The Little Orange (2025)

31/10/2024

Treat yourself this holiday season with an exclusive shopping tour in Portugal’s capital city. Dive into the typical neighborhoods and discover the most emblematic stores, learn about brands with centuries-old history and understand the power of shopping locally and responsibly. 🎁

28/10/2024

This holiday season, escape to Portugal’s most luxurious spas and wellness retreats for some well-deserved relaxation. 🧘‍♀️✨

Whether it’s the calming landscapes of the Douro, the tranquil plains of Alentejo or the sunny Algarve, we’ll take you on a journey of rejuvenation.

Indulge in spa treatments, yoga retreats, and serene moments in some of Portugal’s top wellness destinations!

23/10/2024

Step into the holiday spirit with a visit to Portugal's charming Christmas markets and festive towns, and end with a bang on New Year’s Eve! 🎄

From the fairy-tale Christmas Village of Óbidos to Lisbon’s vibrant Praça do Comércio, enjoy local crafts, traditional foods, and holiday cheer at every corner. From the breathtaking fireworks over the sea in Madeira to the celebrations along the river in Porto, Portugal offers some unforgettable Christmas and New Year’s Eve experiences.

Book your trip to Portugal’s and start planning your celebration!

20/10/2024

This winter, step inside and experience the best of Portugal! From private winery tours to hands-on cooking classes, from ceramics and tile painting workshops to curated indoor experiences that bring the essence of Portugal to life. 🍷🥘

Whether you’re interested in wine, culture, art or food, let us create a bespoke itinerary that will keep you warm this holiday season.

Ready to experience the magic? Contact us for more info!

16/10/2024

Dreaming of curling up by the fire this holiday season? Explore our handpicked selection of Portugal’s coziest boutique hotels, perfect for a winter escape.

Picture charming libraries, crackling fireplaces, great Spas, and gourmet dining in the most serene settings.

Whether you’re staying in the city, in the countryside or by the sea, these hotels offer the warmth and comfort you’re looking for this season. 🔥🍷

Discover your winter sanctuary. Contact us today to book!

10/10/2024

This holiday season, make yourself at home - away from home!

Whether it’s a luxurious villa in the Douro Valley or a secluded retreat in the Algarve, our private villas are the perfect place to gather with loved ones.

Enjoy spacious, beautifully decorated interiors, private pools, and even personal chefs to make your festive celebrations unforgettable. 🌲🎁✨

Looking for a holiday retreat? Discover our exclusive private villas perfect for your family’s festive getaway.

04/10/2024

LISBON IS THE BEST CULINARY DESTINATION IN EUROPE 🥘🧀🦐

For the first time, the city of won the award for in Europe at the .

is one of the key points when choosing as a destination and Lisbon has long been recognized for its diverse and quality offer. From typical and local restaurants with traditional food, to signature restaurants and Michelin-starred chefs who reinterpret classic flavors, there is a wide offer that attracts visitors from all over the world!

As per the other awards, a big round of applause to by Chef ⭐⭐, considered , and also to by Chef ⭐⭐ which was elected .

Congratulations to all the other nominees as well and thank you for putting Portugal on the Culinary World Map! ✨

30/09/2024

The Team's Personal Choices

Wine is a personal deal and a very serious matter to us, Portuguese. For this reason, we all have our favorites:

🍇 Gaetan: “A red wine made of Castelão in the region of Setúbal, Quinta do Piloto, Reserva. The first time I tasted a Castelão, I could not say if I liked it or not, I could only say it was totally different to any other wine I knew. Over time I've come to appreciate it, and we're now good friends. Portugal is a great land not only for wine lovers but also for curious wine enthusiasts!”

🍇 Leonor: “I am biased, but I highlight an old single harvest Port. For me there’s hardly anything better than a fire crackling, a good conversation and Port wine - except for a dip in the ocean on a hot summer day and in this case, I’ll go for a Port & tonic with a squeeze of lemon!”

