Take a step back from your to-do lists and focus on YOU! Join us in Portugal where you will stay in boutique hotels and experience a carefully curated itinerary that enables you to travel intentionally, reconnect with yourself, and form lifelong friendships in a supportive community.
You’ll explore Portugal’s most captivating towns, beaches, rivers, and valleys in a more relaxed and authentic way. Your home base in Porto is an old mansion converted to a boutique hotel. Your group will have the entire 8-room hotel to yourselves. In Cascais you will stay in a guest house that was also once a mansion, surrounded by beautiful gardens, ponds, and waterfalls. You will be immersed in the “Portuguese Riviera”, walkable to the historic town, marina, cliffs, and beaches while also being within easy reach of Lisbon and Belem.
Each day is infused with opportunities for local immersion, hands-on experiences, and heartfelt connection. Whether you are traveling solo, with a group of friends, or it’s your first time venturing to another country, we will take care of you. On our retreats you’ll find space to experience ultimate self-care, make lifelong friends, and leave feeling refreshed and renewed, with lasting clarity.
This isn’t just another trip. It’s a journey of growth, joy, and self-discovery.
Your Portugal adventure begins with a smooth pickup from the airport in Porto.
A driver will pick you at 11:45 am at the Porto airport to take you to the hotel: One Shot Palacio Cedofeita.
Get aquainted with the beauty of Porto, enjoy the hotel and see where the day leads you.
Home of the Cachorrinho
A special fine dining experience led by Chef Sara Verde. The concept changes every couple of months, focusing on different Portuguese regions, and the menu is chosen through a fun interactive “game.” A really memorable night out.
With the perfect blend of culture, history, and local lifestyle, this tour of Porto’s highlights is the perfect introduction for a first visit here!
Our tour starts in the city’s historic core where we’ll stop by the main landmarks like the Clerigos Tower, Lello Bookstore, and Majestic Cafe while winding through Porto’s back alleys and maze of winding streets.
The tour company will transport you to and from the hotel (included in the package).
Highlights:
Discover the landscapes of the Douro Valley on a panoramic tour
Visit the fairytale village of Pinhão
Taste fantastic wines in 2 farms
Indulge in a rustic regional lunch
Ride along the N222, considered one of the most beautiful in the world
Enjoy a typical 1-hour boat trip on the Douro River in Pinhão
Description of the Experience:
With this experience in the Douro Valley, we will not visit large commercial wineries — we will take you to a more personal and exciting place. You will explore small family farms, hidden from the crowds, where each bottle tells a story and each sip reflects the soul of the winemaker.
These are places where wine is not mass-produced, but rather artisanal. The people behind it still work the land, dedicating passion and tradition to each harvest. You will have the chance to meet these artisans, hear their stories and really taste the difference that care and authenticity make.
If you value slow, meaningful travel—if you enjoy connecting with locals, supporting small businesses, and discovering hidden gems—this is the perfect experience for you. It won't feel like a walk; It will seem to be received at someone's home.
Perfect if you’re craving seafood without heading to Matosinhos (the coastal city just next to Porto, right by the ocean). Fresh oysters, a fun bar downstairs, and a quieter upstairs dining room. If available, go for the grilled John Dory with arroz malandro.
Explore Porto's Food Scene
This food tour showcases timeless dishes and essential ingredients that shape Porto's cuisine, reviving the flavors that grandma and grandpa loved.
This 3.5-hour journey takes you from the gastronomic heart of Porto (Bolhão Market) into the vibrant Downtown Area, highlighting key landmarks that define the city.
Discover 8 unique tasting locations, enjoying a menu with 13 food tastings and 4 beverage tastings, featuring lesser-known flavors of northern Portugal. Expect to taste foods and wines like the fluffy “pataniscas” and a variety of wines beyond Port.
Learn about the history behind each stop while strolling through charming streets.
Options for dinner (they don't take reservations):
Taberna dos Mercadores is a small, family-run spot with a very traditional feel: simple, authentic, and full of character. It’s known for its hearty Portuguese dishes and warm atmosphere, but do keep in mind it’s quite small, so booking ahead is recommended.
Adega São Nicolau is a classic in Ribeira, right by the river, offering a cosy setting (indoors with no river view) and very well-executed traditional dishes, especially grilled fish and other seafood favourites. It’s a great option if you’re looking for something reliably Portuguese in a beautiful location.
Bacalhau, (right on the river) on the other hand, offers a more contemporary take. While still rooted in Portuguese tradition, it plays with presentation and flavours in a more modern way, and as the name suggests, codfish (bacalhau) is the star of the menu, reimagined in creative and elegant dishes.
Options for wine bars with sunset views:
Mirajazz offers one of the best sunset views in the city, overlooking the Douro River, with live jazz performances on a regular basis. It’s a fantastic spot to unwind with a glass of wine in a truly memorable setting.
