Portugal from north to south: a 12-day journey through the soul of the country

Boutique Hotel The Verse

Your trip begins with your arrival at Lisbon Airport, where you will be met by a local host from Immersive Journeys and escorted to the Boutique Hotel The Verse, your five-star accommodation in the city center. Check-in is relaxed, allowing you to rest after your journey. The early afternoon is reserved for your first encounter with Lisbon at leisure, giving you time to absorb the unique atmosphere of the Portuguese capital.

Catamarin boat trip in Tagus River

At dusk, enjoy an exclusive catamaran boat trip along the Tagus River. While admiring the city’s extraordinary landscape, you will be served the best regional wines, cheeses, and sausages. Feel the gentle river breeze as you glide through calm waters, discovering historic sites and panoramic views, including the Belém Tower, the Jerónimos Monastery, and the 25 de Abril Bridge. The atmosphere is refined yet welcoming—an ideal start to a journey filled with daily surprises.

Light meal at Casa de Santar

On the second day, the journey continues toward central Portugal. Aboard a premium electric vehicle, the landscape gradually transforms, revealing vineyards, forests, and villages nestled on gentle slopes—an introduction to the serene and elegant Dão region. Upon arrival in Santar, in the heart of Dão, you will be welcomed with a light meal at Casa de Santar, featuring carefully selected regional products, wines, cheeses, bread, and jams. This is more than lunch. It’s a true introduction to the flavors of the land, where each ingredient tells a story of proximity and tradition.

Visit historic gardens

The afternoon continues with an exclusive visit to Casa de Santar and its historic gardens. Among centuries-old hedges, stone tanks, rose gardens, and geometric perspectives, you will be immersed in tranquil beauty, where the art of gardening meets the noble heritage of the manor house.

Valverde Santar Hotel & Spa – Relais & Châteaux

Next, check in at one of the region’s finest hotels, Valverde Santar Hotel & Spa – Relais & Châteaux, a 5-star property where comfort meets historical elegance.

Cooking class and tasting with Chef

The day culminates with a cooking class and tasting led by Chef Luís Almeida. This hands-on, sensory experience allows you to learn how to prepare dishes inspired by local products and Beira traditions—a memorable evening of sharing, flavor, and discovery.

Visit guide to Seia

After breakfast, set out to explore the foothills of Serra da Estrela. he first destination is Seia, where a specialist guide will take you through the historic streets. This region, shaped by its climate, traditions, and gastronomy, is evident at every turn.

Bread Museum

At the Bread Museum, immerse yourself in the world of Portuguese bread—from sowing to the table—with interactive exhibits showcasing traditional utensils, iconography, and customs. In the early afternoon, we suggest a regional lunch in Seia, where you can enjoy typical dishes such as roast kid, mountain sausages, and, of course, the famous Serra da Estrela PDO cheese, paired with wines from Dão and Beira Interior.

Visit and tasting at winnery wine estate

Next, visit Caminhos Cruzados, a leading winery in Dão. Surrounded by rolling vineyards, the estate is known for its contemporary architecture and innovative wines. The guided tour concludes with a tasting of the house’s emblematic vintages. In the late afternoon, we suggest a regional dinner at one of the region's fine restaurants, to end the day on a note of comfort and authenticity—another memorable chapter in this journey.

Douro Museum

After a restful night at the Valverde Santar Hotel & Spa, the morning begins with check-out and a trip to the Douro Valley, one of the world's most iconic wine regions, where history, wines, and landscape blend in perfect harmony.

Peso da Régua

In Peso da Régua, you will be led by a local expert on a guided tour of the Douro Museum. Housed in a historic building overlooking the river, this museum offers an immersion in the history, culture, and identity of the Douro Demarcated Region – the oldest in the world. The visit will reveal the legacy of the winegrowers, the harshness of life on the slopes, and the evolution of Port Wine, highlighting the objects, images, and testimonies that preserve the collective memory of the region.

Lunch Suggestion

Lunch is suggested at a restaurant where the flavors of the Douro can be enjoyed in a sophisticated setting, overlooking the vineyards and the river. The dishes are prepared with seasonal ingredients and paired with the estate's own wines, creating a complete gastronomic experience.

