Portugal Foodie Feast October 2026

 

I absolutely cannot wait to show you Portugal! It is SO beautiful, so colourful and so delicious! After our highly rated 2025 trip we couldn't resist returning in 2026. Next year is our last year of foodie trips, and this is our last trip ever! So join us for the experience of a lifetime.

WHO IS COMING WITH ME on this luxury EIGHT NIGHT, NINE DAY culinary adventure through Sintra, Lisbon, Evora, Nazare, Douro Valley, Aveiro and Porto?

Dates are October 19-27th 2026.

There are just   FOURTEEN PLACES REMAINING on this trip. PLEASE NOTE: If you are joining me after the end of the France trip, there are 4 nights for you to organise before needing to be in Lisbon.

WE HAVE LIMITED TWIN SHARE ROOMS available. First in will lock in these twin share rooms.

The twin share price is $8999 AUD pp with a $2000 single supplement if you wish to travel solo. British travellers will be able to pay in GBP. US travellers in USD.

We have been working on this for a long time, and are very proud to finally present the program to you as follows;

You will be met and transferred in luxury air conditioned comfort from the airport direct to the Turim Boulevard hotel  

nestled on Lisbon’s elegant Avenida da Liberdade, a perfect blend of style, comfort and appetite-pleasing delights. Whether you’ve just landed or winding through cobblestone streets, this hotel sets the tone for a delicious stay.

Prime Location: The hotel is surrounded by some of Lisbon’s best dining destinations. From upscale spots to hidden gems, you’re a short walk away from vivid neighbourhood eateries, seafood taverns, and places serving Portuguese classics like bacalhau, petiscos, and pastéis de nata.

Have a quick rest and be ready for our first event:  We have planned a welcome event with tapas style canapes and cocktails for you to meet your fellow travellers. 

If you are up for it, I will take you on a little walk to Solar Dol Presuntos for more food...because it is a foodie tour after all. If you are still awake after dinner, we can go party Lisboa style, as our neighbourhood is right in the heart of all the fun!

Come ready for lots of laughs, but you are going to need an early night as we hit the ground running the following morning. (And many of you will be jet lagged! Personally I will be off to bed because the tour starts in earnest the next morning!)

Day two will be spent in Sintra. We leave the hotel after breakfast, with an early start to see the Palace of Pena, the renowned jewel in the crown of the beautiful Sintra hills. The bright colours of the palace are something to behold and will open your imagination. Created by the artist King Ferdinand II for the love of his life, it is beautiful and whimsical at the same time and a must see when in Portugal.

After visiting the palace we will have some time for shopping in the boutiques and laneways of Sintra and then we will enjoy a late lunch at 1743 Cucina Italiana

Tucked away in the verdant hills of Rio de Mouro, just on the fringe of Sintra, a fine-dining Italian restaurant born from a passion for history, craftsmanship and gastronomic elegance. Housed in the Quinta da Fonte Nova, also known as Palácio Fonte Nova, the building dates back to 1743, a nearly 300-year-old eighteenth-century palace that has been lovingly restored to reveal stately gardens, romantic architectural details, and an ambience that transports you back in time.

The name 1743 itself is a nod to the year the palace construction began, a reminder that you’re not just dining: you’re stepping into a piece of history. Around you, the old walls, the gardens and even the chapel on the grounds add to the experience. But it’s not just about aesthetics: the menu reflects a fusion of tradition and modernity, harnessing premium ingredients (some imported from Italy, some drawn from Portugal) to create inventive takes on classic Italian and trans-Italian dishes.

Following lunch in true romantic style, we will return to the hotel for you to have the opportunity to spend time in Lisbon at your leisure, (put your walking shoes on)!

Shop, rest, relax, repeat. Make sure you try the gelati from

gelataria Santini, a famous Portuguese family artisan gelato. (There are a few around, you will no doubt find one easily!)

Day Three is our tour and lunch at stunning olive grove and winery, Mainova.

But a little surprise on the way will delight you, as we stop at

a tile-making workshop where you’ll learn about traditional Portuguese tile craftsmanship, including the creation and decoration of azulejos. Try your hand at tile painting. This is a lovely souvenir to make and bring home with you. 

