PORTUGAL TOUR 2027
Monday September 27 to Thursday October 7, 2027
2 SPOTS LEFT!
(Click on the first photo to launch the slide show)
Personal concierge services • 10 Nights Accommodation, Ensuite • ALL Dinners with Wine • 8 Lunches with Wine • 10 Breakfasts • VIP Winery Visits and Tastings • Admission to the Tile and Clay Figures Museums in Estremoz • Pedro’s Tour Services in the Alentejo • Behind the scenes at a Marble Quarry • Visit to a former Royal Palace • Winery Picnic in an Ancient Olive Grove • Tour and back-street lunch in historic Evora • Private Boat Cruise on the Douro • Introduction to the Poet Fernando Pessoa • Port Tasting • River-view dinner in Porto • Billy and Kato’s Walking Tours of Porto • Private Coach Transportation • Return Airport Shuttle in Porto • and a few surprises!
“Portugal is the most exciting wine place on the planet today.”
Matt Kramer, Wine Spectator
We have a particular fondness for Portugal. What’s not to like about the unique blend of modern and rustic, the great range of foods, and the warm-hearted people who seem to be born with the service gene. Portugal offers a great variety of experiences from city to coastal to mountainous, and lots in between. It’s impossible to stop taking pictures. “We can see why you moved here” is a common remark by people on our tour.
We’ll be excited to join you for the first dinner in Lisbon, to kick off the tour. While Lisbon is Portugal’s heartbeat with impressive places of historic interest, it is the light, colours, and natural beauty that captures most hearts. The hills account for the many great vistas, especially from Miradouros (vantage points) with their outdoor cafés inviting you to have a drink and linger. Not sure if it’s the pinks and greens, or the red-tiled roofs, or the fresh sea air, but there’s an impression of the Mediterranean – the feeling of a southern city. Writer Paul Buck best describes Lisbon: “No-one has quite summed it up, and because of that, you can make it your very own.” I’m sure you will.
After Lisbon, the tour moves west to upscale Cascais, then east to the rolling hills and castles of Alentejo, followed by the jewels of the north, the Douro Valley and the lively city of Porto. A journey we call Portugal’s Golden Triangle. We think this combination gives you the best of Portugal in ten days – a highly curated, small group tour showcasing Portugal’s wonderful culture and history, alongside amazing wine and food gastronomy.
“To steal their words, the trip is planned in the spirit of delivering the satisfaction of an engrossing four act play. It offers a sparkling variety of experiences, each chosen to compliment and enhance that which went before. The pace is relaxed and thoroughly in tune with vacation energy flow. I won’t offer details because a large part of the fun was the surprises each new day offered, but suffice to say there were castles, olive groves, ancient wineries, music, beaches, picnics, marble, cork, contemporary art, vibrant history lessons and warm and loving reception from the people offering us their hospitality. I like to design my own trips but honestly I will eagerly sign on again for another trip curated with the creative sensibilities of Kato and Billy. They do it RIGHT.” R. Dunsmore, Stratford ON
After Lisbon you’ll move to west to the beautiful fishing/arty/elegant town of Cascais, and stay for two nights. You will have free time to enjoy the local stores, galleries and promenades – or you may want to chill at a café, or check out one of the wildest and most beautiful surfing beaches in Europe. One morning will feature an introduction to the works of possibly the world’s most interesting poet, Fernando Pessoa. Dinners will be at two of our favourite restaurants – seafood will never taste this good!
The province of Alentejo is the largest in Portugal, and goes right to the Spanish border. The food varies from hearty traditional to creative modern, and Alentejo valiantly clings to local crafts, gastronomy and farming traditions. Your hotel for three nights in Estremoz (‘the white marble city’) is a hip Manor House connected to a Michelin Bib restaurant. Before arriving, we’ll make a lunch stop at an organic vineyard for a delicious ‘bespoke’ tour and picnic. Next day you’ll visit the everything-made-of-marble town of Vila Viçosa for a quarry visit. It will amaze you, and we’ve also included a tour of a magnificent 16th-century royal residence that served as the ancestral seat of the powerful House of Braganza. Lunch that follows will be “fit for royalty” on the patio of a beautiful restored Quinta which serves exceptional wines influenced by vines planted on marble outcrop soils.
