October 17 - 23
Bem Vindo!
We’re so excited to be going back to Portugal, and can’t wait to have you experience this beautiful, welcoming design destination with us. We’ll split our time between the two main cities of Lisboa and Porto, with private tours, workshops, and unique experiences in each locale.
Please note: This itinerary is subject to change, due to availability of private tour access and other considerations.
THURSDAY, OCT 17
After a welcome luncheon for the group, we have a guided tour at FRESS, a repository of Portuguese design— furniture, metalwork, ceramics, and other elements of decor—that is also a living workshop where the history and heritage of their production is preserved and taught to future generations.
Afterwards, we’ll stop at one of the famous Lisbon miradouro’s (look outs) for some gorgeous views over the city before heading down to the harbor to walk through the Mosteiro dos Jerónimos, a UNESCO World Heritage Site. We’ll end the day with a glass of wine on sunset river cruise that provides a beautiful overview of Lisbon.
FRIDAY, OCT 18
We head out early morning with our guide and driver to Sintra. First we’ll tour colorful, turreted Peña; then we’ll see a true vision of Romanticism as exemplified at Monserrate, where we’ ll stop for a catered picnic lunch. Our final viewing will be the city’s oldest palace, Palácio Nacional, before heading back to Lisbon.
SATURDAY, OCT 19
Our last full day in Lisbon starts in style, with a tour of Palácio Fronteira, the Mascarenhas’ family seat, and the primary home of Marquis & Marchioness of Fronteira. This lovely 17th c. estate contains the largest collection of seventeenth-century “azulejos” (Portuguese tiles) preserved in their original installations.
In the afternoon we’ll visit an artist’s studio and create our own botanical inks, that we’ll then use to illustrate the unique decorative centerpiece at our chef-prepared dinner. We’ll dine with the artists and you’ll have a chance to shop some of their custom collaborations for a unique final keepsake from Lisbon.
SUNDAY, OCT 20
We bid Lisbon goodbye and travel by train to Porto in the morning. When we arrive in Porto we’ll taxi to our hotel, take some time for a group lunch, and explore our neighborhood.
In the afternoon we’ve scheduled a tile painting workshop that shares traditional techniques with the goal of preserving this unique facet of Portuguese culture.
MONDAY, OCT 21
We’ll explore Porto’s Art Nouveau buildings with an architect on a tour that will let us see quite a bit of this lovely city. After, we’ll head to Rua das Flores, a popular pedestrian street filled with cafes and shopping.
At 3:00pm meet up at Rua das Flores, 22, for a private soap-making workshop at the famed Claus Porto.
TUESDAY, OCT 22
A guided tour of the extremely ornamental Palácio da Bolsa and then, if that’s not enough detailed decor, we’ll stop at the Igreja de São Francisco, where the seriously austere exterior doesn’t even begin to hint at the Baroque extravagance inside.
After that you’re free to explore Porto on your own—and we’re happy to offer some suggestions—before we meet up at 3:30pm for ceramic artist’s studio tour, followed by petiscos & vinho, a sampling of Portuguese small bites and wines (or cocktails!) as a final treat to end our time together.
NOT READY TO LEAVE?
If you’ve gotten used to the “Portugal Pour” and want to try some more deliciousness, join us for an extra day as we visit the Douro Valley for some fantastic views and wonderful wines. The additional fees and details for this extra day are available on the registration form.
Please note: This itinerary is subject to change, due to availability of private tour access and other considerations.
What’s Included?
• Three nights at The Vintage Lisbon
A five-star hotel with a groovy little bar and a lovely rooftop lounge, breakfast included. Shared double occupancy twin-bed rooms. Single occupancy available for an additional fee. Please contact us for details.
• Three nights at the Torel Palace Porto
A five-star hotel with a pool and a charming French-inspired pasteleira on site, as well as a Michelin-reviewed restaurant. Breakfast included. Lots of opportunities to indulge before heading home!
• Local transportation in Lisbon & Porto
Airfare is not included, but we’ve taken care of everything else. You’ll be picked up at Humberto Delgado Airport (or your Lisbon arrival destination) and brought to The Vintage Lisbon hotel. Lisbon & Porto destinations will be mostly by Metro and walking, while out-of-town trips will be with a private driver. At the end of our time together, we’ve arranged for your transportation back to your preferred departure destination. (Taxi/car service for any independent activities not included.)
• Meals (in addition to breakfast) as specified
Four lunches and one dinner are included, along with various drinks & snacks. Given that most dinners are not included, we STRONGLY recommend you make dinner reservations in advance of the trip, especially if you want to try someplace specific.
• Entry fees and VIP passes
For all museums, monuments, workshops, and other paid entry group visits, plus all guided tours.
• Expertise
Our 20+ combined years of travel, specifically design-focused travel, to Paris and its environs. We’ve put together an amazing itinerary, and left room for you to tell us what you’d like to see and do as well.
Cost: $5,995
This price is for double-occupancy, shared room, no additional options (as offered on the registration form) included.
Single occupancy option available, please contact us if interested.