Best Luxury Tours for 2020

Portugal is the new hottest travel destination and one of the reasons for that is the country's strong wine tradition, and the excellent quality of its wines.

Standing as one of the most eclectic destinations in Europe, Portugal has taken a place in the heart of millions of wine lovers. Join us as we kick start the New Year with some tips and shortcuts for planning a luxury wine tour in Portugal.

Why you should choose Portugal as your next destination

Portugal is often seen as a budget-friendly travel destination, offering a wide range of high quality experiences at pretty affordable prices, even during peak summer season. However, there's more to it than the obvious go-to travel experiences thus making it the perfect choice for those looking for luxury wine tours.

Compact and incredibly well-situated at the doorstep of the Atlantic Ocean - as well as one of the sunniest places in Europe - Portugal has many charming and secluded spots, still hidden from the masses. With 15 places on the list of UNESCO World Heritage sites (and some more on the waiting list), Portugal has medieval towns, natural landscapes, rolling sandy beaches, amazing food and wine, and world-class golf courses.

Whatever your preferences are, you'll find the perfect spot and immersive experiences for you, tailored exactly to your needs and expectations. 

The obvious go-to - Lisbon

The Portuguese capital has become unexpectedly fashionable as travelers from all around the world set foot upon this historical yet cosmopolitan city. The Portuguese capital is at the centre of what once was a vast maritime empire. Spreading over a string of seven hills overlooking the River Tejo, it’s easy to find what you’re looking for in Lisbon as the city reinvents itself once again and looks back on its rich history.

Old palaces and churches sit side by side with state-of-the-art museums and fashionable shops. As downtown evolves, a new wave of up-and-coming neighborhoods filled with cozy cafes, and trendy restaurants and bars has emerged. 

Just a short drive away into the countryside, you'll find a totally different world. Some of the most traditional yet innovative wine producing estates in the country sit side by side with fairy-tale-like palaces and quaint rural villages, never too far from the long and beautiful coastline.

With our 5-day tour in Lisbon you'll get a comprehensive look into the region's history and culture, with a special insight into its wine tradition and local wines.

The enchanted Douro Valley

Worldly recognized for its wines and beautiful scenery, the Douro Valley is finally coming into its own while remaining a surprisingly quiet and slow-living place, where warm hospitality is the norm. 

Many of those who visit the valley, pair it with a city break in Porto - the nearest big city - which was elected Best European Destination for the third-time last year. The river is the region's defining feature - winding from the Spanish border to the sea - with rows of terraced vineyards carved into the mountains, that give way to colorful townhouses as the river approaches the mouth. When it comes to wine, the Douro Valley doesn't need much of an introduction. After all, it is the oldest demarcated wine region in the world, particularly famous for Port wine, as well as a number of other world-famous reds.

With our 7-day tour in Porto and Douro you will have the opportunity to explore both places in one sitting. The journey upriver is one of the most scenic routes in the world and, as you head further into the countryside, it only gets better. While here, you will have the opportunity to visit many of the region's famous wine producing estates, sample some fine wines, dine at Michelin-starred restaurants, and spend the night at the best of the best. Besides that, what better way to enjoy the region's sights than on an exclusive helicopter tour and private sailing boat cruise?

Hidden Alentejo

This sun-soaked land has been ignored by all but a few. Now the region is being touted both the Provence and Tuscany of Portugal and has confidently taken its place as an area of outstanding wine production. It is no surprise, then, that its wide estates and wineries are an underlying part of the region's strong culture and identity. 

In our 6-day tour in Alentejo we round up the region's best restaurants, vineyards, and places to stay. You will have a private driver with you the whole time, allowing for you to enjoy the flexibility a luxury private driver provides - especially when it comes to itinerary planning in a mainly rural, sparsely populated area - and have your hands free to take wonderful photos and fully immerse yourself in the landscape around you.

Food and wine are important in Alentejo. While here, you will have the opportunity to taste some of the region's best wines - as well as sample some olive oil - paired with ingredients such as black pork, cheeses, salt cod, and egg-yolk based desserts. You will also have the opportunity to spend the night at three of the many incredible wine estates - without renouncing to the most exclusive comforts granted by modern-day resorts.

How we can help you make it happen

Love traveling but hate the logistics? There is a way to make this process simpler for you. By booking with us, you'll have saved hours of research comparing hotels and experiences, cross referencing review sites, and looking at endless pictures of your chosen destination.

Our expertise is in creating an itinerary that runs smoothly and is perfectly suited to your needs. You will work with one dedicated consultant, who will not only take time to listen to your requests, but also discuss different options with you. All of this coupled with a knowledge of the country means you'll get the best out of the time you have to spend on your next luxury tour in Portugal.

Everyone travels differently, so give yourself permission to find what works for you.