Private Lisbon wine tasting tour in the Setubal region

A full-day, private Lisbon wine tasting tour in the Setúbal region offers an intimate look into Portugal’s renowned wine scene while exploring stunning sights just outside Lisbon. Priced at $158.59 per person, this five-hour journey is guided by knowledgeable hosts who lead you through three wineries and highlight some of the area’s top attractions. The tour emphasizes local wines and cheeses, with stops at José Maria de Fonseca, Bacalhôa Vinhos de Portugal, and a traditional tile workshop, making it a well-rounded experience for wine lovers and culture enthusiasts alike. The tour is particularly suitable for those who appreciate personalized attention, as it’s private for your group and includes group discounts for larger parties.

While the tour is designed to be comfortable with air-conditioned transport, WiFi, and bottled water, it does not include lunch, giving flexibility for visitors to enjoy meals at stops or bring their own snacks. With an average booking window of 36 days in advance, this tour appeals to travelers seeking a well-organized, scenic, and educational wine experience close to Lisbon, with the chance to explore historical sites and admire Portugal’s beautiful landscapes.

Key Points

• Private, guided full-day tour from Lisbon, focusing on the Setúbal wine region
• Visits to 4 distinct stops: 3 wineries plus a tile-making workshop and the Cristo Rei monument
• Includes tastings of local wines and cheeses, with admissions to wineries and the tile workshop included
• Approximately 5 hours long, departing at 9:00am from Lisbon
• Comfortable air-conditioned vehicle with WiFi and bottled water, lunch not included
• Suitable for kids from 0 to 7 years old, who are free to join

Scenic Drive from Lisbon to the Setúbal Region

The journey begins at Pç do Marquês de Pombal in Lisbon, where guests meet the guide and depart around 9:00am. The drive to the Setúbal region offers charming views of the Arrábida Natural Park and the coastal mountains, setting a picturesque scene before arriving at the first stop. The total trip combines scenic vistas with informative commentary, making the transfer as enjoyable as the stops themselves.

This route allows for a relaxed start, with plenty of time to appreciate the Portuguese countryside and the lush landscapes that influence the region’s wine production. The comfortable air-conditioned vehicle ensures a pleasant ride, even on warmer days, and WiFi connectivity keeps you connected during the journey.

Wine Tasting at José Maria de Fonseca

The first stop is at the renowned José Maria da Fonseca wine cellars, where an hour is dedicated to exploring this historic vineyard. This family-owned estate, established in the 19th century, offers an insightful overview of Portuguese winemaking traditions. Visitors get to taste a variety of wines, with the admission included in the tour.

Guests learn about the vineyard’s long-standing history and see the cellars where wines are aged. This stop provides a perfect introduction to the region’s wine varieties and sets the tone for the rest of the day. The guided tasting highlights some of Portugal’s popular selections, making it an excellent starting point for those new to the local wine scene.

Visiting the Cristo Rei Sanctuary and Lisbon Overlook

The second stop combines cultural sightseeing and scenic views. The Cristo Rei monument, dedicated to the Sacred Heart of Jesus, is a free attraction that offers sweeping views of Lisbon and the surrounding area. This one-hour stop allows for ample photo opportunities and a moment to appreciate Portugal’s religious and historical landmarks.

Standing atop the hill, visitors enjoy a panoramic view of Lisbon’s skyline with the Tagus River in the foreground. This stop balances the wine tasting with cultural exploration, providing a meaningful glimpse into Portugal’s religious architecture and the city’s skyline.

Traditional Tile-Making at Leiveira Azulejos

Next, the tour visits Leiveira Azulejos, a workshop dedicated to European tile-making traditions. Over 30 minutes, guests observe the craftsmanship behind hand-painted tiles and relief glazed designs. The workshop reproduces classic Hispano-Moorish patterns from the 16th century, with customizable options for size, color, and design.

