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This October join Mountain Lake PBS to discover Portugal—one of Europe’s smallest but most exciting countries.
September 29 – October 9, 2024
Join Mountain Lake PBS’ Thom Hallock with his wife, Jackie Hallock for this once-in-a-lifetime journey!
We’ll begin on the vineyard-terraced slopes of the Douro River where port, Portugal’s signature fortified wine, has been tended for centuries in the oldest demarcated wine region in the world. Then we’ll head inland towards the Alentejo region, where cliff-top castles, Roman ruins and medieval churches coexist. Finally, we’ll leave the rural landscape behind and immerse ourselves in the culture of Lisbon, the City of Seven Hills.
Our itinerary gives us ample time to explore and be inspired. We might be sampling the local port from a pre-eminent quinta or wine estate in the Douro Valley, enjoying a craft exhibition or fado performance, or marveling at antique azulejos; tiles decorated in the classic Portuguese color palette of blues and white. Slowly, the stories of the history, religion, and culture of this open and welcoming country will unfold.
Throughout our journey, we’ll also experience the bounty of the Portuguese table— freshly baked bread, olives, cheese, chargrilled fish, smoked meats and regional pastries. Simple cooking, perfectly prepared, is rooted in the vibrant life of Portugal’s coastline and countryside.
Superb lodging awaits us throughout the trip, from manor-house, boutique luxury in Porto to traditional, historic pousadas in Évora and Lisbon. Join us and experience the magic of Portugal!