🍇 Catarina: “I have two favorites: the wine my father produces at his estate and that we share on family meals and the magnum my parents got me when I was born, in 1993, and that I had the privilege to open on my wedding day.”

🍇 Inês: “Easy! Moscatel from Setúbal or Palmela. Or maybe a Viosinho from the Douro region… I take both, one after the other.”

🍇 Madalena: “I am sorry to say that I am not a wine enthusiast, so I am going for an orange juice overlooking the vineyards to stay within the theme/team!”

🍇 Patrícia “I choose to share an Arinto from Bucelas, a winemaking area located close to where I am from. It was the very first wine I tasted with my parents and, still today, it remains a favorite.”

🍇 Iara: “Vidigueira Antão Vaz: this white wine takes me back home to Alentejo, where I was born and raised. It reminds me of sunny afternoons and warm nights spent with friends and family during summer, and many good stories to share.”

27/09/2024

The Co-Founder’s Link to Wine 🍷

🍇 António: "I have a deep connection to the Douro Valley, particularly to Quinta de Cima where, every year since I was a young boy, I spend my family holidays. No matter how many times I go there, the views over the vineyards and the river never seize to amaze me.
Until a few years ago I thought I was an above-average wine connoisseur, and the Douro wines were my favorites. In the meantime, I've realized that I don't know anything about the subject - just the other day I did a blind tasting and didn't get a single region right! But I'm enjoying drinking wine more and more - cheap wines, expensive wines, from the Douro and beyond. God give me a liver."

🍇 João: "Portugal is a very old country with a very special charm, welcoming and with a marked wine culture tradition. I too was attracted to this and I am now planting a vineyard in Serpa (southern Portugal), especially a white grape variety, which is a tribute to my great-grandmother - a mother of 9 children, who never lost her connection for the land and who saw herself in it. And that's where the vineyard is growing, already with a label prepared and soon to be available to TLO customers. Cheers!"

Very much like wine, António and João’s friendship has developed throughout the years. Let’s raise a glass to long lasting memories and fruitful projects such as !

22/09/2024

At we like to think outside the box, so we leave below some interesting wine-related experiences aimed at discerning travelers that wish to dive deep into the Portuguese wine scene:

• Natural Wine Tour with a Local Expert: Learn about the organic, natural and biodynamic wine scene in Portugal led by a local expert. Venture to small wine stores, meet bold wine producers and taste some naturally good wines!
• Lunch with the Owners at a Winemaking Estate: Shake some hands and sit at the table with a member of an esteemed Portuguese family who has been linked to the wine production for many generations. Share stories and a delicious home cooked meal paired with wines produced in the estate.
• Wine Blending Workshop: Learn about indigenous grape varieties, try different blending techniques and find the perfect balance to create your own wine. At the end, design the label and take your Portuguese blend with you back home.
• Wine Tasting from the Barrel: Wake up your senses and test your palate on a tasting straight from the barrel. Learn about the aging process, the impact of the oak casks on the wine profile, the aromas and flavors that develop with time, and gain in-depth knowledge.
• Atlantic Wine Adventure: Venture to the coast of Alentejo and retrieve a bottle of wine that has been aging underwater. Then head to a local winemaking estate to enjoy a nice lunch paired with wine and keep the catch of the day!
• Bird’s Eye View over the Douro Valley: Venture to the Douro Valley on an helicopter and gain the best perspective over the oldest winemaking region in the world. Then stop at a local estate and enjoy lunch by the vineyards.

Dive into Portugal's wine scene with The Little Orange! 🍇

18/09/2024

Villas in the Vineyards 🍇

For a larger group or a big family, we recommend staying at a private . Having a property in exclusivity ensures , seclusion and the opportunity to spend some days at a “home away from home”, having a good time and creating unforgettable memories.

For those wishing to blend holidays and wine in , we have the perfect answer: a private villa within a winemaking property!

From the terraced vineyards of the Valley, onto those surrounded by mountains in the , without forgetting the vast fields of and the volcanic walls that shelter the vineyards in island, there are options all across the country.