Your tiles will be fired and delivered to you later in the tour. Then back on the bus to Evora and MaiNova. 

After coffee and a traditional snack, we will tour the vineyards, olive grove and wine cellar, then enjoy a meal prepared by Chef João Narigueta, paired with MaiNova wines. Choose between the 5-Moment tasting menu, with each moment featuring seasonal dishes and corresponding wines. This is sure to be a highlight of the trip as this region is known for its amazing produce due to centuries of improvement of the soil combined with best farming practices. I will be preparing the dessert for you while you enjoy the tour...let's see if I can measure up to the Michelin chef who is preparing our lunch! (no pressure!)

After some more shopping (they have a lovely gift shop here) we will bring you back to Lisbon for a free evening. We have loads of suggestions of things you may want to see, and we will be sure to share! 

Day Four: Food and Wine Tagus River Cruise:

Today we will be away from the crowds and distractions as we cruise the famous Tagus River by catamaran. But first we will stop and enjoy the famous Portuguese tarts from the Belém region (they claim to be the original) in the beautiful Belém gardens.

Once aboard the catamaran we will be treated to privately catered Portuguese style tapas and drinks as we enjoy the scenery from the coolness of the river. Spot iconic sights such as Christ the King (Christus statue) and the 25th of April Bridge, as well as the elegant Belém Tower and the Monument to the Discoveries. With stunning views of Lisbon from the river, this is a photographers dream. 

After these amazing Portuguese experiences enjoy some free time to explore Lisbon at your own pace, the bus will leave you to explore LX Factory.

LX Factory is one of Lisbon’s most vibrant creative districts; a former industrial complex now buzzing with trendy cafés, rooftop bars, design shops, and street art. It’s the city’s go-to spot for food lovers and creatives alike, offering everything from gourmet bites and artisan bakeries to lively weekend markets and cultural events, all set within its cool, repurposed warehouse vibe. You can make your own way back to the hotel by foot meandering through the streets, or you can hop in a taxi which will just cost a few euros.

Day Five is our cooking class day at an organic farm:

This was one of the favourite days of the 2025 tour and we know you will also love this hidden organic farm in Sintra, nestled in a serene valley. Here you will immerse yourself in the world of culinary delights, with a farm to table cooking class, guided by their seasoned chefs. You will create mouthwatering dishes from the fresh seasonal ingredients you harvest that morning. After the cooking we will gather at the long wooden table amidst the vegetable fields and colourful flowers and share our culinary creations.

We return to Lisbon for one last free evening in this magical city. Make sure you spend some time shopping, (the shops stay open until around 8pm) and eat some more, because...foodie tour!

Day Six we travel to Oporto via Nazare and Aveiro, the Venice of Portugal:

After breakfast we will check out and board the bus for our trip to Oporto via

Nazaré, a city perched dramatically on Portugal’s Silver Coast, is more than its giant waves and seaside vistas; it’s a fishing town with deep culinary roots. The food here hinges on the bounty of the Atlantic; freshly caught sardines, mackerel, octopus, and fish like rock bass are often simply grilled or used in aromatic stews. 

A few local specialties to keep an eye out for:

Caldeirada à Nazarena, a hearty fish stew enriched with potatoes, tomatoes, herbs and often several kinds of seafood. 

Arroz de Marisco and Açorda de Marisco, shellfish rice or shellfish bread-panadas that combine coastal freshness with a comforting, soupy or bread-based texture.

Sun-dried fish (“peixe seco” / half-dried varieties). For example horse-mackerel or sardines dried in the sun, then eaten boiled or simply with olive oil and vinegar. A tradition that’s still alive in local markets and along the beach.

For sweets, Nazaré has its charm too: look for Sardinhas Doces (sweet sardine shaped pastries), Nazarenos, Támares, and Fóquins, local pastries that couple egg yolk, sugar and sometimes almonds with delicate shapes and textures.

Even with only a short visit, strolling through the Mercado Municipal, grabbing something grilled by the beach, or sampling a pastry in a local pastelaria gives an authentic glimpse of Nazaré’s culinary soul.

