5 Unique Experiences That Will Upgrade Your Portugal Itinerary
As a certified travel advisor, I can tell you that Portugal is definitely having a moment. The country has proven to be a great alternative to some of your more pricey and overcrowded European destinations. (I’m looking at you, Italy.)
But, I’m not saying that you should visit Portugal just because it’s affordable and less crowded. You should visit because you’ll love it—the culture, the seafood, the beaches, and the people.
Earlier this year, I had the chance to spend three weeks in Portugal. Our travel agency worked with our local partners in Portugal to design an itinerary filled with immersive, one-of-a-kind experiences. Keep reading for a few of my favorite unique Portugal experiences that will absolutely upgrade your itinerary.
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PRIVATE QUINTA IN THE DOURO VALLEY
For a uniquely Portuguese experience, you should add a private Quinta (or traditional country villa) stay to your itinerary. The hills of the Douro Valley are dotted with these countryside homes that overlook the vineyards. They also make a great home base while you jet off to explore the historic wine region.
If you select the right Quinta, you may get access to a private pool or even be treated to home cooked meals prepared by the house staff. Some of the best (and most memorable) meals were had around the table of our Quinta in the Douro Valley.
PRIVATE CRUISE ON THE DOURO RIVER
If you plan to visit the Douro Valley, one unique experience not to be missed is chartering a private, luxury boat down the Douro River. I may be biased, but I believe the scenic Douro Valley is best taken in from the water (and our travel agency clients definitely agree).
Our half day experience came complete with skippers and waitstaff to serve out refreshments on board. We were also able to enjoy our picnic lunches from the deck. I can’t recommend this experience highly enough!
PRIVATE OLIVE OIL ESTATE IN EVORA
When it comes to unique experiences, my favorite are always those experiences that allow me to connect with locals in a meaningful way.
If you plan to spend time in the Alentejo region, you should absolutely pay a visit to a nearby olive oil estate. During my visit, I had the opportunity to share a private, home cooked meal with the owners of the estate and learn about the history of their family-run business.
We tasted their excellent olive oils, shared stories, and connected on a personal level. This experience was one that I will not soon forget.
PRIVATE FADO PERFORMANCE IN LISBON
As you may already know, a trip to Lisbon is incomplete without taking in a Fado performance. Fado is a traditional style of music that is raw and emotional—in a way that can be felt without even needing to understanding the words.
You can find Fado performances throughout the City of Lisbon, but finding the real deal can be a bit of a challenge. (You’ll want to be wary of the tourist traps.)
I recommend setting up a private Fado performance for a unique Portugal experience. I had the pleasure of attending a private, underground performance during my visit and was nearly moved to tears. Again, highly recommend!
SMALL GROUP COOKING CLASS IN LISBON
While most of the unique experiences on this list have been private, I think small group experiences—when done well—can provide a great opportunity to connect with travelers from around the world.
Immersive cooking classes are a perfect example. In Lisbon, I took a wonderful cooking class with a local chef and four other travelers. We spent our morning at the local market collecting produce and then came back to her kitchen, where we learned how to make a few classic Portuguese dishes.
Have I recreated any of these dishes at home? Absolutely not. But, I learned about traditional Portuguese cuisine and made a few friends along the way.
BOOK YOUR NEXT TRIP TO PORTUGAL
Ready to book your trip to Portugal? If so, our team of certified travel advisors is more than happy to partner with you to build an immersive, one-of-a-kind itinerary full of unique experiences like the ones mentioned above.
Portugal is just one of the destinations that our full service luxury travel agency can book for your next trip.
Schedule a free trip consultation call with one of our certified travel advisors.
THINGS TO KEEP IN MIND
Travel planning doesn’t have to be a complicated, time-consuming process. Our team of certified travel advisors is here to help—if you want to partner with our team on your next trip, scheduling an initial consultation call is the perfect place to start.
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Your Connect,
Gabriella
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