Join Destination Expert Adam on an unforgettable journey in Portugal! Wander through historic cities, savor world-class cuisine, and uncover hidden gems from Porto to Lisbon. From breathtaking landscapes to rich cultural traditions, this adventure showcases the very best of Portugal. 

Olá! Destination Expert Adam reporting from Portugal. Follow along with for the next few days as I eat and drink my way through Porto and Lisbon. 

Eating Our Way Through Porto’s History! 

The first stop is the historical city of Porto – a city where centuries-old traditions, rich history, and incredible flavors come together along the Douro River. I met up with fellow Destination Expert, Lizzie Thomas, for an incredible few hours of discovering Porto with a local food expert. Our day began with a stroll from our downtown hotel to Bolhão Market, a historic landmark since 1914, where locals have shopped for generations. We sampled fresh fruit, aged cheese, and chorizo, all washed down with a glass of wine—because when in Porto…  

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Exploring Porto with fellow Destination Expert, Lizzie! (Photo: Adam Laughter)

Winding through the city’s old streets, we stepped into traditional "Mercearias," small grocery stores that have preserved Porto’s culinary traditions for decades. Our next stop: Gazela, an unassuming but legendary spot known for Porto’s most famous “Cachorrinho”—a crispy, spicy hot dog loved by Anthony Bourdain himself! 

We continued to Casa Guedes Tradicional, a staple in Praça dos Poveiros since the 1980s, famous for its pork sandwich with Serra da Estrela cheese and a comforting bowl of “Caldo Verde”—a soul-warming soup that dates back centuries in Portugal’s culinary history. 

Finally, no food tour is complete without something sweet! We wrapped up at a cozy café, indulging in traditional pastries and strong espresso, just like the locals do.  

A Day in the Douro Valley – Wine, Views & Local Flavors!

Just 1.5 hours from Porto, the Douro Valley transported us into a world of rolling vineyards, charming villages, and deep-rooted traditions. Our adventure began in Favaios, home to some of the region’s most historic winemaking. At Quanta Terra Winery, we discovered how two visionary winemakers revived old vineyards, blending tradition with innovation to craft exceptional wines.  

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Witnessing the Douro River from the Ujo Observation Deck! (Photo: Adam Laughter)

From there, we switched gears—literally—hopping into a 4x4 Land Rover to explore hidden villages and scenic backroads (the vineyards themselves), stopping at a traditional bakery with its wood fire oven that has been providing bread for the town for decades (tasting included of course). A highlight? The breathtaking Ujo Observation Deck, where the Douro River carved its way through endless terraced vineyard! 

For lunch, we headed to the restaurant Calça Curta in Tua, tasting wild boar stew, secretos (black pig), octopus, and fresh river fish, all paired with local wines.  

Before heading back, we soaked in the magic of the Douro from the river, cruising on a traditional Rabelo boat—the same vessels once used to transport barrels of wine downriver to Porto. Led by a local born and raised in the valley, this day felt like stepping into the soul of the Douro. 

Lisbon by Sidecar – A Ride Through History & Culture 

The trip continues south to Lisbon where our Portugal based Destination Expert, Tabitha Ballard, joined in on the experiences. We traded a more traditional tour for something more unique—a sidecar adventure through the city’s most iconic neighborhoods. With a front-row seat to history, we explored Alfama, Bairro Alto, Chiado, and Belém, stopping at amazing viewpoints along the way. 

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A sidecar adventure through Lisbon, alongside Destination Expert, Tabitha. (Photo: Adam Laughter)

In Alfama, Lisbon’s oldest district, we wandered through its maze-like streets, admiring “Alma de Alfama”, a touching photography project showcasing portraits of local residents on their homes/workplaces—a tribute to the souls of the neighborhood. As we strolled, we shared a glass of Ginjinha with a friendly local, savoring the infamous cherry liqueur the way it’s meant to be enjoyed. 

In Chiado, we stepped inside Livraria Bertrand, the world’s oldest operating bookstore, where book lovers have gathered since 1732. Finally, we made our way to Belém, passing grand monuments that tell Portugal’s seafaring history. 

A Day in Lisbon – Local Markets, Tasty Bites & a Sunset Sail! 

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Spending the day exploring Alvalade, in Lisbon. (Photo: Adam Laughter)

“Bom dia” from Lisbon! Exploring beyond the typical tourist path today, we wandered through Alvalade, a vibrant Lisbon neighborhood blending old charm with a local feel. This mid-century district, known for its markets and cafés, was the perfect place to start our day! The first was a flaky, creamy pastel de nata, the legendary custard tart born in 18th-century monasteries. Paired with a “Bica” (Portuguese espresso), and we were set! Next up was browsing traditional “Mercearias” where we picked up a few of Portugal’s finest canned sardines, a true delicacy with a history dating back to the 19th century. Alongside, a selection of Queijo da Serra (a rich, buttery sheep’s cheese) and local wines made for the perfect afternoon spread. As the sun started to drop, we boarded a sailboat on the Tagus River, gliding past Lisbon’s iconic skyline for an unforgettable farewell too this incredible city!

About the Author: Born and raised in the foothills of North Carolina, Adam Laughter has spent the last half-decade living and traveling throughout Latin America. With years of first-hand experience, he plans private tailor-made adventures for his travelers from his home base in Lima, Peru.