Project Description
PORTUGAL
ARTS & CRAFTS TOUR
Portugal has always been a land of tradition, discoveries, and great culture. From its explorer`s past to becoming one of Europe`s most popular tourism destinations, this country has always been open to the rest of the world, all while keeping its cultural and artistic identity.
If you`re into arts and crafts, you probably heard about the Portuguese tiles, a work of such unique beauty, it marvels visitors from all around. But in this tour, we`ll dive deeper into the world of Portuguese art, covering other types of craftsmanship, also unique to its regions and heritage, while exploring this beautiful country and its traditions.
Are you ready to discover Portugal`s most artistic side?
Welcome to Lisbon!
DAY
1
ARRIVAL IN LISBON
Arrival in Lisbon. Meet & greet at the airport, and transfer to your hotel. Free afternoon. At night, you`re invited to head to the Alfama neighborhood for a welcome dinner with typical Portuguese food at one of the most traditional Casas de Fado, where you can enjoy a live Fado concert.
Overnight.
DAY
2
AN INTRODUCTION TO THE HISTORY OF THE TILES
After breakfast, you will meet your local guide to enjoy a walking city tour, where you will discover the colors and faces of Lisbon. You will end the tour with a visit to the Museu do Azulejo, the tile museum, where you can find out about the history of this art, and see some amazing historical pieces.
Return to your hotel. Overnight.
DAY
3
CREATE YOUR OWN TILE EXPERIENCE!
After breakfast, check out from your hotel and board your private transfer to the city of Azeitão. There, you will get to visit to a historical azuleijos factory, where you can see their products and be part of a workshop to create your own tile! You can pick up the tile the next day to bring it home with you.
After the workshop, you will head to Setúbal where you will check-in at your hotel. Free night in Setúbal.
DAY
4
DISCOVERING A NEW DAY TO ENJOY WINE…
After breakfast, you will check out of your hotel and board your private transfer to the Alentejo, where you will discover the centenary tradition of the “vinhos de talha”, the talha wines..
Developed by the Romans and brought to Portugal two millennia ago, talha wine is today an important symbol of the Alentejo. The know-how has been passed down from generation to generation and this way of making wine utilizing large clay containers – amphoras or talhas – has survived the passage of the centuries Any farmer with vines, however few, will always have his own clay “talhinha” in which to make wine to drink at home or to give friends to taste.
Your first stop will be a visit to the Centro Interpretativo do Vinho de Talha, in Vidigueira, where you will learn about the history of the process and the making of the talhas. Then you will visit the Adega Cooperativa de Vidigueira, Cuba e Alvito – Casa das Talhas winery where you will enjoy a lunch with a local wine tasting.
Head to Evora and check-in at your hotel. Overnight.
DAY
5
A MAGICAL JOURNEY THROUGH THE COLORFUL WORLD OF BORDALLO PINHEIRO
After breakfast, check out and board your private transfer to Caldas da Rainha. Here, you will visit one of the oldest ceramic producers of Portugal, Bordallo Pinheiro. You will be part of a unique tour through the city following the Rota Bordaliana, to spot the unique, big-sized ceramic sculptures that decorate this town. After that, you will visit the Bordallo Pinheiro factory where you will be gifted a “paint your own Sardinha” kit. You will learn about the history behind the famous and popular ceramic sardines, that have their origin here.
You will also visit the Casa Museu Bordalo Pinheiro, where you can marvel at its unique, original pieces that are not only utilitary, but true works of art!
Head to Aveiro for the night.
DAY
6
DISCOVERING THE ART OF CERAMICS
After breakfast, board your private transfer to enjoy a city tour through the cities of Aveiro and Ovar, visit the stunning Igreja de Válega and finish the day with a visit to the Vista Alegre factory complex.
Founded in 1824, the patent authorizing the operation of the Vista Alegre Factory was granted in 1824 by King D. João VI, benefiting of “all graces, privileges, and exceptions enjoyed, or to be enjoyed in the future, by the National Factories”. Then, only five years later, Vista Alegre was granted the title of Royal Factory, to honor its art and industrial success. From 1832 on, the Factory intensified its work and concentrated on perfecting porcelain. In 2001, Grupo Vista Alegre joined with the Atlantis group and created the largest national tableware Group and the sixth in the world in this specialty: the Grupo Vista Alegre Atlantis. Here, you will also have the possibility to have a hands-on experience.
Return to your hotel. Overnight in Aveiro.
DAY
7
DISCOVERING THE ART OF GLASS
After breakfast, check out from your hotel and board your private transfer to a morning visit to the Centro de Visitas Atlantis – Fabrica de Cristal (glass factory). Here, you will discover the art of glassmaking tradition of Marinha Grande, which benefits from the historical heritage of Atlantis. You will learn about the century-old history of crystal art and the heritage of one of the most prestigious crystal makers in the world, which will teach you in loco the crystal and glass manufacturing process.
Transfer to Oporto and check-in at your hotel. In the afternoon, you will meet your local guide for an artistic city tour of Oporto.
Overnight.
DAY
8
BARRO NEGRO DE BISALHÃES, A UNESCO PATRIMONY
After breakfast, in the morning, you will visit the Banco de Materiais. Then, by private transfer, you will head to Bisalhães and learn about the “Barro negro” ceramics production (black mud). You will visit a local atelier of black ceramic, and learn about the traditional pottery technique in which the pieces produced have a characteristic black color. This technique is a unique characteristic of the village of Bisalhães, in the municipality of Vila Real, in Portugal, and in 2016 it was declared an Intangible Heritage of Humanity by UNESCO.
Transfer back to Oporto and chill on a sunset cruise over the Douro river, from where you have the most beautiful views of the city. After that, you will enjoy a farewell dinner to make your last night in Portugal a very special one. Overnight.
DAY
9
ATÉ LOGO, PORTUGAL! GOODBYE, PORTUGAL!
Check-out and transfer to the Oporto airport. End of our services. Até logo, goodbye!
Please take note that this program is given depending on the sanitary conditions in 2022.
Depending on the Covid-19 evolution, gauges could be established and sites could be closed by our partners.
The agency reserves the right to modify or reverse the order of visits for the benefit of the traveler.
