I have learned a few things over the past 20 something years of how to combine many things to create a great culinary week. And the funny thing is, we are not cooking all the time. There is just so much to learn and experience in a new country and specifically a certain region of the country. To truly experience a country we need to experience its history, art, people, nature, agriculture, cooking, wine and to enjoy all the nuances along the way. I like to think that I have learned a lot over the years and that my tours have improved each year.
Bella Comporta Portugal Itinerary 2025
Saturday – pick up from Lisbon Airport 2:00pm, private transfer to Comporta where you will meet your hosts Shelly & Tim. Check into the lovely Villa Carragueira. You will have time to relax unpack and explore the villa and surroundings. Don’t forget your flip flops this is a beach town.
7:00pm Cocktails poolside (gin is the name of the game)
8:00pm Welcome Dinner prepared by a local chef
Sunday – morning sleep in (if you can) relax at the villa,recover from jetlag or pre travel, read a book, take a walk, start a game of bocce. There will be Portuguese Pastries and coffee for the early risers, then we will be preparing a brunch. Anyone who would like to join Chef Shelly in the kitchen is very welcome.
Late Afternoon/Evening we will participate in a Sand Buggy Tour ride into the shore of Sado’s Estuary and the mytical Phalaphitic pier of Carrasqueira, passing through Historic villages and rice fields.
To complement this activity, we will participate in a wine tasting with Herdade da Comporta. We will be tasting two special editions and two reserve wines with charcuteries boards. There will be some shopping time, followed by dinner at Jacare de Comporta I love this restaurant!
Monday – Boat Day we will head up to the Troia peninsula and board our Catamaran. We will experience the natural beauty of the Arrábida coast and Tróia coast, with its enchanting waters, there will be swim stops along the way. We have lunch reservations at Portinho da Arrabida.
Evening at the Villa, after a day on the water. We will put together charcuterie boards with local meats, cheeses, olives, breads and sit poolside and watch the sunset.
Tuesday – Private Villa Cooking Class with Chef Andrea A tailor made lunch with Portugues specialities. One very important recipe we must learn “Pastel de Nata” the very famous Portuguese pastry.
Evening in Comporta with Olive Oil Tasting and Petiscos at Gomes Casa de Vinhos & Petiscos
Wednesday – Free day you can take this opportunity for golfing at Dunas Comporta, about 15 minutes from our villa. We can arrange for massage therapist to come to the villa, or a spa experience can be arranged at a near by wellness retreat, shopping in town or enjoy the pool and villa the choice is yours.
White & Blue Beach Picnic private picnic dinner on the beach. Dress code is white and Portuguese blue. Should make for some great photos.
Thursday – Evora Day – Ancient Roman Ruins about one hour and twenty minute drive from the villa. Evora is a world heritage Unesco site, with the largest medieval cathedral in Portugal, the dominating Cathedral of Évora is a massive fortified Gothic structure with massive towers, a central barrel-vault nave, gilded carvings and grand organs that stands at the highest point in the city. To put the sheer scale of the project in perspective, construction started in 1186 and was only completed in 1250.
The Roman Temple of Évora constructed from granite and marble and erected to honor Emperor Augustus, Templo Romano Évora dates back more than 2,000 years.
We will have a tour guide in Evora to give up a better understanding of the town and ancient ruins and also be having a lunch there.
Evening at the Villa – with a full day of travel we will spend the evening at the villa. We will check everyones hunger level and make a simple Portuguese soup or rice dish
Friday – Beach Day at one of Comporta’s premiere beach clubs JNcQUOI, sun beds, cocktails, lunch and day of soaking up the sun. The beaches are just pristine with soft sand, board walks, pine forests and the bluest of waters.
Evening at the Villa, time to pack and we will have our last evening together, watching the sunset, sipping wine and eating Portuguese Paella prepare by local chefs.
Saturday – its time to say good bye to our lovely Portuguese villa and travel to further destinations or back home. Check out of the villa is by 9:00am, you will have a private transfer back to Lisbon airport.
Make sure you follow us on instagram for this adventure bella_culinary_travels