Culinary & Cultural Tour of Lisbon and Porto Portugal

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$4,398 USD *

(For One Person, Double Occupancy)

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6 days | 5 nights

Food, Wine and Culture Tour of Central Portugal

With our carefully balanced "Tour of Central Portugal – food, wine and culture of Lisbon, Bairrada and Porto" you will discover some of the country's culinary and cultural delights. The westernmost country of mainland Europe, Portugal bears many similarities to its closest neighbor Spain while maintaining a unique and much-celebrated culture of its own. The Portuguese diet includes many staples of the traditional Mediterranean cuisine and features fish (in particular dried cod or bacalhau, fresh sardines and seafood), lean meats, olive oil, an abundance of fresh fruits and vegetables, and traditional almond pastry desserts. Portuguese cuisine varies from region to region, but one thing remains constant: the love of good, fresh food and wonderful fortified wines such as Port and Madeira, both of which originate here. That said, these days the table wines too are of an undeniable quality, often reliant on grapes that have been indigenous to Portugal. Portugal's main cities, Lisbon and Porto, offer a wealth of old-world charm coupled with an exciting culinary scene. This tour includes airport transfers and 3 days of chauffeur service to all activities (with the exception of inner city Lisbon transportation). Wine is included with all lunches and dinners in the program.

Culinary & Cultural Tour of Lisbon and Porto Portugal

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VACATION HIGHLIGHTS

Please note: Tour inclusions can change depending upon seasonality and weather conditions.

•3 Nights Lodging in a 4 Star Lisbon Hotel

•2 Nights Lodging in a 4-Star Porto Hotel

•Pickup from Lisbon Airport

•Drop Off at Porto Airport

•Breakfast Daily

•Welcome Dinner & Wine Pairing Lisbon

•Historic Lisbon Walking Tour

•Hands-On Cooking and Dinner Lisbon

•Free Day in Lisbon

•Farewell Dinner Lisbon

•Bairrada Winery Tasting and Lunch

•Arrival Dinner Porto

•Historical Walking Tour of Porto

•Hands-On Cooking and Dinner Porto

While our tours are designed as soft adventure experiences, walking, climbing stairs, and in rare cases mild hiking may be required. If you have mobility issues, you should speak with one of our culinary travel specialists to determine if this tour is appropriate for your situation.

AVAILABLE DATES

Year Round, Based on Your Travel Dates

SAMPLE ITINERARY

Please note: Actual itineraries are subject to change due to seasonality.

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Day 1

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VIP Private Transportation from Lisbon Airport to Hotel

You will be greeted at the Lisbon International Airport by your driver and traverse the city on your way to the hotel. Your professional English-speaking driver will greet you outside of customs and welcome you. Your private driver knows all about the city, ask about your areas of interest on your short 20-minute drive to the hotel. After check-in, you'll have time to unwind – you may wish to get a feel of Lisbon or simply rest after the flight.

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Welcome 3-Course Dinner with Wine

Tonight, you will enjoy dinner in the old town, in a celebrated stylish modern restaurant renowned for great Portuguese cuisine mostly based on recipes from the coastal areas around Lisbon. The restaurant is a nice 25-minute walk or 10-minute ride from the hotel. The hotel can call a taxi for you. The restaurant is situated on the riverfront, providing for great views over the city and river. The chef/owner delights in preparing foods for your enjoyment with seasonal and regional offerings fusing excellent Portuguese fare with some Mozambican influences – think fresh seafood and tropical fruits. This three-course meal will be accompanied by good Portuguese wines. This is evening is a perfect introduction to the foods and wines of your culinary tour.

Day 2

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Historic Lisbon Walking Tour | Sightseeing & Shopping

After breakfast, enjoy a walking tour with a local guide through some of Lisbon's oldest quarters. The meeting point for the tour takes about 15 minutes by taxi or Metro. Some of these areas date back to Roman and Arabic times and are still home to some of the best rustic, traditional eateries in Lisbon. Strolling through the alleyways and squares you will enjoy the sights and sounds of these quirky yet beautiful neighborhoods. There will be numerous facts and stories about these areas, which are not mentioned in guide books. The tour will end at one of Lisbon's most breathtaking viewpoints, beloved by the locals. Lunch will be at your leisure and our guides will steer you to their local favorites.

