Portugal Tour
A delightful journey of discovery through culture, coastline and wine
Portugal delights with its diversity within a small area – from fairytale palaces and historic towns to stunning coastal landscapes and world-famous wine regions. This carefully curated round trip offers the perfect first glimpse of the country, organised by our travel specialist Hedi Block. Our recommendation: extend your trip with a stay in Lisbon before or after the tour. Swiss and TAP Air Portugal offer daily direct flights to the capital.
Sintra – Royal History
Just 30 kilometres from Lisbon, the journey begins in Sintra, one of Europe’s most romantic regions. Pastel-coloured villas and lush gardens characterise the landscape. The colourful Pena Palace towers spectacularly over the countryside, whilst the ruins of the Moorish castle offer impressive views. The National Palace also captivates with its ornate azulejos and courtyards. Tip: Spend the first three nights at the Penha Longa Resort – an elegant retreat with a golf course set amidst nature.
Óbidos – the Middle Ages brought to life
Further north, on day 4, Óbidos awaits you, one of the most beautiful medieval towns in Europe. The imposing town walls enclose a charming labyrinth of narrow streets, small shops and historic buildings. A particularly unique experience is an overnight stay at the Pousada Castelo de Óbidos, a castle over 700 years old. In the surrounding area, a visit to the Buddha Eden Garden or a relaxing day by the Óbidos lagoon is well worth it. For golf enthusiasts, there are first-class courses in the immediate vicinity – such as the Royal Óbidos Golf Course. Portuguese specialities round off the evening at the A Nova Casa de Ramiro restaurant.
Douro Valley – wine, scenery and tranquillity
Day 5: The journey takes us to the Douro Valley, one of the oldest wine regions in the world and a UNESCO World Heritage Site. In Lamego, the Baroque sanctuary of Nossa Senhora dos Remédios impresses with its monumental staircase. Surrounded by steep, terraced vineyards, the region invites you to relax and enjoy yourself. Our favourite: The Six Senses Douro Valley combines luxurious relaxation with first-class wine tastings and an impressive natural backdrop.
Porto – Culture & indulgence by the river
On to Day 7. Just a short drive away lies Porto – a city full of character. The historic old town is a UNESCO World Heritage Site and delights with its winding alleys, Baroque churches and stunning views of the Douro. Our tip: Stay at ‘The Yeatman’, one of Europe’s finest wine hotels, with panoramic views over the city and river.
Comporta – Nature, tranquillity and endless beaches
To round off the trip, on Day 9 the route takes you along the Atlantic coast to Comporta. Here you’ll find a relaxing retreat with expansive sandy beaches, pine forests and rice fields. The Sublime Comporta Country Retreat & Spa offers stylish cabana villas, an outstanding spa and a unique al fresco dining experience. Perfect for peaceful days by the sea and unforgettable sunsets. After 12 days, it’s back to Lisbon or time for your flight home.
Cuisine & regional specialities
Portugal delights with its authentic cuisine: fresh fish, seafood, regional wines and traditional dishes characterise the culinary diversity. Try bacalhau (stockfish), grilled sardines or regional specialities in the Douro Valley. And of course, the famous custard tarts, ‘Pastéis de Nata’, are a must for dessert.
Marrakech
Between tradition and modernity
As promised, following our last newsletter, our journey continues inland – to the fascinating city of Marrakech. Around 177 kilometres from Essaouira, a world of palaces, gardens and an oriental atmosphere awaits you. The historic medina, with its winding alleys, colourful souks and traditional riads, exudes authentic charm. Edelweiss operates regular direct flights from Zurich to Marrakech, taking around 3.5 hours. Alternatively, there are numerous other flight connections to choose from. Our Marrakech expert, Olivier Lorenzo, will be happy to advise you personally.
Medina & cultural highlights
The heart of Marrakech beats in the famous Djemaa el Fna square – a lively spectacle of food stalls, market traders and henna tattoo artists. The city’s landmark is the Koutoubia Mosque with its striking minaret. Historic buildings such as the magnificent Bahia Palace with its 160 rooms, the intricately decorated Saadian Tombs or the former Koranic school Medersa Ben Youssef offer fascinating insights into Moroccan architecture and history.
Gardens & Museums
Marrakech also boasts green oases of tranquillity. The famous Jardin Majorelle, with its intense blue hues and exotic plants, is considered one of the most beautiful gardens in the world. The Jardin Secret and the sprawling Menara Gardens also invite you to linger. Art lovers should visit the Yves Saint Laurent Museum or the Museum of Moroccan Photography.
Experiences between the desert and the Atlas Mountains
The area around Marrakech offers plenty of adventures: whether it’s a hot-air balloon ride at sunrise with a Berber breakfast, a trip to the Ourika Valley where saffron, mangoes and avocados are grown, or a drive to the Ouzoud Waterfalls – impressive nature experiences are guaranteed. Our tip: Explore the countryside on a quad bike tour or a camel ride and spend a night in a luxurious desert camp under the starry sky.