In Estremoz, you’ll meet up with Pedro, an utterly charming Portuguese friend, tour guide and hospitality wiz. Pedro will led this part of the tour and join forces with your guides, Bronwyn and Aaron, to make sure you have the time of your life. Must see sights are The Museu Berardo (in the Tocha Palace), which features an astounding private collection of 8,000 tiles spanning 800 years, as well as the delightful Clay Figures Museum. And you won’t want to miss the town’s lively Saturday market. One dinner we are keeping as a surprise, while the other may land you in jail! Honest!
“The food, the wine, the accommodations, the castles, the beautiful cities and the quiet countryside…..all were top notch. In an area steeped in history, it is like travelling through time where you can imagine everything from Roman centurions to medieval knights and their magnificent horses, rattling up the hill to the castle gates. At the same time, you can be amused/amazed as cars and buses thread their way through seemingly impossibly small entrance ways. To say I enjoyed myself would be a complete understatement.” Grace C, Prince Edward Island, Canada
On a day trip to Evora, the country’s former capitol, you will learn about its fascinating past on a walk with history expert Libânio. Lunch will be at a typical back-street restaurant, which are called tascas. Making and ageing wine in clay amphoras is part of the tradition in the Alentejo region, as is drinking lots of white wine called Antao Vaz. Goodbye Chardonnay! After lunch, you’ll have time to shop, people watch or visit any museums or churches that grabbed your attention.
Next up is the valley of the Douro River, where you’ll see some of the most stunning scenery anywhere. Breathtaking hardly describes it! While the Douro was originally famous for Port wine, it now produces some great reds, whites, and sparkling too. Your home on the Douro for two nights will be at a winery hotel, with amazing views. A picnic lunch follows a private boat cruise on the river, and of course, you’ll be tasting a Port or two!
Porto is the final stop for the last two nights. Expect a city full of old-world charm, with red-tiled roof buildings tumbling down the hills to the riverbank – which is lined with restaurants on one side, and Port lodges on the other. Best urban planning in the world! Porto’s centre is now a World Heritage Site. We love Porto’s combination of old grandeur, rough edges, and up-to-the-minute cool. With a University in the city core, it naturally has a cool and energetic vibe, and its fondness for design is apparent. We are going to join you for your last day in Porto – take Kato’s shopping trip or Billy’s architecture and bar tour. As with Lisbon, there is no shortage of good restaurants, and for our farewell dinner, will be at one of our favourite bistros.
We’ve organized this tour so you can enjoy direct flights to Lisbon and return directly from Porto. (Of course, should you want to continue your exploration of this great country, we are more than happy to give suggestions.)
“Beyond expectations” doesn’t do justice for what Billy and Kato achieved with this tour! Scrumptious food, phenomenal wines and amazing places we would never have found on our own! Every detail taken care of – just pack your bag and go – that’s what we’re planning on doing again!” D. Pasquino, London, ON
“Traveling is a marriage of destination and journey. Together, it’s about the experience. And this one was an absolute blast! The one-of-a- kind meal locations, from ancient wine cellars to olive grove hilltops, together with exceptional menus and meal presentation, and the uniquely sublime vibe of our accommodations, speak to the thoroughness and professionalism the Kato/Billy team has put into curating this remarkable Portugal getaway. Jean Anne McLeod & David Stones (Portugal Tour 2025)
MEET YOUR AMAZING GUIDES! Aaron and Bronwyn Linley
Aaron and Bronwyn Linley have been a force in the Stratford restaurant scene for over twenty years. Their first restaurant, Bijou, was a beloved culinary destination and their current restaurant, Bluebird, has also proven to be hugely popular. Aaron started his culinary life at the Stratford Chefs School, moved on to Rundles Restaurant and followed with stints in Halifax and San Francisco. Bronwyn, a Kingston native, also graduated from the Stratford Chefs School, and began her career as a pastry chef. She gradually transitioned to leading the front of house – managing service teams and gaining her Sommelier diploma. Bronwyn and Aaron also operate Edison’s Inn to round out their Stratford hospitality offerings. Besides creating amazing restaurants and travelling to places near and far, Aaron and Bronwyn raised two great kids. We know you’ll be in more than capable hands with this fun loving, wonder-duo. They led Billy’s Best Bottles France tour in 2026, and the 2027 France tour marks their second year being les guides par excellence! This will be their inaugural Portugal tour.
“Two superb guides who balanced their responsibilities to the group and still became friends.”
“Our two guides were well informed, organized, and attentive to our needs. Aaron and Bronwyn were the perfect hosts for a memorable vacation.”