This stop offers a hands-on glimpse into Portugal’s ceramic artistry, and visitors can appreciate the intricate craftsmanship that characterizes Portuguese tiles. It’s an opportunity to see traditional techniques preserved through generations, making it both educational and visually captivating.

Wine Tasting at Bacalhôa Vinhos de Portugal

The final winery stop is at Bacalhôa Vinhos de Portugal, a distinguished estate established in 1922. Known for its innovation and modern viticultural techniques, Bacalhôa produces a variety of high-quality wines from the Palmela region.

Guests spend an hour exploring the estate, learning about their commitment to quality, and tasting some of their best wines. The admission included allows guests to sample different vintages and discover the winery’s unique approach to winemaking. This stop wraps up the wine-focused portion of the tour with a rich selection of options to enjoy.

The Tile Workshop and Scenic Views

The Leiveira Azulejos stop allows for a short, 30-minute visit to witness traditional tile craftsmanship. The free admission gives visitors the chance to see hand-painted tiles and learn about European, Islamic, and Chinese influences visible in Portuguese ceramics.

Plus, the stops at Cristo Rei and the scenic drive provide opportunities to admire Portugal’s green landscapes, coastal mountains, and panoramic city views. These stops complement the wine tastings by offering cultural and visual richness to the experience.

Logistics and Comfort of the Tour Experience

This private tour departs from Lisbon’s central meeting point at Pç do Marquês de Pombal and concludes back at the same location. The air-conditioned vehicle with WiFi ensures a comfortable ride, while bottled water is provided throughout the day. The group discounts make it flexible for larger groups, and children from 0 to 7 years old join free, making it family-friendly.

The tour starts promptly at 9:00am, giving plenty of time to explore the region’s highlights without feeling rushed. The private nature of the experience ensures personalized attention and flexibility in pacing.

Who Should Consider This Tour

This wine-focused excursion is ideal for those interested in authentic Portuguese wines and local culture. The combination of wine tastings, historical sites, and traditional crafts makes it suitable for culture seekers, wine enthusiasts, and families with young children.

The tour’s scenic drives and educational stops suit visitors wanting a balanced mix of sightseeing and tasting without the crowds often encountered on larger group tours. Since the tour does not include lunch, it’s perfect for those who prefer to explore Lisbon’s culinary scene on their own or bring snacks along.

Final Thoughts on the Private Lisbon Wine Tour in Setúbal

Offering a personalized experience with expert guides, this tour provides a rich introduction to Portugal’s wine culture combined with cultural landmarks and scenic views. The admissions included at all stops and the comfortable transport make it a practical choice for a full-day outing.

While it offers great value for the $158.59 price per person, travelers should plan for their own lunch. The family-friendly policy with free entry for young children adds flexibility, and the high overall ratings reflect the quality of guides, stops, and organization.

For those eager to discover Portuguese wines, ceramics, and scenic viewpoints in a relaxed, private setting, this tour offers a well-rounded and enjoyable experience.

Frequently Asked Questions

Is the tour suitable for children?
Yes, children from 0 to 7 years old are free to join, making it suitable for families.

Does the tour include lunch?
No, lunch is not included, allowing flexibility for guests to eat at the stops or bring their own food.

How long is the tour?
The tour lasts approximately 5 hours, starting at 9:00am and ending back at the meeting point in Lisbon.

Are the wine tastings included in the price?
Yes, admissions and tastings at all three wineries are included, along with the tile workshop.

What stops are part of the itinerary?
Guests visit José Maria de Fonseca, Cristo Rei, Leiveira Azulejos, and Bacalhôa Vinhos de Portugal.

Is transportation provided?
Yes, an air-conditioned vehicle with WiFi is included for the entire day.

Can groups get discounts?
Yes, the tour offers group discounts, making it an economical choice for larger parties.

How far in advance should I book?
The tour is typically booked around 36 days in advance on average.

What is the cancellation policy?
Guests can cancel free of charge up to 24 hours before the tour for a full refund.

Who operates this tour?
It is operated by RecordTours, a trusted provider with excellent reviews.