A Taste of Portugal: A 6-Night Wine Journey

Hosted by Sarah Marshall

Join us for a spirited 6-night journey through Portugal’s most iconic wine regions—from the vibrant streets of Lisbon to the terraced vineyards of the Douro Valley and the charming elegance of Porto. This thoughtfully curated experience is designed for those who crave deeper connection through culture, cuisine, and every glass poured.

Begin in Lisbon, where the city's energy is as intoxicating as its wine. Kick off your adventure with rooftop cocktails overlooking the city’s sun-washed rooftops. When you dive into Lisbon’s rich culinary scene with a lively TukTuk Tapas Tour, winding through neighborhoods steeped in history and flavor, you'll get a great sense of the city.

A private winemaker dinner showcases regional pairings and stories that linger long after the final toast. Your time in Lisbon includes a guided city tour, opportunities to explore artisan shops and coastal viewpoints, and generous free time to discover hidden corners on your own—whether that’s sipping espresso in a tiled café or wandering the historic Alfama district.

Then board a scenic train to Porto, Portugal’s northern gem and a haven for wine lovers. From your base in this elegant riverside city, embark on two unforgettable day trips: first to the Douro Valley, where you’ll visit hand-selected wineries and enjoy a long, leisurely lunch surrounded by vine-laced hills; and next to the vibrant Vinho Verde region, home to crisp, expressive wines and warm hospitality.

In Porto itself, enjoy a private winemaker dinner and take time to explore the city’s cobblestone streets, local markets, and famed riverside wine lodges at your own pace.

Throughout the journey, you’ll be guided by Sarah Marshall, sommelier and founder of Lucille Wine Shop, whose infectious enthusiasm and deep knowledge of wine bring this trip to life. With Sarah at your side, each tasting is elevated beyond the glass—offering context, culture, and conversation that transform wine into connection.

What to Expect:

What to Expect:

• Rooftop welcome cocktails.

• Dynamic introduction to Lisbon’s food scene via TukTuk Tapas Tour

• Private winemaker dinners featuring thoughtfully paired regional menus

• Guided city tour in Lisbon with time to explore at your own pace

• Scenic train ride from Lisbon to Porto with countryside views

• Day trip to the Douro Valley with exclusive winery visits and a wine-paired lunch

• Day trip to the Vinho Verde region to explore its distinct wines and terroir

• Free time to enjoy Lisbon’s charm and Porto’s riverside ambiance

• Intimate group size, luxury accommodations, and seamless logistics throughout

Whether you're an enthusiastic wine novice or a seasoned taster, this trip is designed to be immersive, inspiring, and above all, enjoyable. Come with curiosity and leave with new favorites, new friendships, and a renewed sense of wonder.

Day 1: Arrive in Lisbon – Rooftop Welcome & Sunset Toast
Arrive in Portugal’s sun-kissed capital and settle into your boutique accommodations in the heart of Lisbon. This evening, meet your fellow travelers and host Sarah Marshall for a private rooftop welcome cocktail hour, where you’ll enjoy sweeping views of the city and your first taste of Portuguese wine.
Overnight: Lisbon

Day 2: Afternoon TukTuk Tapas Tour  
Ease into Lisbon’s charm with a TukTuk Tapas Tour, zipping through historic neighborhoods while sampling small bites and local wines. Enjoy free time in the afternoon to explore boutiques, riverside walks, or a café-lined plaza.
Overnight: Lisbon
Meals Included: Breakfast, Lunch (tapas tour)

Day 3: City Tour & Time to Explore & Wine Maker Dinner
Begin with a guided walking tour through Lisbon’s rich layers of history—from grand squares and tiled façades to stories of fado, navigation, and resistance. The rest of the day is yours to enjoy at leisure. Consider visiting the LX Factory art space, sampling custard tarts in Belém, or shopping for ceramics and textiles. Tonight, gather for a private winemaker dinner, where a local producer will guide you through pairings that highlight the diversity of Portuguese terroir.
Overnight: Lisbon
Meals Included: Breakfast, Dinner

Day 4: Train to Porto – The City of Wine
Enjoy a relaxed morning before boarding a scenic train ride north to Porto, a city where baroque architecture and bold wines define the rhythm of daily life. Upon arrival, check into your stylish hotel and enjoy a free evening—perhaps stroll along the Douro River or dine at a riverside wine bar with local flair.
Overnight: Porto
Meals Included: Breakfast

Day 5: Douro Valley Day Trip – Vineyards & Views
Venture into the Douro Valley, Portugal’s most celebrated wine region. Visit two hand-selected wineries for private tastings, and enjoy a wine-paired lunch overlooking the terraced hillsides. Return to Porto in the late afternoon for an evening at your leisure.
Overnight: Porto
Meals Included: Breakfast, Lunch

