Porto -> Douro Valley -> Lisbon

Welcome to your 10-day trip to Portugal with Dr. Finlayson-Fife!

Cost is: $7850 per person

Please note: All activities, hotel locations and details are subject to change.

Porto, Portugal

Porto is a romantic blend of old-world charm and contemporary creativity, where terracotta rooftops tumble down toward the shimmering Douro River. The city’s historic Ribeira district is a labyrinth of colorful facades, lively cafés, and centuries-old wine lodges aging the world’s finest Port. Beyond its postcard beauty, Porto offers a vibrant culinary scene, artisanal shops, elegant tiled churches, and a slower, more soulful rhythm than Lisbon. It’s a place to savor—not rush—best enjoyed through sunset river cruises, market tastings, and wandering its atmospheric streets.

Douro Valley, Portugal

Just a short journey from Porto, the Douro Valley unfolds in dramatic terraces etched into steep hillsides—one of Europe’s oldest and most breathtaking wine regions. Here, time seems to stretch: riverboats glide along glassy waters, vineyards glow in golden light, and grand quintas (wine estates) welcome guests for intimate tastings and farm-to-table meals. Known worldwide for its Port and increasingly for elegant table wines, the Douro offers a serene escape filled with scenic drives, slow lunches, and moments that feel suspended between nature and tradition.

Lisbon, Portugal

Lisbon is Portugal’s charismatic capital—a city of bright light, pastel buildings, and rolling hills crowned with panoramic viewpoints. Its neighborhoods each feel like their own world: Alfama hums with fado music, Chiado blends chic boutiques with historic cafés, and Belém honors Portugal’s Age of Discovery. Visitors fall in love with Lisbon’s effortless mix of heritage and modern flair, from iconic yellow trams to Michelin-caliber dining and breezy riverfront promenades. Vibrant yet laid-back, Lisbon sets the tone for an unforgettable Portuguese journey.

Dates: April 12th - April 22nd 2026

Arrivals

Sunday, April 12th - First activity is a Welcome Dinner & Discussions at 6pm. 

Fly into Porto - Francisco Sá Carneiro Airport (OPO) - about 20 mins from the hotel

Departures

Wednesday, April 22nd - can depart anytime. 

Fly out of Lisbon - Humberto Delgado Airport (LIS) - about 15 mins from the hotel

Air Travel

Immediately after securing your retreat spot, you'll be connecting to our travel team to book flights. We highly recommend working with our travel team so we can monitor air travel, delays, early arrivals, etc however, it is not required.

Ground Transportation

Once on the ground in the host city - our team will handle ground transport to and from the airport. 

Arrivals

Upon arrival at Porto Airport, your driver will be waiting in the arrivals hall holding a personalized name sign with the group name "Dr. Finlayson-Fife Couples", ready to assist you and begin your private transfer to your hotel in Porto, Pestana Palácio do Freixo. 

Drivers will also have your names and flight details to ensure accurate identification.

For identification, please mention:
– Your full name
– The group name: “Dr. Finlayson-Fife Couples”

Transportation

Van 1 – Arrival at 11:40 AM (OPO)

Passengers:
• Kristi Genessy Bassett
• Jennifer Fife

Flight: S4172
Arrival Time: 11:40 AM

Van 2 – Arrival at 3:00 PM (OPO)

Passengers:
• Anthony George Celaya
• Mary Elizabeth Celaya

Flight: UA 1928
Arrival Time: 3:00 PM

Van 3 – Arrival at 3:25 PM (OPO)

Passengers:
• Jocelyn Whithead Peterson
• Wynn Dale Peterson
• Melissa Hilda Caress
• Jeremy Rogers Whitney

Flights: KL 2282 / Delta 8306
Arrival Time: 3:25 PM

Van 4 – Arrival at 3:30 PM (OPO)

Passengers:
• Julie Marie Rockwell
• Orrin Porter Rockwell
• Karlen Ford
• Joshua Joseph Ford

Flights: DL 9227 / Delta 9227
Arrival Time: 3:30 PM

Van 5 – Arrival at 3:45 PM (OPO)

Passengers:
• Allyssa Amy Hirsbrunner
• Brian James Hirsbrunner

Flight: UA 8972
Arrival Time: 3:45 PM

Van 6 – Arrival at 4:45 PM (Porto Train Station - Campanhã)

Passengers:
• Wendy Jadene Huston

• Terrence Lee Huston
• Brian Noble Beres

• Wendy Lee Beres

Flight: UA 8972
Arrival Time: 3:45 PM

Hotel Check In (Check-in is available from 3:00 PM)

For a smooth check-in, you just need to provide your full name and the group name “Dr. Finlayson-Fife Couples”

Stay Overnight @ Pestana Palácio do Freixo

Welcome Dinner & Discussions - 6:30pm

Evening welcome dinner to kick off our week together with group introductions and discussion with Dr. Jennifer Finlayson-Fife.