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Hands-On Cooking Experience and Dinner

Later in the afternoon, you're expected at one of the best restaurants in the city. It is only 20 minutes by taxi and the hotel can arrange this for you. Here an enthusiastic young chef reinterprets traditional cuisine, resulting in light, refined dishes. Inspiration comes from the different regions of Portugal, leading to surprising and joyful combinations of flavors. The cuisine is contemporary Portuguese, with an emphasis on seasonal and organic products. The chef uses only the best ingredients, with a particular fondness for the products of the Lisbon region, where he grew up - such as oysters, clams, assorted seafood and locally produced rice. The cooking class is a combination of "hands-on cooking" with demonstration held in the kitchen of the restaurant. Dinner with the dishes you have prepared then follows at the '' chef's table '' or in the restaurant. The sommelier will choose for you the wines/drinks that accompany the dishes nicely.

Day 3

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Free Day in Lisbon

After breakfast you will have a free day to discover Lisbon on your own. Perhaps you may want to visit the beautiful and atmospheric Chiado district, an area filled with beautiful boutiques, galleries and old-fashioned pubs or the elegant Avenida da Liberdade, home of beautiful designer shops. If you prefer to explore the cultural side of the city there is much to see and do. You might wish to visit the MAAT museum of Art, Architecture and Technology – really worth a look if only for its organic architecture and waterfront location; the Calouste Gulbenkian Museum is worthwhile seeing - with two permanent collections. One focuses on Egyptian, Greco-Roman, Mesopotamian and Islamic art. The second, concentrates on Western art - sculpture, paintings and eighteenth-century French decorative arts. The gardens that surround the Museum offer a beautiful setting to relax in between exhibitions. A last, but worthy, recommendation is the National Museum of Ancient Art with an assortment of displays from Middle Ages to the 19th centuries. Here you will find works by Hieronymus Bosch, Piero della Francesca or Hans Memling. An off the beaten track gem.

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Farewell to Lisbon Dinner

The farewell dinner in Lisbon will take place in a top modern Portuguese restaurant. The restaurant is a nice 20-minute walk or 10-minute taxi drive. The well-known chef adds a modern, seasonal approach to create a light and refined menu based on traditional flavors of Portugal. Ingredients are organic, in keeping with the chef's commitment to local farmers and fishermen. Dishes are imaginatively presented – the result is a wonderful authentic as well as creative gastronomic experience.

Day 4

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Farmlands, Mountains and Olive orchards Drive to Porto | Sparkling Winery Lunch

After breakfast, we depart to Porto and drive along the Tagus river. The land next to the river is Lisbon's orchard, with plenty of agricultural farmland: think of corn, wheat, tomatoes, pumpkin and rice paddy fields – all grown in abundance. As you head further north, the landscape changes from the green plains into a more barren and mountainous one. You have reached the Aire and Candeeiros mountains (a Nature Park) dominated by fault lines, cliffs and rocky outcrops. The olive tree becomes dominant. As the journey continues into Porto, the landscape regains the lush green color and the climate becomes milder, due to the proximity of the Atlantic Ocean. Large estates with grand manor houses give way to smaller family run farmlands, with tiny orchards and small parcel vineyards. You have arrived at the Portuguese epicenter for sparkling wines: Bairrada. Local grape varieties like Maria Gomes grapes, Bical or Baga abound; but international ones like Cabernet Sauvignon, Pinot Noir and Syrah are also gaining ground. Here, there is a nice break to tour a great winery – with a modern and striking architecture – followed by a sparkling wine tasting. Lunch will be served in the wineries intimate restaurant and paired with the different wines from the estate. Departing from the Bairrada winery you head up further north in the direction of Porto. This second stretch of the drive should take little over an hour.