Boutique Hotel Quinta do Vallado

In the early afternoon, you will check in at the Boutique Hotel da Quinta do Vallado, a hotel that combines modernity and tradition, with luxury rooms set in an historic 18th-century farmhouse. Here, you can enjoy a moment of absolute rest: the hotel offers a spa area with a jacuzzi, Turkish bath, and sauna, as well as a swimming pool and relaxation area, where you can enjoy a cup of tea overlooking the orange grove—or simply let yourself be lulled by the silence of the Douro. If you prefer, we invite you to take a walk through the vineyards of Quinta do Vallado, an excellent opportunity to connect with nature and immerse yourself in the region's wine culture. It is a serene walk among terraces, where the light at the end of the day casts golden shadows over the slopes and the river.

Suggestion of haute cuisine restaurant

Dinner is recommended at DOC restaurant by chef Rui Paula, a highlight in Portuguese haute cuisine.

Olive-oil safari and lunch

The morning begins with pick-up at Boutique Hotel Quinta do Vallado, followed by a scenic drive through the Douro Valley to Lagar da Sancha in Sabrosa, for an unforgettable experience. Upon arrival, you will be welcomed by your hosts and guided through centuries-old olive trees, learning about traditional methods of olive oil production and other local products. The visit culminates in a relaxed lunch on the property itself, prepared with seasonal and regional products. Between conversations, aromas, and flavors, this is a gastronomic experience of proximity, where everything tastes authentic and well lived.

Visit and tasting of a boutique winnery

The afternoon continues with a visit to Quinta da Fonte do Milho, a family project dedicated to the production of wine, olive oil, and artisanal fruit jams. The visit includes a tour of the vineyards and olive groves, followed by a guided tasting of three house products—with special emphasis on virgin olive oil and jams, made according to old recipes. All served in the magnificent terroir of the valley.

Panoramic viewpoint

The next stop is Casal de Loivos Viewpoint, one of the most beautiful spots in the Douro. Its panoramic view over the river and terraced slopes has been acclaimed by the BBC as one of the most extraordinary in the world. Here, the silence of the surrounding landscape provides a moment of reflection and connection with nature. In the evening, dinner is suggested at a cozy yet refined local restaurant, where respect for ingredients and terroir is evident in every dish, completing another memorable day in the Douro Valley.

Solar-powered boat trip

After checking out of Boutique Hotel Quinta do Vallado, enjoy another memorable experience in the Douro countryside: a solar-powered boat trip on the Douro River, departing from Pinhão pier. Silently and without emissions, glide along the river between terraced vineyards and steep slopes, in a landscape resembling a living painting. The tranquility of the boat trip and the grandeur of the scenery invite contemplation and a deep connection with the Douro.

Paleolithic art gallery Côa Valley

Next, travel back 20,000 years in human history. Guided by archaeologists and experts, explore the rock engravings of the Côa Valley, the largest open-air Paleolithic art gallery in the world. This experience transports you to humanity’s origins, told through the stones. Lunch is suggested at Côa Parque restaurant, overlooking the valley, where cuisine is creative and rooted in local ingredients.

Casa de São Lourenço Country House Hotel

After this immersion in the distant past, comfort awaits you at Casa de São Lourenço – Country House. Located in the heart of Serra da Estrela, this is one of the most exclusive mountain hotels in the country, with breathtaking views over the glacial valley and a philosophy of well-being in total harmony with nature.Herbal-oil massage After checking in, you can relax with a ritual designed especially for you: a massage with herbal oils from Serra da Estrela, in a serene atmosphere that prolongs the pleasure of your trip.

Suggestion of farm-to-table dinner

The day concludes with a suggestion of farm-to-table dinner at the hotel, featuring seasonal, locally sourced ingredients. Each dish reflects the mountains’ authenticity and aroma, inviting you to savor the region with every bite.

Burel Factory

Start the day with pick-up at Casa de São Lourenço after a restful night overlooking Serra da Estrela. Begin with a visit to the Burel Factory in Manteigas, an exemplary project in design and sustainability. Housed in a former wool factory, it preserves traditional methods of producing burel – 100% Portuguese wool fabric – while reinventing it with a contemporary aesthetic. Observe the entire process, from raw wool to designer pieces now found in luxury hotels and homes worldwide.

