Gastronomy Tour of Northern Portugal - 11 Days - Unique Culinary Tour.
Are you looking for a gastronomy tour of Portugal? This 11-day gastronomy tour of Northern Portugal could be perfect for you. This is however only an example so do contact us for your own tailormade gastronomy tour of Portugal.
See also our 8 Day or 16 Day Gastronomy Tour from Lisbon through the Alentejo and Algarve regions of Portugal.
At Curious Travel we aim at revealing to only a few fortunate travellers the true hidden gems and unique local experiences of Portugal.
The unexpected, the unique, the feeling that you belong and are immersed in the local culture is what we strive to deliver. If you're looking for a holiday in Portugal not just to feast your eyes on but to gain experiences that make a connection with the heart and mind, we have these in store for you.
This Gastronomy tour across Portugal is a perfect example of the kind of tailormade Portugal holiday that we can design for you.
GASTRONOMY TOUR OF PORTUGAL - PORTUGAL FOR FOODIES
Day 1: Porto
Welcome to Porto, the capital of the north of Portugal! This marks the starting point of your flavorful adventure!
Porto is situated on the slopes of the Douro River and is the second-largest city in Portugal. This UNESCO World Heritage Site offers superb views of the coasts and the world-famous Port Wine Cellars on the opposite bank, in Vila Nova de Gaia. Thanks to its beautiful monuments and historic buildings such as the imposing Cathedral and the Tower of Clerics, the city offers a well-balanced mix of historical and modern Porto tourist attractions
Fiercely proud of their heritage, the residents of this merchant town have invested blood and sweat in their commerce and wine. Nightclubs and restaurants mingle with cathedrals, churches, and museums in narrow alleys and broad avenues. You can relax in one of the many cafes after exploring the city center, hills, and other attractions with your Porto tour guide.
For dinner, we recommend you eat at one of the best restaurants in Portugal—The Yeatman. This 2-Michelin star restaurant Porto is led by Chef Ricardo Costa and is housed in The Yeatman Hotel. The 5-star hotel in Portugal is a unique and distinctive landmark in the world of classic luxury hotels. Occupying a commanding hillside position on the south bank of the River Douro, every room at The Yeatman Hotel offers breathtaking, panoramic views of the historic center of Porto.
Day 2: Port Wine and Porto's flavours
Have you ever thought it possible to taste a wide range of spectacular Port wine with a Knight of the Port Wine Brotherhood? Are you looking to explore the world of Port wine with a passionate wine expert to guide you in tasting some special or old wines? Then this wine tasting tour Porto is perfect for you!
Your extremely knowledgeable guide has 20 years of experience and will not only craft the idyllic vinous experience just for you but will personally accompany you through the very best and offbeat Port wine lodges, bars, and shops in Porto, providing insight, stories, and comments on each tasting.
Attend a Francesinha Cooking Workshop at Chef’s Home in the afternoon:
Francesinha is the Portuguese take on the croque-monsieur French warm sandwich, typical of the Northern region of Portugal, mainly in Porto. The ingredients vary but it normally includes linguiça, pork sausage, cold cuts, and lean beef steak. It is served on white bread, which is covered all around with cheese, before being “drowned” in the sauce (a tomato base with beer and Piri Piri), and taken to the oven to warm the ingredients and melt the cheese.
You will learn how to prepare this staple in Porto's culinary style from a professional chef at a cooking atelier, and then taste the fruits of your labour after the session. We usually recommend booking it for lunch as this may be quite a heavy dish.
Day 3: Minho and the Green Wine
Today, we will pick up your rental car at the Porto city center and visit one of the many Manor Houses in the Minho region. The best way to discover Porto’s gastronomy is to interact with its people to experience their outstanding welcoming soul and empathy!
We have also prepared a unique Cooking Workshop at Casa de Juste Manor House:
While visiting the Douro Valley, you will meet the Viscountess and learn about the history of the estate and her family’s interesting and rich life story. In the old kitchens, using the wood-burning stove and old pots, you will learn how to cook an authentic local menu under the Viscountess’ guidance.
After the cooking lesson, lunch will be served in one of the elegant dining rooms of the estate, or al fresco on the patio, and you will enjoy the dishes you have helped prepare.
Visit a Green Wine Winery!
The far northwest of Portugal leads us through a green landscape that is divided into small plots which occupy the whole Minho region and extends south to the river Vouga.
