Spring Portugal Wine Tour: Lisbon and the Azores!
APRIL 15-23, 2023
8 nights of top-notch accommodations
8 winery visits (including lunch at 3)
Private coach transport
Flights and ferries to and from Lisbon/Azores/Pico
Vineyard tours in two of the most interesting but least visited wine regions of Portugal: Pico/Azores and Colares.
Deep immersion into wine regions of Lisboa and Alentejo.
Private walking food tour of Alfama and Old Town Lisbon
Group size: capped at 12 people.
Price per person
based on 10/12 people participating
4,950.00€
cost in euros
Tour leader: Ryan Opaz
Our journey is being organized and led by one of the best in the business: Ryan Opaz of Catavino Tours.
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Saturday 15th April 2023
Lisbon
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Arrive at Lisbon International Airport. Of course, feel free to arrive before 4/15 if you’d like a few days on your own to adjust to jet lag. Catavino can help with individual arrangements.
• Meet your private English-speaking driver outside customs and leave towards the hotel in Lisbon - 1 per couple.
• Arrival and check in at a 4-star hotel in Lisbon.
◦ Olissipo Saldanha (Double Standard room with breakfast)
• Welcome dinner at a local restaurant (pre-set menu with wines).………………………………………………………………………
Sunday
16th April 2023
Lisbon | Faial
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Private Introduction to Lisbon Tour: This is a 2.5-3 hour walking tour of Lisbon and an introduction to some of the city’s most iconic neighborhoods: Bairro Alto, Chiado, and Baixa. In the company of a historian or archeologist, you will take in some of the best-known sites in these charming and historic quarters like Praça do Comércio and São Roque Church, and some lesser-spotted ones, too, all the while learning about Lisbon’s fascinating history.
Largely destroyed by the devastating 1755 earthquake, these areas were rebuilt and offer a glimpse into a “new” and regenerated Lisbon, a thread you’ll follow throughout your stroll.
• Private bus transfer to Lisbon International Airport.
• Flight to Faial.
• Private bus transfer to hotel in Faial.
• Arrive and check into your hotel.
◦ Pousada de Faial (Double Standard room with breakfast)
• Dinner at a local restaurant (pre-set menu with wines).………………………………………………………………………
Monday
17th April 2023
Faial | Pico | Faial
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Ferry boat to Pico.
PICO (2 winery visits with premium wine tasting, 1 with lunch).
Today we’ll explore the tallest peak in Portugal, Pico, where in recent years there has been an explosion of vinous development. With unique grapes but even more unique vineyards you will learn about how wine is changing the island’s landscape.
• Night at leisure in Faial.………………………………………………………………………
Tuesday
18th April 2023
Faial | Lisbon
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• Private transfer from hotel in Faial to Faial International Airport.
• Flight to Lisbon.
• Private Bus transfer from Lisbon International Airport to hotel in Lisbon.
• Arrival and check in at a 4-star hotel in Lisbon.
◦ Olissipo Saldanha (Double Standard room with breakfast)
• Dinner tonight will be served at Solar dos Presuntos Restaurant, and we will invite a special guest to present its winery wines. Celebrities come in droves – from Portugal and abroad – to enjoy not only your photo on the wall but the high-quality traditional food. The cuisine is from Monção, in the Minho region, and portions are thus generous; there are also some Spanish influences. Try the Galician-style octopus, the lobster rice and the “cozido”.………………………………………………………………………
Wednesday
19th April 2023
Lisbon | Colares | Lisbon
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COLARES (2 winery visits with premium wine tasting, 1 with lunch).
A region built on the beach, today Colares has a total area of around 50 acres, down from it’s high of 2500.
Vines are ungrafted in the sandy soils of the Atlantic coast and the wines made from Ramisco and Malvasia do Colares are some of the longest-lived wines in the world. We will visit both the Cooperative at the heart of all Colares wines along with one of the most historic producers, where we will have a chance to visit the sandy soil vineyards along the coast. This is a once-in-a-lifetime experience.
• Night off and at your leisure.………………………………………………………………………
Thursday
20th April 2023
Lisbon | Alentejo | Lisbon
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ALENTEJO (2 winery visits with premium wine tasting, 1 with lunch)
The Alentejo has a history with wine dating back to before Roman times and this culture has always made wine in large clay pots called Talhas.
During this day we’ll visit one winery that was fundamental is stopping the destruction of these clay pots and reclaiming this centuries old tradition. We’ll also have the chance to see and maybe even taste wines aged under olive oil, and ancient practice to avoid oxidation, that today is being used to reconnect with the past.
Most importantly we’ll be doing this in the villages where these traditions are alive and our lunch this day will be filled with wines from the Talhas and our friends who are their guardians.
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Friday
21st April 2023
Lisbon | Alcobaça | Lisbon
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LISBOA (2 winery visits with premium wine tasting, 1 with lunch)
Today we’ll head north to the regions that make up northern Lisboa. After a quick visit to Obidos, the ancient walled city, we’ll then head to see old vineyards that were recently lost to apple orchards. Today there is a group of young passionate winemakers attempting to save the old vines from the area and make a new generation of wines that eschews the cooperative models for small lot wines.
One winemaker we visit today helps consult at one of the large co-ops but reserves a small space for him and his friends to experiment with their own wines, all of which show the potential for the wines of this region to shine globally. Our lunch will be with the winemakers and local cuisine in a very informal and personal setting.
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Saturday
22nd April 2023
Lisbon
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Private walking food tour (Alfama & Old Town): Morning Walking Food Tour.
Meet your guide in the hotel lobby in order to start your day with a food tour where you will experience real, traditional Portuguese cuisine with a Lisbon native guide.
