Imagine the Douro Valley’s sun-drenched vineyards, the Alentejo’s bucolic plains, Nazaré’s coastal prowess and Lisbon’s historical allure…Each destination is a feast for the senses and the perfect gateway into the country’s acclaimed cuisine. But how can you translate this into an unforgettable and equally delicious trip? Today, we present you Tourtailors’ 15-day Portugal food and wine tour, designed for all culinary lovers seeking to explore Portuguese gastronomy from the capital to the vineyards.
From seafood-rich coastal traditions to heart-warming inland flavours and time-honoured wine-making legacies, this gastronomic odyssey will ensure you get a true sense of the must-try flavours in Portugal. Ready to uncork this gem’s culinary soul?
Days 1 & 2: Exploring Lisbon and its Sweet Delights
Let’s begin your journey in Lisbon, a capital city, brimming with history, culture and flavour! Every street corner is ready to show you the way into this destination’s culinary heart. Past stunning landmarks like the grand Sé de Lisboa and its weathered stone facade, and quaint neighbourhoods like Alfama, you will find that culinary treasures beckon as strongly. It is in the hidden Fado Houses and traditional pastry shops that your food lovers guide to Portugal will truly begin.
Belém is the home of one of the city’s most iconic pastry shops. This historic quarter, known for housing the UNESCO-listed Jerónimos Monastery and the iconic Belém Tower, has also made a name for itself in the food department. This is the ideal spot for a flaky “Pastel de Belém” – crispy on the outside and creamy within. Want to make it even better? Dust it with cinnamon, and it will instantly become a sweet memory of Lisbon! As the night falls, the soul-stirring harmonies of the Portuguese guitar will lead you to a traditional “casa de fado” (Fado House), where you’ll savour a traditional Portuguese meal with “bacalhau” as the main star. Surely, this is the perfect prelude to the Lisbon to Alentejo wine route this tour promises!
Day 3: Discover Sintra’s Romantic Castles and Sweet Pastries
As day three rolls by, prepare to explore Sintra’s fairytale landscape of mist-cloaked forests and romantic palaces that will ignite both your imagination and appetite! With tickets to the Pena Palace, make this coveted landmark your first stop of the day. Take in its pastel-coloured hues and stunning views over the surrounding lush greenery. From here into the streets of the old town, why not visit the National Palace and its intricate blue tiles? This stop in your Portugal food and wine tour will only be complete when you taste Sintra’s sweet legacy!
After all the palace-hopping, it is time to follow the scent of warm pastry and visit a local “pastelaria”. First, have a bite of the emblematic “Queijada”, this is a small, delicate tart of cinnamon-spiced cheese filling. Then, it is the “Travesseiro’s” turn. Prepare your taste buds for a sweet sugar-dusted pillow delight of puff pastry filled with luscious almond cream.
Days 4 & 5: Taste Your Way Along the Atlantic Coast
Ready to dive deeper into Portugal’s soul? With flavours as rich as the landscapes, your journey will continue in Óbidos, a postcard-perfect medieval town of ancient stone walls and storied cobbled lanes. As you walk the streets of this gem, take a moment to indulge in a shot of the local drink, “ginjinha”. This is a cherry liqueur usually served in a chocolate cup – couldn’t be more irresistible!
Next, follow the roads northwards in the direction of Nazaré. This coastal destination is ready to greet you with Atlantic vigour – giant waves and a rich fishing tradition that will prove to be as riveting on the plate! Surely, this coastal haven invites you to feast on a waterfront restaurant where the freshest catch of the day is always a good option. From grilled sardines to the heart “caldeirada” (fish stew), you are in for a true bite of the ocean.
Before heading to the emblematic city of Porto, Aveiro will prove to be an enchanting stop midway. Its canals, coloured houses and “moliceiro” boats create the most picturesque scenery worth exploring. Don’t fret – we haven’t forgotten about the food! Aveiro’s most iconic delicacy is the “Ovos Moles”. These silky egg-yolk sweets shaped like seashells invite an unforgettable bite of another of the best foods and wines in Portugal.
Day 6: Delight in the Flavours of Northern Portuguese Gastronomy
The time has come to meet the soulful heart of Northern Portugal and the highlight of any Portugal food and wine tour – Porto! Begin the sixth day of your adventure with an exploration of the city’s rich heritage. Admire Porto Cathedral’s moving architecture, lose yourself in Carmo Church’s compelling blue tiles and stroll through the vibrant Ribeira district.
Overlooking the Douro River and the scenic D. Luis Bridge, this part of the town beckons with its lively atmosphere and inviting restaurants. Consider stopping at one of these to try the indulgent “Francesinha” – a layered tower of cured meats, steak and cheese goodness. It’s bold, messy and one of the top must-try dishes in Portugal. Afterwards, cross the river and head to one of Vila Nova de Gaia’s Port wine cellars. The historic lodges welcome you on a guided tasting of this famed drink, with each sip revealing the history of Northern Portugal.