Lunch Suggestion

For lunch, we suggest a light but flavorful meal in a cozy, local setting, where you will be served a menu featuring the best regional products.

Electric bike tours

In the afternoon, it will be time to take a deep breath and let yourself be carried away by the unmistakable landscapes of Serra da Estrela (the highest mountain in mainland Portugal), on a guided electric bike tour through Penhas Douradas. With electric assistance, the route becomes accessible and enjoyable, even on the most demanding climbs, allowing you to contemplate the best of the mountains at a leisurely pace. Glacial lakes, rocky outcrops, and the unique vegetation of the altitude make this tour a moment of intense communion with nature. The local guide will share with you interesting facts about the geology, fauna, and flora of this unique territory.

Dinner Suggestion

At the end of the afternoon, after returning to the hotel and a well-deserved rest, the evening ends with a traditional dinner at a regional restaurant, where the cuisine of the mountains is presented with soul and flavor: hot dishes, made with time and local ingredients, which tell stories of generations.

Jewish village guided tour

After breakfast and check-out at Casa de São Lourenço, travel south into Portugal’s interior. The first stop is Belmonte, a historic village with Jewish heritage and links to the Age of Discovery. Guided by a local expert, explore the historic center, including Belmonte Castle, the Jewish Museum, and the birthplace of Pedro Álvares Cabral. Each street and facade tells stories of faith, courage, and cultural exchange.

Sheepherding Experience

At the end of the morning, one of the highlights of the trip awaits you: the Sheepherding Experience. On a farm with a privileged view of the Serra da Gardunha, you will come into direct contact with the flocks and the master shepherds. You will learn about traditional shepherding, artisanal cheese production, and you can even participate in milking the sheep, which provide the milk needed to produce certified organic cheese and curd cheese. At the end, you will be rewarded with a lunch featuring organic legumes and lamb cooked in the Beira style! A sensory experience deeply rooted in the territory.

Boutique Hotel Torre de Palma

At the end of the afternoon, you will arrive at Torre de Palma Wine Hotel, in Alentejo – a luxurious 5-star hotel, which is also one of the most distinctive wine tourism projects in the country. Check-in is a relaxed process, in an environment where luxury is expressed through simplicity, silence, and the surrounding beauty. At this hotel, you can enjoy wine experiences, spa treatments, or stroll through the magnificent countryside on outdoor walks that take advantage of the relaxing and natural scenery.

Suggestion of Michelin-starred Dinner

To round off the experience in the best possible way, we suggest an exclusive dinner created by Michelin-starred chef Miguel Laffan. The gastronomic offering is a celebration of the land, the season, and creativity, with dishes that reinterpret the traditional flavors of the Alentejo in a culinary journey of excellence.

Portalegre Tapestry Museum

After pick-up at Torre de Palma Wine Hotel, travel to Alto Alentejo. In the morning, visit the Portalegre Tapestry Museum, a center celebrating the noble art of Portalegre tapestries. Learn about the unique process, combining contemporary art with traditional craftsmanship.

Winecellar visit and picnic

At midday, you will head to the beautiful Quinta da Fonte Souto, a wine project by Symington Family Estates, in the Serra de São Mamede. The visit includes a tour of the vineyards and an exclusive picnic, prepared with the best regional products, paired with the estate's elegant wines.

Railbike tour

The afternoon invites adventure with a rail bike ride in Marvão. Cycling along the old disused railway lines, you will pass through tunnels, over bridges, and through bucolic landscapes, in a sustainable experience that combines discovery, exercise, and fun. It is a unique way to explore the region at your own pace, to the rhythm of the stories that echo in the stones.

Dinner Suggestion

The day ends with a suggested dinner at Restaurante D'Oliveira at 7:30 p.m., known for its careful interpretation of Alentejo flavors. A quiet meal to end another memorable day of this journey through the heart of Portugal.

Berardo Tile Museum

After checking out of Torre de Palma Wine Hotel, visit Estremoz, known for marble and traditional crafts. Begin at the José Berardo Tile Museum, housing Portugal’s most important private tile collection, from the 15th century to present day, showcasing five centuries of art and cultural identity.