Schedule

6:30pm - Welcome Social & Retreat Kick Off (in meeting room: Sala de Reunião Visconde Azurara)

7:30pm - Dinner & Lessons from Dr. Finlayson-Fife (in hotel restaurant)

9:30pm - End

Accommodations:

Stay Overnight @ Pestana Palácio do Freixo

Location

This hotel is located on the banks of the Douro River in Porto, about 3 miles from the city center.

Facilities

Step into a world of timeless elegance at Pestana Palácio do Freixo, a remarkable 18th-century palace and national monument that beautifully blends history, sophistication, and comfort. Overlooking the river, this stunning Baroque property offers a serene retreat just minutes away from the heart of Porto.

Each room and suite is thoughtfully designed to combine classical architecture with modern amenities, creating a refined and welcoming atmosphere. Guests can enjoy the hotel’s outdoor infinity pool with panoramic views of the Douro, a fully equipped spa and wellness area, and beautifully landscaped gardens that invite moments of tranquility.

The hotel’s restaurant and bar offer an elegant culinary experience, where traditional Portuguese flavors meet contemporary cuisine.

Breakfast - 7:30am

Morning group breakfast. Join at your leisure.

Transportation to Morning Activity - 9:30am

Meet our local guide, Paula and board the group bus.

Morning Activity - 10:30am-12:45pm

Private tile-painting workshop (azulejos)

Immerse yourself in the rich tradition of Portuguese tile-making with a captivating two-hour tile-painting workshop that combines art, history, and hands-on creativity. This unique experience allows you to explore a faster, innovative technique while still embracing the beauty and charm of traditional Portuguese designs.

Lunch

Lunch on own

**Feel free to remain in Porto's City Center for lunch on your own or go back to the hotel on the bus. If participants choose to stay in the city center, they are responsible for returning to the hotel independently.

Optional Activity (some may incur an additional cost)

• Free Time

• Hotel Spa

• Pastel de Nata Workshop

• Cooking Class

• Tuk-Tuk Tour

• Food Tour

• Bike Tour

Dinner & Discussions - 6:30pm

Evening group dinner and discussion with Dr. Jennifer Finlayson-Fife

Dinner served at 7:30pm

Accommodations:

Stay Overnight @ Pestana Palácio do Freixo

Breakfast - 7:30am

Morning group breakfast. Join at your leisure.

Transportation to Morning Activity - 8:45am

Meet our local guide, Paula and board the group bus!

All Day Activity

Aveiro and Costa Nova Tour of the "Venice of Portugal"

Lunch - Salpoente, Aveiro / Costa Nova - 12:30pm

Group Lunch in Costa Nova

Afternoon Activity

Explore the "Venice of Portugal"

**tour concludes around 5pm

Group Discussions - 6:30pm

All Couples Group discussion with Dr. Jennifer Finlayson-Fife

Dinner

Dinner on own

Accommodations:

Stay Overnight @ Pestana Palácio do Freixo

Breakfast - 7:30am

Morning group breakfast. Join at your leisure.

Morning Activity

Optional Activities: (some items may incur an additional cost)

• Bridges Boat Tour

• Historical Center Tour

• Tuk Tuk Tour

• Mercado do Bolhão Tour

• Free Time

• Spa Appointments

Lunch

Lunch on own

Afternoon Activity

Optional Activities: (some items may incur an additional cost)

• Bridges Boat Tour

• Historical Center Tour

• Tuk Tuk Tour

• Mercado do Bolhão Tour

• Free Time

• Spa Appointments

Dinner & Discussions - 7:30pm-9:30pm

Full group sessions and discussions over dinner with Dr. Jennifer Finlayson-Fife

Schedule

7:30pm - Dinner & Lessons from Dr. Finlayson-Fife

9:30pm - End

Accommodations:

Stay Overnight @ Pestana Palácio do Freixo

Breakfast - 7:30am

Morning group breakfast. Join at your leisure.

Transportation to Morning Activity - 9:45am

Guests are kindly requested to meet in the hotel lobby at 9:45 AM, after breakfast and check-out, for a headcount and the distribution of audio guides before departure. 

2 hour transport from Porto -> Douro Valley

Group lessons led by Dr. Jennifer Finlayson-Fife during group transport.

Mateus Palace (Vila Real) Tour Stop - 12pm-1pm

Your visit to Mateus Palace is scheduled for 12:00 PM and will last approximately 30 minutes, allowing time to explore the history and architectural beauty of this iconic estate.

