Arrive in Porto and settle into your accommodation in the city's heart. This evening, join a welcome dinner at a beloved local restaurant known for its francesinha — Portugal's legendary steak sandwich crafted with beer and sauce — paired with local wine. An unhurried introduction to Porto's food culture and the warmth of Portuguese hospitality.

Spend the morning on a guided food tour through Porto's historic quarters, discovering the specialties that define the city. Visit traditional tascas where locals gather to sample cachorrinho and other regional delights. Stop at a neighbourhood pastry shop to taste pastel de nata fresh from the oven. Browse an atmospheric mercearia to understand the pantry staples of Portuguese cooking. This afternoon is free, and this evening, learn to make pastel de nata in an intimate cooking class.

A scenic private drive takes you into the Douro Valley, where UNESCO-listed vineyard terraces tumble down to the river. Settle into your hotel, then head to Quinta da Pacheca for a guided vineyard walk timed to the harvest season. See how grapes are picked and brought to the winery. A long, leisurely lunch at the quinta showcases estate wines paired with seasonal Portuguese cuisine prepared using produce from the quinta's gardens. Return to your accommodation for a quiet afternoon. This evening, dine privately with the quinta's owners on homecooked dishes featuring fresh local ingredients.

Drive south to the Alentejo, Portugal's sun-soaked heartland where ancient olive groves stretch across open countryside. Visit a working olive oil farm and meet the family who tends it. Taste their estate oils, understanding how terroir, harvest timing, and tradition shape flavour. Participate in a symbolic tree-planting experience, connecting you to the land's continuity. A light lunch features local cheese, cured meats, and fresh bread accompanied by estate oil tastings. This evening, a quiet dinner in a local village showcases Alentejo specialties — slow-cooked stews and wines from small local producers.

A leisurely morning before driving toward Lisbon, with a stop in the medieval town of Évora. A short orientation walk reveals marble-columned Roman temples, azulejo-tiled churches, and quiet plazas where history breathes. Pause for a ginjinha tasting — Portugal's beloved cherry liqueur — at a traditional bar where locals linger. Continue to Lisbon, arriving mid-afternoon. Settle into your accommodation and enjoy dinner at a neighbourhood restaurant where the focus is seasonal Portuguese cooking.

Begin with an exploration of Mercado da Ribeira, the sprawling market now home to Time Out Market, where some of the city's best chefs run small counters. Taste canned fish — Portugal's humble treasure — in various preparations. Browse stalls of fresh produce, local cheeses, and cured meats. This afternoon, join a hands-on cooking masterclass in Belém, learning to make pastéis de nata from a pastry chef. Bake your own, then enjoy them warm with Portuguese coffee. The remainder of the afternoon is free to wander Lisbon.

Breakfast at your hotel. Depending on flight timing, final leisure time to revisit a favourite neighbourhood, buy last-minute gifts, or sit in a café with Portuguese pastries and coffee. Transfer to Lisbon airport for your onward journey, carrying memories of Portugal's true flavours and new skills to recreate them at home.