ALG Vacations provides travel advisors with all the tools to craft innovative European itineraries that perfectly blend island relaxation with urban exploration through its Cities & Seas European offerings.
My recent journey featured Mallorca and Portugal's premier cities, Porto and Lisbon. Thanks to United Airlines' direct flights to Mallorca and Lisbon, along with seamless connections through Star Alliance partner TAP Air Portugal, these destinations are remarkably accessible to U.S. travelers, even those departing from the West Coast.
Secrets Mallorca Villamil Resort & Spa (Photo Credit: Janeen Christoff)
Our itinerary began in Mallorca, an ideal destination for recovering from trans-Atlantic travel. The Secrets Mallorca Villamil Resort & Spa, situated on one of Mallorca's most picturesque beaches, serves as an excellent base for exploration. While the property offers an all-inclusive option, many guests opt for the European Plan and dine in any number of the authentic local restaurants within walking distance of the hotel. The resort features several dining venues, including a tapas restaurant, the outdoor Mediterranean-style Olio and an extensive buffet. During peak season, advance reservations are essential for à la carte restaurants, though guests on the European Plan will find numerous local eateries within walking distance. For luxury seekers, the Inclusive Collection operates two additional properties in Mallorca: an exquisite Zoetry resort, featuring a vineyard, Michelin-starred dining, and four pools, and the Dreams Calvia Mallorca.
Beyond the resort, Palma, Mallorca's capital, beckons with its magnificent Gothic cathedral—a 400-year architectural masterpiece that dominates the cityscape. The city offers sophisticated shopping comparable to major European capitals, along with exceptional dining and accommodation options.
A trip to Valldemossa, a charming hillside town just 30 minutes from Palma, added to the cultural experiences on the island. Surrounding the former monastery, now privately owned, are stunning cliffside vistas, local pastries, artisanal shops and historic cobblestone streets.
Douro River, Porto, Portugal (Photo Credit: Janeen Christoff)
After living the island life, the journey continued in Porto, Portugal's second-largest city, where the Douro River separates Porto from Gaia, connected by architectural bridges. While accommodations at the Curio Collection by Hilton provide modern comfort, Porto's attractions capture visitors' attention. Highlights included Port wine tastings along the riverbank, exploring the central market and venturing into the Douro wine region with Living Tours.
The Douro Valley's unique terraced vineyards, carved into steep riverside cliffs, create an ideal microclimate for viticulture. Though summer temperatures can be challenging for visitors, cool taverns offer welcome respite and perfect wine-tasting venues. After immersing ourselves in the valley's wine heritage, we ventured on to Lisbon via high-speed rail.
Jeronimos Monastery, Lisbon (Photo Credit: Janeen Christoff)
Portugal's vibrant capital delivers an authentic urban experience with its historic streets, modern shopping districts, and the acclaimed Time Out Market. The city's rooftop bars, particularly at the Altis Hotel and the Tivoli, provide spectacular urban panoramas. A memorable dinner at One Palacio, housed in a restored palace, caps the Portuguese experience. Any of these hotels would be ideal for travelers looking to explore all that Lisbon has to offer.
The itinerary concluded with convenient return options through United's Newark hub, while connections through TAP Air Portugal offer flexibility for extended European travel.
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