Portugal

Savor

Local flavors and traditional meals in country villages, the best Vinho Verde and award-winning Douro Valley wines

Discover

The story behind Portuguese traditions: azulejo tiles, Fado music, Rabelo boat rides

Connect

With ageless traditions in the kitchen, in fields and vineyards, in artist studios

Portugal 2020_Travelers admiring the stunning azulejo tile facade of Igreja do Carmo in Porto, featuring intricate blue and white artwork that showcases Portugal’s rich architectural and cultural heritage.

Why Portugal

From Portugal’s historic cities to enchanting Mediterranean beaches, ebullient Douro Valley wine culture and mouth-watering cuisine, you immediately know this place is truly special. Meander cobblestone streets, sample local vinho verde and port wines, experience Fado's artistry and passion. Portugal is what you’ve been waiting for.

A woman in sunglasses is relaxing on a wooden bench on the front of a traditional Portuguese rabelo boat, enjoying a scenic tour along the Douro River with views of the historic, terraced vineyards and charming white-walled buildings of the Douro Valley

Moments That Matter

This epic journey goes deep into Portuguese culture and cuisine. Chef-led, in-depth, hands-on gastronomic experiences you simply won’t find anywhere else. Intimate Fado music concerts, riding traditional rabelo boats through the world’s most gorgeous wine country, exploring the cobbled backlanes of Porto, discovering local flavors at traditional meals in country villages.

Your Private Experience

Who It’s For

It's hard not to fall in love with Portugal, no matter if you're a lover of wine, food, music, art or design. Nothing about its beautiful cities and bountiful wine country disappoint.

When to Travel

Apr- Jun and Sept - Nov are ideal for mild days built for hiking, exploration and wine tasting. July and August are high season, with the crowds to prove it.

Make It Yours

Spend more time in wine country or soak in the city vibes. Tell us how we can craft the best experience for you.

Possibilities

Portugal is meant to be savored. Here’s our favorite way to explore:

Days 1 - 2

Start with a few days in magical Lisbon. It’s one of Europe’s stand-out cities. When you’re ready, tour of the historic Belém district and a stop at a centuries-old factory for a hands-on baking experience: making delectable custards from the monks of Mosteiro dos Jerónimos. Afterwards, learn how to make another Portuguese icon, the distinct blue-and-white azulejo tiles. In the evening, you’ll be treated to a sprawling feast and an unforgettable live Fado performance. Lisbon does not disappoint.

  • Lisbon city tour
  • Hands-on bakery tour
  • Azulejo tile-making workshop
  • custard tarts and tile-making
  • Live Fado performance

Day 3

Today you discover the world’s most scenic wine region, the Duro Valley, just an hour from Lisbon. Sip the country’s best cherry liqueur in Óbidos and eat a classic Portuguese feast in Mealhada. Then, reach your riverside base deep in the Douro Valley, and rest with a glass of Port, dusk fading into a starlit evening.

  • Travel to Douro Valley 
  • Sip ginja in medieval Óbidos
  • Lunch in Mealhada
Guests raise glasses at a long communal table during an intimate outdoor dining experience in Tuscany, Italy, surrounded by greenery and candlelight—capturing the spirit of slow travel, local cuisine, and immersive Modern Adventure journeys through Europe.

Days 4 - 5

Start today with a look into the life of an 18th-century Portuguese trader. Jump aboard a flat-bottomed Rabelo boat and head upriver, listening to local accordion players en route to a winery famed for its Douros and ports. Tap into your inner vintner by blending, bottling and corking your own bottle, followed by lunch at another nearby winery. Another highlight here is the chance to collect and harvest the ingredients for a glorious lunch, rolling up your sleeves and cooking it alongside a local chef at a 17th-century manor house for an alfresco feast!

  • Rabelo boat ride 
  • Wine bottling at Quinta Nova Nossa Seahora do Carmo
  • Lunch at Conceitus Winery
  • Dine alfresco at historic Casa dos Viscondes das Varzeas

Days 6 - 7

Your Portuguese adventure moves to the charming seaside city of Porto. En route, stop at a world-famous producer of Vinho Verde or “green wine” for a vineyard picnic. In Porto, ride tuk-tuks through the city’s cobbled alleyways to dinner at a local tapas restaurant. And meet-up with a local historian for a guided tour through the streets of Old Town, watching fishermen arrive and deciphering the tales told of Porto’s ceramic azulejo tiles. Explore the city and prep for an exclusive feast complete with vintage Port wines.