Day 6: Vinho Verde Day Trip & Farewell Wine Maker Dinner
Today’s adventure takes you north into the Vinho Verde region, known for its refreshing, young wines and lush green landscapes. After a winery visit and tasting, enjoy a long lunch featuring seasonal ingredients and traditional hospitality. Tonight, return to Porto for a farewell winemaker dinner—an elegant and celebratory close to your journey.
Overnight: Porto
Meals Included: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

Day 7: Departure from Porto
After breakfast, depart with new friendships, favorite bottles, and a deeper appreciation for Portugal’s soulful wine culture.  Transfers to Lisbon airport or onward travel can be arranged.
Meals Included: Breakfast

** Please note that the itinerary is subject to change and will be finalized 2-3 weeks prior to departure. Any necessary adjustments will be communicated to ensure a smooth and enjoyable experience.

This trip is an MPE Signature Experience - Signature Experiences are designed for the discerning traveler, these tours offer upgraded accommodations and extra amenities to enhance your comfort and enjoyment. Stay in premium hotels that combine luxury and local charm, providing a perfect balance of elegance and cultural immersion. Enjoy personalized services, such as private transfers, exclusive guided tours, and bespoke dining experiences. Our Signature Trips are curated to offer unique, unforgettable experiences, ensuring every moment of your journey is exceptional. 

This is considered an Active Explorer Trip - This trip is ideal for travelers who enjoy being on their feet but with moderate physical demands. 

Read more about our trip categories and activity levels here.

PAYMENTS, DEPOSITS, AND CANCELLATIONS:

• Deposit: To confirm a booking, travelers are required to pay a non-refundable deposit. This deposit is necessary to secure the reservation. 

• Final Payment: The final payment of the entire balance is due no later than 90 days before the trip departure date unless otherwise specified in the Special Conditions or on the itinerary page for a specific trip. 

• Payment Plans: Payment Plans are available for your convenience.

• Booking Process: Bookings can be made through the online booking system.

• Booking Confirmation: A booking is considered confirmed only when the service provider confirms it in writing, and our client intake form has been returned. Until that confirmation is received, there is no contract between the traveler and the service provider.  

• Last-Minute Bookings: For bookings made 60 days or less before the trip departure date, the entire trip cost must be paid at the time of booking, and it is non-refundable.
  

• Cancellation Information: The cancellation policy is applicable to all MASTERFULLY PLANNED EVENTS, LLC journeys. The written notice must be received by certified mail or email.  Cancellation fees are based on the total value of the trip and are as follows:

  • 91+ days prior to departure: 100% of the initial trip DEPOSIT is non-refundable.

  • 0 to 90 days prior to departure: 100% of the trip cost is non-refundable.
    

• Transfers: You may transfer your reservation to another traveler, depending upon availability, by notifying us at least 91 days prior to the journey for a transfer fee of $500 per person, after which time our cancellation policy applies. MASTERFULLY PLANNED EVENTS, LLC is not responsible for additional expenses such as airline cancellation fees, visa fees, vaccinations, purchases of clothing or equipment, or other expenses that may occur as a result of the cancellation. 

TRAVEL INSURANCE:

• Travel Insurance: All travelers participating in Masterfully Planned Events are STRONGLY ENCOURAGED to have travel insurance before the trip begins. 

• Coverage Requirements: The travel insurance must cover specific aspects, including personal injury, medical treatment, repatriation, evacuation expenses (including helicopter rescue and air ambulance internationally). Additionally, it is recommended that the insurance also addresses personal property and trip cancellation coverage.

• Importance of Trip Cancellation Insurance: Trip cancellation insurance is emphasized as it may be the only means of receiving reimbursement for non-refundable expenses (e.g., flights, hotels, tours, experiences etc.) all of which are paid in advance of of the trip. If the trip is canceled, postponed, interrupted, or rescheduled for any reason, whether voluntarily or involuntary by the traveler or as a result of Masterfully Planned Events's actions for under enrolled trip, or Force Majeure.

• Understanding Your Policy: Travelers are responsible for understanding the specifics of their travel insurance policy. They should ensure that their policy covers all optional and included activities listed in the trip itinerary and check for exclusion clauses that might limit coverage needed.

• Existing Health Insurance: Travelers are advised to check their existing health insurance policy to see if it provides the necessary coverage while traveling outside their home country.

• Verification of Policy: It is the traveler's responsibility to verify the details of their insurance policy with their insurance provider to ensure that it meets any international coverage and limitations.

• Assumption of Costs: Travelers are responsible for assuming all costs of medical care and transportation provided during the trip, including any minors traveling with them.

• Timing for Insurance Purchase:** Many travel insurance companies require the policy to be purchased within 14 days of the initial trip deposit or payment to any service provider to cover pre-existing conditions or provide "cancel for any reason" coverage.