Which one is your favorite?

14/09/2024

Keeping up with new trends and gaining Insider Access are two of the perks of relying on a local DMC… When it comes to wine hotels, there are two new projects worth keeping an eye on:

TOREL QUINTA DA VACARIA
Located in the oldest vineyards in the Douro Region, dating back to 1616, this 5-star boutique hotel welcomes guests to an unparalleled blend of luxury and natural beauty with direct views of the Douro River.
With 33 rooms and suites, along with the fine-dining restaurant, gastrobar, and one of the region’s largest spas, it’s a perfect blend of history and luxury with panoramic views of the majestic Douro River.

QUINTA DO PARAL
An estate that combines the serenity of the Alentejo with the refinement of the wines produced at Quinta do Paral. This ethereal project was designed to promote the Alentejo lifestyle of peace, tranquility and invaluable quality time.
With 22 accommodation units featuring contemporary rooms, a charming apartment, majestic suites and the timeless beauty of a manor house, it is a great answer for discerning travelers seeking seclusion and great wines.

In Luxury Travel, knowledge and local expertise are key. That’s why we strive to stay fresh and updated, highlighting the best about our country: unique locations, great quality service and unparalleled experiences.

10/09/2024

Portugal is a small country with a great wine-growing tradition, with a total of 14 Wine Regions, 31 Denominations of Origin and over 250 indigenous grape varieties.
Each region has its own climate, soil, grape varieties and traditions, and these aspects are proudly kept and passed along generations turning into a family affair. 🍾🍷

The wine-making estates are known as in the north, in and in , but no matter where, the landscape is punctuated by vineyards. 🍇 From the north to the south of the country, and onto the archipelagos of and , there are wine-related projects bringing the past to the present with grace and welcoming those who visit with open arms (and open casks).

Staying at a is somehow a way to travel back in time: to learn about the history of winemaking in Portugal, to pay tribute to the local traditions and to witness the power of long-lasting memories. However, it is also a way to travel to the future: to protect the valuable natural scenery for future generations, to ensure the growth and longevity of new winemakers, to propel impactful projects and initiatives.

Get in touch and plan your wine trip in Portugal 🇵🇹

05/09/2024

It's a grape season! 🍇

The grape season, which takes place late summer, is a time of celebration and communal activity. Locals come together and head to the vineyards to handpick grapes, singing along under the sun or the moonlight. Inside the wineries everyone is working at full speed, carrying baskets, separating grapes and stems, threading to obtain the juices, measuring alcohol levels and, of course, tasting the result!

This time of the year is always the most special season to experience a , particularly a Harvest & Foot Treading Experience. This traditional method is still used today, especially in the , to produce high-quality wines. Grapes are crushed by foot in large stone tanks called lagares, ensuring gentle extraction of juice and tannins.

There’s an overall cheerful and lively atmosphere and many winemaking estates host events and festivals where visitors can participate in the harvest and enjoy traditional music, food, and dance.

Who’s ready to step in? 😊

02/09/2024

Portugal has a rich and ancient winemaking history, deeply intertwined with its cultural and economic development. The country's diverse climate and geography have enabled the cultivation of a wide range of grape varieties, contributing to its unique wine culture.

Here are some key historical and traditional aspects of in :
• Phoenician and Greek Influence: The introduction of winemaking in Portugal dates back to at least 2000 BC, with the Phoenicians and Greeks likely playing a role in spreading viticulture along the Iberian Peninsula's coastline.
• Roman Era: The Roman conquest further established viticulture, with the Romans bringing advanced winemaking techniques and expanding vineyard cultivation.
• Middle Ages and Monastic Influence: During the Middle Ages, monasteries became key centers for winemaking. Monks preserved viticultural knowledge and contributed to the development of wine production, focusing on both quality and quantity.
• The Birth of Port Wine: The 17th century saw the beginning of the English influence on Portuguese wine, particularly with the creation of . The Methuen Treaty of 1703 facilitated trade between Portugal and England, leading to the rise of fortified wines like Port.
• Demarcation of Wine Regions: In 1756, the became the world's first officially demarcated and regulated wine region.
• Grape Varieties: Portugal boasts over 250 indigenous grape varieties, many of which are not found elsewhere. This diversity contributes to the unique character of Portuguese wines. Notable varieties include Touriga Nacional, which is often called the "queen" of Portuguese grapes.