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Porto Hotel | Arrival Dinner

This is a charming 4-star hotel located in the heart of the old town of Porto, within walking distance from some of Porto's most notable monuments. The hotel is a row of historic buildings of medieval origin, which have been renovated and converted into an elegant hotel. Rooms have views to the Douro river, or to the old town of Porto. This hotel offers all the amenities one would expect from a very good hotel, including air conditioning. The first dinner in Porto takes place at one of our firm favorites. This lovely restaurant is just a few minutes' walking distance from the hotel. Located on a charming pedestrian street, the chef knocks the dust off classic Portuguese dishes, making them fresh again.

Day 5

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Guided Historical Porto Walking Tour | Tapas Lunch

After breakfast, at around 10:30, there will be a private walking tour around the UNESCO classified historic city centre. Away from the main streets, you will see how Porto was shaped over its many centuries of existence. Strolling through the narrow streets of the city center, accompanied by your knowledgeable and enthusiastic local guide, you will get a sense of what it is like to live in the city. Along your walk, there will stops for petiscos/tapas in some of the local eateries.

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Hands-On Cooking Experience | Multi-Course Dinner

In the late afternoon you are expected in one of Porto's most celebrated restaurants, within walking distance from your hotel, here you will be hosted in an immersive cooking experience with a local chef. Located in a charming former convent, this restaurant has quickly become one of the gastronomic reference points of the city. The cuisine here is Northern Portuguese, comforting yet innovative. Dishes may include veal "Marones'' medallions combined with traditional Portuguese sausage and courgette, clams ''bulhão pato'' style, grilled Octopus dressed with olive oil and smoky pimento, and white chocolate brule with a raspberries coulis. The cooking class will focus on seasonal produce and will be held in the working kitchen of the restaurant. At the end of the cooking class, dinner will be served in the nearby dining room. The meal will be comprised of the dishes prepared during class and complemented with wines chosen by the restaurant's sommelier to complement each course. This will leave you wishing you were staying longer.

Day 6

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Transportation to Porto Airport

After breakfast, you will be transported to Porto Airport to make connections via Lisbon or Madrid to your destination. Remembering all the sights and tastes of Portugal. Transportation to Lisbon airport can be provided at an additional charge.

Lisbon Hotel (3 Nights)

This is an intimate stylish 4 star hotel, set in a beautifully restored 19th century period building. Rooms are very comfortable. Ample public rooms and a rooftop terrace with panoramic views add to the enjoyment. Located in the heart of Lisbon many interesting sights are within walking distance. There is also a very convenient subway stop close by. You will stay 3 nights in Lisbon.

Porto Hotel (2 Nights)

Lisbon, Portugal•Porto, Portugal

FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS

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What Currency is being quoted?

The Currency Code is listed directly after the published amount. If it states USD, then the quoted price is in United States Dollars. If it states CAD, then the quoted price is in Canadian Dollars. If it states EUR, then the quoted price is in European Union Dollars…etc. However, please note that all charges are processed in USD, and Epitourean’s Merchant Bank automatically calculates the currency conversion on the day of the charge.

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What does Double Occupancy mean?

Two persons traveling together, and staying in the same room. Tour prices are normally quoted as “per person, double occupancy” in case two people are traveling together and staying in the same room, but paying separately. The cost of the lodging is also shared by two people, thereby reducing costs. This could be a married couple, two friends or relatives.

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What is a Single Supplement?

Whenever a person travels alone, the cost of their lodging cannot be shared by another person. When tour products are priced, they are normally stated as “per person, double occupancy.” Whenever a guest occupies a room as a solo, the whole cost of the lodging must be incurred by that one individual. Tour companies accommodate this by charging a Single Supplement. Epitourean does its best to keep the single supplement as low as possible, but it is a real cost that tour companies must absorb, and must pass along to the single traveler.

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If I am a Solo Traveler, will I be paired with another person?

Epitourean never pairs a solo traveler with another person without a special request. If you book Single Occupancy, you will have a room entirely to yourself. However, should you wish to be paired with another solo traveler to save on the single supplement, you may make this request. We cannot guarantee that we can accommodate such requests, since it would take another solo traveling on the same tour for the same dates. But if requested, we will certainly try.

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Are flights included in the tour price?

No. Flights are never included in the price of our land-only tours. Epitourean does not provide air, rail or sea travel, unless expressly noted in the itinerary.