Vinho Verde is unique worldwide and is an excellent reason to explore the region. Its name is possibly related to the predominant color of the region in which it is produced or the acidity that is peculiar to it as if the grapes were harvested before being ripe.
However, both the whites and the reds are light wines that are drunk chilled and go well with fish and seafood, which abound on the coast. The white, the most well-known and best-loved, is a particularly aromatic and refreshing drink, enjoyed as an aperitif, with salads, snacks, or as a simple break on a hot day.
The vineyards, which are mainly concentrated along the rivers, are influenced by the Atlantic Ocean and, in search of the sun, the vines entwine along with the trees, climb on trellises, and border fields punctuated by typical granaries
Finally, you will pay a visit to the most iconic Quintas (wineries) in the region, famous for their manor houses as well as the quality of their wines. We recommend the following Quintas:
Quinta da Aveleda
Casa de Sezim
Palacio da Brejoeira
You mustn’t forget the wine’s greatest ally - the local cuisine. A good meal usually starts off with Caldo Verde (cabbage soup), and continues with river trout or some excellent fish from the coast, Arroz de Cabidela (chicken rice cooked in the fowl's blood), rojões (braised pork chunks), Sarrabulho (pork rice cooked in pig blood), and end with a sweet noodle or Abade de Priscos crème caramel for dessert
When dinner time comes around, we recommend feasting at Largo do Paço by chef André Silva. Housed in the 5-star Hotel Casa da Calçada and distinguished with a one Michelin star, this Portugal restaurant modernized the typical gastronomy of the region, without forgetting its tradition.
Accommodation in one of our suggested Luxury, Premium, or Boutique Hotels.
Day 4: The Douro Valley
The stairway to heaven is here in the Douro Valley!
With roots tracing back to 1756, it is in the Alto Douro Wine Region that export-quality Port wine is produced. This gave birth to the centuries-old tradition of welcoming visitors and sharing with them the best that the region has to offer.
At the Douro valley, you will find yourself basking at superb scenery from man-built terraces to plant vines on the region’s rugged slopes. You’ll also get a great view of a landscape that was classified as a World Heritage Site by UNESCO.
A good way to discover the region is on board a cruise ship where you can visit some of the most iconic sites linked to the production of fine wines from the Douro and Porto.
Visit a Traditional Winery and Olive Oil producer.
Our recommendations are:
Quinta das Tecedeiras
Quinta de la Rosa
Quinta do Crasto
Quinta da Romaneira
Quinta da Covela
Quinta das Tecedeiras
Enjoy a private guided tour with a wine expert, walk through the vineyards, taste the wines, and have lunch with a panoramic view of the Douro Valley.
In the afternoon, enjoy a relaxing 2-hour River Cruise.
Navigate upstream towards the mouth of the Tua River for an hour and another hour downstream, to soak in one of the most beautiful sections of the Douro Valley. You’ll see plenty of vineyards, terraces, villages and towns, and 18th and 19th-century estates that are part of the wine industry. This includes a complimentary Port wine tasting.
For dinner, we recommend a delightful experience at the DOC restaurant:
DOC is situated on one of the country's most picturesque and charming scenic routes. The building, which lies on a pillar base and extends over an excellent wooden deck above the river, is located in Folgosa, Armamar, on the road along the river between Régua and Pinho. There's also a river structure with two piers that can accommodate 15 boats, a wine cellar, and a parking lot.
DOC stands for “Degustar Ousar Comunicar” which means “Taste Dare Communicate.” Portuguese Chef Rui Paula leads the restaurant, which has a modern and imaginative touch that transforms the kitchen into a historical laboratory based on multiple generations of culinary recipes.
Every meal is an exceptional experience at the DOC. The view is breathtaking, from the glazed room to the suspended terrace above the river, to the vineyard and shale terraces.
You can also immerse yourself in the tranquillity of riverside villages. Trains passing by on the other shore and large boats transporting tourists over the International Douro break the stillness around the valley delightfully!
Day 5: Aveiro and Bairrada Wine Region
Today, you will continue to the centre of Portugal and start with Aveiro where you will discover a landscape dominated by water. Aveiro is located next to the sea and the ria (estuary), crossed by a network of channels through which moliceiros (local boats) meander. These slim, colourful vessels were used to collect algae and seaweed, and today are used for sightseeing trips. Exploring the area on foot does not take too much effort since the terrain is flat.
