Winter | Christmas & New Year Theme
Christmas & New Year
Experience the magic of Portugal this holiday season on an unforgettable 11-night journey designed for two. From the historic streets of Porto to the vibrant charm of Lisbon, immerse yourself in a curated blend of luxury, culture, and culinary delights. Enjoy exclusive wine tastings, private guided tours, festive Christmas experiences, and intimate dining moments, all thoughtfully arranged to create lasting memories. Every detail has been crafted to offer a seamless and indulgent escape, allowing you to discover Portugal’s rich heritage during Christmas and New Year’s time.
Day 01 - Arrival & Welcome
From Lisbon Airport to The Yeatman Hotel in Porto
Begin your journey with a private transfer to your hotel. Your driver will meet you at the Lisbon Airport (holding a name sign) to commence your drive to your hotel in Porto.
Check-in at The Yeatman Hotel
Perched above the historic Port wine cellars, The Yeatman is Porto’s most iconic luxury wine hotel — a five-star retreat where timeless elegance, panoramic river views, and the city’s wine heritage come together seamlessly. With refined interiors, exceptional gastronomy, and award-winning hospitality, this is an extraordinary base from which to experience Porto at its finest.
Day 01 - Private Visit to Lello’s Library After Hours
Discover Alentejo’s wine & heritage
Duration: 1h30min
EXPERIENCE: Enjoy exclusive access to Lello’s Library after closing time, exploring the world-famous bookstore in complete tranquility. With a specialized guide, discover its history, architecture, and hidden corners normally closed to the public. Sip a glass of special Port paired with chocolates as you take in the stunning stained-glass ceiling, carved woodwork, and rare collections. The visit also includes entry to the private Sala Gemma, where ancient manuscripts and first-edition books are preserved — a unique and intimate journey into Porto’s literary heritage.
SERVICES INCLUDED: Guided visit with a specialized expert for 1h30; a glass of special Port wine served with chocolates; entry to Sala Gemma and access to areas of the library normally closed to the public; private round-trip transfers from accommodation.
Day 02 - Spa Morning & Christmas Eve
Suggestion: Indulge in pure relaxation morning at the spa of your Hotel. Let the serene surroundings and luxurious treatments rejuvenate your mind and body as you unwind in this intimate sanctuary.
Christmas Eve in Portugal – Cultural Insight (For Your Information Only)
Christmas Eve in Portugal is a deeply cherished family celebration. Loved ones gather for a traditional dinner, typically featuring bacalhau or octopus, followed by classic desserts such as rabanadas and bolo-rei. Homes are filled with warmth, festive lights, and storytelling until midnight, when families open their presents together. Please note that this explanation is for cultural context only and is not part of your itinerary. As most restaurants close early on December 24th, we recommend enjoying dinner at your hotel.
Day 03 - Free day
Christmas Day in Portugal: A Time for Family, Tradition, and Togetherness
December 25th is one of Portugal’s most cherished holidays. The country slows down as families gather at home, sharing festive meals such as leitão and traditional sweets like rabanadas and bolo-rei, while churches host Christmas services, continuing beloved traditions like the Midnight Mass. As most shops and restaurants remain closed, this is an ideal day to stroll through the unusually empty streets and experience the city in a peaceful, crowd-free atmosphere. Christmas Day allows you to see the city with different eyes.
Day 04 - Private Candlelight Dinner with the Owners in Braga
Christmas Day in Portugal: A Time for Family, Tradition, and Togetherness
Duration: 3H
EXPERIENCE: Enjoy an intimate and elegant evening inside one of Braga’s most distinguished aristocratic palaces. Welcomed by the owners themselves, you’ll learn about the estate’s rich history before sitting down to a candlelit gourmet dinner, with each course paired with exceptional regional wines. Surrounded by grand salons and a historic ballroom, the atmosphere evokes the charm of a bygone era. This exclusive experience offers a rare glimpse into Portuguese heritage and an unforgettable night of refined hospitality.
SERVICES INCLUDED: Candlelit gourmet dinner with wine pairing; private round-trip transfers from accommodation.
Day 05 - Private Port Wine Tasting at Vila Nova Gaia’s Lodge
Duration: 3H
EXPERIENCE: Discover the legacy of one of Portugal’s most iconic port wine producers with an exclusive visit to the lodge. After a guided tour through the atmospheric cellars, the experience culminates with a refined tasting of three exceptional ports, each presented with expert commentary. An intimate and memorable journey into the heart of Porto’s winemaking tradition.
SERVICES INCLUDED: Guided visit to lodge; premium tasting of three Ports; private round-trip transfers from accommodation.
Day 06 - Transfer from Porto to Lisbon
Your driver will meet you at your Hotel in Porto and you will commence your drive to your Lisbon Hotel.
Check-in at Tivoli Avenida Liberdade Lisboa
As a landmark of timeless elegance, this 5-star hotel combines heritage and modern sophistication to deliver a truly exceptional stay in the heart of the city. Enjoy a vibrant rooftop experience at Sky Bar by SEEN, with panoramic views of Lisbon.
