Portugal Travel Review: Douro Valley, Sierra Arrabida, Gastronomy Tours, Culture & History

We went to Portugal on vacation during the first few weeks in September.  Our agent did an exceptional job of creating a personalized agenda for my husband and myself, taking into account what we enjoyed doing as well as what we wanted to avoid.  Not an easy task as my husband wanted to take a gastronomical tour and I was more into local culture and customs—past and present.

Our travel company went above and beyond what we expected in every detail of the vacation.  We got to go to several incredible restaurants, with Michelin stars and others that only locals with an exceptional palate patronize.  Farmer’s Markets, sardine shops and wine tours were also well planned.  

Talking with the ladies of the embroidery school and walking through small towns meeting shopkeepers and residents.  Although they planned events for both of us, there was never a day focused solely on one of us so we enjoyed each and every day.   We were shown Portugal through the eyes of a Portuguese; doing may wonderful things off the typical tourist itinerary.  We have done these sorts of trips in other countries and found this company to be a best of breed company.  We cannot recommend them highly enough!