This visit includes palaces, pousadas,private estates and a once ever visit to the very private majestic Quinta Vesuvio.

The Inspired Traveller’s ‘Portugal Discovered’ tour introduces guests to the very best of Portuguese culture, food and wine, including VIP welcome at in Vila Nova de Gaia Savour the spectacular Douro Valley.

Accommodation here is at the acclaimed Vintage House with its stunning riverside setting.

The journey ends in the Serra de Sintra, (via the pretty national monument fortressed village of Óbidos) where you relax and absorb the fairy tale atmosphere of this regal hill-station town.

The last two nights are spent at a regal 16thC manor house overlooking the magic Sintra valley from its lofty perch. The Symington family of Graham’s Port fame, are welcoming  the special group to their exceptional Quinta Vesuvio.

The 2008 Tour will be 13 nights/14 days duration. The Tour will be fully escorted by Sarah Stegley, former co-owner of Victoria’s celebrated Howqua Dale Gourmet Retreat and Gourmet Tours of Australia, and now owner of her new tour company, The Inspired Traveller.

It draws on Ms Stegley’s vast knowledge of wine and food, and features the finest restaurants, pousadas, private family estates and regional food and wine she has discovered during 14 years of travel to Portugal.

The Tour has been designed to distil the essence of Portugal and allow you to experience the most fascinating aspects of its landscape, culture, history, food and wine.

The wine industry is currently being influenced by some exceptional Australian winemakers, the cuisine is not "haute", but depends largely on the simplicity of natural flavours and food produced in a traditional way.

Coffee, bread, sweets and cakes and seafood are exceptional. There will be no more than 3 hours coach travel in any one day, and the opportunity for lots of walking to enable everyone to get plenty of physical stimulation.

At least half the time we will take up a 2-night residency in one location. All properties have been vetted for their charm, comfort, character and authenticity and are mostly luxurious.

“Portugal has all the alluring charm of old Europe, with courtly people, a history dating back to the Celts in 700 BC, magnificent architecture and outstanding food and wine,” Ms Stegley said.

Tour highlights include a stay in the historic Pousada da Rainha Santa Isabel in Estremoz, degustation lunch at Herdade do Esporao, a privately owned vineyard overseen by Australian winemaker David Baverstock who has spent a decade in Portugal, a night in the glorious Bussaco Palace near the spa town of Luso, and two nights in a beautiful hotel overlooking the Douro River in Porto.

Land costs are AUS $10,850 per person twin share (single supplement AUS $2,800), including highly distinctive accommodation, ground transportation, guided walks, breakfasts and most lunches and dinners.

Airfares are additional. Bookings and enquiries to: Sarah Stegley, The Inspired Traveller, +61 (0) 3 5777 3503, 0409 950 480, This e-mail address is being protected from spam bots, you need JavaScript enabled to view it , www.theinspiredtraveler.com