Our Journeys
Wine Harvest in Portugal
September 8 to 22, 2021
Journey Highlights
Fall in love with the idyllic country of Portugal during this 15-day Journey. Marvel at medieval castles perched on scenic hilltops, wander through quaint fishing villages and explore sandy beaches along the most epic coastline. From the wine festival in Madeira, through tastings in Porto, on the Douro, and in Alqueva, savour various vintages in this “Old World wine region”. Brimming with beauty, vibrant culture, and tasty treats, Portugal is Europe’s perfect sweet spot.
Browse the highlights and map on the cards below by swiping or pressing the arrows.
Wine Festival & Experiences
Wine Festival & Experiences
The island of Madeira comes to life during its annual Wine Festival to celebrate the fall harvest. Join in a special lunch and tasting, and try crushing grapes with your own bare feet! Savour Port in Vila Nova de Gaia’s famed cellars, as well as along the Douro river.
Lisbon & Sintra
Lisbon & Sintra
Venture through the stunning capital city of Portugal, Lisbon, with its charismatic charm and vibrant streets. Just a short distance away, discover the gorgeous resort town of Sintra and revel in the beauty of its sweeping mountains, lush forests and colourful storybook castles.
Moliceiro Boat Ride
Moliceiro Boat Ride
Embark on a delightful boat ride in a traditional moliceiro through the relaxing canals of Aveiro. Slowly sip on a glass of local sparkling wine while admiring the art nouveau buildings, the Averio salt pan, the Jerónimo P. Campos ceramics factory, and the bustling Fish Market.
Tomar
Tomar
Stunning rock formations give way to pristine beaches and white-washed buildings in the Algarve coastal region. Feel your shoulders lower in the small towns of Lagos, Sagres and Tavira. See the immense cliffs from another perspective during a cruise of the grottos of Ponta da Piedade.
Porto
Porto
Immerse yourself in the dazzling coastal city of Porto. Famed for its production of Port that is stored along the banks of the Douro River, visit the stoic Cheese Castle, and famous Vila Nova de Gaia wine cellar.
The Algarve
The Algarve
Stunning rock formations give way to pristine beaches and white-washed buildings in the Algarve coastal region. Feel your shoulders lower in the small towns of Lagos, Sagres and Tavira. See the immense cliffs from another perspective during a cruise of the grottos of Ponta da Piedade.
Journey Map
Journey Map
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Journey Itinerary
See Detailed ItineraryDEPART FOR PORTUGAL
Enjoy a private car ride to the airport. Guests departing from the Toronto airport are assisted with their check-in. Meet your Journey Manager and fellow travellers and board your flight to Portugal.
Overnight flight
Start your Journey with us by enjoying a private car pick up service from your home. Upon arrival at the airport, guests departing from the Toronto airport are assisted with their check-in. Meet your Journey Manager and fellow guests, and board your flight to Portugal. Our Journey Manager travels with you to take care of all the details, allowing you to embrace your Journey.

FUNCHAL, PORTUGAL
On arrival in Funchal, we are met by our local guide and transferred by private coach to our hotel where we settle in before a sumptuous welcome dinner. (D)
Quintinha São João Hotel & Spa, Funchal (3 nights)
A beautiful city with an alluring mix of classic Portuguese architecture and natural beauty, explore the coast of a sunny bay where fennel (funcho) once grew in abundance. Madeira’s first city is a charming and exciting visit. On arrival in Funchal, we are met by our local guide and transferred by private coach to our hotel where we settle in and relax. This evening, join us for a casual welcome dinner.

NUN’S VALLEY
Discover Madeira’s lush Nun’s Valley by way of the Eira do Serrado viewpoint, and sample sour cherry liquor and chestnut cake in Curral das Freiras. We continue onwards to Pico dos Barcelos for panoramic views over Funchal Bay and the amphitheathre. Following lunch, we visit the fishing village of Câmara de Lobos, as well as the lookout point of Cabo Girão. (B,L,D)
Today we travel by coach to see breathtaking views of the surrounding mountains of Nun’s Valley by way of the Eira do Serrado viewpoint. We visit Curral das Freiras, a small village nestled among the highest mountains and sample Ginja, Portuguese liquor infused with sour cherries and chestnut cake. We continue to Pico dos Barcelos for a panoramic view over Funchal bay and the amphitheatre. Following lunch in a local restaurant we visit the traditional fishing village of Câmara de Lobos, which was also a favourite of Winston Churchill. We stop for spectacular views at Cabo Girão before returning to Funchal. This evening dinner is at our hotel.