Portugal's winemaking traditions are a testament to the country's deep-rooted cultural heritage and commitment to quality. This of ancient practices and modern techniques continues to produce some of the world's most unique and celebrated wines and inspires spectacular wine-related projects across the country.

28/08/2024

2024 Wine Tourism National Awards

Every year the best Portuguese wine-related projects and people are elected by a panel of about 250 people, including wine and tourism professionals, wine-related official entities, journalists, Chefs and wine experts.

In 2024, we raise a glass to the following ones:
• Best Wine Tourism in Portugal: Quinta Nova - Douro Wines and Tourism (Douro)
• Best Stay: Quinta de Ventozelo (Douro)
• Best Urban Wine Tourism: World of Wines (VNGaia)
• Best Chef: Rocha at de Lemos (Dão)
• Best Restaurant: Sal na Adega at AdegaMãe (Lisbon & Tejo Valley)
• Best Sommelier: Ivo Peralta (Wine Director of JNCQuoi Group)
• Best Wine Store: Garrafeira Nacional (Lisbon)
• Best Tasting Room: Torre de Palma (Alentejo)
• Best in Innovation & Technology: Casa Museu Interativa de Borba (Alentejo)
• Best in Hospitality: Herdade do Sobroso (Alentejo)
• Best Inclusive Project: Herdade do Rocim (Alentejo)
• Best in Sustainability: Herdade da Malhadinha Nova (Alentejo)
• Best Professional: Ana Vieira Soares at Blandy’s Wine Lodge (Madeira)
• Best Art & Culture: Bacalhôa (Setúbal Península)

Congratulations to each and everyone involved, not only for the exceptional work nationwide, but also for putting Portugal wine-related projects and experiences on the World map! Cheers to all!

21/08/2024

Located in the heart of Porto, Saboaria offers a unique experience to travelers looking for a comfortable stay with a touch of history.

Several noble families have passed through this building in the last two centuries, in a history almost always linked to soap manufacture. 🧼🌸
The original building was subject to a careful restoration, maintaining the baroque façade and respecting the identifying details of Porto architecture, while adding all the amenities for a pleasant stay and a unique experience.

The outside garden is hidden from plain sight and works as a tranquil oasis to rest after a day of exploration. It counts with a heated swimming pool, a whirlpool bath, a Spa building with Turkish bath and treatment rooms. When it comes to entertainment, there are some experiences available on site, such as a weekly soap-making workshop, yoga classes, and live music concerts.

This Boutique Hotel is a great bet for travelers looking for an unpretentious and stylish retreat to explore the highlights of Porto! ✨

14/08/2024

Welcome to a place where and make absolute sense. ✨

Casa Fortunato was born from the desire to share an authentic with travelers seeking a tranquil and comfortable stay, away from the crowds and in close contact with the local community. The owners, Filipa and António, replicated the previous project they had in the center of Lisbon, and this time they elected the picturesque Alentejo town of . 🏠

The owners' professional background and personal taste are part of the project's DNA, which exudes style, authenticity and elegance in an unpretentious and simple way, just like the region itself. The lines and typical doorway give access to an oasis filled with valuable artworks, furniture, heirloom antiques and retro pieces, which will delight travelers who value the attention to detail.

This small comprises six uniquely styled bedrooms and suites, a living area, a snug dining room and a courtyard garden with a zinc plunge pool to chill down the warm summery days. ☀️

🍊 Get in touch to book your stay and truly get immersed in the essence of Alentejo!

The Little Orange