This is a once in a lifetime tour with other design pros. Join us as we explore Portugal through a designer’s eyes. We’re staying for three perfect days in Lisbon and Porto to explore these magnificent cities and their environs. Topping it off, you’ll experience Portugal as a design insider with what has become the tours’ signature- private design destinations- to some of the best and most exclusive ateliers and showrooms in Porto and Lisbon.
Our Everyday Extraordinary Portugal Tour itinerary doesn’t have your ordinary tourist stops (feel free to explore those on your own) we have curated excursions and destinations custom made for your creative eye. After all, Portugal has long been is where artists, writers and design creatives get their inspiration and is currently having a moment. We have crafted what we think is the perfect blend of Group time and Alone time.
Lisbon beckons us. Touted as a modern metropolis to rival London and packed with places of interest, Lisbon is a city that is really going places. There is a plethora of history here, with tales of everything from Roman imperialists to exotic Berber pirates, Moorish builders to fierce Reconquista knights, all wrapped up in the grand palaces and heritage districts. But there is also an atmosphere of bohemianism and the surprise of the new. We’ll explore the city and its design and artisan scene- starting with the amazing azulejos in the National Tile Museum followed by a private tile painting workshop. We’ll continue to explore the authentic artisan culture with Grandma Comes to Work and the Portuguese Decorative Arts Museum and its satellite workshops. A visit to Lisbon would not be complete without a visit to St George’s Castle, the most visible landmark of Lisbon’s historic center or the famous Tram system; none are more iconic than Tram 28 which has been working its way up the steep, cobbled roads and into the Alfama district. We’ll marvel at the Berardo Collection Museum, filled with a smorgasbord of eclectic artworks, which range from abstract expressionism to digital art installations or neo-realism and photography.
We’ll spend a perfect three days in Porto. Located in the north of Portugal, the city of Porto has a rich history that dates to the Roman occupation of Iberia. This is a notable port city, situated on the estuary of the Douro River, where the river meets the Atlantic Ocean. From our luxury boutique hotel we’ll explore the thriving design scene in Porto and its environs. We’ll discover the city’s historic centre, Ribeira, considered World Heritage Site by UNESCO including the Clerigos Tower, Porto Catherdral and Palacio da Bolsa to marvel at the tile work. We’ll stop to enjoy a traditional Portuguese lunch in a quaint café nestled along the city’s medieval walls and discover Porto’s famous wines. Explore Portos’ rich Belle Epoque heritage through their iconic buildings and emblematic cafes like the Majestic Cafe. You will enjoy an private charming boat cruise starting from Douro Marina. Follow in the footsteps of the wine merchants of Portugal on a classic “Six Bridges” cruise of Porto. Our signature design destinations will include Covet House’ signature townhouse, and Urban Mint.