A transformative 10-day journey blending wellness practices, cultural exploration, stunning landscapes, and personal growth. Here's a detailed day-by-day breakdown:
Day 1: Arrival & Travel
-Departure from the USA
Begin your journey with your group departing from various US cities, flying to Porto, Portugal. Group flights and transfers are coordinated for a seamless experience.
Day 2 Welcome to Porto
- Arrive in Porto
Upon arrival at Porto's airport, you'll be transferred to your centrally located hotel. Take the afternoon to settle in and relax.
- Welcome Dinner
In the evening, gather for a welcome dinner at a charming riverside restaurant along the Douro River. Enjoy traditional Portuguese dishes, such as bacalhau (salted cod) and pastéis de nata (custard tarts), and meet your fellow travelers. The dinner sets the tone for your adventure, introducing the spirit of connection, transformation, and cultural immersion.
Day 3: Explore Porto
- Guided Walking Tour of Porto
Start your day with a guided walking tour of Porto, exploring its historical heart, UNESCO-listed Ribeira District, and iconic landmarks like the Dom Luís I Bridge, Livraria Lello (one of the most beautiful bookstores in the world), and the Church of São Francisco. Learn about the city’s rich history, architecture, and its role as a hub for culture and trade.
- Optional Food and Wine Tour
For food lovers, join a guided Porto food tour where you’ll explore local markets and taste iconic delicacies, including francesinha (a hearty sandwich), cured meats, and local cheeses, complemented by tasting world-famous Port wine.
- Evening Group Dinner
Gather for another delicious group meal, and reflect on your day in Porto. The evening will also include a short discussion about your personal intentions and goals for the wellness journey ahead.
Day 4: Douro Valley Adventure
- Morning Wellness Practice
Begin the day with a mindful meditation or gentle yoga session at the hotel, designed to ground you for the day ahead.
- Guided Hike in Alvão Natural Park
Travel to the stunning Douro Valley, where you’ll enjoy a 6km guided hike through Alvão Natural Park. Surrounded by lush landscapes, waterfalls, and serene lagoons, this scenic route will allow you to connect with nature and reflect in the quiet beauty of Portugal’s countryside.
- Lunch & Afternoon at Leisure
After the hike, enjoy a traditional Portuguese lunch at a local restaurant. Following lunch, relax and unwind with free time at your charming hotel or indulge in a spa treatment to rejuvenate your body.
- Evening Becoming You Connection Session
In the evening, participate in a guided "Becoming You" connection session, where you will set intentions for your personal growth during the trip. This evening is all about sharing experiences, focusing on mindfulness, and fostering deep connection within the group.
Day 5: Wine & River in Douro Valley
- Winery Visit & Port Tasting
Explore the Douro Valley’s rich wine culture with a visit to a renowned local winery. Enjoy a tour of the vineyards, learning about the centuries-old process of producing Port wine. End the visit with a wine tasting, savoring a selection of local wines, including the world-famous Port.
- Douro River Boat Tour
Next, embark on a scenic boat tour along the Douro River, one of the most picturesque river valleys in the world. As you drift past terraced vineyards and lush hillsides, you’ll gain insights into the region’s history, agriculture, and wine production.
- Dinner at the Hotel
After the day’s adventures, return to your hotel for a relaxing dinner featuring locally sourced ingredients. Tonight's meal might include caldo verde (green soup) or a rich Portuguese stew like cozido à portuguesa.
Day 6: Aveiro & Óbidos
- Morning: Aveiro, The Venice of Portugal
Travel to Aveiro, a charming town known for its canals and colorful boats. Take a ride on a traditional Moliceiro boat through the canals while your guide shares Aveiro’s fascinating history and its significance in Portuguese culture.
Enjoy a stop at the local market or a pastry shop to sample Ovos Moles, a traditional sweet made of egg yolks and sugar, unique to Aveiro.
