Experiences in Portugal

Private yacht on the Douro in Porto

Porto and the North

You set off from the Douro Marina in Afurada, the fishing village on the Gaia bank. The yacht heads upriver beneath the bridges that shaped Porto's history, then turns back towards the mouth, past the colourful Ribeira, the Port wine cellars and the Felgueiras lighthouse.

The pace is yours to set: a sunset aperitif, lunch served on board, or simply the pleasure of seeing the city from the water, with no one else around.

The Douro by solar boat, just for you

Douro

You leave Porto and arrive in Pinhão, in the heart of the Douro, stopping at the station famous for its azulejos. Here you board the private solar boat: an hour on the river with no engine noise, and two wines to taste on board.

Then the N222 road leads to the São Leonardo da Galafura viewpoint, one of the finest in the valley. After lunch comes a guided visit to a family-run quinta, with a tasting of Port and Douro DOC wines. A shared version, in a small group, is also available.

The Douro by 4×4 through the vineyards

Douro

From Porto you climb into the Douro valley and leave the tarmac behind: the 4×4 follows tracks between the terraced vineyards, where ordinary cars cannot go. The route is designed for enjoying the landscape, not for extreme adventure.

Midway through the day you visit a family-run quinta with a Port wine tasting, then picnic at one of the most beautiful viewpoints in Portugal. The itinerary adapts to the group: a second quinta or a boat trip can be added.

A winemaker's day at a boutique quinta

Douro

The day begins at Régua station, reached by train from Porto. Your guide takes you to a boutique quinta in the region for a visit and a tasting of its finest wines, led by a sommelier.

Lunch is served at the quinta, with wines chosen for each dish. Then you climb to a viewpoint over the valley, where a bottle of sparkling wine or champagne is opened with a sabre, as tradition demands for great occasions.

Douro cruise on a hotel ship

Douro

You board in Porto, with a welcome cocktail and the first dinner. Over the following days the ship sails upriver through the locks of the dams, to Pinhão and beyond, as the valley unfolds in vineyards, villages and quintas.

The days alternate between sailing, chef's demonstrations and shore excursions, with dinners and tastings at local quintas. You can choose between several ships and durations, up to a week-long cruise.

From Lisbon to the Douro on a scenic flight

Douro

You leave your Lisbon hotel with a private transfer to Cascais airport. From there a scenic flight soars over the Douro Demarcated Region: the terraced vineyards seen from above are a spectacle few people know.

You land in Vila Real and have lunch overlooking the São Leonardo da Galafura viewpoint, then drive through the vineyards along the N222, considered one of the most beautiful roads in the world. The programme continues with visits and a stay in the valley.

The Presidential Train through the Douro Valley

Douro

The Comboio Presidencial was built in the late 19th century to carry kings and heads of state along Portugal's railways. Its wood-panelled, velvet-upholstered carriages have been restored, and today the train travels the Douro line from Porto São Bento into the heart of the valley, following the river between terraced vineyards.

Guests are welcomed at São Bento station, with its walls of azulejos, and the train leaves in the middle of the morning. On board, the day is a gastronomic journey: the dishes are created by one of Portugal's best-known chefs, with a main course prepared each time by a local cook, and each quinta presents the best of its wines in a tasting. Meanwhile, stories of the train and the valley are told to the sound of live music.

In the early afternoon the train stops at Ferradosa station for a visit to the Wine Museum of São João da Pesqueira. The journey back, as the light changes over the vineyards, comes with another tasting of traditional sweets, charcuterie and Douro cheeses; the train reaches Porto at around 9pm. There are only a few departures each year, so it should be booked well in advance.

Private moliceiro with sparkling wine and ovos moles

Aveiro

The moliceiro is the brightly coloured boat that once gathered seaweed from the lagoon, its prow painted by hand. On your private boat you glide through the canals of the centre, between art nouveau houses and bridges.

On board you raise a toast with sparkling wine and taste *ovos moles*, the sweet of egg yolk and sugar encased in a shell-shaped wafer. A small luxury for an anniversary or a surprise.

Private sailing catamaran between Tróia and Arrábida

Arrábida and Comporta

The boat is an ocean-going sailing catamaran, sturdy and stable, with a large net at the bow for stretching out in the sun. You set off from Tróia and the skipper chooses the course according to the wind and your wishes: the beaches of the peninsula, the white and green cliffs of the Serra da Arrábida, a stop for a swim or some paddleboarding.

The sunset trip lasts two hours, with a welcome drink, and is the most romantic option. For the half-day and full-day trips, catering on board can be added. It is the natural pairing for anyone staying in Comporta.

On horseback through rice fields, dunes and the beach of Comporta

Arrábida and Comporta

You set off through the rice fields, with storks and herons taking flight as you pass, then ride through the pine woods to the dunes. The final stretch is on the beach, along kilometres of sand with no buildings in sight.

It is Comporta's signature experience, suitable even for those who rarely ride. It is booked through Sublime Comporta, which offers it to its guests; the private ride carries a supplement.