Activities & relaxation
As well as cultural highlights, Marrakech also offers a wide range of activities. Golf courses such as PalmGolf Ourika or Assoufid promise a round of golf against a beautiful backdrop. Those seeking relaxation can enjoy a traditional hammam ritual or discover the secrets of Moroccan cuisine on a cooking course.
Cuisine in Marrakech
Spices and a rich variety of flavours characterise Moroccan cuisine. Classics such as tajine, couscous, pastilla and harira are among the specialities. Particularly popular are restaurants such as Le Salama, serving authentic Moroccan cuisine; the modern Nomad; Folk Marrakech, with its authentic setting; the lively Dardar Rooftop; and La Table du Souk, with its wonderful roof terrace and views over the city. Also recommended: Les Jardins du Lotus, La Trattoria and Atay Cafe.
Our hotel recommendations
Marrakech offers an impressive selection of stylish riads and luxurious hotels. Particularly beautiful are the legendary La Mamounia, the exclusive Royal Mansour, and the elegant Amanjena Resort. The Four Seasons Resort and the Mandarin Oriental also stand for the highest level of comfort and first-class service. Charming riads such as the adults-only Pure House Marrakech with a pool, Dar Mo’Da or Riad A l’Ombre des Orangers provide an authentic atmosphere. A particular highlight is the lovingly restored Palais Beit Al Noor – an exceptional riad run by Lebanese hosts, featuring 12 elegant rooms and views of the Atlas Mountains.
Saint Lucia
A Caribbean dream island between rainforest and the Pitons
Saint Lucia is one of the most impressive islands in the Caribbean and captivates visitors with its lush nature, tropical rainforest and the iconic Pitons – two striking volcanic cones on the west coast. Volcanic beaches, coral reefs and luxurious resorts characterise the landscape, whilst waterfalls and rich vegetation await in the island’s interior. The island is ideal for romantic getaways, active adventures or relaxing beach holidays and impresses with its warm hospitality. You can reach the island via international flights, for example with British Airways via London to the Caribbean island.
Spectacular views
An absolute highlight is the hike up Gros Piton with stunning views across the island. Equally impressive is the coastal landscape around the Pitons, which is a UNESCO World Heritage Site due to its beauty, geological diversity and rich biodiversity. Our highlight: enjoy a cocktail at the Sugar Beach Resort – nestled between the two volcanic peaks against a dreamlike backdrop.
Caribbean lifestyle
Saint Lucia offers a wide selection of stunning beaches: from the laid-back Vigie Beach and the lively Reduit Beach to the tranquil bays of Anse Chastanet or Anse Cochon. Jalousie Beach delights with white sand and crystal-clear water – ideal for snorkelling amongst colourful corals and tropical fish. The Diamond Falls Botanical Garden, with its diverse range of plants including palm trees, citrus fruits, cocoa and vanilla, as well as geothermal mineral baths, is also well worth a visit.
Adventure & Activities
Whether it’s hiking in the rainforest, kayaking in picturesque Marigot Bay – made famous by the film *Dr Dolittle* – or a quad bike tour to the Toraille Waterfalls, the island offers a wealth of activities. A visit to the Soufrière Drive-in Volcano, with its steaming sulphur springs and soothing mud baths, is a special experience. The Tet Paul Nature Trail also offers fascinating views of the landscape. On Pigeon Island, which is connected to the mainland by a causeway, there are great hiking trails and historic fort ruins that provide insights into the history of Saint Lucia.
Culture & authentic experiences
A visit to the capital, Castries, known for its cruise ship port, or a stroll through Rodney Bay captures the island’s vibrant atmosphere. Our tip: visit the legendary Friday Night Street Party in Gros Islet with music, dancing, seafood and a genuine Caribbean vibe. The monthly ‘Fish Fry’ in Anse La Raye is also a culinary highlight.
Caribbean cuisine
Saint Lucia’s cuisine blends African, French and Caribbean influences. Specialities such as green fig and saltfish, callaloo soup, bouyon stew or freshly grilled lobster are among the classics. We particularly recommend the Jade Mountain Club with its breathtaking views, Jacques Waterfront Dining for French cuisine, or ‘The Treehouse Restaurant’ at the Anse Chastanet Resort.
Exclusive resorts & eco-hotels
Saint Lucia offers a wide range of exclusive accommodation. The Sugar Beach, A Viceroy Resort is idyllically situated between the Pitons, whilst Jade Mountain impresses with its stunning views. The Secrets Saint Lucia Resort & Spa is located right by the sea. The Anse Chastanet Resort combines sustainability, nature and design in a unique way at . The luxury eco-resort is set on a 600-hectare private tropical estate with two sandy beaches and offers access to protected coral reefs just off the coast. For couples, families or solo travellers, three Sandals Resorts also offer attractive all-inclusive packages.
