Ah, Portugal — the dreamy destination that sat on my bucket list for ages, patiently waiting for its moment in the sun. After finally making my way there, I can’t help but feel I’ve discovered a hidden gem. I am still daydreaming about the vibrant city vibes in Lisbon, the port lodges in Porto, the dreamy views in the Douro Valley, and of course, all the pasteis de nata. Trust me, I am confident that you will love it as much as I did!
Ready for the dreamy highlights? Let’s dive in!
Lisbon
My adventure kicked off in the heart of Lisbon, where I spent four nights at The Ivens, a charming boutique hotel that strikes the perfect balance between historical character and luxury. Lisbon is a city that truly indulges all of your senses. Some of the standout experiences included learning how to make pasteis de nata, a delicious egg custard pastry; being swept away by a fado performance, which is a traditional form of expressive Portuguese music; and savoring a Michelin Star tasting menu at Mini Bar, which is a cabaret-turned-restaurant.
Porto
Venturing north, I found myself captivated by the allure of Porto’s charming streets. It was here that I checked into Le Monumental Palace, my second “home away from home”. I absolutely loved this modern and sophisticated hotel’s art deco flair! Some of the highlights of Porto included a private tour of the city in a vintage tram and a day spent wine tasting at the local port lodges (honestly, I still can’t decide what’s better — the port or the views). Porto felt like the perfect city for simply wandering and exploring.
Douro Valley
The final stop on my adventure brought me to the Douro Valley — and you guys, when I say that the Douro Valley is stunning, I mean absolutely, breathtakingly stunning. I didn’t want to leave! I enjoyed the most intimate and cozy lunch in the family house on a winery, which is an experience I will forever recommend to my clients. This was followed by a scenic cruise along the river. Afterward, I checked into the Six Senses, a luxury hotel best described as a serene wellness retreat. The stay was short yet glorious in every way. I enjoyed a spa day, indulged in their farm-to-table cuisine, and had time allowed, there were so many other amazing activities I could have partaken in including yoga, tile painting, biking, cooking classes, and more!
Now the question you’re probably asking yourself… how do I know if Portugal is right for me? If these statements resonate — you will love Portugal!
- For your first trip to Europe, you’re looking for a destination with “classic” European charm without the long flights, big crowds, and high costs.
- You’re searching for an off-the-beaten-path destination (not filled with tourists) that offers plenty of variety (cities, beaches, and countryside).
- You consider yourself a “foodie” and would love to enjoy the perfect mix of fine dining experiences, local delicacies, tasty pastries, and some of the world’s best wines.
- You’ve been to (and loved!) Italy, Greece, and France – but you’re looking for what’s next.
So, does Portugal sound like the perfect match for your next European adventure? Let’s get planning – fill out my trip inquiry form to get started!