The tour starts with a Portuguese style pequeno-almoço of coffee and pastel de nata (custard tart) and a walk through Lisbon’s most characteristic neighborhoods: Old Town, aka Baixa de Lisboa, and Alfama. You’ll learn about Alfama’s history and the best food and fado spots while meandering through the maze-like alleys.
Next, you’ll visit specialty stores and taste a variety of Portuguese petiscos, from the traditional bifana, to a gourmet Portuguese canned fish tasting. For drinks, you can choose from draft beer to green wine. And let’s not forget the Portuguese sparkling wine. Your tour will end with a delicious tasting of dried fruits and sweets. [This tour has a duration of 3-3.5 hours].
• Afternoon time at leisure.
• Countryside Dinner near Lisbon: During this countryside barbeque served at an exclusive organic farm and private estate, you will be able to unwind, enjoy the farm, and cook if you so feel inclined in a serene and charming environment that brings together local food and local chefs who are experts in bringing the freshest ingredients to the table in creative and unique ways. Food will consist of authentic and rustic Portuguese flavors, highlighting fresh fish and seafood, meats and smoked sausages, and diverse and colorful salads and roasted vegetables. Traditional Portuguese desserts will conclude your dinner on the sweetest of notes.………………………………………………………………………
Sunday
23rd April 2023
Lisbon
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• Private transfer to Lisbon International Airport – 1 per couple.
Price per person
based on 10/12 people participating
4,950.00€
cost in euros
750 Euro + tax deposit holds your spot. Link below.
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Included
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• 1 + 4 Nights at 4-star hotel in Lisbon in Double Standard Room with breakfast
• 2 Nights at Pousada in Faial in Double Standard Room with breakfast;
• Private arrival and departures transfers in Lisbon – 1 per couple;
• Catavino expert wine guide, Ryan Opaz, at disposal as per itinerary;
• Deluxe bus with driver at disposal as per itinerary;
• 4 dinners, 1 with special guest;
• 8 Winery visits , 3 with lunch;
• 1 Restaurant lunch;
• Private walking food tour in Lisbon;
• Ferry boat from Faial to Pico + Pico to Faial;
• Gratuities: Restaurants (meals included + guides + drivers)
• Catavino’s expert coordination and support;
• Welcome information packet, restaurant recommendations, our 24 hour contact number.
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Not included
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• Lisbon Touristic Taxes (2€ per person per night, paid directly to the hotel at the end of your stay);
• Personal Expenses;
• Covid Tests;
• Flights;
• Travel Insurance – highly recommended.
Please note that no reservations were made at this point. Prices and availability may change at the time of confirmation and reservations of tour services will only be done after receiving the tour deposit.
Terms & Conditions
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Payment Conditions
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• UPON CONFIRMATION: 750€ per person will be paid within 3 working days of the issuing invoice date;
• 2 months prior arrival: remaining value + extras will be paid within 3 working days of the issuing invoice date;
• Any additional services will be paid within 3 working days of the issuing invoice date;
• Client will assume any and all bank fees associated with a bank transfer;
• CATAVINO may cancel the booking if payment is not received according to the present terms.
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Cancellation Fee
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• Payments made per the schedule stated above are non-refundable;
• Any additional service(s) or/and space(s) confirmed after the signature of this agreement will be used for the calculation of the fee for full or partial cancellation.
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Important disclaimer
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• In the event of unforeseen circumstances such as inclement weather, canceled or delayed flights, natural disasters, any personal reasons, etc. that may affect your travel plans or alter your trip plan and your ability to follow the itinerary, we will do our absolute best to accommodate you and offer alternatives. However, we highly recommend purchasing travel insurance to protect yourself in the event of unexpected changes in case a solution cannot be offered, as refunds and reimbursements are not guaranteed.
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Covid 19-related Cancellations
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• In the event of a Covid-related lockdown, 100% of your deposit would be transferable to a future date in 2023 (or beyond if previously agreed upon). In order for us to invoke this condition, travel must not be possible. This mainly hangs on our ability to be able to transfer and recuperate expenses.
• In the case that you are able to travel, but not feeling comfortable for a Covid-related reason, or that you contract Covid yourselves and are not able to travel, we will do our best to accommodate a transfer of your deposit, but can not guarantee 100% of it. We will act in good faith and do our best on your behalf to accommodate the situation, but certain expenses may not transfer. We want to be as flexible and fair as possible, but there are certain things that only an insurance policy will cover, and that is why we still recommend contracting a “cancel for any reason” travel insurance policy.
For information on Travel Insurance options we recommend the service World Nomads. If you use the following link https://www.worldnomads.com/travel-insurance/ you can do a simulation based on your specific needs and receive multiple results relevant to your situation.
Tipping in Portugal
In Portugal, we do not include the tip in the final price of a service. Therefore, here are some general guidelines for you to use at your leisure. Please note that these prices are per couple or for a solo traveler.
• Half day Private Driver: Give around 15€/20€ per day of service
• Half day Private Expert Guide: Give around 20€/25€ per day of service
• Full day Private Driver: Give around 20€/25€ per day of service
• Full day Private Expert Guide: Give around 25€/30€ per day of service
• Taxis or Uber or Cabify: Round up to the nearest 5 Euro on your total fare.
• Restaurants: Add between 5% to 10% tip to the bill in the more tourist areas, but check the bill because service may be included.
• Hotels: Give the bellboy 1-2 Euro per bag. Give house-keeping a few Euros at the end of the stay.
• Bars: Usually a Euro or two if the bar service was good, otherwise this isn’t required.