Day 07 - Private Traditional Portuguese Christmas-Meal Cooking Class in Lisbon
Duration: 4H
EXPERIENCE: Celebrate the flavors and traditions of a Portuguese Christmas in this festive, hands-on cooking experience. Begin with a visit to a local market alongside your chef, selecting fresh seasonal ingredients while learning about the staples of a traditional holiday table. You’ll then head to a welcoming kitchen studio to prepare a three-course Christmas meal, featuring classic savory dishes and beloved holiday sweets. The experience concludes with a relaxed, wine-paired meal where you enjoy everything you’ve prepared.
SERVICES INCLUDED: Market visit with local chef; cooking class (3-course Christmas meal) and wine pairing; private round-trip transfers from accommodation.
Day 08 - Private Half-Day Tour of Lisbon
Duration: 4H
EXPERIENCE: Explore the highlights of Lisbon on a privately guided half-day tour designed to showcase the city’s culture, history, and iconic neighborhoods. With a knowledgeable local guide, you’ll discover scenic viewpoints, charming streets, and key cultural landmarks—tailored to your pace and interests.
SERVICES INCLUDED: Market visit with local chef; cooking class (3-course Christmas meal) and wine pairing; private round-trip transfers from accommodation.
Day 08 - Private Christmas Food Tour in Lisbon
Duration: 3H
EXPERIENCE: Experience the magic of Lisbon during the holiday season on a festive walking tour through the city’s beautifully illuminated streets. As you explore the historic center adorned with Christmas lights and seasonal decorations, you’ll stop at markets and traditional shops to enjoy classic Portuguese holiday treats such as sonhos, filhós, bolo-rei, roasted chestnuts, and mulled wine. Along the way, your guide will share insights into Lisbon’s history and the country’s unique Christmas traditions, creating a warm and memorable seasonal experience.
SERVICES INCLUDED: 3-hour guided Christmas food & lights tour; tastings of traditional holiday sweets and drinks; private round-trip transfers from accommodation.
Day 08 - New Year's Eve Celebration (For Your Information Only)
Duration: 3H
EXPERIENCE: Experience the magic of Lisbon during the holiday season on a festive walking tour through the city’s beautifully illuminated streets. As you explore the historic center adorned with Christmas lights and seasonal decorations, you’ll stop at markets and traditional shops to enjoy classic Portuguese holiday treats such as sonhos, filhós, bolo-rei, roasted chestnuts, and mulled wine. Along the way, your guide will share insights into Lisbon’s history and the country’s unique Christmas traditions, creating a warm and memorable seasonal experience.
SERVICES INCLUDED: 3-hour guided Christmas food & lights tour; tastings of traditional holiday sweets and drinks; private round-trip transfers from accommodation.
Day 09 - Free Day - January 1st, 2025
Enjoy a peaceful start to the new year with a full free day in Lisbon. As many shops, restaurants, and attractions are closed for the holiday, this is the perfect opportunity to explore the city at your own pace. Wander through historic neighborhoods like Alfama or Bairro Alto, admire the architecture and river views, and take in the calm ambience rarely found on busier days. Whether you choose a quiet stroll, a scenic viewpoint, or simple relaxation, Lisbon’s charm offers a serene beginning to 2025.
Day 10 - Private Full-Day Tour of Sintra
Duration: 8H
EXPERIENCE: Discover the enchanting beauty of Sintra on a full-day private tour through Portugal’s most magical town. Explore the colorful and romantic Pena Palace, stroll through Sintra’s historic center, and taste the region’s beloved Queijadas de Sintra. Continue to the coastal village of Azenhas do Mar for a memorable lunch overlooking the Atlantic, before ending your day with a relaxing stop in Cascais. Blending history, scenery, and culture, this experience offers an unforgettable journey through one of Portugal’s most iconic destinations.
SERVICES INCLUDED: 8h private guided service; entrance tickets to Pena Palace; private round-trip transfers from accommodation. Lunch is not included.
Day 11 - Departure from Lisbon
From your hotel to Lisbon Airport
Check out and meet your private driver for your transfer to Lisbon Airport. On-site assistance continues until airline check-in to ensure a seamless departure.
SERVICES INCLUDED: Private transfer from your Lisbon hotel to Lisbon Airport; local support until airline check-in.
This itinerary for an 11-night trip to Portugal for 2 people includes the following:
- 5 nights accommodation in a 5-star hotel in Porto
- 6 nights accommodation in a 5-star hotel in Lisbon
- Daily breakfasts
- Private transfer from Lisbon Airport to Porto Hotel
- Private transfer from Porto to Lisbon
- Private transfer from Lisbon Hotel to Lisbon Airport
- Private round-trip transfer to all activities listed
- Private Visit to Lello’s Library After Closed
- Private Candlelight Dinner With The Owners in Braga
- Private Port Wine Tasting at Graham’s Lodge
- Private Half-Day Tour of Lisbon
- Private Christmas Food Tour in Lisbon
- Private Portuguese Christmas Meal Cooking Class in Lisbon
- Private Full-Day Tour of Sintra
- Local support and restaurant recommendations
Please contact us at the button below for the complete itinerary or other options.