This tour explores the vibrant Bairro Alto and Chiado districts of Lisbon and the stunning Monserrate Gardens and Palace. You’ll also have the opportunity to experience the Madeira Botanical Garden’s magic with the guidance of an expert botanist. Additionally, you’ll have an exclusive visit to Blandy’s winery, where we’ll taste their iconic 1920 Bual and enjoy a unique Chef’s Table experience.
Itinerary Highlights
Visit UNESCO World Heritage sites
Visit the Madeira Botanical Garden with a Botonist
Exclusive visit to Blandy Winery
Chef’s Table Experience
Private Cooking Class in Lisbon
What’s included
Private tours for most included activities
Meet & greet airport service
Luxury or boutique accommodation at your chosen level
Expert guides in each destination
flexibility
This is an example itinerary. It is fully flexible; you can add or detract days and include hotels at your chosen budget. It departs daily.
7
Nights
Price Guide
$POA
Our quotes are bespoke for your customised trip. The prices displayed are indicative only, read more
Day 1
Fly to Lisbon
Day 2
Lisbon
Meet your local guide for a walking tour of Lisbon’s Bairro Alto and Chiado districts. Known as the city’s bohemian districts, these charming neighbourhoods were frequented by artists and writers in the past. In Chiado, visit the Carmo Archaeological Museum, situated within the ruins of the old Church of Santa Maria do Carmo, considered one of the most beautiful Gothic temples in Lisbon until the earthquake of 1755. Time permitting, take the Funicular de Gloria and enjoy some magnificent views over Lisbon. Round off your tour with a refreshing drink at a historic restaurant.
Day 3
Sintra
Meet your driver at your hotel and drive to Sintra, where you meet your hiking guide. Follow a pleasant and peaceful corridor of pine trees for around 4.3 miles (7 kilometres); the path links the Capuchos Convent to the Monserrate Gardens and Palace. Cross the Lagoon of the Musketeers and continue until you reach Monserrate Gardens and Palace, one of the most beautiful creations from the Romantic era. You have time to explore the Palace before returning to your hotel.
Day 4
Lisbon
Portuguese cuisine has been influenced by the Mediterranean, the surrounding Atlantic Ocean and the variety of spices introduced from Asia during the age of discoveries. Meet your chef this morning and head to a colourful market to gather the fresh ingredients for your private cooking class, where you get hands-on and learn to cook traditional dishes. Your chef pairs your dishes with local wines, ending, of course, with a Portuguese espresso!
Day 5
Fly to Madeira
Fly to Madeira and land in the city of Funchal. Proceed to a local winery for an exclusive experience. After a private tour, finish in the vintage room, where you sample the winery’s iconic 1920 Bual, paired with dried fruits, cheese, dark chocolate and Madeira cake for a sublime Chef’s Table experience. Learn how each bottling of this 1920 vintage was unique, owing to variations in heat, humidity and cask size.
Day 6
Explore Madeira
Immerse yourself in Madeira’s fabulous flora today, beginning with a stop at Mercado dos Lavradores. Witness the colourful displays at this bustling market, which sells a whole host of fruit, vegetable, flower and herb varieties. Continue to the Botanical Gardens, located within 80,000 square metres, and encounter a truly fascinating collection of more than 2,500 plant species! Continue to the mountain village of Monte to visit the famous 19th-century Church of Our Lady of Monte. Return to Funchal city centre for a stop at an embroidery factory and visit one of the city wine cellars, where you can try some typical and sweet Madeira wines, before returning to the hotel.
Day 7
South West Coast
The island’s west side has cliffs, valleys, forests, mountains, waterfalls, and cows! Spend this morning with your 4×4 driver-guide exploring the southwestern coastline around Ribeira Brava and Ponta do Sol. Start with climbing up the old roads and dirt paths to one of western Madeira’s main attractions, the Paul Da Serra plateau. Later, return to Funchal via the beautiful north-western coastal roads, stopping at waterfalls, volcanic sand beaches and lagoons along the way, where you may wish to enjoy a refreshing swim (weather permitting).
Day 8
Fly home
A note on price
The prices outlined above are a rough guide to give you an idea of costs and enable you to budget for your trip.
Guide prices are generally for private arrangements based on twin share, in well located, good quality accommodation (excluding international flights).
Please note costs are indicative and may vary due to a number of factors such as; travel date, hotel choice, room category, number of people travelling and prevailing exchange rates.
Price Guide $POA
When to travel
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Portugal boasts a temperate climate that makes it a popular travel destination year-round. However, if you’re looking to escape the crowds, the best time to visit is during the shoulder season, which runs from March to May and September to November. During these months, the weather is mild and pleasant, and you’ll be able to enjoy Portugal’s stunning landscapes and historic cities without having to navigate throngs of tourists. In contrast, the peak season, which falls between June and August, can be quite hot and crowded, so it’s best to plan accordingly if you’re traveling during this time.
In January, the weather in Portugal is generally cool and rainy, with average temperatures ranging from 8°C to 15°C. The northern and central regions of the country tend to be colder than the south, with occasional snowfall in the mountains. It's important to pack warm clothing and rain gear if you're planning a trip to Portugal in January. Despite the cooler temperatures, Portugal still has plenty to offer visitors in terms of culture, food, and history.
In February, the weather in Portugal starts to improve, with average temperatures ranging from 9°C to 16°C. Although it can still be cool and rainy, there are usually more sunny days than in January. The northern and central regions of the country tend to be cooler than the south, but overall the weather is milder than in the previous month. It's still a good idea to pack warm clothing and rain gear, but you may also want to bring lighter clothing for the warmer days. February is a great time to visit Portugal if you want to avoid the busy tourist season while still enjoying mild weather and beautiful scenery.