As we travel on towards Oporto we will also stop at Aveiro,

often called the Venice of Portugal. This is a charming canal city known for its colourful moliceiro boats, Art Nouveau buildings, and irresistible sweets. It’s a haven for food lovers, especially those with a sweet tooth, thanks to its famous ovos moles, delicate egg-yolk pastries wrapped in crisp wafers. We will attend a workshop and learn how to make these! 

Once we arrive in Oporto, we will check into the most gorgeous hotel you have ever seen! The Hospes Infante Sagres Hotel is one of the world's top 50 luxury small hotels.

Once you have settled in, we will be off to dinner again (as if you have room!!) to Michelin starred Mito.

Day Seven is a food and port wine festival! #WheninPorto 

After a stunning fresh breakfast, we will be met by our tour guide for our walking tour of Porto. During this half day tour, the guide will introduce us to the highlights and hidden secrets of this historical city. We will start by discovering two of the most beautiful churches in the city, the Carmo and Carmelitas churches. We will also have a small introduction to the process of tile manufacturing. See the bell tower of Clérigos Church, Porto Cathedral, and São Bento Railway Station, the most interesting monuments in the area. As well as the main sights, this tour will take you to some breath-taking monuments away from the large tour groups, in places that buses can't access.  Lunch included in Oporto’s Ribeira.  In the afternoon we will discover the flavours, aromas and stories behind the wines that have made Porto famous around the world. In this exclusive wine tasting, guided by passionate experts, you will explore different styles of wine from Porto and other Portuguese regions in an authentic and welcoming environment. 

You will have the rest of the day and evening at your leisure to find uncover the best that Porto has to offer. 

Day Eight, UNESCO Douro Valley cruise with farm lunch and wines.

Embark on a unique journey through the heart of the Douro Valley, a UNESCO World Heritage Site, aboard a traditional rabelo boat, once used to transport barrels of Port wine. This is an authentic experience that allows you to discover the essence of the Douro, with all the charm, flavour and landscape of this iconic region.

Glide gently past the terraced vineyards as you enjoy the serene beauty of the valley, with explanations on board about the history of the river, the rabelo boats and the Douro estates. Upon arrival at Cais do Ferrão, a transfer will be waiting to take you to Quinta Nova de Nossa Senhora do Carmo, one of the oldest and most prestigious estates in the Douro. Enjoy an estate tour with a farmhouse lunch with DOC wines and port to match.

After arriving back at the hotel, get ready because tonight is our farewell gala dinner, at the hotel restaurant.

Inspired by its award-winning counterparts in Bangkok, Singapore, and Hong Kong, Scarlett Wine & Food offers a distinctive dining experience with a fresh take on local flavours. 

Stay up all night to squeeze out the final moments with new friends or take yourself off to a good night's rest.

Day nine, breakfast then transfers to next destination.

We will say goodbye today after a delicious breakfast, with a transfer to either another hotel or the airport for your flight to your next destination.

Tour Inclusions:

Arrival transfers from Lisbon airport to our accommodation

Departure transfers from our hotel to Porto airport on the tour finish date

An outstanding culinary travel experience

Peace of mind knowing you are with the most professional travel and tour company in Portugal

Local guides with insider knowledge of the region’s secrets and mysteries

Special activities each day including wine tasting, bread tasting, olive oil tasting

Boutique accommodation in 5-star bespoke Lisboa and Porto hotels

Two wine tasting and vineyard visits

Two Michelin-starred restaurant experiences

Catamaran Tagus River Cruise

Admission to all historical sites mentioned in the itinerary

Organic farm cooking class

Pena Palace guided tour

Ovos Moles cooking experience

Gala dinner

Tile making experience

Douro Valley Tour and cruise with farmhouse lunch

Daily breakfasts, lunches and dinners as per the itinerary. Where lunches and dinners are not provided, or only light dinners are included, morning activities, food tastings and cooking classes are of ample abundance.

Most beverages with meals including wine, beer, juice, soft drink, tea and coffee are provided unless stated otherwise on the itinerary.

We do offer up to four nights at either end of this trip at either hotel, at the group rate, should you wish to extend. You must let us know when you book, however.

City accommodation taxes and charges for the nights included in the itinerary.