Discover historic cities like Lisbon, Porto, and Guimarães, and experience Portugal’s masterpieces, modernist icons, and royal estates with artist and art historian Madeline Díaz.
Your adventure in Portugal begins in the cobblestone streets of Lisbon. Enjoy visits to the UNESCO-listed Mosteiro dos Jerónimos and Torre de Belém, followed by a tour of a renowned installation artist’s private studio. Visit the 17th-century Palácio Marquês da Fronteira, then continue to the well-preserved medieval Palácio Nacional de Sintra, with time to explore the charming city of Sintra at leisure. After a stop in Tomar, continue to Porto to explore the Casa de Serralves, an icon of the Art Deco movement, then participate in a private tour and wine tasting at the prestigious Taylor’s Cellar. Board a traditional Portuguese rabelo boat and glide through the tranquil waters as you take in scenic views of the Douro Valley. Explore architectural wonders and meander the streets of Guimarães, known as the birthplace of Portugal, with an expert guide.
Highlights
- Enjoy curator-led tours at Lisbon’s Fundação Calouste Gulbenkian and Porto’s Fundação Serralves, gaining expert insights into two of Portugal’s most important art collections.
- Explore UNESCO World Heritage landmarks, including Lisbon’s Belém district, Sintra’s palaces, the Gothic monasteries of Alcobaça and Batalha, and the Convento de Cristo in Tomar.
- Journey through the Douro Valley with private wine estate visits, vineyard lunches, and a scenic cruise aboard a rabelo boat along the Douro River.
- Meet a renowned contemporary installation artist during a private studio visit and tour the Galeria Mário Sequeira’s celebrated private collection with its director and owners.
- Step inside rarely accessible palaces and collections, like Lisbon’s Palácio Marquês da Fronteira, Guimarães’ Palácio dos Duques de Bragança, and Braga’s Tesouro Museu da Sé Catedral.
- Walk through Portugal’s architectural treasures, from Gothic monasteries and Manueline palaces to contemporary icons like Porto’s Casa da Música.
- Savor regional specialties in handpicked restaurants and historic settings, paired with local wines for an authentic taste of Portuguese gastronomy.
- Walk the grounds of strategic fortresses and strongholds crucial in Portugal’s history, from Lisbon’s Castelo de São Jorge and Torre de Belém, to the Castelo de Guimarães.
- Sample world-famous Port wines and gain insight into their distinctive production process during a guided wine cellar visit and private wine tasting at revered Taylor’s Cellars.