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May I give a culinary tour as a gift?

Yes. Epitourean has a special program designed specifically for this purpose. Our Gift Packages come with features such as special messages to the recipient, gift box option, gift link (without pricing), and floating dates (should you not know when the gift recipient wants to travel). Contact a Culinary Travel Specialist at 800-390-3292 or customerservice@epitourean.com to receive additional information about this unique offering.

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May we request separate beds if sharing a room?

Yes. In most cases, Epitourean can accommodate a request for two beds to be placed in one room. Just make sure to make this request in the comments section of the reservation process.

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Does each guestroom have a private bathroom?

Yes. Epitourean partners with the best lodging options in each destination, and private (en suite) bathrooms are a requirement. However, you should inquire as to the configuration of bathrooms should you have a special need. For example, some tours include accommodations in medieval villages, where either a shower or bath(but maybe not both) are present.

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Can your tours accommodate my dietary restrictions?

In almost all cases, Epitourean can accommodate dietary choices and restrictions. But we do request that you ask a Culinary Travel Specialist prior to making your reservation so that we can assess your individual situation.

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If I am unable to use a portion of the tour, can I get a partial refund?

Unfortunately, due to vendor and supplier contracts, we are unable to provide partial refunds for unused portions of any tour or tour component.

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Are Transfers included in the Itinerary?

Round-trip transfers from the airport or train station are normally included in our international tours. Transfers to the destination (for both international and domestic tours) are not included in the tour price. Please see the Sample Itinerary. If it mentions that transfers are included, then yes, transfers are included at no additional cost.

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What meals and excursions are included in the tour?

The Sample Itinerary should be your reference. If the meal or excursion is described in the Sample Itinerary, then it is included at no additional charge. For those days where it expressly notes Free time, then any optional activities you elect to participate in might have an additional cost. In addition, if the itinerary states "evening on your own," it would imply that you have the opportunity to visit a restaurant of your own choosing, and at your own expense. If you have any question about inclusions, please submit an inquiry by clicking on the blue "Ask Us a Question" button under the price section.

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Is it possible to book pre or post tours or stays through Edible Destinations?

Yes, we often do have optional 2 and 3 night excursions that are priced separately from the tour. We can also assist with pre and post night stays in a hotel if you choose to come in early before the tour starts, or stay on after a tour ends. The price of those hotel stays are not included in the price of the tour, but we would be happy to provide a quote. Simply ask your Culinary Travel Specialist, or submit an inquiry by clicking on the blue "Ask Us a Question" button.

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Are Guide or Host Gratuities included in the price of the tour?

Since tipping guidelines and customs vary widely between countries, we do not include gratuities in the price of the tour. Your Culinary Travel Specialist can provide you with recommendations. But the general rule is to tip modestly when you are pleased with a guide’s services, either at the end of the tour, or at the conclusion of a specialty day excursion where you will only be with that guide (or chef) on that day.

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Should we plan on any personal expenses during the tour?

All lodging, meals, transfers, classes and excursions mentioned in the Sample Itinerary and Vacation Highlights are included in the price of the tour. However, we highly recommend taking local currency for purchasing personal items, souvenirs, tipping, etc. You can either get the local currency at an airport exchange service, ATM or from your local bank prior to travel. However, you should note that many hosted destinations do not accept credit cards for personal purchases.

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Do you recommend Travel Protection?

We recommend that you purchase a travel protection plan to help protect you and your travel investment against the unexpected. Travel protection plans can include coverage for Trip Cancellation, Trip Interruption, Emergency Medical and Emergency Evacuation/Repatriation, Trip Delay, Baggage Delay and more. For more information on the available plans or to enroll, click on the link below or contact Travelex Insurance Services at 800-228-9792 and reference location number 06-0248.

The product descriptions provided here are only brief summaries and may be changed without notice. The full coverage terms and details, including limitations and exclusions, are contained in the insurance policy. Travelex CA Agency License #0D10209. All products listed are underwritten by, Berkshire Hathaway Specialty Insurance Company (formerly known as Stonewall Insurance Company), 1314 Douglas Street, Suite 1400, Omaha, NE 68102. 11.17 E7N

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