Land Rover tour

At lunchtime, we suggest enjoying a meal designed to match the rhythm of the land, in a restaurant where the slow food concept comes to life with local and seasonal ingredients, prepared with creativity and respect for the region's culinary traditions. In the afternoon, you will embark on an immersive experience in the heart of the Alentejo: a ride in a classic Land Rover through the Alentejo montado. Accompanied by a local guide, you will discover the perfect balance between nature, pastures, cork oaks, and animals roaming free in a unique ecosystem classified as a World Agricultural Heritage Site. There will be time to stop, take pictures, listen to the silence, and breathe in the Alentejo in all its fullness.

Montimerso Skyscape Country House

At the end of the afternoon, you will check in at Montimerso Skyscape Country House. Located near Lake Alqueva, this boutique hotel offers rooms with inspiring views and a swimming pool with a horizon stretching to the sky and water. Perfect for relaxing, diving, or simply contemplating. Dinner is recommended at the hotel itself: a light and elegant meal consisting of local snacks, prepared with the freshest, organic, and seasonal products from the region.

Stargazing

To end the day on a high note, you will participate in a stargazing session at Dark Sky Alqueva—the world’s first Starlight tourist destination. Guided by experienced astronomers and using state-of-the-art telescopes, you will witness one of the clearest skies in Europe. An unforgettable experience that blends science, silence, and wonder.

Visit and tasting of the bio winnery Herdade do Esporão

After pick-up at Montimerso Skyscape Country House, the journey continues to Herdade do Esporão – one of the most emblematic estates in Alentejo, whose certified organic vineyard is a model of sustainability and oenological innovation. The guided tour of the estate will introduce you to the production processes of its excellent wines and olive oils, culminating in a tasting of some of the finest vintages.

Michelin-starred restaurant

Lunch will then be served at the estate’s Michelin-starred restaurant, where the creative cuisine, deeply connected to the land and local ingredients, provides a memorable gastronomic experience.

Guided visit of historic village of Monsaraz

In the afternoon, you will visit the magnificent historic village of Monsaraz. With its medieval streets and whitewashed houses overlooking Lake Alqueva, this walled village offers one of the most iconic views of the Alentejo. During the guided tour, you will visit churches, the walls, and viewpoints, and hear the centuries-old stories that have been passed down through generations.

Pottery workshop

The day ends creatively with a traditional Alentejo pottery workshop. You will have the opportunity to mold clay on a potter’s wheel and create your own piece – an immersive experience connected to the ancestral knowledge of the region. You can take your creation home as a personalized souvenir (with shipping available if needed).

Suggestion "Farm-to-Table" at Herdade da Malhadinha Nova

For dinner, we suggest a “farm-to-table” experience at Herdade da Malhadinha Nova, where fresh, organic, seasonal products are masterfully prepared in a sophisticated yet intimate setting. A perfect end to a day full of aromas, textures, landscapes, and emotions.

Évoras´s World Heritage

The final day of your journey begins in the museum city of Évora, one of the most beautiful and well-preserved cities in Portugal, classified as a UNESCO World Heritage Site. Upon arrival, you will be welcomed by a certified local guide who will lead you through the cobbled streets of the historic center, sharing secrets and stories accumulated over more than two millennia. The visit includes some of the city’s most emblematic monuments: the Chapel of Bones, with its haunting message (“We bones that are here await yours”), the majestic Church of São Francisco, the mythical Roman Temple of Diana, and leisurely strolls through the squares and alleys that exude the identity of the Alentejo. For lunch, we suggest a regional restaurant in Évora, where Alentejo flavors are served with elegance and authenticity, prepared with local, seasonal ingredients.

Visit ant tasting Bio Olive Oil Farm Amor é Cego

The afternoon concludes with a visit to the organic farm “Amor é Cego!” (“Love is Blind!”) on the outskirts of the city. Here, you will be taken on a sensory journey through the world of olive oil, with a guided tasting of artisanal varieties under the shade of an olive tree over two thousand years old. A moment of deep connection with the land, time, and the essence of the Alentejo.

Return to Lisbon

At the end of the experience, you will return to Lisbon, with drop-off at your hotel or the airport. The trip ends, but the soul of Portugal — made up of landscapes, encounters, flavors, and silences—will stay with you forever. Note: If any of the accommodations mentioned in the itinerary are unavailable, an alternative of the same quality and refinement will be provided, in keeping with the standards of Immersive Journeys.