So in Oporto, we suggest dining on the river front and at our favorite gourmet place on the Atlantic coast. Along with unique art and architecture, Oprto is one of Europe’s historic wine capitols.
Port wine is most famous but in the last decade there has been a surge in the quality and quantity of classic red wines and some whites of northern Portugal. So wine lovers can enjoy local Port winery tasting visits or red wine excursions up the Douro river valley. Then on to the charming walled medieval town of Obidos, once a wedding gift to the queen of Portugal. Then continue south to enchanting Lisbon.
Highlights of Lisbon for this private travel program, include contrast of exotic historic architecture with the upscale Lapa and Bairro Alto neighborhoods, historic bohemian Alfama area, Belem Tower, fine art, a plethora of shops and artisan studios with azulejo tiles, colonial Asian-influenced furniture antiques, unique rugs, gourmet items & wines, silver & gold and fine linens to name a few. Of course you can’t miss a Fado performance in the old town.
The signature yellow streetcars still chug up and down the many hills of this ancient coastal capital city of Lisbon. There is also a diverse cuisine scene now so you can enjoy taste that harken back to Portugal’s African, Brazilian and Asian colonial past in top restaurants. For those who want to branch out a bit we suggest Sintra. On a memorable private day trip you can enjoy enthralling designs of the palaces, mansions, gardens and tiny lanes in historic Sintra, a traditional retreat of the Portuguese nobility from the summer heat of Lisbon. Your trip ends with a private transfer to Lisbon’s international airport, some 7 hours from New York.