  • Cultural walking tour of Porto
  • Vinho verde tasting and tour
  • Tuk tuk city tour
Interior of the historic, five-star Hotel Infante Sagres lobby in Porto, Portugal, featuring neo-baroque and modern furnishings, a grand piano, and a sweeping staircase with intricate ironwork.

Where We Sleep

A boutique hotel in the center of Lisbon, a riverside escape in the vineyards of the Douro Valley, and the lap of luxury in Old Town Porto—our accommodations reflect the elegance and charm of Portugal

Lisbon

An historic building in the center of Lisbon, and an exclusive boutique hotel painstakingly renovated and decorated by interior designer Lázaro Rosa-Violán.

An idyllic, sun-drenched outdoor swimming pool and terrace at The Vintage House hotel in Pinhão, Portugal, with lounge chairs and parasols overlooking the beautiful, terraced vineyards and the winding Douro River.

Douro Valley

A riverside hotel in Pinhão, in the very heart of the Douro Valley. Take in the unique landscape from your balcony, enjoy lunch on the terrace, take a dip in the river-view pool, and enjoy a meal in the award-winning restaurant.

Interior of the historic, five-star Hotel Infante Sagres lobby in Porto, Portugal, featuring neo-baroque and modern furnishings, a grand piano, and a sweeping staircase with intricate ironwork.

Porto

Porto’s most prestigious city-center address, this legendary property reopened its doors in 2018 after extensive renovation to restore its wealth of ornate detail. Exquisite ironwork, carved wooden details, and magnificent stained glass panels from the workshop of Ricardo Leone.

People Love MO/AD’s Portugal

I really loved the special touches, the level of the food and accommodations.
Fran M.
I loved the friendliness of the people, their relaxed way of life and the pride in their long history of cooking passed down through generations.
Rushika S.
I'd never been on a tour or trip like this—Modern Adventure is AMAZING.
Jennifer M.

Frequently Asked Questions

  1. Where can I go?

    Anywhere! Our private travel experiences are designed to take you wherever your wanderlust leads. Whether you dream of exploring remote, hidden gems or iconic destinations, we craft personalized journeys that go beyond traditional travel, offering meaningful and enriching experiences that connect you with the world in a deeper way.

  2. How many people is private travel suitable for?

    Our journeys are thoughtfully curated to suit any group size, from adventurous solo escapes to romantic getaways for two, or multigenerational celebrations. We believe travel should be accessible to all, tailored to create moments that become cherished memories.

  3. How does private travel work?

    Your adventure begins with us getting to know you—your travel dreams, style, and goals. From there, we take care of all logistics, planning, and communication to ensure a seamless experience. It’s a collaborative process: your ideas guide the journey as we weave them together with our expertise, local insights, and dedication to creating a travel experience that aligns with your vision.

  4. What services are typically included?

    We deliver a full-spectrum experience, from white-glove support during the planning phase to curating day-to-day itineraries, offering local insights, and providing 24/7 on-call assistance. It’s not just about logistics; it’s about curating meaningful experiences, leveraging our strong local connections, and adding personalized touches to make your trip truly exceptional.

  5. How far in advance should I plan private travel?

    We are here to create your adventure, whether it’s a spontaneous getaway or a dream trip planned years in advance. For holiday travel or peak seasons, early planning is recommended to secure the most sought-after accommodations. Our strong relationships with boutique and luxury hotels ensure access to some of the world’s most exclusive stays.

  6. What activities do you offer?

    Modern Adventure believes that travel is a force for good, and our activities reflect it. We specialize in curating authentic, immersive experiences tailored to your unique interests. Our extensive network allows us to connect you with pioneers of global initiatives, cultural movements, and exclusive opportunities, ensuring that each journey goes beyond sightseeing to provide meaningful engagement with the destination.

  7. How much will private travel cost?

    We design bespoke travel experiences that align with a variety of budgets while maintaining a high standard of personalization and care. Our luxury experiences typically include accommodations, private airport transfers, curated excursions, private guides, VIP access, and select meals. These bespoke journeys generally range from $1,000 to $3,000 per person, per day, depending on destination, season, group size, and chosen activities.

  8. What's not included?

    Round-trip airfare to and from your destination, travel insurance, hotel incidentals, and any activities and meals not outlined in the itinerary are not included. We provide clear guidance on what’s covered so you know exactly what to expect.

  9. What deposits are required?

    Once we discuss your interests, travel style, dates, and budget, we present initial ideas to spark excitement. To proceed with a detailed travel plan, we require a $500 planning fee. To confirm your bespoke itinerary and secure accommodations, a 50% deposit is needed, with the remaining balance due 60 days before travel.