Portugal in
Full Color
A 12-day hosted small group trip through Porto, the Douro Valley and Lisbon, built around food, wine, tilework, Fado, five-star hotels and local guides.
You enjoy Portugal. Jess handles the moving parts.
Designed for travelers who want a rich Portugal experience without managing hotels, transfers, tour timing, local guide coordination and the little details that eat up a trip.
You have been thinking about Portugal because something about it feels different: the color, the coast, the wine, the history, the cafés that seem made for lingering.
Portugal in Full Color brings those pieces together in a small hosted trip designed for connection with the destination and the people traveling beside you.
The planning is handled so you can enjoy Portugal with curiosity, connection and comfort.
– Jess Peterman
Why go with Jess?
I’m Jess. I’ve been married to Randy for almost 28 years. We have three grandchildren who make me laugh on a daily basis. I run mostly on coffee. If there’s a good local coffee shop nearby, I will find it. Probably more than once.
As a traveler, I want to stand in places that have real history in them. Ancient buildings that have shown their age and you can feel it. I want to eat what people actually eat and will almost always try whatever is regional or nationally known. I want tours by locals because their passion for their country is how I want to experience a place – that kind of passion is something you can feel right from the start.
I have not been to Portugal yet and I am so ready. I built this trip with vetted Portugal partners, local guides and the same over-researched standards I use for my private clients. I am going for the first time right alongside you, which means I have been doing what I always do: researching everything, asking every question and not stopping until I know the great places and the tours worth doing.
Two free days are built in so you have time to recharge, go on your own adventures and connect even more to the culture. I will be there with suggestions and if you want company – I am totally in.
What I loved most was that the itinerary was packed with many options… including DOING NOTHING! Which I loved and opted for a time or two. Our group had literally every option. You are the most thoughtful travel planner I have ever worked with. Looking forward to our next adventure.M. Hutter – Past group traveler with Jess See the trip details →
Photos from a past hosted trip with Jess
Start with the trip basics, then keep reading for the experiences.
See the Portugal Details →Portugal in Full Color is for the person who
Has had Portugal on the list for years and keeps finding reasons to put it off.
Wants to experience a place, not just see it. The food, the history, the guides, the tiles.
Is done with trips that feel frantic. Wants real breathing room built into the plan.
Wants someone trustworthy handling the research, reservations and day-of logistics.
Has a travel companion ready to go and needs someone they trust running the show.
Wants to feel like a traveler in Portugal, not a tourist in a queue.
Dates
Sept 21 – Oct 2, 2027
Duration
12 days / 11 nights
Fly into
Porto (OPO)
Fly home from
Lisbon (LIS)
Spots available
12 only
Meals included
11B · 3L · 2D
Airfare
Not included
The moments you’ll carry home
A full day in the Douro Valley
The train pulls away from Porto and within twenty minutes the city gives way to steep hillsides terraced with vines dropping down to the Douro River below. You are watching it out the window and you do not want to look at your phone.
From there: riverboat cruise, winery visit, tastings and lunch at a table with no reason to leave early. The Douro Valley is the reason people who visit Portugal can’t stop talking about Portugal two years later.
Port wine blending workshop
There are four glasses in front of you. Each one is a different component of port wine: different ages, different varieties, different levels of sweetness. Your guide explains what you are tasting. Then you start combining them.
By the third blend, you start to understand what you are building and why. You bottle what you made, label it yourself and bring home a conversation that lasts longer than the wine.
Azulejo tile painting workshop
By Day 7 you have spent six days stopping to look at the tiles. They are on train stations, church walls and building facades you pause mid-conversation to stare at. At some point the admiring becomes a need to understand.
A local artist puts materials in front of you: a blank bisque tile, cobalt pigment and a brush. An hour later you are looking at a tile you painted by hand in Lisbon, something very different from a souvenir bought off a shelf.
Fado, pastéis and a final night together
The restaurant is small. The tables are close together. You have just come from Belém, the Jerónimos Monastery, the Tower and the original pastel de nata from the bakery that has been selling them from the same recipe since 1837.
Then the singer stands up and the room goes quiet. Fado does not ask you to understand Portuguese to feel it. The voice carries something – longing, beauty, the sound of a country that has been here for a very long time.
September is the right call for Portugal
The summer crowds have cleared. The temperature has come down from July’s heat – warm days, cooler evenings, comfortable for a full day of walking. Restaurants have space. The lines at Pena Palace are shorter. Porto and Lisbon exhale after summer and feel like themselves again.