MADEIRA & WINE FESTIVAL
We begin with a visit to the 2nd-largest peak on the island, the gardens and trout pond of Ribeiro Frio, and the triangle-thatched-roof houses of Santana. We then enjoy a special festival lunch, Madeira wine samples, and crushing grapes with our own bare feet! We continue to Porto da Cruz, for a relaxing stroll with a sample of locally produced rums, and to visit Machico, the one time capital town of Madeira. (B,L,D)
Our day begins with a visit to the 2nd-largest peak on the island, Pico Arieiro, before visiting Ribeiro Frio to visit the beautiful gardens and the famous trout pond. This is also the starting point for many levada walks, a series of relaxing hiking trails. We visit Santana to see the triangular houses built of stone with their thatched roofs.
Lunch is at a very special location that celebrates the wine season. We are greeted with a welcome drink, Madeira Wine on ice and enjoy many local dishes, followed by the opportunity to crush grapes with your bare feet! We then get to have a tasting of Madeira wines. We continue to Porto da Cruz, and stroll through the village sampling the local rums. We pass through the first capital of Madeira, Machico, where navigators who discovered the island landed in 1420 on our return to Funchal. We enjoy dinner this evening at our hotel.

FUNCHAL TO PORTO
We depart the lush island and fly to Porto. On arrival, our local guide leads us on an in-depth tour to see the Avenida dos Aliados, São Bento Station known for its unique tiles, the Palace of the Stock Exchange, and the Ribeira neighbourhood. Following a traditional lunch we visit a wine cellar in Vila Nova de Gaia, the famous Port town that overlooks Porto and the Douro River. (B,L,D)
PortoBay Flores, Porto (2 nights)
This morning we leave this lush island and fly to Porto. Porto is a fascinating and vibrant city that is rapidly becoming one of Western Europe’s most respected tourist destinations. Porto is a historic and varied city, from the narrow streets that make up the ancient Ribeira district through to the grand plaza of the Trindade district. The region is famed for the production of Port, which is still stored and matured in the vast cellars that stretch along the banks of the Douro River.
We board our coach and meet our local guide who takes us on an in-depth tour of the city. We travel down Avenida dos Aliados, which translates to ‘Avenue of the Allies’, to see the ornate buildings in a range of architectural styles. From neoclassical to French Beaux-arts, this avenue was built to impress! As such it is home to some of the city’s most prestigious hotels along with several banks. We stop for photos at São Bento Station known for its 20,000 tiles, painted by João Colaço, which depict scenes from the traditional life of the north. We then visit the Palace of the Stock Exchange and its famous Arab Lounge. Stroll around Ribeira, one of the most popular neighbourhoods in Porto. It is one of the most authentic and picturesque parts of the city in the heart of the old town.
Following a traditional lunch, we visit a wine cellar in Vila Nova de Gaia and have a tour of their cellars and sample their famous Port wines. We transfer to our hotel to check and have dinner.

DOURO VALLEY
Today we travel by coach into the Douro Valley, a region famous for the production of Port, a fortified wine. Our day begins in Régua, where we will visit a local winery for a wine tasting and lunch. Then we cruise the Douro River in a traditional Rabelo, from Pinhão through the Tua area. On our return to Pinhão we admire the glazed-azulejos mosaics of the train station. (B,L,D)
The Douro River and the Douro Valley are known primarily for Port, a sweet wine that has been produced here for two thousand years. The spectacular landscape is characterized by improbably steep terraces covered in vines and dotted with wine-producing farms called Quintas. Hills fall steeply to the water’s edge and the region becomes more and more sparsely populated as it travels inland from the coast.
We travel by coach to the capital of the Douro region — Régua — and visit a local winery for a wine tasting followed by lunch. Then we cruise the Douro River in a traditional Rabelo, navigating the unique river, in the heart of the oldest demarcated wine region of the world. From Pinhão, pass under the Eiffel iron bridges to the Tua area. Along the way, see hills of terraced vineyards with no roads or traffic in sight. On return to Pinhão we take some time to admire the Train Station and its collection of azulejos tiles from 1937. The four walls of the station are decorated with 24 blue glazed mosaics made of more than 100 azulejos and depict typical scenes of the Douro Valley all related to port wine production. We return to Porto for dinner at our hotel.

