All I want for Christmas is the perfect Gift

Christmas is just around the corner and the time has come to find that special gift to that special someone.

Seth Joel Photography via Getty Images

Do you remember all you got for Christmas last year? Probably not. Year after year we tend to get the same old gifts and, well, we end up giving the same old things to our family and friends too. 

I bet I can name something that, even if you got it a dozen of years ago, you would still remember and treasure it.

You certainly remember every trip you took, right? That's because those experiences are special and create memories that last forever. 

So, how about you skip the usual forgettable gifts this Christmas and offer the perfect one? 

 Have you ever heard that "travel is the only thing you buy that makes you richer"? 

Be original, and offer your loved ones the opportunity to experience life and create new memories: a meal in the vineyard for daddy, a grape harvest experience for your adventurous brother, a food and wine tasting for mum, a river cruise for your better half, a wine tour for your best friend, and probably you are on the winning side, as they will invite you to join on this memorable adventure. 

I gathered a few travel gift suggestions to help you make this Christmas the one they will treasure for a lifetime. Or you may custom your very own tour, the only limit is your imagination! 

Be aware that when buyng this gift you must select a date to proceed, select the purchase date and book your experience dates later with our concierges. 

Relaxing Weekend Getaway

L'AND Vineyards is located in one of the best wine regions in the world, the Alentejo. It offers a few unique programs and experiences such as sleeping under the stars. No, you will not be sleeping outdoors, instead you can stay in the Sky View suites that have a full opening on the room ceiling, offering its guests the chance to observe the night sky of the Alentejo. Already starting to sound good, right? The L'AND Essence program includes a 2 night stay, a tasting dinner with 7 dishes and drinks included, a case of LAND wines, among a few more offers. Who wouldn't love getting this travel present for Christmas?

Romantic Weekend

Just less than an hour from Porto, Carmo's Boutique Hotel, offers a true romantic and surreal scenario. Located in the greenish area of Portugal, Vinho Verde region, this boutique hotel provides the Oenological Romance Nights program, a wine and flavours degustation experience where oz"breathes" the cultural heritage that made wine the drink of love. This program includes 2 nights accommodation, two dinners at candle and firelight light, one at the Carmo’s Wine Atelier, and the other one at Carmo's Saloon, both with red wine and traditional flavours degustation, 2 Aromatherapy massages with heated oils at the Divine Spa, and access to the Divine spa and jacuzzi. 

The perfect travel gift for the wine loving-couple.

Winter Breaks

There are several winter break ideas that would make a great Christmas gift but I chose one solution to inspire you. A great way to get to know and to explore a city, or a country, is by taking a tour, as you have probably guessed. The best tours gather four essential ingredients: culture, history, food, and wine. The suggestion I bring you offers you all these ingredients in a pace that not only allows you to relax but it also gives you the time to fully enjoy everything. The city of choice is Lisbon, that has recently been elected by Lonely Planet has one of the 10 best cities to visit.

Read our article with ideas of things to do and visit in Lisbon

So, for the first day of this winter break gift I suggest a wine and history tour that takes you to the historic city centre, to its most emblematic monuments, adds wine experiences at one of the best wine bars in the city, wine tasting with an enologist, and regional pastry tasting. Sounds like a great full day, doesn't it? For the second day, my suggestion combines tours and wine experiences at wineries in the Lisbon region.
This is just an example of a couple of ideas you can combine to offer a great travel gift this Christmas.

These tours are perfect all year long as Portugal has what seems to be endless summer, 300 day of sun and bright colors waiting for your visit. 

Vineyard Experiences

Some of the most enjoyed travel experiences are the ones that include vineyard activities, such as grape picking, guided tours, or maybe lunch right in the middle of the vineyard enjoing great wine and regional products with an amazing view over the valley.

One of the best vineyard guided tours has to be the Vintage tour at Quinta das Carvalhas, where the agricultural engineer takes you through the vineyards while sharing his knowledge and passion for the earth, grapevines, and the Douro region, with the valley on the background.

Participating in a grape harvest tour is simply one of best best experiences any traveler can engage in.
Quinta do Gradil, in the Lisbon region, offers a harvest program experience that includes grape cutting, picking, and treading, lunch, and wine and regional products tasting in an unforgetabble full day. 

These are just a few travel gift ideas to inspire and help you make your loved one's Christmas even more special. If you'd like to add a personal touch, you can also customize your gift and create an absolutely perfect and unique present. If you need help to create additional ideas, contact us. 

Ready to book a special gift for yourself? Contact us by phone +351 226102075 or request a free quote for a custom tour.