Tour Diary: Portugal

January 11, 2023

Portugal

Golf Travel Expert, Tim Willerton recently returned from a spectacular 8 day tour of Portugal & Seville.

Encompassing some of the finest golf in southern Europe, the itinerary was also tailored to non-golfers, who enjoyed wine tasting, sightseeing, and luxurious hotels.

Day 1

The group arrived at Lisbon International Airport (LIS), met by our Premier Golf chauffeur. Followed by a scenic 2.5hr transfer to Vilamoura, in Portugal’s Algarve region.

Guests experienced a seamless check-in to Domes Lake Resort, a beautiful and tranquil 5* hotel on the edge of the glamorous marina. The resort provided access to the living room to relax, including complimentary drinks and snacks throughout the day. This proved an ideal location to meet prior to dinner, or for a final round of cocktails later in the evening.

Dinner was hosted at the resort’s Topos Restaurant, serving exceptional freshly caught seafood with a Neo-Greek twist.

Day 2

Golf at Vale do Lobo, one of the finest courses in Portugal and a favorite of the group. A great layout is matched by stunning views of the Atlantic Ocean.

The course starts at an elevated position and meanders down to the shoreline. This culminates in the iconic par 3 16th, one of the most photographed holes in Europe. From the clifftop tee box, you can enjoy views of the beach and ocean, while considering how to play a long tee shot over the natural sea wall onto the green.

Non-golfers spent the day out on the water, touring the famous rugged red cliffs of the Algarve coastline.

Back in Vilamoura, guests enjoyed the short walk from the hotel to the Marina for dinner. Sampling local delicacies from a range of excellent waterfront restaurants, including Akvavit, Haven, and Il Lamparo

Day 3

Golf at Quinta do Lago, one of Portugal’s finest golf resorts. Our guests found this a much more playable course, in part due to the exceptional conditions.

Non-golfers experienced a wonderful Algarve coast wine-tasting tour.

Day 4

A day in Seville, the capital of Spain’s Andalucía region. This beautiful city, one of Europe’s hidden gems, includes Seville Cathedral, the largest gothic church in the world, and the burial place of Christopher Columbus.

The Giralda, the bell tower of Seville, provided stunning views over the city’s iconic Moorish architecture, a just reward for the hike to the top.

Day 5

Transfer back to Lisbon, on arrival the group was greeted by a guide and given a walking tour of Lisbon city and its long and illustrious history.

Day 6

Our first day of golf in the Lisbon region, at West Cliffs. A short drive north along the Atlantic coast, the setting wows with its dramatic views, proving the most scenic course of the tour. While the green complexes were divisive, the course condition couldn’t be questioned.

Non-golfers took a trip to one of Portugal’s must-see destinations, the hilltop town of Sintra. Sights include the colorful, picturesque Pena Palace and Quinta da Regaleira palace and gardens.

Day 7

Golf at Oitavos Dunes was the favorite of the trip for most guests. The hospitality was exceptional, only matched by the golf itself. While a very playable golf course for all, it is well maintained and provides great 360 views from the tip of the Lisbon peninsula.

Due to rain, non-golfers were unable to join their planned Segway tour, but enjoyed taking more time to explore Lisbon city.

“I wanted to thank you again for all the support you gave the group as a whole and to many individuals personally. I especially appreciated the thought put into activities for non-golfers. Thank you for a wonderful trip!”

Kay S

“Premier Golf and Tim Willerton provided a thoughtful and well planned experience for a group In Portugal and Spain. I will utilize Premier Golf for my golf trip and tour needs in the future.”

Jordan R

“Our Portugal trip was fantastic. Premier Golf provided a wonderful experience, and having Tim Willerton accompany us was an incredible bonus!”

Peter R

Day 8

The group started the day with a stroll around the ancient walled city of Óbidos. Best known for its famous Ginja cherry liqueur, served in small chocolate cups.

Moving on to Nazaré, the power of the ocean was a spectacle as the guests watched the waves roar into the beach from the Lighthouse. Lunch was spent overlooking the beach, providing an alternative perspective of the sea’s power, crashing into the rocks below the lighthouse.

The final dinner of the tour was enjoyed at Mar Do Inferno on the Cascais headland. This fantastic traditional seafood restaurant provided a final taste of quality, fresh Portuguese cuisine, a highlight of the week.