From Lisbon: Private Wine Tour with Wine & Cheese Tasting

Travelers looking for a day outside Lisbon filled with delicious wines, fresh cheeses, scenic landscapes, and cultural insights will find this private tour from Natalia Portugalia Tours a compelling option. We’ve seen enough reviews to confidently say this experience balances quality, authenticity, and personalized attention—making it an appealing choice for those interested in Portugal’s culinary and historical riches.

What we love most? The stunning drive through Arrábida Natural Park offers breathtaking views of the Atlantic, and the visit to renowned wineries provides a taste of historic, quality Portuguese wines. A potential downside? The full day can feel long, especially if you prefer a more relaxed pace or shorter excursions.

This tour suits travelers who want a deep, personalized experience—without the crowds—covering everything from markets to wineries and traditional crafts. Perfect for wine enthusiasts, culture lovers, and foodies eager to explore Portugal beyond Lisbon’s city streets.

• All-inclusive private experience with hotel pickup and drop-off, ensuring convenience and comfort.
• Multiple tastings of top Portuguese wines and local cheeses, with insights into the region’s traditions.
• Stunning scenery and panoramic views from scenic viewpoints, Arrábida Natural Park, and Cristo Rei.
• Visits to iconic wineries like José Maria da Fonseca and Bacalhôa, with guided tours and tastings.
• Cultural stops, including a tile factory and a historic Moorish castle.
• Authentic local market experience at Livramento Market, with tastings of cheeses, seafood, and regional produce.
• Well-paced itinerary that balances sightseeing, tasting, and leisure—reviewers praise the flexibility and depth.
• Value for money considering the comprehensive itinerary, private transport, expert guides, and tastings.
• Long, full-day experience—ideal for those eager to explore deeply but not suited for those seeking a quick overview.

Starting with comfort and convenience

The tour begins with pickup from four different Lisbon-area locations—Sesimbra, Setúbal, Almada, or Lisbon—offering flexibility for travelers. The vehicle is air-conditioned, adding to the comfort during the approximately 9 to 10-hour journey. A notable feature is the private group setting, meaning you skip the busy crowds and enjoy personalized interaction with your guide, Natalia.

As reviews highlight, the logistics are smoothly handled. One traveler mentioned that Natalia’s communication was clear from the start, and she was adaptable, even adjusting the itinerary when weather changed—a reminder of how attentive and flexible this private experience can be.

You can check availability for your dates here:

Market visit: A feast for the senses

The first stop is the Livramento Market in Setúbal, regarded as one of the world’s best markets. It’s a lively hub where you can witness Portugal’s seafood bounty, fresh produce, baked goods, and regional specialties. Don’t arrive starving, as this is a tasting-focused visit. Here, you’ll enjoy Portuguese cheeses paired with rustic bread—a simple yet flavorful introduction to local flavors.

Visitors consistently praise this stop, with one reviewer calling it “a bustling food market,” and another noting how they appreciated sampling cheese and bread from local producers. The market visit is a highlight for those wanting an authentic, local flavor rather than a sanitized tourist trap.

Scenic drive through Arrábida Natural Park

From the market, the tour proceeds along mountain roads lined with breathtaking views. Expect to see IX-century Sesimbra Castle, with the coastline and lush hills as a backdrop. The drive through Arrábida Natural Park offers sweeping vistas of the Atlantic Ocean, Sado River, and the surrounding mountains.

You’ll stop at a viewpoint for photos and fresh air, giving you a chance to breathe in the salty sea air and soak up the scenery. Many reviewers describe this part as “breathtaking,” and it’s a great moment to appreciate Portugal’s natural beauty—be sure your camera is ready.

Wine tasting at historic wineries

The core of the tour is a visit to two prestigious wineries: José Maria da Fonseca and Bacalhôa Vinhos de Portugal. At José Maria da Fonseca, the oldest wine cellar in the region, you’ll learn about Portugal’s first red table wine and the famous Moscatel, a regional specialty. The guided tour here offers insight into the wine-making process and regional history, while tastings include some of Portugal’s most celebrated wines.

Later, at Bacalhôa, you’ll explore a vast art collection, including ancient olive trees, and enjoy tastings of three top wines. Several reviews mention the quality of the wines and the engaging guides who explain the nuances of each variety. One reviewer appreciated the “art collection and the cellar,” noting that the experience was both educational and enjoyable.