Lunch at Cais da Villa, Vila Real - 1pm

Lunch included

Hotel Check In - 3pm

Hotel check in available @ 3pm. Group expected to check in around 4:30pm upon arrival.

Dinner

Dinner on own

Local Recommendations

• Restaurante Manjar do Douro - Traditional Portuguese cuisine

• Casa da Rua - Cozy restaurant with authentic dishes

• Restaurante Vindouro - elegant modern cuisine inspired by the terroir

• Taskazita 5 - Ideal for Portuguese tapas

• Quinta da Pacheco - A gastronomic experience in the heart of a wine estate

• O Sousa - Tapas restaurant

Group Discussions - 8pm-9pm

Discussions led by Dr. Jennifer Finlayson-Fife

Accommodations:

Stay Overnight @ Hotel Lamego

Location

This hotel is located in Lamego, in the heart of the Douro Valley.

Facilities

Elegance and tranquility come together at the Lamego Hotel & Life, a contemporary retreat that embraces the surrounding vineyards and rolling hills. Nestled in a peaceful setting, the hotel offers a perfect blend of modern comfort, warm hospitality, and panoramic views over the Douro landscape.

Each room and suite is designed to create a serene and inviting atmosphere, featuring minimalist décor, natural light, and stylish finishes that reflect the beauty of the region. Guests can indulge in refined local cuisine at the hotel’s restaurant, enjoy a glass of Douro wine at the bar, or relax on the terrace with breathtaking vineyard views.

For ultimate relaxation, the hotel features a spa with an indoor pool, sauna, and treatment rooms, as well as a fully equipped gym and an outdoor infinity pool overlooking the valley.

Breakfast - 7:30pm

Morning group breakfast. Join at your leisure.

Morning Group Sessions - 9am-10:30am

All couples group conversations led by Dr. Jennifer Finlayson Fife

Lunch

Lunch on own

Local Recommendations

• Manjar do Douro - Known for traditional regional cuisine and generous portions

• Restaurante Torrao - family-style Portuguese cooking and spectacular Douro Valley Views

• Taberna dos Porfirios - casual and scenic

• Casa da Rua - cozy tapas style lunch in historic center

Free Time

• Free Time

• Spa Appointments

  • Please see individual schedules for scheduled spa appts!

• Self-Guided Historical Lamego Site Seeing

  • Santuário de Nossa Senhora dos Remédios: A 18th-century Baroque church located at the top of a hill with a massive, famous staircase.

  • Lamego Castle & Cathedral: Explore the 13th-century castle ruins and the historic Cathedral of Lamego in the city center.

  • Museu de Lamego: A museum featuring Flemish tapestries, paintings, and religious art.

Dinner - 7:30pm-10pm

Group Dinner Discussions led by Dr. Finlayson-Fife

Schedule

7:30:pm - Dinner

8:30pm - Lessons from Dr. Finlayson-Fife

10pm - End

Accommodations:

Stay Overnight @ Hotel Lamego

Spa Day

Note: the spa day includes access only to the hotel’s heated indoor pool, Nordic bath, Turkish bath, sauna, and gym.

Breakfast - 7:30am

Morning group breakfast. Join at your leisure.

Transportation to Morning Activity - 8:45am

Guests are kindly requested to meet in the reception/lobby of Lamego Hotel & Life at 8:45 AM.

Douro Valley Tour with Olive Oil Tasting

• Guided Tour

• Picnic lunch 

• Visit and tasting of olive oil vineyards

***Recommended items for this tour: Light and comfortable clothing, walking shoes, a hat, and sunscreen.

Lunch at Hotel Lamego - 1:30pm

Lunch at hotel. Included.

Free Time

• Free Time

• Spa Appointments

• Self-Guided Historical Lamego Site Seeing

  • Santuário de Nossa Senhora dos Remédios: A 18th-century Baroque church located at the top of a hill with a massive, famous staircase.

  • Lamego Castle & Cathedral: Explore the 13th-century castle ruins and the historic Cathedral of Lamego in the city center.

  • Museu de Lamego: A museum featuring Flemish tapestries, paintings, and religious art.

Dinner

Dinner on own

Local Recommendations

• Restaurante Manjar do Douro - Traditional Portuguese cuisine

• Casa da Rua - Cozy restaurant with authentic dishes

• Restaurante Vindouro - elegant modern cuisine inspired by the terroir

• Taskazita 5 - Ideal for Portuguese tapas

• Quinta da Pacheco - A gastronomic experience in the heart of a wine estate

• O Sousa - Tapas restaurant

Group Sessions - 7:30pm-9:30pm

Lessons and discussions with Dr. Jennifer Finlayson-Fife

Accommodations:

Stay Overnight @ Hotel Lamego

Breakfast - 7:30am

Morning group breakfast. Join at your leisure.