«Wine Expert» tasting with the winemakers

Alentejo

Malhadinha is a Relais & Châteaux wine estate set among the hills of the Alentejo. The visit starts in the winery, built to work by gravity, where the grapes arrive from the vineyard and are still trodden by foot.

The winemakers explain the choices behind each vintage and let you taste newly made wines alongside aged ones, to understand how a wine changes over time. It is the estate's most complete tasting.

By horse-drawn carriage to a picnic in the vineyards

Alentejo

The carriage crosses the estate unhurriedly, between vine rows, olive trees and cork oaks, at the horses' pace. It is just the right rhythm for understanding the Alentejo, where time seems to move more slowly.

When you arrive, the picnic is ready: a hamper with produce from the estate and the region, and of course the house wine. The spot is chosen among the vines or by the river, depending on the season.

By hot-air balloon over the Alentejo

Alentejo

You set off early, when the air is still and the light is at its most beautiful. The balloon rises gently above the countryside, revealing a landscape you would never imagine from the ground: the lines of the vineyards, the wheat fields, the dark patches of the oaks.

The shared flight departs from outside the estate; the private one is reserved for you alone. It is organised by Herdade da Malhadinha Nova for its guests.

Cante Alentejano and the viola campaniça

Alentejo

Cante is the song of the Alentejo's farm workers: the voices of men and women singing together, slow and deep, without instruments. In 2014 UNESCO declared it part of the Intangible Cultural Heritage of Humanity.

In the workshop you listen and try singing with the group, then discover the viola campaniça, with its double strings and metallic sound. It is a genuine encounter with the culture of the region. It is organised by Herdade da Malhadinha Nova.

Your own wine, created in the cellar

Alentejo

In the resort's cellar you taste the four grapes one by one, to understand what each brings: colour, body, aroma. Then you try different combinations until you find the one that truly matches your taste.

The result is a personal wine, a blend that bears your signature. A keepsake unlike any other, and a wonderful gift.

By hot-air balloon at dawn over the vineyards

Alentejo

The balloon takes off directly from the resort. You rise above the valley as the sun appears over the hills, while below you drift the vineyards, the fields and the castle of Montemor-o-Novo.

Booking is required at least 24 hours in advance; the flight is confirmed within 12 hours of departure, as it depends on the wind.

Private catamaran for a day in the Ria Formosa

Algarve

You set off from Olhão on a large catamaran and sail the calm waters of the lagoon, a natural park of channels, barrier islands and sandbanks. The itinerary is decided together: a beach, a swim, a tour of the islands or simply the pleasure of being on board.

As you board, you are welcomed with white or rosé wine from an Algarve winery, fruit and water. Catering on board can be added. Ideal for families and groups of friends.

Sunset for two on a deserted island

Algarve

The boat leaves from Faro or Olhão and crosses the lagoon as the light turns golden. You step ashore on an island of sand with no one else around, and the toast is already waiting.

It is the perfect gift for an anniversary or a marriage proposal: the lagoon at sunset, the silence and a horizon all to yourselves.

A night on a houseboat in the lagoon

Algarve

The houseboat is a small floating home with everything you need for the night, anchored in a quiet corner of the natural park. You arrive by boat from the harbour, and from then on there is only the water, the birds and the distant lights of the villages.

It is a rare experience, far from everything, one of the most beautiful getaways in the Algarve.

Private yacht from Vilamoura to the Benagil caves

Algarve

It is a yacht of great elegance, with room to relax in the sun or in the shade. You set off from Vilamoura and follow the golden coast of the Algarve, past cliffs, rock arches and hidden beaches, all the way to the Benagil caves.

On board there are prosecco, Portuguese wines and beers, soft drinks, tapas, snacks and fresh fruit, plus SUP boards and snorkelling gear. You can also choose the sunset cruise, of two or three hours.

Ponta da Piedade by private boat

Algarve

Ponta da Piedade is one of the most spectacular landscapes in the Algarve: golden rock towers, caves and small beaches reachable only from the sea. With a private boat you go at your own pace, away from the crowds of the shared boats.

Entry into the caves depends on sea conditions and safety regulations.

On horseback over the rocks of Porches

Algarve

In Porches, between Lagoa and Armação de Pêra, a small family stable takes out just one group at a time. The horses are all bred and trained by the family, and every ride is tailored to the rider's level, from beginner to experienced horseman.

You choose between an English saddle and a western, American-style one. The route runs through the countryside and over the coastal rocks, revealing the real Algarve that cannot be seen from the tourist spots.

Off-road motorcycling with a Dakar champion

Algarve

You set off from Moncarapacho, near Faro, on an enduro motorbike, with all equipment provided. The route climbs into the heart of the serra: the winding, technical single tracks of Fonte Férrea, stream crossings, fields of strawberry trees and almond trees.

Lunch is at a renowned ham restaurant in Cortelha. The level adapts from beginner to expert; for the most passionate there are also multi-day tours, up to a crossing of Portugal from north to south.