A country of quiet wonders, Portugal doesn’t demand attention - but it certainly earns it.

From the golden, sunwashed cliffs of the Algarve to the soulful strains of fado that echo through Lisbon alleyways, this European gem is a place of deep history, rich flavours and spectacular landscapes that shift dramatically at every turn. But experiencing Portugal at its most real and authentic takes more than just visiting its landmarks - it calls for deep insight, peerless connections and an unparalleled understanding of its hidden rhythms, a DMC who knows the country’s soul as intimately as its streets.

For those in the know, that DMC is Portugal by TravelTailors. Founded by Paula Alves, the DMC has become synonymous with expertly curated, deeply immersive experiences - itineraries tinged with travel magic that go beyond the postcard and into the very fabric of Portuguese life.

We were delighted to catch up with Paula to uncover the essence of Portugal by TravelTailors - from the team’s ethos and contagious passion to her personal picks for the most special experiences in Portugal…

The inspiration behind the magic

For Paula, creating Portugal by TravelTailors was about more than just offering tours; it was about storytelling through travel.

“Portugal is one of the most extraordinary destinations in the world - a hidden gem filled with culture, history, natural beauty and warmth,” she says. “I wanted to give travel consultants the confidence to sell Portugal as a top-tier destination, knowing they had a partner on the ground who would deliver flawless, unforgettable experiences for even the most demanding of clients.”

But it wasn’t always easy.

“In the beginning, the biggest challenge was proving that Portugal wasn’t just a “secondary destination” - it deserved to be a top choice for luxury travellers.”

One pivotal moment for the DMC was when they secured direct contracts with Portugal’s top luxury hotels and unique experience providers, allowing them to offer the most exclusive, high-touch services and giving them an edge on the competition. Next? It was time to build that trust with travel advisors and demonstrate Portugal’s ability to offer high-end, seamless experiences - the key to changing some of those false perceptions.

A Team driven by passion

To achieve this, Paula knew it was all about collating the perfect team, believing that behind every exceptional travel experience are experts who believe in exceeding expectations.

“Passion was, and is, non-negotiable. I sought out people who loved Portugal as much as I did and had a genuine desire to create something extraordinary,” Paula explains. “Our team is a family. Everyone brings their own creativity and expertise to the table - that’s what makes us dynamic. We’re united by a dedication to crafting each itinerary with its own special touch, a commitment to excellence and an unwavering belief that nothing is impossible.”

And in our long experience of working with Portugal by TravelTailors, and the feedback we have received from buyers, we’ve certainly found this to be true! Their every itinerary is crafted with bespoke care and precision, blending iconic highlights with hidden treasures that only locals would know and ensuring no two journeys are ever the same. And the team itself? They’re defined by their creativity, empathy and resilience.

“Above all, we want people with impeccable professionalism who believe in going the extra mile - who see challenges as opportunities to create magic.”

The Art of Bespoke Travel

A Portugal by TravelTailors itinerary is no ordinary trip - these are carefully crafted experiences that reflect each guest’s dreams.

“For us, every trip starts with understanding the traveller - their passions, their story,” Paula explains.

From there, the team weaves together a WOW factor itinerary that seamlessly blends Portugal’s most breathtaking sights with unexpected and delightful discoveries. Attention to detail is at the core of everything they do.

“We stay close to our partner agents, listening to what they need before they even know they need it and making suggestions so they can validate with their guests. And we’re obsessed with details. Whether it’s a handwritten note waiting at the hotel or a personalised gift we’ve picked out especially for a client, it’s the little things that create lasting memories.”

And when things don’t go as planned?

“We aim to anticipate needs before they arise, but we always operate on a “never say no” mindset. If something goes wrong, we fix it - quickly, discreetly and seamlessly. The goal is for clients to barely notice disruptions, if they notice them at all.”

Sustainability and ethical travel

For Portugal by TravelTailors, luxury travel is about responsibility just as much as exclusivity.

“Sustainability and positive impact is at the top of our agenda. We work with service providers who respect and enhance their local communities through educational, environmental, social and cultural initiatives.”

From supporting small, family-run wineries to integrating off-the-beaten-path experiences that preserve local traditions, the company is completely committed to minimising its impact while maximising meaningful connections.

“Our itineraries are always designed with purpose - ensuring guests don’t just pass through a place but contribute to its sustainability, whether that’s by staying in locally owned properties, engaging with artisans who keep centuries-old crafts alive or dining at restaurants that champion regional produce and sustainable practices. It’s about creating journeys that leave a lasting impression on the traveller and a positive footprint on the places and communities they visit."

A legacy in the making

Looking ahead, Paula sees Portugal by TravelTailors consolidating their spot as one of the main go-to Destination Specialists for the country, recognised globally for the team’s extraordinary creativity and exceptional service.