Transport to Morning Activity - 9:45am

Meet in the hotel lobby at 9:45 AM after breakfast and check-out, for a headcount and the distribution of audio guides before commencing the drive to lunch in Coimbra.

Transport from Douro Valley -> Lisbon (Drive Time: 4 hours)

***Group Instruction on bus

Lunch - 1pm

Group Lunch Stop (Solar do Bacalhau, Coimbra: 2 hours)

Hotel Check In - 3pm

Check into hotel

Dinner

Dinner On Own

Split Group Discussions (45 minutes each)

Women and men split into groups for discussion

6:30pm - Women

7:30pm - Men

Accommodations:

Stay Overnight @ Inspira Liberdade Boutique Hotel

Location

This hotel is centrally located just steps from Avenida da Liberdade and within walking distance of many of the city’s main attractions. 

Facilities

Step into a serene urban oasis at Inspira Liberdade Boutique Hotel, where contemporary comfort and thoughtful design meet tranquil wellness in the heart of Portugal’s capital. This elegant hotel offers stylish rooms and suites decorated according to Feng Shui principles, each featuring free Wi-Fi, flat-screen TV, and coffee/espresso facilities to ensure a restful stay.

Guests can rejuvenate in the hotel’s Spa & Wellness area, complete with wet and dry saunas, a soothing hot tub, and multiple treatment rooms, as well as maintain their fitness routine in the fully equipped gym.

Dining at the on-site Mediterranean restaurant includes organic, locally sourced dishes with vegan, vegetarian, and gluten-free options, and the bar offers a relaxed setting for drinks and socializing.

Breakfast - 7:30am

Morning group breakfast. Join at your leisure.

Morning Activity - 8:45am

Meet in hotel lobby at 8:45am

“Old Lisbon” walking tour of Alfama, Lisbon Cathedral, Miradouro view points

Lunch - 12:30pm

Lunch on Own

Afternoon Activity

Free Time or Enjoy Hotel Spa

Optional Activity (additional cost)

• Free Time

• Pastel de Nata Workshop

• Cooking Class

• Tuk-Tuk Tour

• Food Tour

• Bike Tour

Dinner

Dinner on Own

Evening Group Discussion (7:30-9:30pm)

Group session

Accommodations:

Stay Overnight @ Inspira Liberdade Boutique Hotel

Breakfast - 7:30am

Morning group breakfast. Join at your leisure.

Morning Activity

Free Time in Lisbon

Optional activities - additional cost does apply

• TukTuk Tour

• Food Tour

• Pastel de Nata Bakery Class (10am)

• Bike Tours

Lunch

Lunch on own

Afternoon Activity

Free Time in Lisbon

Dinner - 6:30pm-10:30pm

Final Group Farewell Dinner @ Palácio do Chiado, Lisbon

*Cocktail Party Attire

Schedule

6:30pm - Meet in hotel lobby for departure

7pm - Welcome Snacks

7:30pm - Dinner

9pm - Discussions

11pm - End

Accommodations:

Stay Overnight @ Inspira Liberdade Boutique Hotel

Breakfast

Morning group breakfast

Morning Activity

Check out of hotel by 10am

Departures

Van 1 – Departure at 05:35 AM (LIS)

Pick-up time: 02:35 AM

Passengers:
• Jocelyn Whithead Peterson
• Wynn Dale Peterson
• Karlen Ford
• Joshua Joseph Ford

Van 2 – Departure at 06:00 AM (OPO)

Pick-up time: 03:00 AM

Passengers:
• Anthony George Celaya
• Mary Elizabeth Celaya

Van 3 – Departure at 07:25 AM (LIS)

Pick-up time: 04:25 AM

Passengers:
• Allyssa Amy Hirsbrunner
• Brian James Hirsbrunner

Van 4 – Departure at 10:00 AM (LIS)

Pick-up time: 07:00 AM

Passengers:
• Julie Marie Rockwell
• Orrin Porter Rockwell
• Melissa Hilda Caress
• Jeremy Rogers Whitney

Van 5 – Departure at 11:00 / 11:05 AM (LIS)

Pick-up time: 08:00 AM

Passengers:
• Brian Noble Beres
• Wendy Lee Beres
• Kristi Genessy Bassett

Van 6 – Departure at 11:55 AM / 12:20 PM (LIS)

Pick-up time: 08:55 AM

Passengers:
• Jeffrey Allan van den Eikhof  
• Victoria Elizabeth van den Eikhof  
• Tionna Marie Van Gundy
• Dr. Jennifer Finlayson-Fife

Van 7 – Departure at 02:10 PM (LIS)

Pick-up time: 11:10 AM

Passengers:
• Wendy Jadene Huston
• Terrence Lee Huston