Best Trip + Experience Travelling Ever

Portugal | Sep 13 - Sep 29, 2025

The wine hotel in the Douro Valley was truly a standout accommodation. The views were absolutely breathtaking, nestled among the vineyards. The amenities offered were top-notch, and the overall vibe of the place was just incredibly cool. It was definitely one of my favorite spots on the trip.

Our stay at the hotel in Lisbon was a bit odd due to a no-food-or-drink policy in the rooms right after they had shampooed the carpets. This policy was strictly enforced, which was inconvenient as we like to relax with a drink in the room after a long day. While the location was convenient, the restriction dampened the experience a little.

The Évora Olive Hotel was another great spot and probably my second favorite. Its central location was a big plus. The variety of kinds of hotels we stayed in was something we really enjoyed, as each offered a unique experience.

The Wine and Gourmet Experience in Alentejo was a bit of a mixed bag. While the vineyard tour and grape stomping were fun and the wine tasting was excellent with more varieties than expected, the following harvest dinner was underwhelming. The wines were the same as the tasting, and the food was not particularly impressive. Plus, there was confusion over payment which had to be sorted out afterwards.

The Hiking & Cultural Excursion in Peneda-Gerês National Park was phenomenal. Our guide was amazing, which really enhanced the experience. The beautiful nature spots, like waterfalls in the mountains, and visiting a small village were highlights. It was very nature-focused and eye-opening.

The River Boat Experience in the Douro Valley was another favorite. We had a private little wooden speedboat, and even though our captain didn't speak much English, she was fantastic. She celebrated our honeymoon with us by opening a bottle of wine and taking lots of pictures. It was a lovely personal touch.