Portugal Trip Review: Lisbon, Porto, Sintra, Nazare, Aveiro, Wineries, Cooking Class, Private Tour, Monasteries, 11-Day Travel

A big thank you to Marisa and our guide! Marisa did an exceptional job planning our 11-day private tour throughout Portugal. She coordinated with a fantastic guide. We could not have asked for a better Guide than him. His knowledge of Portuguese history, culture, and cuisine is beyond belief. Some of the highlights of our trip were the Lisbon Cooking Academy where we learned how to cook a three-course Portuguese meal. Marina was an exceptional Chef! We shopped first at a fresh market for all of the ingredients. I will upload those pictures. We then began our exploration of Portugal. The highlights of those trips were the UNESCO sites. Pena Palace and Sintra were spectacular. We had two visits to wineries one was Quinta do Quetzal (6-course meal with 5 pairings) and we also did an olive oil tasting at Mainova where we toured the olive farm. Make sure you visit the Convent of Christ and Batalha Monastery. Nazare Beach was beautiful- make sure you ask our guide for lunch or dinner reservations at Pangeia by the Sea. He always knows the best places! Especially when you get to Aveiro, there is an incredible two Michelin star restaurant there. (Salpoente) Porto has a totally different vibe than that of the bustling city of Lisbon. We did a walking food tour there that should not be missed. The typical sausage hotdog of Porto with a cold Super Bock is super fantastic. I had no idea how much I would like port wine. Douro Valley Vineyard Quinta do la Rosa is not to be missed. Great tour of the manufacturing of all of their wines followed by a tasting and 3-course lunch with pairings. We had a great port wine tasting just outside of Porto. Our last stop was Obidos where we were able to enjoy Ginja liqueur out of chocolate cups. Our last night was a sailboat tour of the Lisbon harbor, what a way to end an incredible vacation! Thank you again, to Marisa and our guide.