How to embrace all that Portugal has to offer, from Porto to the Algarve

Our series Bespoke Behind the Scenes lets you in on some of the incredible trips that B&amp;R Experience Designers create for travellers. Whether it’s a multi-generational family reunion or an exploration of a dream destination, our team works one-on-one with travellers to design original journeys that meet every need and desire. Here, Experience Designer <a href="https://www.butterfield.com/who-we-are/meet-the-designers/alvaro-diez-diaz">Alvaro Diez Diaz</a> explains how a family adventure spanning several regions in <a href="https://www.butterfield.com/destination/europe/portugal">Portugal</a> helped this group explore the best of the country.&nbsp;With ambitions to see the very best that Portugal has to offer—from its rich artistic and cultural heritage to unique food scene to gorgeous landscapes—this family hoped to pack in as much as they could, while also having time to relax. Thanks to the expertise of Alvaro Diez Diaz, B&amp;R’s Experience Designer for Portugal, this adventure achieved all their goals and more.&nbsp;“We introduced them to wineries, restaurants and horseback riding. They did some kayaking to the Benagil Caves as well and loved it. No other way of planning compares to Bespoke,” says Alvaro.&nbsp;

The needs and preferences of the group made for an exceptionally diverse trip. There was biking alongside vineyards, orchards and small farms in the Douro Valley, with a lunch stop at a riverside restaurant. Routes also explored the hillsides of Alentejo as the journey moved south. And a hike in sunny Algarve led the family to some stunning coastal views.&nbsp;Paired with their active exploration were experiences sure to be lifelong memories. A guided tour of Porto in sidecars took the group through the city’s historical centre, bustling residential neighbourhoods and along the river. In Alentejo, the family spent an evening with an astronomer counting the stars in the Alqueva Dark Sky reservoir, some of the darkest skies in Europe. And an early morning wakeup call was rewarded with a hot-air balloon ride over the Alentejo countryside.&nbsp;

“The goal for the family was to spend time together, and cover the interests of all the children,” says Alvaro. “They were wine and food lovers, and enjoyed an evening with the chef. They were keen for cultural immersion, so there were lots of musical events, from a performance by a modern fado singer to Cante Alentejano, traditional singing by a choral group.”&nbsp;Balancing it all was time to unwind and connect while enjoying the grounds, spas and views at some of the country’s incredible boutique hotels.&nbsp;

A glimpse into Alentejo, Portugal’s hidden gem

Go behind the scenes on a family adventure with a trip that takes travellers from Portugal’s north to south exploring history, wine regions and the stunning coast. 

Portugal

Portugal offers a huge variety of landscapes; from the vast open rolling countryside of the Alentejo to the terraced hillsides of the UNESCO Douro Valley, the granite hills that border Spain to the east and finally a seemingly never-ending coastline. Explore the wide-open landscapes, rolling hills, and cork trees in the Alentejo, or head north into the region known simply as “the Douro.” Amazing wines, breathtaking views and a paradise for foodies, this region has it all and then some.

From Porto’s wine to Lisbon’s charm, explore Portuguese culture

Local Connections

Incredible Rides

Authentic Food

Slowing down to see the world isn’t just a slogan—it’s a strategy. In Alentejo, it gets you private invites to vineyards, olive groves, tile studios, and one very charming farm-to-table estate. Pedal past cork trees, explore Évora’s Gothic gems, sail the coast by catamaran, and toast with passionate locals who keep Portugal’s culture beautifully, deliciously alive.

Discover the way of Alentejo

'Slowing down to see the world' means seeing what others miss - and we're the only ones going slowly enough to land exclusive invitations to Comenda Grande winery. Ride through Alentejo's cork and olive groves, taste sublime reds, tour our friend's farm-to-table estate, and experience the Goth architecture of Évora. We stake a spot on the gorgeous coast for two nights—discovering Arrábida Natural Park's inimitable charm. Come explore Alentejo with us!

Gaze out from atop clifftop castles and discover cathedrals and canals that rival Europe’s best in Portugal. Brimming with European charm, discover for yourself what makes it distinct. Start with the custard tarts (and you could be forgiven for not going any further), followed by the seafood, the folklore and the music. Below are some of our favourite experiences in Portugal to inspire your bespoke journey.

