How To Plan the Ultimate VIP & Luxury Trip in Portugal

Portugal has been trending heavily over the past few years, for very good reasons. It offers safety, privacy, comfort, all that the travelers seek for an ultimate and memorable experience. Moreover, the travel elite has been enjoying the VIP experiences that Portugal has to offer and that sometimes, are true hidden-gems. They consist in discovering magnificent cities like Lisbon and Porto, the Portuguese gastronomy and the wine culture in the countryside, and of course, enjoy the excellent weather all year round.

In order for you to plan and prepare your ultimate VIP vacation in Portugal, here are some ideas to take into consideration.

Douro Valley For The Wine Lovers

No one can dispute the fact that the Douro Valley is breathtaking. The river, the echoing birds flying over the ancient vineyards, the sunsets, all of this creates an aura of magic that will revolve around you during your stay, after all, the stunning Douro Valley is so much more than this.

During your perfect stay in this fabulous wine destination, you will be relaxing by the pool, overlooking rows of age-old vines, and getting to know the nuances of their fabulous wines, you will also enjoy activities like a private cruise, wine tastings, picnics, cooking classes and much more. But where to enjoy all of this, stay and eat? We suggest Quinta de Ventozelo or the Six Senses Douro Valley, in both, it is possible to stay in private villas, enjoy their amazing restaurants, in which Vale Abraão Restaurant (at Six Senses Douro Valley) is a fabulous gastronomy experience where it is recommended the chef's table experience. Also, for activities, you will have endless since birdwatching and wine tastings at Quinta do Ventozelo and helicopter tours, wine tastings, cooking classes at Six Senses Douro Valley. For an exclusive experience try Quinta da Pacheca, where you should spend the day in their wine tastings, ending with a relaxing sleep at their wine barrels.

Porto For The Culture Seekers

Porto is a city full of culture and surprises, where sometimes you have to search for them. The narrow streets and colorful houses, the fantastic views and architectural monuments, the galleries full of antique and contemporary art, its gardens and museums, are all wonders that are in plain sight waiting to be explored and enjoyed. Moreover, if you are looking for a luxurious and wonderful stay, we highly suggest Le Monumental or the Intercontinental. When it comes to the city's restaurants, it is filled with both traditional and inspirations from around the world, afterward, Casa de Chá da Boa Nova, awarded with two Michelin Stars, is an excellent choice or if you choose to stay at Le Monumental, their restaurant is also a fantastic choice if you are feeling to stay more indoors. While in Porto and like Douro Valley, you have to visit the premium wineries, and for over the top experiences, you should visit Cockburn's, if you prefer a private wine tasting, Taylor's for a master class and Graham's for a board room tasting.

Alentejo For The Food Lovers

Alentejo is blessed with lots of pasture land and a long seacoast, which translates into amazing food that will surprise any food lover, and the best is that the wine from this region speaks the same language as the food. Its rich cuisine fits the season superbly, where the elected meat is pork. Furthermore, if you are looking for the concept "farm to table" then São Lourenço do Barrocal Restaurant is a perfect choice, for another amazing gastronomy experience, you have Carveiral Farmhouse, Basili and Sem Porta.

For exclusive and private accommodations Torre de Palma, São Lourenço do Barrocal, Hotel Sublime Comporta, Craveiral Farmhouse, Quinta da Comporta, and Herdade da Malhadinha Nova are excellent since all of them have private villas, except Torre de Palma, but their rooms have independent terraces. For diversion and if you are feeling fearless then a hot balloon ride is a marvelous activity to try, you also have to try the ceramic workshop at Olaria Patalim, a private wine tasting at Quinta do Carmo and olive tasting at Lagar do Marmelo or at Amor é Cego, in which the last one is considered one of the six experiences that any traveler can not miss at Portugal.

Lisbon For The Passionate

Lisbon is Portugal’s soulful and romantic capital. The beautiful weather, stunning sights, and relaxing surroundings create a loving environment. In addition, and just outside of Lisbon lies Belém, where you’ll see the Belém Tower, Jeronimo’s Monastery and the Discoveries Monument, Alfama is also a place worth to be discovered, since it was the only part of Lisbon to survive the great 1755, and a day trip to Sintra, which is a UNESCO World Heritage site, will feel even more the romantic side that this region offers trough is architecture, food, culture, and wine, they are spectacular ideas to start your discovery trough this city. In addition, we recommend to stay at the Ritz Four Seasons or Pestana Palace, eat at Alma restaurant or Belcanto restaurant both awarded with Michelin stars and where you will taste the best of the Portuguese gastronomy mixed with outstanding cuisine techniques. For amazing wine experiences, Quinta do Grandil or Adega dos Colares. And don't forget to take a day off in order to enjoy a cruise in the Tejo river.

Algarve For The Sun Seekers

In Algarve there is no shortage of high-quality beaches, after all, sandy stretches go as far as the eye can see, framed by golden cliffs, small coves sheltered by the rocks and beautiful deserted islands. The ocean, in every shade of blue and mostly calm and warm, will invite you for long swims and indulge in water sports. For accommodation, Vila Vita Parc and Pine Cliff Villas are wonderful choices, since both offer private villas, for stunning palate experiences Ocean Restaurant and Vila Joya Restaurant are amazing choices, both awarded with Michelin Stars. For authentic and private experiences  in Algarve try a private cruise.

Remember that it is just an inspiration, after all, every journey itinerary is built entirely from scratch just for you, taking into account your tastes, preferences, priorities, and much more.