The light in late September is long and golden. The neighborhoods are alive in a post-August way – locals are back, the tables outside are full, and the pace feels right. Late September is Portugal at its best.
Your hotels
Porto · Days 1–5
Porto Palácio Hotel by The Editory
Deluxe RoomFive-star on Avenida da Boavista with 360° panoramic views of Porto from the top. The AUGE restaurant sits at the top of the building – this is where you order one more drink and watch the city change as the light goes down. The HUB Gastrobar does cocktails and casual dining on site as well.
The spa has an indoor pool, sauna and Turkish bath. The rooms are properly designed, the bathrooms are worth the upgrade, and there is contemporary art throughout the building. Five days here is enough to feel at home in Porto before you leave.
Lisbon · Days 6–12
Hotel Pestana Palace Lisboa
Deluxe SuiteA 19th-century palace, now a five-star hotel with gardens you will want to sit in for an embarrassingly long time. The lobby will stop you in the doorway. Your suite gives you actual space. Six nights here gives you somewhere you will genuinely want to come back to after a long day in the city.
Pool, spa and a restaurant on property. Six nights here at the end of the trip is a very good way to close out Portugal.
* If a listed property becomes unavailable, a comparable five-star alternative will be arranged at the same room category.
Sunset cocktails at the AUGE rooftop in Porto. Palace gardens in Lisbon. 12 spots for all of it.
See What’s Included →Portugal in Full Color
Five days in Porto to settle in and go deep. Then south through the medieval village of Óbidos into six days in Lisbon. Two free days built in. One arrival, one departure, everything in between handled.
Day 1 · Sunday, September 21
Porto Beginnings and a Welcome Table
You land and someone is already waiting. Transfer handled. You check in, put your bags down and for the first time in however long this trip has been in your head, you are here. Tonight: welcome dinner with the people you will spend the next twelve days with. Portugal begins. Dinner included
Day 2 · Monday, September 22
Cobblestones, Color and a Day to Wander
A local guide takes you through Porto by tuk tuk – close to the streets, through the neighborhoods the tourist maps don’t cover. The river, the tile facades, the stories behind the buildings. Then the day opens up. Find the coffee shop. Walk somewhere with no plan. Have the second pastry.
Day 3 · Tuesday, September 23
Taste the Market, Blend the Port
The Bolhão Market reaches you before you see it – bread, flowers, seafood, something frying in good olive oil. A local guide walks you through it to feed you, not lecture you. That afternoon: a working winery and a port wine blending workshop. You will not drink port the same way again.
Day 4 · Wednesday, September 24
Golden Douro, Vineyard Tables and River Views
Scenic train into the valley. Riverboat cruise on the Douro. Winery visit and tastings. Lunch at a table with no reason to leave early. Time with producers who have worked this land their whole lives. This is the day people are still describing two years later. Lunch included
Day 5 · Thursday, September 25
A Slow Day in Porto Free
No plan. Sleep in. Have the second coffee. Walk somewhere new.
Pro tip: the Foz do Douro neighborhood at the river’s mouth and the Serralves Foundation gardens are both excellent slow-morning options. Optional add-on: Aveiro, Portugal’s canal city with striped houses and fresh seafood.
Day 6 · Friday, September 26
From Walled Villages to Palace Nights
Drive south with a stop in Óbidos – a medieval walled town so intact it stops you mid-sentence. Flowers over doorways, stone underfoot, the smell of ginja in the air. Then Lisbon and the Pestana Palace. You will put your bags down and immediately want to go sit in the garden.
Day 7 · Saturday, September 27
Tiles, Color and Lisbon on Your Own Terms
Morning tile painting workshop with a local artist – by hand, from scratch, yours to take home. Then Lisbon is yours. Alfama, the viewpoints over the river, the bookshops in Chiado, the café you find by accident and go back to twice.
Day 8 · Sunday, September 28
Sintra’s Castles, Palaces and Drama
You will round a corner today and stop walking. Pena Palace, painted in ochre and terracotta, perched above the treeline. The Moorish Castle standing since the 8th century. Quinta da Regaleira with a spiral well that descends 27 meters into the earth. Local lunch between sites. Lunch included
Day 9 · Monday, September 29
A Portuguese Kitchen and a Free Lisbon Afternoon
Hands-on cooking class with a local chef – not a demonstration, you cook. Then Lisbon opens up. Go back to the viewpoint. Find the thing you meant to try.
Day 10 · Tuesday, September 30
Lisbon Your Way Free
No agenda. Use it however feels right.