“Aaron and Bronwyn were fabulous and their positive attitude made for a very cohesive and fun group.”
BEST OF PORTUGAL 2027 TOUR
Monday September 27 to Thursday October 7, 2027 2 SPOTS LEFT!
TOUR INCLUDES
Personal concierge services
10 Nights Accommodation, Ensuite
ALL Dinners with Wine
8 Lunches with Wine
10 Breakfasts
VIP Winery Visits and Tastings
Admission to Tile and Clay Figures Museums in Estremoz
Behind the scenes at a Marble Quarry
Visit to a former Royal Palace
Picnic in an Ancient Olive Grove at an Organic Winery
History Tour in Evora
Private Boat Cruise on The Douro
Introduction to the Literature of Fernando Pessoa
Personal Guide in Alentejo
Picnic Lunch with Breathtaking Views of the Douro
Port Tasting
Private Coach Transportation, including return transfer in Porto
…and a few surprises!
NOT INCLUDED
Airfare
A few lunches
Gratuities
Travel and medical insurance
Any additional transfers before or after the tour that are not part of the tour schedule
Other drinks, before and after our the included meals
Best Bottles Inc reserves the right to make minor changes in the itinerary.
This is a non-smoking tour.
COST
$7,995 CDN based on double occupancy, taxes included
Single supplement $1,995
This is a LAND ONLY TOUR starting in Lisbon. TICO #2392471
GROUP SIZE: 18 maximum
This tour starts at 6pm in Lisbon (details upon signing up) on Monday September 17, and ends Thursday morning, October 7, 2027 in Porto (we will arrange transportation to Porto airport for those on the official flight)
We expect everyone to be in good physical shape – able to easily walk for a few hours a day – and to participate in every daily excursion. We recommend you visit Lisbon a few days before the tour, and will help you plan your itinerary there. We will give you our Lisbon recommendations (Billy’s Best Bottles 48 hours in Lisbon) and our personalized map – with our favourite places to eat and favourite things to see.
RECOMMENDED FLIGHTS
We aren’t recommending an official flight for getting to Lisbon. Please arrive a day (or two) before the tour starts.
Our recommended ‘official’ RETURN FLIGHT from Porto will be posted in September when the flight schedule is posted.
TO BOOK
Email katowake@gmail.com with BEST OF PORTUGAL TOUR 2027 in the subject headline.
Once the tour and your spot is confirmed we will give further instructions regarding your $500 non-refundable deposit.
We work with Ellison Travel and Tours, our official partner with TICO #2392471
CANCELLATION POLICY
Your $500 pp deposit is non-refundable.
Final payment is due 120 days prior to the tour, and is 100% non-refundable.
FYI: Tours will be cancelled or postponed if Canadian “˜Do Not Travel’ advisories apply to the destination, or if Ellison Travel & Tours deems it unsafe to travel, in which case, all monies paid will be transferred to a future travel credit
HOW DO WE DIFFER FROM OTHER TOURS?
We must start by telling you that we never set out to conduct tours. However, after a few trials with friends we sensed that there was an interest in our style of travel. Found a niche as they say. Original and generous were the two most used words we heard to describe what we offered, and not surprisingly as our itineraries were of our own making. We did not see the point of taking people to over-crowded ‘guide book’ places. It is impossible to catch the feeling of a place when you’re lost in a sea of fellow travellers. We still deliver WOWs, but without the hassles and crowds. And generous might have something to do with how much wine we were pouring.
We have sought out parts of a country that offer a sense of the whole, thereby delivering the experience without long travel times. Spending less hours on the road attempting to see it all gives us more quality time in towns, galleries or cafés. Feet on the ground as opposed to bum on a bus, seeing better over seeing more.
Most of the experiences we offer are either not available off-the-street, or would require a lot of work to secure.
We love the time at table so most evenings we all dine together, at a hand-picked restaurants where we have arranged something special ““ for an experience not available to the general public. You can expect everything from gourmet to rustic with seating in small groups for an intimate experience. But we’re not opposed to a little rowdiness! We stay at smaller, non-chain hotels away from the tourist bustle.
Have to admit we are not huge history buffs, but we do allow enough free time for those who want to visit churches and museums. Think of us as the anti Trip Advisor – seeking instead the alternative, the unexpected. The kind of tour you’d imagine from a local, as opposed to a Tour company. If you have never travelled with a group before, fear not. Think of the possibilities for fun with a group – ‘adult camp’ as Kato calls it. It may be the best party you ever attended.
