of two on a championship golf course. Treat yourself to tailored spa treatments from leading healers, practitioners and experts. Hike the levadas on Madeira or explore the island’s rugged coastline by boat. Discover the superb beaches of Estoril and Cascais. Take an exclusive helicopter flight to the unspoiled Comporta coast and then ride horseback along the empty sands.
Base yourself in Lisbon at one of the capital’s landmark properties, such as the Tivoli Avenida Liberdade Lisboa. In Porto seek out the stylish Yeatman hotel with its heavy focus on wine. Elsewhere ask us about authentic properties such as the InterContinental Porto – Palacio das Cardosas, a converted monastery-cum-palace now acting as a chic boutique hideaway. Mix wine and wellness to superb effect at Six Senses first and currently only European retreat, Six Senses Douro Valley. Relax at regal coastal retreats such as Penha Longa, once patronised by the Portuguese monarchy or, on Madeira, make for one of Europe’s grande dame hotels and settle into Belmond Reid’s Palace.
Portugal is a place of beguiling charms and magnificent scenery. Our tailor-made specialists have explored extensively throughout Portugal so can help you plan an itinerary based on your interests and needs, drawing on first-hand experience to get the most out of this rewarding destination. From the capital Lisbon to Porto and the Douro Valley, the coast and also the island of Madeira, we will suggest a perfect way of exploring. Contact us today for more inspiration and to request a personalised tailor-made tour and bespoke set of ideas for your luxury holiday in Portugal.