In March, the weather in Portugal starts to warm up, with average temperatures ranging from 10°C to 18°C. While there can still be some rainy days, the weather is generally milder and more pleasant than in the previous months. The southern regions of the country tend to be warmer than the north, and there are usually more sunny days along the coast. It's a good idea to pack a mix of warm and light clothing, as the weather can still be variable. March is a great time to visit Portugal if you want to enjoy the beautiful scenery and cultural attractions without the crowds of the peak tourist season.
In April, the weather in Portugal is generally mild and pleasant, with average temperatures ranging from 12°C to 20°C. There are usually more sunny days than in the previous months, and the chance of rain decreases as the month goes on. The southern regions of the country tend to be warmer than the north, and the coastal areas are often the warmest. It's a good idea to pack a mix of warm and light clothing, as the weather can still be variable. April is a great time to visit Portugal if you want to enjoy the beautiful weather, lively festivals, and outdoor activities without the crowds of the peak tourist season.
In May, the weather in Portugal is generally warm and sunny, with average temperatures ranging from 14°C to 22°C. The chance of rain is low, and the days are longer than in the previous months, making it a great time to enjoy outdoor activities. The southern regions of the country tend to be warmer than the north, and the coastal areas are often the warmest. It's a good idea to pack light clothing, sunscreen, and a hat to protect yourself from the sun. May is a great time to visit Portugal if you want to enjoy the beautiful weather, beaches, and outdoor attractions before the peak tourist season begins.
In June, the weather in Portugal is generally warm and sunny, with average temperatures ranging from 17°C to 25°C. The chance of rain is low, and the days are long and perfect for outdoor activities. The southern regions of the country tend to be warmer than the north, and the coastal areas are often the warmest. It's a good idea to pack light clothing, sunscreen, and a hat to protect yourself from the sun. June is a great time to visit Portugal if you want to enjoy the beautiful weather, beaches, and outdoor attractions, as well as the lively festivals that take place throughout the country.
In July, the weather in Portugal is hot and sunny, with average temperatures ranging from 19°C to 29°C. The chance of rain is low, and the days are long and perfect for outdoor activities. The southern regions of the country tend to be warmer than the north, and the coastal areas are often the warmest. It's important to pack light clothing, sunscreen, and a hat to protect yourself from the strong sun. July is a great time to visit Portugal if you want to enjoy the beautiful weather, beaches, and outdoor attractions, as well as the lively festivals and events that take place throughout the country during the summer months.
In August, the weather in Portugal is hot and sunny, with average temperatures ranging from 19°C to 29°C. The chance of rain is low, and the days are long and perfect for outdoor activities. The southern regions of the country tend to be warmer than the north, and the coastal areas are often the warmest. It's important to pack light clothing, sunscreen, and a hat to protect yourself from the strong sun. August is a great time to visit Portugal if you want to enjoy the beautiful weather, beaches, and outdoor attractions, as well as the lively festivals and events that take place throughout the country during the summer months.
In September, the weather in Portugal starts to cool down slightly, with average temperatures ranging from 17°C to 26°C. The chance of rain increases slightly, but the days are still warm and pleasant for outdoor activities. The southern regions of the country tend to be warmer than the north, and the coastal areas are often the warmest. It's a good idea to pack a mix of light and warm clothing, as the weather can still be variable. September is a great time to visit Portugal if you want to enjoy the beautiful weather, beaches, and outdoor attractions, without the crowds of the peak tourist season.
In October, the weather in Portugal starts to get cooler, with average temperatures ranging from 13°C to 22°C. The chance of rain increases, and the days are shorter than in the summer months. The northern and central regions of the country tend to be cooler than the south, but overall the weather is still mild and pleasant. It's a good idea to pack a mix of warm and light clothing, as the weather can still be variable. October is a great time to visit Portugal if you want to enjoy the beautiful scenery, cultural attractions, and outdoor activities, as well as the autumn festivals that take place throughout the country.
In November, the weather in Portugal starts to get cooler and rainier, with average temperatures ranging from 10°C to 18°C. The chance of rain increases, and the days are shorter than in the previous months. The northern and central regions of the country tend to be cooler than the south, and there can be occasional frosts in the mountains. It's important to pack warm clothing and rain gear if you're planning a trip to Portugal in November. Despite the cooler temperatures, Portugal still has plenty to offer visitors in terms of culture, food, and history. November is a great time to visit Portugal if you want to avoid the crowds of the peak tourist season and enjoy a more authentic experience.
In December, the weather in Portugal is generally cool and rainy, with average temperatures ranging from 8°C to 15°C. The northern and central regions of the country tend to be colder than the south, with occasional snowfall in the mountains. It's important to pack warm clothing and rain gear if you're planning a trip to Portugal in December. Despite the cooler temperatures, Portugal still has plenty to offer visitors in terms of culture, food, and history. December is a great time to visit Portugal if you want to experience the festive holiday season and enjoy traditional Christmas markets and celebrations throughout the country.
Add on’s
There are a multitude of add-on holiday options to this Portugal itinerary; for example, Some popular options include Madrid and Barcelona in Spain, as well as the Moroccan cities of Marrakesh and Casablanca. These destinations offer a diverse range of cultural experiences, from exploring the historical landmarks of Madrid and Barcelona to immersing yourself in the vibrant markets and colourful streets of Marrakesh.
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