Expect to eat and drink too much – and love every minute of it.
In each of our destinations we concentrate on the things that are special or unique: rural pubs in Ireland as they are the hub of a community, historic grandeur combined with sleek contemporary design in Portugal, and the effortless, indescribable sense of style in France. Crafting beauty in everything is Italy’s great skill, and that includes food and wine. We ask that our travellers take the time to know something of, and respect the culture we are visiting – your comfy Adidas and litre of Pepsi might not a fitting image.
WHO SHOULD TRAVEL WITH US?
Those with a love of adventure and social interaction are obvious candidates. On the physical side, good walking ability and drinking stamina are not only essential, but mandatory. Meals are on the European clock – starting late and finishing late – celebrating time at the table. Basically we invite people who are interested in stepping outside their comfort zone and embracing a European experience. Filling the eyes, bellies and imagination with things unfamiliar. We welcome people who come hungry for activity and participation. Please do NOT come with us if you want a conventional sightseeing tour with no participation on your part.
Finally a word on why we do not publish detailed, daily itineraries. One reason is we like to remain flexible and work around weather and local events. But more importantly, we believe that the best travel experiences are built around daily surprises – a trust between the host and the guests. Those who have travelled with us have said that they enjoyed the surprise element as it kept them in the moment. We ask that you greet us with enthusiasm, a trusting open mind, good health, and an empty wine glass (not for long!).
Every tour we’ve run has sold out and many guests are repeat offenders.
“From the moment we arrived, we were treated to first class food, accommodation and hospitality. Every day was a new adventure from hiking through a vineyard to dining in a winemaker’s cellar. By far the best organized trip that we’ve been on ““ well-paced and the perfect group size.” B & H Purvis, New Hamburg, Ontario
“Had been to Italy several times. But this was my first small group travelling ever. Piemonte came vividly alive with Kato and Billy. Relationships, food, wine, learning, and conversation — all rooted in local ambience and warm personalities. Did someone say there’s a Portugal trip too?” Bill Roberts, Prince Edward County
“Doesn’t matter which tour you choose, they are all unforgettable! Just returned from our 4th trip with Billy and Kato, our 2nd to Piemonte! If you want to really experience food, wine (and other assorted libations), first rate accommodations, people, territory, history and downright fun, then join one of their adventures.” Wendy & Wayne Rider, Stratford
“Absolutely fantastic trip. Billy and Kato are the perfect hosts ensuring unforgettable wine tastings, meals and local experiences. The element of “surprise” around the daily activities added to the fun. Great way to meet and make new friends. After 2 months we are still raving to friends and family about how wonderful everything was from start to finish. Would highly recommend this trip.” The Culhanes, Ottawa
“I can say without qualification, that my experience of your Italian Wine tour far exceeded anything I could have imagined. Just outstanding in every way. Congratulations!” Wally Anderson, Simcoe
“This was our 15th professionally conducted wine trip, and while the previous ones were all fabulous, none were better than our Piedmont trip with Billy and Kato. They are a fun and caring couple who do everything to ensure you have a good time. We would highly recommend them.” The Chapmans, Oakville
“Kato and Billy took us to parts of Italy in the Piedmont wine country which I would never have discovered on my own. We stayed in top-notch accommodation, and the beautiful rolling hills of vineyards topped by ancient castles were a sight to behold! We saw it all ““ including grape harvesting, VIP winery visits, and a fantastic 3 course cooking class. I had a superb time with a wonderful group of people. Thanks to Billy and Kato ““ our imaginative, inclusive and generous hosts!” D Troop, Prince Edward County
“Again, what a wonderful trip – the Barolo Tour was our second trip with Billy and Kato. Travelling with B&K is not a tourist trip, but an experience that you don’t forget – great food, great wine, and you see and do things that tourists don’t get to do. Most of all, have lots of fun with new found friends.” Don and Sue Scott, Ottawa
“The Italian Wine Tour was FIRST CLASS! Billy & Kato thought of everything. It was interesting & fun filled. I’d go again in a heartbeat.” Mary Anne Perkins, Milford
“Exceptional all round gastronomical, cultural and just plain fun tour. I can’t think of a better way to experience the Piedmont wine country than joining Kato and Billy. The variety of wine tastings and daily activities are a testament to their thorough advance research and genuine desire to assure a wonderful memory for all. La dolce vitae indeed.” Brenda Smith, Ottawa