Arco das Verdades is a small, cosy wine bar with a stunning view over the river. It has a thoughtfully selected wine list and often features live music, making it a charming and intimate place to end the evening.
Enjoy the scenic drive to the beautiful coastal town of Cascais with your own private driver. Along the way, experience delightful stops in the enchanting canal town of Aveiro, known for its colorful boats and charming waterways. Visit the picturesque seaside village of Costa Nova, famous for its striking striped houses that line the beach. Finally, explore the medieval walled town of Óbidos, where you can wander through narrow cobblestone streets and admire stunning views from the ancient castle walls. This journey promises to be a memorable adventure filled with breathtaking sights and rich cultural experiences.
Get acquainted with the quaint seaside town of Cascais (known as the Portuguese Riviera) by meandering through the charming city center, along the cliffs by the water, or the serene marina. You can admire beautifully preserved architecture and vibrant local shops. You can also cycle along the stunning coast, taking in the refreshing, salty sea air as you explore the iconic lighthouse and bustling marina. You’ll ride alongside magnificent cliffs that offer breathtaking panoramic views of the sparkling ocean and the horizon beyond. In the evening, unwind and soak in the beauty of the surroundings as you enjoy a delightful sunset cruise on the water, creating unforgettable memories as the sun dips below the horizon.
Experience the breathtaking beauty of a sunset cruise in Cascais! As the sun dips below the horizon, enjoy stunning views of the coastline while sipping on a refreshing drink. The vibrant colors of the sky reflecting on the water create a magical atmosphere. This relaxing cruise is perfect for unwinding and soaking in the natural beauty of Portugal. Keep your camera ready for unforgettable moments as you sail into the twilight!
A UNESCO World Heritage Site since 1995, Sintra is renowned as Portugal’s capital of Romanticism, where royalty, artists, and aristocrats once gathered. This tour offers a relaxed pace to enjoy the history, legends, and unique atmosphere of this magical town.
Sintra Itinerary:
8:30 am Pick Up at Casa Vela
Sintra Old Town Center
A walking tour through the magic of Sintra’s old town center. It will also be delicious as we will try the local pastries as well.
10:00 am Quinta da Regaleira
The Mysterious Biester Palace
A romantic Palace from the 19th century. With a tragic love story behind it, this place was used as a part of a movie set with Johnny Depp . “The Ninth Gate” . We will visit the interior of the palace and discover the unique garden around it.
Lunch Break (lunch not included)
It’s time to get some energy back. Delicious options are available according to your preferences.
Monserrate Palace
Historical Palace from the 19th century, ordered to be built by one of the richest English industrialists.
Sir Francis Cook, a big philanthropist and art collector sponsored the most skilled and unique artists to build this masterpiece of the Romanticism era.
A walk through the exotic botanical garden is a must.
Sintra Natural Park
We will stop at different locations to enjoy the magic and breathtaking landscapes. Azenhas do Mar, Cabo da Roca and if the weather allows it, Peninha viewpoint.
5:30 pm Return to Casa Vela
A driver will transport you to and from the hotel and Lisbon.
Historic Tour** (120 minutes)
Discover the enchanting neighborhood of Alfama, where narrow streets reveal the charm of traditional Lisbon life. Visit the magnificent Lisbon Cathedral, a true architectural gem, and explore the fascinating Roman Theater ruins that tell tales of the past. Enjoy breathtaking views at Portas do Sol and Nossa Senhora do Monte, perfect for capturing stunning photographs. Marvel at the beauty of São Vicente Church, steeped in history, and conclude your journey at the National Pantheon, a site honoring Portugal's most distinguished figures. This tour promises an unforgettable glimpse into Lisbon's rich heritage and vibrant culture.
As we reach the end of our wonderful journey together, we say goodbye until next time, cherishing the memories we've created along the way.
A driver will take you from Casa Vela to the Lisbon airport.
Travel Tips
Pack light, preferably with carry-on luggage.
Plan to use an ATM when you arrive so you can have Euros on hand for personal purchases where credit cards may not be accepted.
Learn a few basic phrases in Portuguese to enhance your experience - locals appreciate the effort!
Here are some basic Portuguese phrases that can be helpful when traveling to Portugal:
Hello: Olá – A friendly greeting to start conversations.
Thank you: Obrigado (for males) / Obrigada (for females) – A polite way to show gratitude.
Please: Por favor – Used when making requests.
Yes: Sim – An essential affirmative response.
No: Não – A straightforward way to decline.
Excuse me / Sorry: Desculpe – Useful for getting attention or apologizing.
How much?: Quanto custa? – Important for shopping and asking prices.
Goodbye: Adeus – A way to bid farewell.
Where is...?: Onde está...? – Helpful for asking directions.
Example: Onde está a estação? – "Where is the station?"
I don’t understand: Não entendo – Useful when you need clarification.
Learning these basic phrases can make your interactions with locals much smoother and more enjoyable.