Portugal Culinary Experience
Lisbon & Porto – Aug. 25th to Sept. 1st, 2026
max 15 guests
Hosted By Celebrity Chefs
Anna & Michael Olson
There is a magic to Portugal that’s hard to describe. The connection to the ocean is palpable, and the natural beauty of the country, plus the history and architecture of the cities, gives it such depth. But we also love going for the food and the simplicity of the ingredients. Our first meal in Lisbon was at a casual restaurant that posted its seafood menu scrawled onto a paper tablecloth and hung in the window (delicious!), and the port houses in Oporto definitely impress, plus the Pasteis de Belem are truly divine.
We hope to see you in Portugal so it can cast its spell on us together.
Join renowned celebrity chefs Anna and Michael Olson for an extraordinary culinary journey through Portugal, where centuries-old traditions meet the vibrant flavors of Atlantic Europe’s hidden gem. This exclusive FTD Agency experience combines the medieval charm of UNESCO heritage sites with authentic gastronomic discoveries from Lisbon’s historic neighborhoods to Porto’s legendary wine cellars. From hands-on Pastel de Nata workshops with master pastry chefs to traditional bread-making in the UNESCO World Heritage Douro Valley, every moment has been carefully curated to offer you unparalleled access to Portugal’s rich cultural tapestry and culinary secrets.
Tour Itinerary
Day 1 – Aug. 25th - Lisbon
Welcome to Portugal
Arrival at Lisbon Airport.
Transfer to your carefully selected hotel in the heart of Lisbon for check-in and group introductions.
Evening: Welcome Dinner Experience
Immerse yourself in Portuguese hospitality at an authentic regional restaurant featuring the culinary treasures of Alto Alentejo. Experience the “petisqueira” – a celebration of Portuguese generosity with around 60 varieties of regional appetizers, followed by expertly grilled meats including black pork, beef, and lamb. Conclude with traditional convent sweets and fresh fruit.
Overnight: Lisbon
Day 2 –Aug. 26th - Lisbon Discovery
The Heart of Portuguese Cuisine
Morning: Lisbon Walking Food Tour (3-3.5 hours)
Discover Lisbon’s culinary soul through its historic center. Visit traditional “tascas” (local taverns) where everything is freshly prepared. Sample dishes beloved by locals, paired with fine wines and local spirits, culminating in a special “secret dish” revelation.
Afternoon: Hands-on Pastel de Nata Workshop
Master the art of Portugal’s most iconic pastry under the guidance of a passionate pastry chef. Learn the secrets behind these creamy custard tarts, from rolling flaky pastry to whisking velvety custard. Bake and taste your own golden creations fresh from the oven.
Evening at leisure to explore Lisbon independently.
Overnight: Lisbon
Day 3 – Aug. 27th - SETÚBAL REGION
Markets, Seafood & Wine Heritage
Morning: Mercado do Livramento Experience
Journey south of the River Tagus to explore the magnificent 1930s Mercado do Livramento. Discover up to 350 vendors showcasing Portugal’s finest produce, with particular emphasis on the internationally renowned seafood selection. Learn about Portuguese passion for cod, sardines, octopus, and regional cuttlefish.
Lunch: Regional specialties at a local restaurant
Afternoon: Wine Estate Visit
Visit a historic estate that exemplifies Portuguese wine culture. Meet with local guides who will share the family’s influence on regional wine-making traditions, concluding with an exclusive wine tasting session.
Return to Lisbon for evening at leisure.
Overnight: Lisbon
Day 4 – Aug. 28th - JOURNEY TO PORTO
Medieval Villages & Coastal Wonders
Morning: Óbidos – The Medieval Gem
Explore this UNESCO Creative City, once exclusive property of Portuguese Queens. Enjoy a guided tour through winding streets and colorful houses, with opportunity to taste the famous Ginjinha cherry liqueur served in chocolate cups.
Midday: Nazaré – Where Giants Rise
Visit this legendary fishing town, forever changed by record-breaking waves. Experience the authentic coastal culture, from horse mackerel drying in the sun to colorful boats and traditional women in their seven skirts.
Lunch: Scenic restaurant overlooking Nazaré with Atlantic Ocean views
Afternoon: Travel to Porto
Evening: Historic Porto Wine Cellar
Arrive in Porto with a guided tour and tasting at a historic Porto Wine Cellar, savoring wines produced for over 250 years.
Check-in to your Porto hotel.