Both wineries offer a glimpse into Portugal’s long-standing wine traditions, with tastings that range from modern to historic, making it a must for wine lovers.

Traditional tile making: A cultural highlight

A visit to “Azulejos de Azeitão”, a tile factory, offers a behind-the-scenes look at Portugal’s iconic ceramic art. Here, artisans paint, glaze, and craft their tiles by hand, giving you an appreciation for the craftsmanship involved. Reviewers describe the process as “amazing,” and note how the artistry is incredible.

This stop offers a tangible connection to Portuguese culture, with the opportunity to shop for authentic handmade souvenirs. The tile-making process is a unique experience, especially for those interested in arts and crafts.

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Historic sites and panoramic views

The tour doesn’t forget history. You’ll stroll along the 9th-century Moorish Castle wall, enjoying panoramic views of the Arrábida and Sintra mountains, Sesimbra, and Lisbon. One reviewer described this as “a perfect opportunity to soak in the scenery and history,” noting how the views from the castle are a highlight of the day.

Finally, the tour concludes with an impressive view of Lisbon’s 25 de Abril Bridge from Cristo Rei. The statue itself is worth a photo, but the view over the city is equally spectacular.

Logistics and value

While the day is packed, reviews praise the well-paced itinerary and flexibility, especially when adjusting for weather or personal interests. The private setup means you can tailor the experience slightly and enjoy the full attention of a knowledgeable guide, often described as “friendly,” “charismatic,” and “full of background knowledge.”

At $226 per person, considering the all-inclusive nature—hotel pickup and drop-off, multiple tastings, guided tours, and private vehicle—the cost is competitive for a full-day, personalized adventure. For wine and culture enthusiasts, the value is clear.

This experience is ideal for those who want an immersive day outside Lisbon without sacrificing comfort or authenticity. It’s perfect if you’re a wine lover, interested in Portuguese culture and crafts, or simply eager to see some of Portugal’s most beautiful scenery.

It suits travelers who enjoy long, full days of exploration and appreciate guided insight while maintaining some freedom within a well-structured itinerary. If you prefer a more relaxed, leisurely pace or a shorter overview of the region, you might find this tour a tad intense.

This private wine tour from Lisbon offers a well-rounded, authentic glimpse of Portugal’s food, wine, and history—crafted for those eager to experience the region in depth. The combination of stunning scenery, top-notch wineries, a lively market, and cultural stops makes it a compelling choice for curious travelers.

Reviewed highly for knowledgeable guides, scenic views, and excellent wine tastings, it’s a strong value for anyone wanting to blend culture, culinary delights, and sightseeing in one memorable day.

If you’re after an intimate, flexible, and comprehensive tour that goes beyond the typical, this experience is hard to beat. Just pack your camera, a good appetite, and a sense of adventure.

How many stops are included in the tour?
You’ll visit eight main stops, including markets, wineries, a tile factory, a castle, and scenic viewpoints.

Is hotel pickup available?
Yes, pickup is offered from four locations: Sesimbra, Setúbal, Almada, and Lisbon.

What is included in the price?
The price covers hotel pickup and drop-off, wine tastings, cheese and bread tasting at the market, all fees and taxes, transportation, and a local guide.

Are meals included?
No, lunch is not included, but recommendations for local eateries are often provided.

How long is the guided winery tour?
Each winery visit lasts around 1 to 1.5 hours, including guided tours and tastings.

Is the tour suitable for vegetarians or those with dietary restrictions?
While specific dietary accommodations aren’t mentioned, you might find the guide responsive to special requests—it’s best to clarify when booking.

What about the pace of the tour?
It’s quite full, but reviews praise the balance between sightseeing and leisure. Expect some walking and scenic stops.

Can I customize the experience?
As a private tour, there’s flexibility to adapt the itinerary with your guide’s input.

What should I bring?
Comfortable shoes, a camera, sun protection, and an appetite for regional flavors are advised.

Is this tour family-friendly?
Most likely, yes, but check with the provider for specific age recommendations or restrictions.

This private tour offers a fantastic way to explore Portugal’s culinary and cultural highlights in one seamless, thoughtfully curated day. Whether you’re keen on sampling wines, learning about tile craftsmanship, or simply enjoying breathtaking views, it’s a memorable way to deepen your Portuguese experience.

You can check availability for your dates here: