Culinary tour in Portugal

Taste your way through Lisbon, the Alentejo region and the Algarve, sampling delectable pasteis de nata and incredibly fresh seafood and wine. And to help you point your appetite in the right direction, the Ferreira family has shared some dining tips from their web series Portugal Gourmand. You’ll find all of their expert advice directly in the itinerary. You’ll also travel through timeless villages, kayak through caves and grottoes, and witness a moving Fado show.

If you love the freedom and adventure of the open road, then a Fly & Drive vacation is just what you need. Drive your way through the experience of discovering parts of Portugal one kilometre at a time. The car rental and hotel stays are included in the package, along with a bunch of other travel essentials that will help make this trip easy, fun, and unforgettable.

The day-to-day locations are already set and hotel accommodations will already be booked, but what you do during the day in each location is completely up to you. We’ve gathered our top picks for suggested itineraries, places to visit, things to do and even great spots for tasty treats. Explore to your heart’s content and take our suggestions – or don’t! No one decides what your travel days look like but you. Just make sure to get to the hotel on time!

Portugal Gourmand Tips: The itinerary also includes dining tips from the Ferreira family’s web series Portugal Gourmand.

Day 1        Depart Canada
Fly to Lisbon.

Day 2        Welcome to Lisbon
Upon arrival, pick up your rental car, then head to your hotel to check in. Discover Lisbon, a historical city full of stories and famous for its hospitality, where the sun shines 290 days a year.

Day 3        Lisbon 
Tuk Tuk Sightseeing & Gastronomy Experience: After breakfast, hop on a Tuk Tuk (included) to see Lisbon’s well-known quarters. See the Bairro Alto, Chiado and Rossio and try pasteis de nata.

Portugal Gourmand Tip
Tonight, why not go to the Bairro do Avillez for dinner ($) in the Chiado quarter. The restaurant is owned by Jose Avillez, a two Michelin star chef, and features different eating areas inspired by the best Portuguese flavours.

Meal(s): Breakfast, tasting

Day 4        Lisbon – Évora – Ferreira de Alentejo – Alentejo Region (Beja) (approx. 235 km)
Travel through the Alentejo region, filled with flavours, landscapes, tradition and  historical legacies. Stop to check out the UNESCO World Heritage Site of Évora. Then, a stop in Ferreira do Alentejo, to visit the largest olive grove in the country, before heading to Beja.

Meal(s): Breakfast

Day 5        Beja – Lagos (approx. 175 km)
Wine Tasting & lunch Degustation Menu: Explore Beja, the major town of lower Alentejo. Walk around the town and visit Santiago Church, the cathedral and the castle keep, known as Torre de Menagem, and climb to its top to admire beautiful countryside views. Then continue to Herdade da Malhadinha Nova to sample wine and enjoy lunch with a tasting menu (included). Continue south to Lagos for the night.

Portugal Gourmand Tip
Visit the country’s largest olive grove and taste olive oil. Oliveira da Serra is the winner of the World’s Best Olive Oil in Mild Green Fruitiness category – definitely worth a taste!

Meal(s): Breakfast, lunch, tasting

Day 6        Lagos
Kayak Tour: After breakfast, embark on a guided kayak tour (included). Explore amazing caves, grottoes and beautiful hidden beaches. Stop at a secluded beach and try some snorkelling. In the afternoon, visit Lagos, a beautiful and historical city.

Portugal Gourmand Tip 
With free time for dinner, sample fresh fish and shellfish, then for dessert try dom rodrigo, a magnificent local specialty.

Meal(s): Breakfast

Day 7        Lagos – Sagres – Silves – Faro (approx. 170 km)
Drive to Ponta da Piedade promontory and admire the magnificent views and stunning rock formations. Continue to Sagres and Cape St. Vincent, the most westerly point of Europe. Drive to Silves, a pretty historical town, before continuing to Faro for the night.

Meal(s): Breakfast

Day 8        Faro – Olhão – Castro Marim – Tavira – Faro (approx. 121 km) 
Natural Salt Pans & Spa Experience: Travel to Olhão, then continue to Castro Marim, located on the banks of Guadiana River. Visit the natural salt pans and learn about the traditional hand harvesting process. Indulge yourself at the spa (included). On your way back to Faro, visit Cacela Velha and Tavira.

Cooking Lesson & Dinner: In Faro, enjoy a gastronomic experience, including a brief history of the cataplana, a cookery workshop, and a full meal at Tertulia Algarvia.

Portugal Gourmand Tip
In Olhão, sample Algarvian flavours like the famous grilled sardines, or xerém, or visit the market – according to Carlos Ferreira, its the most beautiful market in Portugal!

Meal(s): Breakfast, dinner

Day 9        Faro – Lisbon (approx. 278 km)
Dinner at São Miguel d’Alfama Fado Restaurant: This morning, take some time to walk around the old fortified city of Faro. In the afternoon, head to Lisbon. Check into your hotel, then dine at the São Miguel d’Alfama Fado Restaurant, a family-owned restaurant and one of the oldest in the Alfama quarter, with daily young voices that continue the Fado tradition (dinner and drinks included).

Meal(s): Breakfast, dinner

Day 10        Lisbon – Return to Canada
Head to the airport to return your rental car and board your flight home.

Meal(s): Breakfast

2019 Departure Dates
Tuesday, Wednesday, Friday, Saturday and Sunday May 1 – October 20
Monday June 21 – October 14
Land portion only available November 1, 2018 – October 31, 2019

City tax
City taxes are applicable for hotel stays in Lisbon and are payable in local currency. Rate of 2 EUR is calculated per person, per night. Rates are subject to change without notice.

Car Rental
Manual Economy Rental Car (EDMR) Seat Ibiza or similar
Manual Compact Rental Car (CWMR) Renault Megane or similar

Available on request through our call centre
Automatic Compact Rental Car (CDAD) Renault Megane automatic or similar

Inclusions: Unlimited Mileage, LDW (CDW Collision Damage Waiver and TW Theft Waiver), LAF (Vehicle License Fee), 1 Additional driver and tax.

Exclusions: Gasoline, Airport Service Charge (25 EUR per rental), Personal Accident Insurance (PAI), Glass & Tyres protection (WWI), Roadside assisantce cover (RSA), Refueling charges, Navigation system, Baby seats, Luggage rack, Toll management device, Extra Additional Drivers (third person & above). All extra fees payable at rental counter in local currency. Anything not specifically noted in the inclusions. Upon arrival at the rental location, the passenger will be asked to leave a deposit for the rental. The deposit amount varies based on rental rate, minimum 300 EUR; this will be authorized on your credit card but not debited from your account. The deposit is intended to cover additional rental costs.

Minimum age for car rental is 25 with a prepaid voucher. A driver’s license from country of origin valid for minimum 1 year must be presented at time of rental pickup. All drivers 19-22 years old will be subject to a surcharge of 5 EUR per day up to 50 EUR per rental; subject to change without notice. Certain car classes may not be available to drivers under age 25.

Not included

• Meals, unless noted
• Parking
• Additional activities and excursions
• Personal expenses and insurance

Additional fees might apply

4-star Accommodation with Manual Economy Rental Car

Unless otherwise indicated, guests will stay in a Standard Room at all hotels during the trip.

The location and corresponding hotels are as follows:

• Lisbon: Hotel Mundial (or similar) (2 nights)
• Beja: Bejaparque Hotel (or similar) (1 night)
• Lagos: Tivoli Lagos Hotel (or similar) (2 nights)
• Faro: Eva Hotel (or similar) (2 nights)
• Lisbon: Hotel Mundial (or similar) (1 night)

Room occupancy: Maximum 3 adults

4-star Accommodation with Manual Compact Rental Car

Unless otherwise indicated, guests will stay in a Standard Room at all hotels during the trip.

The location and corresponding hotels are as follows:

• Lisbon: Hotel Mundial (or similar) (2 nights)
• Beja: Bejaparque Hotel (or similar) (1 night)
• Lagos: Tivoli Lagos Hotel (or similar) (2 nights)
• Faro: Eva Hotel (or similar) (2 nights)
• Lisbon: Hotel Mundial (or similar) (1 night)

Room occupancy: Maximum 3 adults

If you are interested in this tour, contact our travel architects at 514 939-9999 / 1 888 713-3311 or by filling out our online form, they will be happy to assist you.

Take the peace of mind by subscribing to the travel insurance that suits you.

The Ferreira go around their favorite restaurants in Lisbon. A trip to the four corners of the city to taste the best natas, Ginjinha, seafood and fish that Lisbon has to offer!