Here, you will find a number of Art Nouveau architecture buildings that are worth seeing. Many are situated along the main channel, but there are some off the beaten track and in other locations.
A traditional delicacy of the city is the Ovos Moles (soft eggs). This is made with eggs and sugar and is sold in wooden barrels or wrapped in a crusty wafer in different shapes. Don’t pass this up when the opportunity to taste it arises.
You will continue sightseeing a bit further south, towards the Bussaco Royal Palace. Here, we have arranged a magnificent 5-course tasting lunch menu at The Mesa Real (The Royal Table). This historic hotel once hosted historic royal banquets.
The beautiful Mesa Real is decorated with ten huge paintings of Camões´ Os Lusiadas, depicting scenes of Vasco da Gama's voyage to India. You will dine under a spectacular Moorish ceiling while enjoying superb modern Portuguese terroir food prepared by the renowned Chef Miguel Silva, who will take you on an authentic and imaginative culinary tour of the region's best flavours.
You will also find a huge collection of vintage Portuguese wines here, with a focus on the Bussaco Wine, a legendary speciality Mis-en-Bouteille-au-Château since 1920. With its magnificent old ageing famous reds, drunk from 1945 onwards, and superb whites, dating back to an incredible 1944 harvest, it is considered a world-class wine. If you're lucky, a vintage from your birth year might still be available.
The outdoor veranda, with its stone vaulted roof, rounded arches, and tracery, overlooks the formal garden, a lake, and an overpowering slope with huge trees. It is a wonderful place for a romantic getaway or a leisurely meal.
Next, a visit to the Private Wine Cellar of Bussaco Royal Palace.
Housed in the legendary Bussaco Palace is a wine cellar that was built in 1885 for the last Kings of Portugal. In this former private vault for the royals, you will get to taste some unique and rare wines. The Bussaco Palace Hotel is amongst the most beautiful historical landmarks in Portugal and the rest of the world. We are happy to provide you with this unique experience that you’ll surely enjoy.
Time to stretch your legs and be surrounded by nature and the giant trees Bussaco Cypress and Cedars. This includes a 1-hour hiking tour in the National Forest where you'll be accompanied by a mountain guide.
The Serra do Buçaco is a genuine botanical garden where roughly 700 native and exotic flora species can be found. All of them were protected by a Papal Bull issued in the seventeenth century, threatening anyone damaging the trees in the large and majestic forest with ex-communication.
Together with the numerous lakes and paths, these buildings lend this spot a truly magical atmosphere. The breathtaking beauty of the Serra do Buçaco, particularly the Vale dos Fetos (Fern Valley) and the Fonte Fria (Cold Fountain) can be admired from the Miradouro da Cruz Alta (High Cross) from where there is a panoramic view over the whole of the surrounding region.
For dinner, we urge you to try the famous local dish Leitão à Bairrada (Roasted Suckling Pig) in one of our selected restaurants.
Day 6: Coimbra, Tomar, and Brotherhood of Cabra Velha Chanfana.
Another day filled with intense and rich experiences is waiting for you! You will begin with a private half-day Coimbra tour with a local guide.
Welcome to the capital of Beira Litoral Province, named Aeminium by the Romans in 400 AD. As the former capital of the Kingdom of Portugal, it is one of the most beautiful cities in the region, holding several historical monuments and medieval churches. It is also home to Biblioteca Joanina (The Johannine Library), which is not only the most important library in Portugal but is also among the world-renowned libraries. Treasures and rare single volumes from various fields of knowledge are stored in this Baroque library, which is in the centre of the University of Coimbra.
Located along the River Mondego, Coimbra is in the geographical centre of Portugal. It boasts famous academic republics, medieval narrow streets, lovely courtyards, arches, cafes, galleries, and bookstores.
Coimbra also housed the forbidden love of King Pedro I and the Galician Lady Inês de Castro —the first and only Portuguese queen crowned after her death—who was executed by order of King Afonso IV. The love story has inspired poets and writers, and its history remains part of the city's heritage.
Upon entering Coimbra, you will find a number of historical relics. Nonetheless, the large student body that flocks to the old University every year provides a burst of youthfulness. This structure should undoubtedly be one of the highlights of your tour, and the University chapel and its Baroque library should not be missed.
For lunch, try the famous local dish “Chanfana” (Goat Stew in Red Wine, Bayleaf, garlic, and Olive Oil) at its main site “Miranda do Corvo.”
