Portugal

Its not everyday that a tour to Portugal begins on an island in the middle of the Atlantic…but this one does! We have traveled extensively, but there is no match the beauty and wonder of the Azores. We will visit my favorite gardens, hike the jungles (no snakes or mosquitos!), stroll the volcanic sand beaches, visit the tea and pineapple plantations, stay in a renovated Franciscan convent, eat some incredible meals, dip into natural hot springs, and walk with donkeys in a traditional village! These are all my favorite things to do on the island and I can’t wait for you to join me. (note: There are direct flights into Ponta Delgada from NYC, LONDON, Boston and more.)

From the Azores, we will fly to Lisbon, a beautiful and charming city full of history, palaces, and my very favorite sustainable shops! My local friends will guide us around the city in a very non-touristy walking tour. We will have a few special dining experiences and stay in the heart of the old city so you can wonder the streets and enjoy every minute! Our time in Lisbon will include a visit to magical Sintra too!

From Lisbon we will journey up north to the Vinho Verde (green wine) region with a stop in Obidos, a medieval town. For several nights you will get to experience the beautiful retreat center we helped restore that lies in a traditional village above the Douro River: farm + village walks, nature-inspired block printing workshop, a picnic + local winery tour, and connection with our local village friends…and of course you will enjoy the most incredible views of the valley at sunrise and sunset.

Finally, we will end our tour in the heart of beautiful, historic Porto. I can’t wait to share my favorite parts of this special city with you, including a port wine tasting, Douro boat trip, and more! You will depart from Porto for your journey home.

This 10 Day tour includes stays in some of my favorite places in Portugal! We start off in a very special renovated Franciscan Convent from the 16th century. It is now a boutique hotel overlooking the ocean on São Miguel Island in a tiny fishing village. To say I love this place is an understatement. In Lisbon we will stay in some designer apartments in the heart of old Lisbon filled with a mix of local handloomed textiles, modern fixtures, and selected antiques. It is owned by a couple that also owns one of my favorite restaurants (Michelin recommended). From there we head north for a few nights at the retreat center we helped renovate. The retreat is nestled in a small village and has the most stunning sunrises and sunsets. It is a humble but beautiful place. You can wander the farm and find rest for you soul while we stay there (with a mini version of my Flora+Fauna retreat). Finally, I picked an architectural hotel for our final few nights, a stunning renovated 19th century iron warehouse in the historic center of downtown Porto.

You will be invited to participate in a variety fo experiences throughout our journey, including some hands-on craft workshops (potentially pottery, monoprinting/block printing, and weaving), visits to meet local artisans, local hikes in forests, hills, and villages (one with donkeys!), guided historic walking tours, hot springs and gardens, visits to sustainable shops, and incredible dining experiences. I want you to have a unique, authentic encounter with Portugal. We will see some of the famed sights, but more attention and time will be given to off the beat and path opportunities to fall in love with the beauty and wonder of Portugal.

Because we lived in all the places on our itinerary, you will get to meet some of our very favorite people in Portugal! You will be welcomed as a friend and see why Portugal is so truly special.