The Untold Stories of Portugal

As Told by the Azulejo, Fado and Aged Port Wine

“Portugal is not a small country; it’s a world. It’s not a form of landscape; it’s a universe. It’s not a singular sentiment; it’s a constellation of emotions. It’s not a passing moment; it’s an eternal present. Portugal is not just a land, but a language of stars written across the skies of history, inviting all who hear its call to explore the vastness of its beauty and the richness of its soul.”

– Sophia de Mello Breyner Andresen

Portugal is easy to love. From its sun-dappled vineyard and crystal coasts to its winding cobblestoned alleys and candy-colored houses, describing the country as picturesque is quite an understatement. However, immerse yourself in Portugal, and you quickly find it’s more than picture-pretty. It’s a feast for all five senses, a sensory tapestry that continues to unfold at every turn. This is our Modern Adventure love letter to Portugal, a country that beckons us back year after year.

A stroll through Lisbon leaves you awestruck, stopped mid-step by the blue and white Azulejos adorning churches, schools, bars, and subway stations. These ceramic tiles transcend mere decoration; they are public history and deep-rooted tradition—a storytelling canvas that spans centuries. They tell the tale of grand ships lost at sea and humble farmers hard at work alike. Azulejos are Portugal’s quintessential public art, a treasure best read and re-read like a cherished novel.

But what’s great art without great wine? Savor an oak-aged port or Vinho Verde, and taste the sun-soaked hills surrounding you. The wine here is an embrace of history, carrying the generational mastery and passion of winemakers reaching back as deeply as the tree roots themselves. Vintage ports from 19th-century cellars, bubbling Espumantes, and rich Barolos—each sip tells a story, an ode to the fertile realm where tradition is bottled.

No music blends as poetically with wine as Fado – it’s bound to be love at first note as you sit awestruck before the 12-string guitar. Loss and longing, a tender caress, or a gut-wrenching broken heart — the melody overflows with every emotion. Overcome by joy and longing in equal measure, you’ll come to understand why Fado has been the “soul of Portuguese music” for hundreds of years.

The history does not stop there; in Lisbon’s most storied historic quarter, you stand at a marble countertop, the cool surface inviting you to partake in a tradition that spans generations. With the 1837 recipe guiding your hands, you roll the delicate layers and coax the dough into small baskets. Each fold is a dance, and every brushstroke of fresh butter a stroke of culinary genius. These are Pastéis de Belém, a tangible bridge between past and present, where the hands connect across generations through a shared recipe.

Finally, a fragrant journey along the coast; fresh sardines sizzle over an open flame, the air thick with their savory aroma. It is the quintessential scent of a warm evening by the sea and an afternoon picnic in the piazza. This quintessential Portuguese dish, synonymous with summer festivities, not only captures the essence of the sea but also embodies the spirited celebration of life, an aromatic symphony that lingers long after the last bite.