Day 7: Get to Know Minho-style Cuisine
History and hearty flavours go hand in hand at the next two destinations of your Portugal food and wine tour. Guimarães will be your first stop. Also known as the “Cradle of Portugal”, this destination of storied streets and an ancient castle leads you to the birthplace of the country’s very first king. With this history comes a rich gastronomy. After visiting Guimarães Castle, settle into a local tavern and prepare your taste buds for the Minho-style cuisine! “Rojões à Minhota” (marinated pork with garlic and spice) and “Arroz de Pato” – baked golden duck rice – are among the must-try dishes in Portugal and Guimarães!
Next, Amarante, a town immersed in romance and spirituality. The Towering Monastery of São Gonçalo is one of the top attractions, built in honour of the destination’s patron saint. Following the river into the streets lined with boutiques and pastry shops, you will encounter the opportunity to indulge in “Doçaria Conventual”, a specific type of sweets made with egg, such as “Papos de Anjo” and “Brisas do Tâmega” – each ready to melt in your mouth.
Days 8 & 9: A delicious stay in the Douro Valley
The next two days will be a feast for the senses in the breathtaking Douro Valley. Terraced vineyards cascading down hillsides, meeting the glimmering river, define a landscape that beckons visitors worldwide. Your Douro Valley wine tour will begin with a serene boat cruise along the Douro River, with a glass of Port wine in hand, that tells the stories of each of the region’s centenary estates.
Yet the Douro Valley is not only famed for its legendary Port, the region’s robust reds and crisp wines also capture the attention of wine lovers. In a way, this Douro Valley wine tour from Porto will allow you to discover and savour it all. A lunch overlooking the vineyards is the perfect starter to meet the vintages. Expect the flavours of roasted meats, earthy vegetables and crusty bread. Later, you can head to a Douro Valley wine tasting at a traditional winery, where a story of sun, soil and heritage comes alive in each bottle!
Day 10: A Mouthwatering Detour in Belmonte
If you’re looking for an off-the-beaten-path gem, then day 10 is all about it! The charming village of Belmonte, set in the scenic foothills of Central Portugal, is known for its remarkable Jewish heritage and medieval castle that sheds light on the country’s past and evolution. With sweeping mountain views and a tranquil ambience, Belmonte offers a quiet and authentic slice of the country that also includes mouthwatering delicacies. On this part of the Food Lovers guide to Portugal, regional cuisine steals the show with its rich flavours!
Due to its location, Belmonte’s cuisine revels in strong mountain roots, marked by slow-cooked and soul-warming dishes. Why not tuck into a tender roasted lamb stew paired with rustic bread? Do not forget to sample the region’s creamy goat cheese, often handmade in local farms. The town is also known for its cherry products – cherish the opportunity to try unique liqueurs and compotes.
Days 11, 12 & 13: Lose yourself in the Alentejo’s Delicious Food & Wine
The final leg of your 15-day adventure through Portugal leads you deep into the heart of the Lisbon to Alentejo wine route. Sun-drenched landscapes of ancient towns and lush plains elevate your Portuguese gastronomy tour to yet another level. In Castelo de Vide and Marvão, two towns wrapped in medieval charm, gastronomy shows be of a rustic character. Think tender “ensopado de borrego” (lamb stew) and garlicky bread soups.
Follow the steps of the Alentejo way of life in Évora. Wander through this UNESCO-recognized to see Roman temples and a bone-lined chapel paint the most unique cultural landscape. Though, it is at the table, where all of this destination’s influences meet. Try the “migas” (savoury bread-based fare) and the comforting “açorda alentejana” that combines bread with garlic and cilantro. Finally, Estremoz and Monsaraz will introduce you to the region’s rolling vineyards and olive groves. Here, venture on a wine estate visit where you can taste velvety reds and try locally-produced olive oils!
Days 14 & 15: Find Arrábida Nature Park’s Delicacies
As the end of your tour approaches, head to the coastal paradise of the Arrábida Nature Park, where verdant hills meet turquoise waters, creating the most breathtaking postcard-worthy scenery. This serene corner is both a feast for the eyes and the mouth – your last indulgence will introduce you to some of the best food and wine in Portugal. In Arrábida, the highlights are diverse and rich. The tasty Azeitão Cheese is a creamy and buttery delight, perfectly eaten when spooned onto crusty bread. After this pure decadence, toast to your unforgettable journey with a glass of Muscat wine, the region’s golden nectar defined by sun-ripened sweetness.
Back in Lisbon, your food lovers' guide to Portugal draws to a close. Reunited with the capital’s alluring ambience and captivating culture, you will find your heart brimming with rich tastes, textures and soulful stories that will leave lifetime memories!
Embark on a Journey Through Portugal’s Most Delicious Regions!
After 15 days of mouthwatering delicacies and delicious wines, one thing becomes clear: Portugal is a country best discovered through its flavours! As we savoured Nazaré’s fresh seafood, tried the Douro Valley’s indulging Port Wine and tasted Alentejo’s hearty stews, every region proved to be a delicious chapter in your Portuguese gastronomy tour. Whether you’re a seasoned traveller or a seasoned food lover with an appetite for discovery, we at Tourtailors are ready to adapt this itinerary to your own preferences and turn it into your dream vacation. Ready to follow the flavours from Lisbon to the vineyards and beyond?