- Afternoon: Óbidos Exploration
Continue your journey to the medieval town of Óbidos. Walk through its narrow, cobbled streets, visit the iconic Óbidos Castle, and explore the quaint shops and cafes. Óbidos is famous for its ginjinha (cherry liquor), and you’ll have the chance to taste this local specialty.
- Evening: Resort Check-in & Dinner
Arrive at your resort in Óbidos and unwind. Enjoy dinner at the resort’s restaurant, where you’ll have the chance to reflect on the day and enjoy the calm, picturesque surroundings.
Day 7: Leisure Day in Óbidos
- Day at Leisure
Take the day to relax and enjoy the luxurious amenities of your resort. You can choose from a variety of activities:
- Unwind at the spa with a rejuvenating massage or facial.
- Take a dip in the pool or explore the scenic grounds. Visit the nearby town of Óbidos for more in-depth exploration. Engage in a self-guided wellness activity, such as journaling, yoga, or a reflective walk.
- Optional Wellness Workshop
Attend an optional wellness workshop, focusing on mindfulness, meditation, or personal transformation techniques. This session is designed to deepen your connection with yourself and your journey toward wellness.
Day 8: Nazaré & Fatima
- Morning: Nazaré Seaside Exploration
Begin the day with a visit to Nazaré, a beautiful coastal village known for its dramatic cliffs and the world-famous big waves. Stroll along the beach, visit the lighthouse, and enjoy some free time to relax or explore the area.
- Afternoon: Fatima Pilgrimage Site
Travel to Fatima, one of the world’s most significant religious pilgrimage destinations. Visit the Sanctuary of Our Lady of Fatima, a place of profound spiritual importance. Take time to reflect in the peaceful surroundings or participate in a guided tour of the site.
- Return to Óbidos for Dinner
Head back to your resort in Óbidos for an evening of relaxation and dinner, where you can share your experiences from the day with the group.
Day 9: Sintra & Lisbon
- Morning: Explore Sintra’s Palaces & Gardens
Travel to the fairytale town of Sintra, a UNESCO World Heritage Site. Visit the magical Pena Palace, perched high in the hills, with its whimsical architecture and stunning gardens. Explore the Quinta da Regaleira, a mystical estate with secret tunnels and symbolic architecture.
Take in the lush beauty of Sintra’s natural surroundings and enjoy the cool, fresh air that makes this town a popular escape for both locals and visitors alike.
- Afternoon: Transfer to Lisbon
After lunch, head to Lisbon, Portugal’s dynamic capital city. Settle into your hotel and enjoy free time to explore the vibrant city center or relax before dinner.
- Evening: Free Time in Lisbon
Enjoy the evening to explore Lisbon’s culinary scene at your own pace. You might want to visit one of the city’s lively Fado restaurants or try local seafood at a traditional Portuguese taverna.
Day 10: Discover Lisbon
- Morning: Guided Lisbon Tour
Explore the historical heart of Lisbon with a guided tour. Visit the Belém district, home to the iconic Belém Tower and Jerónimos Monastery, both UNESCO World Heritage Sites. Learn about the Age of Exploration and Portugal’s role in world history.
- Afternoon: Alfama & Bairro Alto
Wander the narrow streets of Alfama, Lisbon’s oldest district, known for its charming alleyways and Fado music. Then head to Bairro Alto for panoramic views of the city and to explore Lisbon's lively cultural scene.
- Evening: Farewell Dinner & Fado Performance
End your journey with a farewell dinner at a traditional Portuguese restaurant, where you'll be treated to a Fado performance—an emotionally powerful genre of music that reflects Portugal’s deep cultural heritage.
Day 11: Departure
- Morning: Final Breakfast & Reflections
Enjoy a final breakfast at the hotel, then reflect on the transformative experiences you’ve had over the past 10 days.
- Depart for the USA
Transfer to the Lisbon airport for your return flight, carrying the memories of your Portuguese adventure and a renewed sense of wellness and connection.