In the afternoon, visit Tomar—the UNESCO World Heritage Site Convent of Christ, and try the local convent sweets “Beija-me depressa” (Kiss me quickly)
Tomar is the former seat of the Order of the Knights Templar and is a city of great charm. It is known for its artistic and cultural wealth, whose greatest expression is in the Convent of Christ—one of the chief works of the Portuguese Renaissance.
Climbing up to the Templar castle and discovering the monumental work of the Convent of Christ is a must. The Templar chapel, just like the castle, was built in the 12th century. It was at the time the Kingdom’s most up-to-date and advanced military set-up, inspired by the fortifications of the Holy Land. The Charola (Rotunda) is the oldest part of the structure.
Tomar has not only witnessed the fighting of the Christian Reconquest in the 12th century but also preserved an interesting testimony to the Jewish religion in the old 15th-century Synagogue. It is currently known as the Abraão Zacuto Luso-Hebrew Museum, devoted to the distinguished 15th-century astronomer and mathematician. Located in the former Rua da Judiaria, it contains a valuable documentary and epigraphic collection. Note the holes at each corner, which were used to place earthen jugs on the wall to improve the acoustic conditions of the house.
Day 7: Our Fishing Traditions
The West Coast of Portugal is extremely rich in fishing traditions. With numerous fishing towns and fishing ports, this is the most important source of income for the locals. You will learn more about these traditions, meet our most fun and cheerful fishwives, and learn how to open and slice a fish as well as Sea Urchins.
Nazare
When you visit the beautiful fishing village of Nazaré, you will get to:
Meet the fishwives in the market.
Learn how to prepare fish and take it to the beach for sun drying.
Enjoy a seafood lunch at a local restaurant.
Go sightseeing in the lower and higher parts of the village and learn about the area’s fishing history and tradition
Ericeira (Sea Urchins Experience)
The beautiful fishing village of Ericeira will teach you a lot about sea urchins. With this experience, you’ll have the opportunity to:
Visit the caves of a local grower.
Learn how to pick sea urchins.
Learn how to open them and taste the uni roe straight from the ocean.
Enjoy a seafood lunch at a local restaurant overlooking the ocean.
Here, you will be able to taste some of the delicious dishes the locals make with this delicacy.
For lunch, we recommend you try the famous Portuguese coast fish, such as the Sardines, Sea Bass, and the Gold Bream or even the Snapper.
Next, a visit to Obidos.
Obidos
Óbidos is one of the most picturesque medieval towns in Portugal. You will find a well-preserved castle within its walls as well as a maze of streets with white houses, making it a delight to stroll around.
Along with the Manueline porticoes, the colourful window boxes and the small squares, and many fine examples of religious and civil architecture from the town’s golden days provide a host of reasons for visiting.
Naturally, you should also taste the famous Ginjinha de Óbidos, a sour cherry liqueur preferably drunk from a small chocolate cup. The liqueur is quite rich and sweet, contrasting with the bitterness of the dark chocolate cup which you should eat afterwards.
Day 8: Colares Wine Region, Sintra, and Cascais
Today, you will visit the Colares Wine Region, which is one of the best wine regions to visit in Portugal. It is classified as the most western vineyard in Europe, with great climate influences from the Atlantic Ocean.
At the foot of the Sintra mountains and very close to the sea, you will find the town of Colares. This delightful place has long been a very popular summer resort and is considered as one of the best summer destinations in Portugal.
Colares is also a demarcated wine-growing region, producing the very popular and increasingly rare Colares wine, which can be tasted at one of our selected wineries. We recommend the following:
Winery Quinta de Sant’Ana
Quinta Casal Santa Maria
For lunch, we recommend one of the following gastronomic Michelin Star Restaurants:
Fortaleza do Guincho
LAB by Sergi Arola
Acclaimed Chef Antoine Westermann introduced a French fine dining restaurant concept in 1998, which quickly became a reference in Portugal. Since the arrival of our Chef Miguel Rocha Vieira in summer 2015, Portuguese products and traditions have been gaining prominence at Fortaleza do Guincho. His philosophy is based and inspired by the Atlantic, the background setting of the Hotel.
The best fish and seafood from the Portuguese coast as well as the highest quality of local and national products are a constant on the Guincho table. They are honored and created in every dish, every season, and are recognized by national and international press and critics. In 2001 the restaurant received a 1-star Michelin, held until today.