Regional Expertise

Cultural Immersion

Unique Gastronomy

With clifftop castles, terraced vineyards and seafood so fresh it practically swims to your plate, Portugal is a sensory love letter. From Lisbon’s lively laneways and Alentejo’s golden hills to the volcanic Azores and the Douro’s vine-covered slopes, spend your days exploring by foot or by bike, and your evenings sipping vinho verde as the sun sets.

Scenic coastlines, rich heritage, unforgettable flavours 

Terraced vineyards, riverside hotels & farm-to-table meals

Bespoke travel lets you to take our inspirational cues and craft them into your personalized, private adventure. Collaborate one-on-one with an Experience Designer to put together your tailor-made trip.

Portugal Bespoke | Butterfield & Robinson

From the rolling countryside in Vidago, Montalegre and Douro, to the elegant spaces of Chaves, art galleries and Michelin-starred chefs, feel the juxtaposition each day as you explore Portugal's glorious interior. Gently pedal past whitewashed quintas and traverse terraced vineyards while leaving the challenging uphill ride for the final day, with gratifying vistas as a reward. Slow down and lean into traditional Portuguese wellness, wine and wonderful cuisine by connecting with local chefs, longstanding family port producers and artists to add unique perspectives to your experience.

The contrasts of Portugal

Douro Valley Multi-Active | Butterfield & Robinson

No need to choose between the wine regions of Vinho Verde and Douro—we’ll explore both! Drool over ancient bread ovens, terraced vineyards, stunning riverside hotels, and naturally, a glass or two of port&nbsp;wine. If all this pleasure wears you out, recover with a visit to the spa, a dip in the pool and a picnic aboard a private riverboat.

With its European charm and uncrowded appeal, Portugal's coast offers a bounty of experience for history buffs, adventurers and foodies alike. Explore from Northern Portugal to Santiago de Compostela in Spain; end your journey by cycling the final stretch of the Camino on lesser-known routes. Pedal the sparkling blue coastline, savour a Vinho Verde tasting and indulge in the region's spectacular seafood.&nbsp;

CAMINO COASTAL CHARMS

Venture to northern Portugal and discover the enchanting Douro Valley, one of the world’s oldest and most celebrated wine regions. Adorned with steep terraced vineyards and meandering rivers, this pocket of northern Portugal is best discovered on two wheels. Begin your journey pedalling through the charming medieval city of Chaves, then explore the works of acclaimed artist Nadir Afonso in Boticas. Continue to the Douro Valley, where you'll indulge in the iconic taste of Port wine at its birthplace and savour a local lunch on a riverboat cruise. Along the way, pedal through UNESCO agricultural landscapes and meet our friends who will host you for incredible gastronomic experiences.&nbsp;

One-of-a-kind Hotels

Northern Portugal’s Douro Valley serves up swoon-worthy scenery, soul-warming Port, and enough Roman bridges to impress Julius himself. Pedal from medieval Ponte de Lima, past vineyards and terraced farms, then cruise the Douro River with a glass of Port in hand. With cobblestones, cork trees, cool Atlantic air and culinary magic—this is Portuguese indulgence on two wheels.

Pedal through ancient vineyards and villages

The itinerary below is a sample and is subject to slight changes in routes, accommodations and activities. Please download the itinerary for your selected departure for precise details.

Preview the itinerary

Experience Designer

Portugal Douro Valley Biking | Butterfield & Robinson

Nature's Wonders 

Off the Beaten Path

Leave the mainland behind and discover a world where volcanic peaks meet lush forests, and ocean breezes carry the scent of wildflowers and salt. In the Azores and Madeira, nature takes center stage. Hike the crater rims of ancient calderas, taste wines grown in volcanic soil or sail between islands. This island playground invites you to slow down and tune into the rhythm of the waves, the rustle of the forest and your own sense of wonder.&nbsp;

Portugal Islands Bespoke | Butterfield & Robinson

Authentic Cuisine

Active Adventure

Friends & Family

Close to Lisbon, miles from ordinary,&nbsp;Alentejo unfolds like a dream. Where golden hills roll, cork forests whisper and time slows to the rhythm of the land. Cycle between sun-drenched vineyards, ride noble Lusitano horses or sail the quiet coast where sky meets sea—every day here is an invitation. Unwind in private wine estates, linger at a family-run farms or dine barefoot at a beachside restaurant, just steps from the water.&nbsp;

Portugal

How to embrace all that Portugal has to offer, from Porto to the Algarve

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