TRAVEL AND VISA REQUIREMENTS:

• Passport Copy: To ensure a smooth travel experience, you will need to provide MPE with a color copy of your passport and any other requested identification. This will be requested in our client intake form, you will receive the link, after payment (check your inbox!)

• Passport Validity: Ensure your passport is valid for at least six months after your trip ends.

• Visa and Entry Requirements: Check the entry requirements for each country on your itinerary. Regulations vary based on your citizenship. 

• Travel Documents: You are responsible for obtaining all necessary travel documents and meeting the entry requirements for your destinations. Unfortunately, MPE cannot obtain these documents for you.

• Itinerary Changes: If your travel documents are not in order, you may face delays or changes to your travel plans. Any costs incurred due to these issues are your responsibility.

• Entry Denial: We are not liable if you are denied entry to or exit from any country due to insufficient documentation or missing immunizations. 

• For more detailed information on travel requirements, visit: http://www.travel.state.gov/

• Waiver: If you are paying for yourself and another traveler, each participant must individually agree to and sign the Terms & Conditions Waiver to be eligible for travel.

TRIP DIRECTOR:

• MPE Experiences offers hosted tours, providing you with both a local in-country tour guide, where applicable and a dedicated trip director. Your MPE trip director acts as your personal concierge, ensuring that every aspect of your tour runs smoothly. Our experienced trip directors are seasoned travelers who accompany you throughout the entire journey, allowing you to focus solely on enjoying yourself and having fun. Depending on the trip destination and group size, your experience may have both a dedicated Host as well as a Trip Director.

ROOMMATE MATCHING POLICY:

• If you are booking a double room, you must either book for two people or indicate who you are sharing with. Each person must book individually for the double room package, which is priced per person.
  

• If you choose a double room at time of booking and do not have a confirmed roommate, please be aware that you are FULLY responsible for the full payment if you do not have a roommate 90 day prior to the trip. MPE will not make roommate matches on the behalf of travelers, however if there are two people looking for a shared room, we will offer to connect to the two parties with their consent.
  

• Roommate matching is offered as a courtesy. Most matches result in wonderful friendships, but success is not guaranteed. If you decide during the tour that you no longer want to share a room, you will need to request and pay for a single room at all accommodations. This cost can be shared between both people in the room if it is a mutual decision. If you are a very light sleeper or if you snore, you may want to consider booking your own single room.

FLIGHT INFORMATION:

• MPE recommends booking flexible/refundable air tickets when possible.
  

• Arrival Location: Lisbon International Airport (LIS) at any time on or before the first day of tour.
  Departure Location: Lisbon International Airport (LIS) or Porto on the last day of the tour.
  

• We recommend if you are planning on booking your airfare more then 90 days in advance, or before we have contacted to you confirm the trip is FULLY sold, that you understand your airlines cancellation, refund policy and/or cover your flight with trip cancellation coverage.
  

• If you would like assistance booking international flights for your trip please indicate that on our client intake form. MPE’s Flight Desk will work with you to arrange the best options. Our international flight management fee is USD $100.00 + per ticket.

⎯ A full and complete summary of the above policies is included within the Terms & Conditions Waiver required to travel. ⎯ 

Meet Sarah Marshall, Sommelier, the passionate owner of Lucille Wine Shop, your gateway to the world of exquisite wines. 

In 2020, Sarah embarked on a mission to bring restaurant-caliber hospitality and sommelier-level knowledge to a friendly, neighborhood wine shop. At Lucille, visitors can explore a diverse selection of wines from old-world growers at various price points, making it an inviting space for all wine enthusiasts. But Sarah's journey into the world of wine didn't begin with her shop; it started with a lifelong curiosity that evolved into a deep-seated passion. Her love for cooking, which she nurtured from her early days cooking with her mom, led her to pair her homegrown senses of flavor and warmth with a refined appreciation of taste, hospitality, and finesse.

Sarah's educational path included working at renowned Boston culinary destinations like Central Bottle, BRIX, The Butcher Shop, Stir, The Boston Harbor Hotel, and roles as Wine Director at Oleanna and Sarma. She is a graduate of Boston University's Elizabeth Bishop Wine Program and holds the distinguished title of a certified sommelier through The Court of Master Sommeliers. With her friendly and approachable demeanor, Sarah effortlessly demystifies the complexities of wine, making it accessible to all. Her commitment to sustainability and quality is evident in her focus on natural and organic wines, meticulously handpicked to reflect her values. 

Embark on a journey of discovery with Sarah Marshall as your guide, whether you're a seasoned wine enthusiast or just beginning your wine journey. Her international wine tours offer a unique opportunity to explore diverse terroirs and flavors around the world, promising an unforgettable experience filled with knowledge, laughter, and exceptional wines. Join Sarah on an extraordinary voyage through vineyards and cellars, where every glass tells a story, and every sip is an invitation to savor life's finer moments.