Portugal has quickly become one of Europe’s most talked-about destinations—and for good reason. It’s beautiful, welcoming, and offers a level of luxury that feels refreshingly approachable. But here’s what many travelers don’t realize: the best Portugal experiences look very different from the typical Lisbon + Porto itinerary.

Portugal is by far one of our most popular destinations and there’s so many reasons our clients are flocking to this country. It’s one of the closest parts of Europe to the US making it an easy to reach destination. It's known for an incredible food and wine scene in its major cities of Porto and Lisbon. And it’s relatively easy to navigate due to its small size.  

And while Portugal has a lot to offer besides food and wine, those are the two primary reasons our clients want to go there. So what can you expect on a culinary and cultural trip to Portugal’s gems: Lisbon, Porto, and the Douro Valley?

As we kick off the beginning of 2025, there are a lot of exciting things happening in the travel world for this year, including for cruises. Some of our favorite cruise partners are launching new ships with new itineraries, while others are launching totally new cruise itineraries focused on specific interests that go beyond the Christmas markets and wine cruises you may be familiar with. 

I work with many clients who love traveling for food and wine (as do I!) and there is one small, but important culinary destination that comes up over and over again with clients - San Sebastian. This city on the northern coast of Spain is a food (and wine) lover’s dream - it has the highest number of Michelin-starred restaurants per capita in the world (11 in a city of less than 200,000 people). Have I piqued your interest now in this tiny corner of the world, straddling Spain and France? 

If you’ve had Malbec from Argentina, it was likely from Mendoza. While there are other wine-producing regions in Argentina, Mendoza is the largest and most well-known. And it’s become a very popular destination for tourists to visit for wine-tasting and a bit of relaxation. 

Traveling during harvest season provides a unique opportunity for visitors to see the wine making process in action. .It’s also a time of celebration - there are local festivals throughout the season that feature local wines, foods, music, and dancing so this can be a wonderful time to travel and experience the local culture. 

River cruises may be right for you - what to know about planning a river cruise vacation.

Lyon is France's third largest city, but it still feels a bit like a hidden gem nestled in the heart of France. With its rich heritage, culinary excellence, and breathtaking landscapes, Lyon promises an unforgettable experience for travelers.

If you’re looking for an alternative to Italy, consider Croatia. Let us share more about the beautiful destination and what you can experience there.

White washed walls, sparkling blue seas, and olive groves everywhere you look - this is Puglia. It’s an incredibly beautiful part of the country with a more relaxed vibe than you’ll find in those more touristy seaside areas such as the Amalfi Coast or Cinque Terre. 

We love traveling to eat - here is a roundup of our favorite ways to experience culture through food when we travel.