Overnight: Porto
Day 5 – Aug. 29th PORTO EXPLORATION
The Invincible City’s Culinary Secrets
Morning: Porto Walking Food Tour
Discover “Invicta Cidade do Porto” (Porto the Unbeaten City) through its medieval origins and culinary evolution. Experience two distinct tasting moments during your walking exploration of the city center.
Lunch: Portuguese “Petiscos” Experience
Enjoy an authentic lunch featuring local small plates that showcase Porto’s diverse gastronomy.
Afternoon and evening at leisure to explore Porto independently.
Overnight: Porto
Day 6 – Aug. 30th - DOURO VALLEY ADVENTURE
UNESCO World Heritage Wine Region – Full Day Douro Valley Excursion:
Morning: Wine Museum Experience
Discover industrial Moscatel production methods with guided tastings.
Favaios Wine Village
Explore this historic wine village and participate in a traditional bread-making workshop using centuries-old techniques.
This is going to be the day where you will have the opportunity to cook side by side with your celebrity chefs hosts Anna & Michael.
Lunch: Quinta Experience
Enjoy a moscatel aperitif followed by a lunch featuring dishes prepared during the cooking class by the group as well as a signature authentic Douro dish from the local chef.
Afternoon: Douro River Cruise
One-hour scenic cruise on the legendary Douro River, followed by a visit to Pinhão train station to admire tile panels illustrating Port wine history. Return to Porto.
Day 7 – Aug. 31st - PORTO AT LEISURE
Personal Discovery & Farewell
Morning and afternoon at leisure to explore Porto at your own pace.
Evening: Farewell Dinner at Vinum Restaurant
Located in Graham’s historic port lodge atop Vila Nova de Gaia, enjoy exceptional cuisine showcasing the best traditions of Douro, Trás-os-Montes, Minho, and Atlantic Portugal. Experience spectacular views while savoring specialties like Alheira de Mirandela PGI and exclusive old cow meat from Trás-os-Montes.
Overnight: Porto
Day 8 – Sept 1st - DEPARTURE
Farewell to Portugal
Morning at leisure for final explorations or shopping.
Transfer to Porto Airport for departure.
End of FTD Agency services.
Price per person:
in Canadian $- WHAT’S INCLUDED
- 🏨 Accommodation: 7 nights at carefully selected 4-star hotels in standard double/twin rooms Welcome dinner with drinks included
- 🚌 Transportation: Private 28-seat motor coach throughout the journey All transfers as per itinerary
- 👨🏫 Expert Guidance: English-speaking local guide for transfers and 5 full days 24/7 on-site FTD representative assistance
- 👨🏫 Culinary Expertise: Tailor-made culinary tutorials by Anna & Michael
- 🍷 Culinary Experiences:
- 🍽️ Welcome dinner with regional Alto Alentejo specialties (drinks included)
- 🍽️ Farewell dinner at prestigious Vinum Restaurant (wine included)
- 🥘 3 lunches at selected restaurants (wine, water & beer included)
- 👨🍳 Exclusive cooking class with celebrity chefs Anna & Michael Olson in Douro Valley
- 🥧 Hands-on Pastel de Nata workshop with master pastry chef
- 🍞 Traditional bread-making workshop in historic wine village
- 🍇 Wine estate visit with exclusive tastings in Setúbal region
- 🍷 Moscatel wine cellar tour and tasting
- 🍷 Historic Porto wine cellar tasting (250+ years tradition)
- 🍒 Ginjinha cherry liqueur tasting in medieval Óbidos
- 🚶♂️ Cultural Experiences: 2 walking food tours in Lisbon and Porto with tastings UNESCO Creative City Óbidos exploration Douro River cruise (1 hour) Nazaré funicular ride Visit to Mercado do Livramento market
Early booking price:
available for the first 5 bookings- Be one of the first 5 to book and unlock an exclusive discounted price on this tour. Secure your spot before they’re gone!
- Price is per person based on double room occupancy. Single room supplement available.
- Rooms left at discounted price: 5/5
Hold my spot
Save your spot for 72 hours- Buy time to pay for your Trip with Hold my Spot. For $250 per guest, you can hold a room and take 3 days to pay. Available only when you book on the FTD Agency website, the spot is guaranteed for 3 days.
- The fee for Hold my Spot is:
- not refundable
- applied toward the price of the tour (if confirmed within 72 hours)
- charged per guest, including tax, charged in Canadian Dollars
- charged for the service received for reserving a spot for up to 3 days.
GET IN TOUCH
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