Pro tip: the LX Factory market runs Tuesdays. Worth your morning. Optional add-on: Alentejo wine region, cork forests and whitewashed villages and red wine that earns its reputation.
Day 11 · Wednesday, October 1
Pastéis, Fado and a Final Night Together
Belém in the afternoon: the Jerónimos Monastery, the Tower, and the original pastel de nata from the bakery that has been selling them since 1837. Then farewell dinner at a Tasca restaurant with live Fado Vadio. The room goes quiet when it starts. You will carry this night home. Lunch + Dinner included
Day 12 · Thursday, October 2
Farewell to Portugal in Full Color
Transfer to Lisbon airport, handled. Plan flights after 2:00 PM. Twelve days ago you landed not quite knowing what Portugal would feel like. Now you know.
$600 deposit · Two payments of $2,700
See What’s Included →
Everything in the price
Five-star hotels
Five nights in Porto and six nights in Lisbon at carefully chosen properties.
Private transfers
Airport transfers and ground transportation for included activities are handled.
Douro Valley day
Scenic train, riverboat, winery visit, tastings, lunch and local producers.
Port blending
Hands-on workshop with tastings and your own blend to bring home.
Azulejo workshop
Tile painting with a local artist, by hand, from scratch.
Sintra full day
Pena Palace, Moorish Castle, Quinta da Regaleira, Biester Palace and lunch.
Fado farewell
Belém touring, lunch and a final Tasca dinner with live Fado Vadio.
Jess hosting
Pre-trip prep, logistics guidance and Jess hosting in person for all 12 days.
✔ Included
- Private airport transfers, arrival (OPO) and departure (LIS)
- 5 nights Porto Palácio by The Editory – Deluxe Room, double occupancyRooftop dining, indoor pool, spa, Turkish bath
- 6 nights Pestana Palace Lisboa – Deluxe Suite, double occupancy19th-century palace, gardens, pool and spa
- 11 breakfasts daily at hotel
- 3 lunches – Douro Valley, Sintra, Belém
- 2 dinners – welcome dinner and Fado farewell dinner
- Tuk tuk tour of Porto with a local guide
- Bolhão Market food tour with a local guide
- Port wine blending workshop with tastings
- Full day Douro Valley: train, riverboat, winery, lunch, local producers
- Porto to Lisbon transfer with Óbidos stop
- Azulejo tile painting workshop with a local artist
- Full day Sintra: Pena Palace, Moorish Castle, Quinta da Regaleira, Biester Palace, local lunch
- Hands-on Portuguese cooking class
- Belém tour + Tasca farewell dinner with live Fado Vadio
- All ground transportation for included activities, pre-trip guidance and Jess Peterman hosting in person for all 12 days
✕ Not included
- ―International flights (booking assistance: $50/person)
- ―Travel insurance (strongly recommended)
- ―Meals and drinks outside of the 16 included
- ―Alcohol outside of included meal service and tastings
- ―Room service, minibar and hotel incidentals
- ―Spa treatments, personal shopping and souvenirs
- ―Optional add-on excursions (Aveiro, Alentejo)
- ―Gratuities for guides and drivers
- ―Airline baggage fees and seat upgrades
- ―Solo room supplement, limited availability and quoted before deposit
- ―Anything not specifically listed as included
Per person, double occupancy
$6,000
Trip taxes and supplier fees included
$600 non-refundable deposit holds your place. Two payments of $2,700 due March 1 and June 1, 2027.
How payments work
| Milestone | Amount | Due |
|---|---|---|
| Deposit – reserve your spot | $600 | Non-refundable · Due now |
| First payment | $2,700 | March 1, 2027 |
| Final payment | $2,700 | June 1, 2027 |
| Total per person | $6,000 | Double occupancy · Trip taxes and supplier fees included |
Cancellation: The $600 deposit is non-refundable. Once the June 1, 2027 final payment is made, the full trip cost is non-refundable. Travel insurance is strongly recommended. Certain supplier terms may apply from the moment of booking.
A few things to know before you reserve
How active is this trip?
This trip includes walking tours, cobblestones, hills, stairs and full sightseeing days. It is best for travelers who can walk comfortably on uneven ground and stand during tours.
Who is this trip not for?
This is not the right trip for someone who wants to sit at a resort all day, skip cultural touring, avoid group timing or have a fully private vacation. This trip has free time, but it is still an experience-focused hosted group trip.
Is there downtime?
Yes. Two free days are built in so you have time to recharge, go on your own adventures and connect even more to the culture. You also have open time on several tour days.
Do I have to attend every included activity?