Awarded by the prestigious Michelin Guide with a one-star, LAB by Sergi Arola is a celebration of artistic creation and gourmet cuisine in a setting that is sophisticated and modern. The quality and freshness of the seasonal ingredients, as well as the unique touch in every detail, have created a gastronomic adventure that excites the senses and delights the palate.
LAB by Sergi Arola has an intimate setting with space for 22 people. It has a great view of the spectacular golf course and provides an elegant cuisine with three tasting menus and à la carte options. The restaurant also offers 550 wines from around the world, exclusive Cognac and Armagnac selections, and a tea menu with 40 different varieties.
Cascais is traditionally a fishing community and is located near the sea. The coastal town saw a significant period of development in the 14th century, when it served as a key stopping point for boats on their way to Lisbon, turning it into a very busy port at that time. You will get the chance to visit the fish market of Cascais and stroll around the village.
Next, you will continue along the coast until you reach Lisbon.
Day 9: Discover Lisbon and Its Flavors
Today, we recommend a full-day cultural tour in Lisbon where you will visit the most important highlights of the city in the morning. In the afternoon, your guide will take you through the iconic cafes, markets, and pastry shops of Lisbon.
Lisbon is a city that makes you want to go exploring, to discover whatever might appear in every neighbourhood, on every street. It’s a safe and friendly city, relatively small but with so much to see. It’s an ideal place to spend a few days or as a starting point for touring the country. It’s old. It’s modern. It is, without doubt, always surprising.
You can choose a topic or a theme to explore this amazing city. The range includes but is not limited to:
Roman Lisbon
Manueline
Baroque or Romantic Lisbon
Literary Lisbon
The Lisbon of Bohemian nightlife
The city of Fado
Experience our Half-day Foodie's Lisbon Walking Tour, with a local Foodie Tour Guide.
Our guide will meet you at your hotel to take you to visit some of the traditional cafes, bars, and boutique shops in Lisbon. You will get the chance to taste some delicious specialities of Lisbon (and Portugal). The tour will start at the lobby of your hotel and take you through the most iconic quarters of Lisbon, such as Baixa, Chiado, and Bairro Alto
Some of the sites include:
Grocery Shop "Manteigaria Silva," established in 1890
Liquor Shop “A Ginjinha,” established in 1840
Cafe “Nicola”
Bookstore and Tabaco Shop “Monaco,” established in 1875
Canned Fish shop "Conserveira de Lisboa"
Farmers’ Market of Mercado da Ribeira
"Casa das Vellas Loreto,” the oldest shop in Lisbon, selling candles since 1789
Pastry Shop "Manteigaria Uniao"
Cafe “Brasileira”
Portuguese Vintage and Antiques Store "A Vida Portuguesa"
Pastry Shop “Alcoa”
Traditional Tavern and Restaurant "Beira Gare
For dinner, we recommend and can make reservations for you at one of the following Michelin star restaurants
Alma by Chef Henrique Sá Pessoa
Belcanto by Chef Jose Avillez
Day 10: Full Day with Chef Artur
VIP Gastronomic Experience: Full-day tour to Setubal, Azeitão, and Arrabida with Chef Artur
For a full day, chef Artur will lead you on an exclusive, private tour in his kitchen “on wheels” along the seaside. Together you will:
Visit the Setubal farmers' market, where you will source the best and freshest local ingredients.
Enjoy a traditional Portuguese breakfast with the chef at a local bakery.
Visit a shellfish farm to buy fresh seafood that you will cook for lunch.
l Explore the beautiful sights of the Atlantic Ocean from the Arrábida hills.
l Stop at a cliff overlooking the water where chef Artur will showcase a cooking demonstration to help spin that bounty into a delicious lunch using the kitchen in his van and outdoor grilling.
Partake in an informal lunch together, nap under the sun, or take a plunge in the cool water at the nearby beach.
Head out to yet another small village—Azeitão—to taste some traditional sweets and local wines, before returning to your hotel.
Day 11: Transfer to Airport for your flight home
Today we will transfer you to the airport for your flight home.
If you are interested in a longer trip to continue to explore the gastronomic delights of the Alentejo region and the Algarve regions of Portugal why not add on another 6 days? Take a look at this possible extension tour HERE.
If you are interested in a fully tailor-made, bespoke tour of Portugal please do contact us and we can work with you to design the perfect holiday.
