Portugal by Heart

08/05/2026

The typical Douro region's open-air kitchen warmly welcomes friends and family for lunches that unfold at the region's tranquil pace, where laughter and shared toasts are the only things that break the silence. These gatherings often extend until the sun sets on the horizon, creating memories in the twilight glow.
A kitchen carefully carved into the whitewashed schist walls helps keep the space cool, while a wooden counter made from an old house door and wooden crates filled with freshly picked oranges and lemons from a short walk around the property bring vibrant colors and a sense of life. The iron pots on the floor whisper promises of comforting flavors slowly cooked over low heat, shaped by centuries of know-how.

The Douro is more than a landscape; it's an experience for the senses, an invitation to celebrate life's simple joys. This is where regional sausages, freshly baked bread, and the purest olive oil come together in perfect harmony, complemented by wines that honor the elegance of the land, the strength of its vines, and the passion of those who cultivate them. No photograph can truly capture the essence of these landscapes.

Visitors to this land are not mere tourists; they are welcomed as friends and invited to share the table, enjoying the warm hospitality and the best of this very special region.

The Douro awaits you with open arms. Let yourself be touched by the beauty of its simplicity and the extraordinary warmth that resides there.

José Azevedo Right
Portugal by Herat

26/11/2023

Olive oil holds a significant place in Portuguese cuisine and culture, and it's crucial to understand its relevance to the country's history. This healthy ingredient is used in various dishes, including salads, grilled vegetables, fish, and meat dishes, and traditional desserts such as convent sweets.

Here are some important facts about olive oil and its significance in the Portuguese culture and history:

1. Portugal has a rich history of olive oil production that dates back centuries. The use of olive oil in the Portuguese diet, both as food and as an essential cultural element, has been passed down through generations. The country has established itself as one of the world's largest olive oil producers, with the Alentejo region being a famous producer of high-quality olive oil. Other regions such as Douro, Trás-os-Montes, and Beira Interior also boast of local olive oil production. (I personally like Douro and Beiras Olive Oil)

2. Olive oil is so crucial to the Portuguese that it is nicknamed green gold. Several festivals and events related to olives and olive oil production are held in several regions of Portugal, including the "Festa da Oliveira" in Trás-os-Montes and the "Festa do Azeite" in Ferreira does Alentejo. These events celebrate ancient traditions and offer visitors the opportunity to participate in activities related to the harvesting and production of olive oil.

3. Olive oil is known for its health benefits, and it helps reduce the risk of heart disease. The antioxidants present in olive oil also promote overall body health.

4. Portugal boasts of different olive varieties, each with unique flavor and aroma characteristics. The most common varieties include Galega, Cobrançosa, Cordovil, and Verdeal.

In the photographs, we can see workers traditionally harvesting olives in the Douro region.

01/11/2023

Wow! Today was an incredible day! I had the opportunity to organize a completely unusual tour, and my clients, as happens most days, were incredible and super friendly. It was one of those days when I remembered why I am so passionate about my work, despite all the work and dedication it requires. I feel extremely grateful for this unforgettable experience!

01/11/2023

Hold on to your hats, folks, because the Historical Village of Sortelha in Portugal has just won the "Best Tourist Village" award for the third time in a row from the World Tourism Organization! And it's no surprise, given that this hidden gem is nestled among steep rocks that form a natural ring, with medieval streets, alleys, and a 13th-century castle that are so well-preserved, you'll feel like you've stepped back in time.

The "WTO Best Tourist Villages" initiative recognizes only the best-of-the-best villages that are committed to preserving their cultural and historical heritage, promoting sustainable tourism, and Sortelha's innovative sustainability practices have really set it apart.

But that's not all - the Historical Villages of Portugal are like hidden paradises that transport visitors on a journey through the past, complete with exciting legends, thrilling castle visits, and unique traditions and flavors that are sure to leave you with unforgettable memories of adventure and discovery.

23/10/2023

A few weeks away from turning 92, this impeccably dressed lady is still in charge of the kitchen of the restaurant where we can eat one of the tastiest rice dishes in the country 😋

28/04/2023

Yesterday we had the chance to do a tranfer Porto-Lisbon.
During this tranfer we had a few stops chosen by the wonderful couple we were taking, to finish of they had a toated offerd by us, to end with a chefs kiss.
Here is some of the pictures we took in those stops.

22/04/2023

Reviews like this are the result of dedication and passion for what I do. I always strive to provide the best for experience ever. Another memorable tour 😃


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28/03/2023

25/03/2023

A different kind of experience. 😁

The weather wasn’t the greatest but the view made up for it.

This tour allows you to spend more time outdoors with your loved ones ❤️😀

Time, Nature, Food and Wine 🍷


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22/03/2023

Starting today’s tour from one of the most emblematic hotel in Porto.

3 family generations happy and excited for a different experience in the Douro Valley.

I’ll tell you more about it later 👋