The Explore
With Confidence Plan
Following the COVID-19 pandemic, your safety and comfort during any Journey with us is our top priority. Learn about how we are taking your safety seriously.
Signature Inclusions on This Journey
THE JOURNEYS DIFFERENCEIn addition to our essentials, your Journey includes our following Signature Inclusions:

24/7 Professional Journey Manager
- Will travel with you from Canada and handle every detail
- In addition to knowledgeable local guides

Memorable Private Excursions
- Private excursions crafted by our team
- All sightseeing & entrance fees included

Private Car Pick-up Service
- Within a 200-kilometre radius, let your Journey begin in elegant comfort with a private chauffeured car to the airport

Generous Tips & Gratuities
- For the porters, local guides, hotel staff & many more, paid by us on your behalf
Our essentials included with your Journey:
- 12 nights in outstanding hotels
- Most meals included (13 breakfasts, 13 lunches, 13 dinners)
- Round-trip airfare from Toronto with TAP
- All taxes as well as port & service charges
- “Whisper” radios included for use during excursions
- Flights from select Canadian gateways for only $100
- Other gateways & travel classes available
- Porterage for one piece of luggage per person
- Complete information & assistance leading up to your departure
- Branded overnight carry-on or backpack
Journey Hotels
QUINTINHA SÃO JOÃO HOTEL & SPA, FUNCHAL
The Quintinha de São João is the perfect example of an old and indeed actual typical Madeiran Quinta. The picture windows in the guest suites and terracotta tile roof are well complemented by the onsite spa, saltwater pool, and locally sourced wine bar.
PORTOBAY FLORES, PORTO
Located in the historic centre of Porto and right next to the Misericórdia Church, the hotel is within easy walking distance of the city’s main tourist attractions. With 66 rooms and suites, this intimate, luxury hotel features a 200m manicured garden, various relaxing lounges, and a serene spa.
HOTEL DOS TEMPLÁRIOS, TOMAR
Surrounded by majestic gardens and overlooking the Nabão River, this hotel calls back to classic charm with decadent decor and detailed finishes. Featuring an indoor swimming pool within the health club, it is a great place to relax following the stories of the Knights Templar. Each of the hotel’s rooms is bright and elegantly decorated with wooden furnishings.
HOTEL M’AR DE AR AQUEDUTO, EVORA
Housed in a 16th-century palace, this 5-star boutique hotel features a beautiful chapel and dome ceilings. Overlooking the aqueducts of Évora, it has an extensive spa with an outdoor pool. The elegantly designed rooms include a work desk and a comfortable seating area. All bathrooms enjoy natural light and are separated from the sleeping area by a big glass window.
HOTEL VILA GALÉ PRAIA, FARO
The Vila Galé Collection Praia hotel, next to the beautiful Galé beach in the Algarve is absolute tranquillity and refinement. This boutique hotel offers such special perks as a pillow menu, Satsanga spa with sauna, a Turkish bath, and Mediterranean inspired gourmet cuisine. Each room at Vila Galé Praia offers modern furnishings, including a flat-screen TV.
HOTEL PORTOBAY AVENIDA, LISBON
Situated in Rua Rosa Araújo, next to Avenida da Liberdade, this boutique hotel has all the features of an urban resort: an indoor swimming pool, Turkish steam bath, esplanade, and many other refined finishes. Designed by the architect Frederico Valsassina, PortoBay Liberdade preserved the original early 20th-century façade creating an environment that evokes details from the past and the contemporary.