No. Included activities are there for you, but this is still your vacation. Included activities are not refundable if you skip them.
Can solo travelers join?
Solo travelers are welcome. Solo rooms are limited and pricing is available before deposit.
Can I arrive early or stay longer?
Yes. Pre-trip and post-trip hotel nights can be requested after your spot is reserved. Extra nights, transfers and any added tours are quoted separately.
How do flights work?
International airfare is not included. Fly into Porto (OPO), plan to arrive by noon on September 21. Fly home from Lisbon (LIS) after 2:00 PM on October 2. Booking assistance available for $50 per person.
Is the deposit refundable?
The $600 per person deposit is non-refundable and required to confirm your spot. Once the June 1, 2027 final payment is made, the full trip cost is non-refundable. Travel insurance is strongly recommended.
What passport or travel authorization do I need?
For U.S. travelers, Portugal requires a valid passport. Current Schengen guidance requires passport validity at least three months beyond your planned departure, but six months is a safer planning buffer. ETIAS travel authorization is expected to apply for many visa-exempt travelers before this 2027 trip. Final requirements will be reviewed before departure.
Have a question before reserving?
Schedule a 15-minute Portugal trip fit call. This call is for questions about this hosted Portugal trip only.
Four steps to Portugal
Fill out the form
Complete the TravelJoy booking form so I have what I need to hold your spot.
Receive your details
Full booking information: inclusions, payment schedule, terms and cancellation policy.
Pay your deposit
$600 non-refundable deposit confirms your spot. Your spot is confirmed once your form and deposit are received.
You’re in
Flight guidance, packing notes and pre-trip prep come from me before departure.
Reserve your Portugal spot
✈ Arrival: Porto (OPO) – Sunday, September 21
Plan to arrive by noon. Welcome dinner is that evening and your airport transfer is included. Getting in mid-morning gives you time to settle before the trip begins. I’ll send flight guidance once your spot is confirmed.
✈ Departure: Lisbon (LIS) – Thursday, October 2
Plan flights departing after 2:00 PM. Your airport transfer leaves mid-morning. An afternoon flight home means no sprinting to the gate. Need help booking? I can handle that for $50 per person.
Worth knowing about
Aveiro + Costa Nova
Canal city with striped houses, fresh seafood and a different pace from Porto. Strong option for your free Day 5. Contact Jess for pricing.
Alentejo wine region
Cork forests, whitewashed villages and very good Portuguese red wine. Great option for Day 10. Contact Jess for pricing.
Flight booking
I’ll book your international flights for $50 per person. Just let me know when you reserve.
Travel insurance
Strongly recommended. I’ll send options at the time of booking. You pick the coverage that fits.
Important details
Deposit & Cancellation
The $600 per person deposit is non-refundable and required to confirm your spot. Once the June 1, 2027 final payment is made, the full trip cost is non-refundable. Travel insurance is strongly recommended.
Travel Insurance & Passport
Travel insurance is strongly recommended given the non-refundable payment structure. Options are available through Jess at booking. A valid passport is required. For Portugal, current guidance requires passport validity at least three months beyond your planned departure from the Schengen Area. Six months is a safer planning buffer.
Flights
International airfare is not included. Fly into Porto (OPO), plan to arrive by noon on September 21. Fly home from Lisbon (LIS) after 2:00 PM on October 2. Booking assistance available for $50 per person.
Solo Travelers
Solo travelers are welcome. Solo rooms are limited and pricing is available before deposit.
Hotels & Itinerary
Hotels are listed as confirmed. If a property becomes unavailable, a comparable five-star alternative will be arranged at the same room category. The itinerary is subject to change due to weather or supplier availability. Comparable substitutions will be made.
Group & Spots
12 spots are available. The group size is intentionally small so we can access experiences larger groups cannot. If the trip is cancelled due to insufficient enrollment, all payments will be refunded in full. Once spots are gone, they are gone.
Portugal in Full Color is waiting
- 12 days in Porto, the Douro Valley and Lisbon
- Two five-star hotels with genuine history and character
- Port wine blending, tile painting, Douro Valley, Fado farewell
- Two free days to use exactly as you want
- Jess there with you the entire 12 days
What I loved most was that the itinerary was packed with many options… including DOING NOTHING! Which I loved and opted for a time or two. Our group had literally every option. You are the most thoughtful travel planner I have ever worked with.
M. Hutter – Past group traveler with Jess12 spots only · $600 deposit · Two payments of $2,700 · jess@jesspeterman.com · 303-378-7351