“When a client tells me their trip was the best they’ve ever had, it just fuels me to keep pushing the boundaries. I’ve a few new surprises in the pipeline, focusing on private experiences that incorporate our unique culture and heritage - we’re shaping lifelong memories and creating a brand that will keep Portugal on the map for many years. I grew up in the US and, 40 years ago, no one knew where Portugal was! I couldn’t be happier that everyone wants to come here now.”

Two of Paula’s stories stand out as perfect illustrations of everything this outstanding DMC stands for.

The first tells of a multi-generational family trip where a mother was studying for her Portuguese citizenship exam while travelling through the places her ancestors lived.

“They had a month where they went off-the-beaten-track in the Minho region, visited the Alentejo, Porto, Lisbon, Coimbra and the Islands of São Miguel, Pico, Faial and Terceira… it was an amazing adventure and she took her exam at the end of the trip - and passed! We were so thrilled when she told us; it was a moment that changed not just her life, but her entire family’s future.”

The second was a moment that made everything worthwhile for Paula.

“If I had to highlight one pivotal moment, it was when a travel consultant told me “You’ve made me look like a hero to my clients. That’s exactly what we set out to achieve - making travel advisors shine by delivering exceptional experiences that go far beyond even the most discerning of expectations.”

The Magic of Portugal: Paula’s Personal Picks

Beyond the expertly curated itineraries and seamless travel experiences, Portugal by TravelTailors is fueled by something more - a deep and authentic love for Portugal itself from a team that lives and breathes the country’s landscapes, flavours, traditions and stories.

To give you a taste, we asked Paula to share a few of her most cherished Portuguese experiences - the places, dishes, and traditions that she feels capture the soul of Portugal in its purest form.

Favourite Accommodation? The Peerless Portuguese Stay - São Lourenço do Barrocal

“Pure magic.”

That’s how Paula describes São Lourenço do Barrocal, a simply stunning estate in the heart of Alentejo, where luxury intertwines seamlessly with nature, heritage and the slow rhythms of the land. Set in the rolling plains near Monsaraz, this meticulously restored 19th-century farming estate is more than just a hotel; it’s a sanctuary.

“There’s a freedom and serenity here that you don’t find anywhere else. The vastness of the estate, the quiet hum of the countryside, the way the light changes as the day unfolds… it’s breathtaking.”

Here, guests can explore the estate on horseback, sip the finest wines from its very own vineyard and enjoy a mouthwatering farm-to-table dining experience that honours the simplicity and richness of Alentejo’s culinary traditions.

But for Paula, the most special moments here are the quiet ones - long, unhurried breakfasts (“fresh, local and beautifully presented”), intimate afternoon teas in the sun-dappled courtyard and sunsets that bathe the landscape around in the golden hues of a living artwork.

“It’s a place that reminds you how beautiful slow living can be. Every little detail is so thoughtfully curated - it’s understated, yet deeply luxurious and full of warmth in a way that feels effortless.”

And when the day draws to a close? There’s no better way to end it than sitting sipping a glass of local wine in the fragrant gardens, gazing out to the distance as the last light of day fades over the ancient mediaeval walls of Monsaraz.

Favourite Dish? The Dish steeped in History: Bacalhau à Narcisa

Portugal’s relationship with bacalhau (salted cod) runs deep - so deep that there are said to be over a thousand ways to prepare it.

But for Paula, one version stands above the rest: Bacalhau à Narcisa. Originating from Braga, this dish is both rustic and refined, packed with nostalgia and history. Traditionally, the cod was fried in olive oil, but Paula prefers a more modern take: confit bacalhau, slow-cooked in olive oil until the fish turns silky and tender.

“The secret,” she says, “is in the fries.”

Unlike most bacalhau dishes that use chunky potatoes, this version features thinly sliced, round-cut fries - deliciously crisp on the outside, soft in the centre and just perfect for soaking up the rich flavours. But for Paula, the magic of Bacalhau à Narcisa goes beyond its taste.

“What makes it special to me is where it comes from,”

Found in a notebook from the cafeteria of the monastery in Timães in Braga dating back to 1893, the dish was then popularised by a now-legendary restaurant that Paula’s own parents frequented as students.

“I love that food can be a bridge between generations. When I eat Bacalhau à Narcisa, it’s not just about the flavours - it’s about the stories, the heritage and the memories tied to it.”

Favourite Dessert? The Sweet Taste of Alentejo: Sericaia

Calling those with a sweet tooth - sericaia is more than just a delicious dessert, though that it most definitely is. It’s a slice of Portuguese history, a soft, pillowy custard-like cake from the Alentejo region that’s beautifully spiced with cinnamon and often served with Elvas plums in syrup. But what sets it apart from other tasty sweets is its deep-rooted connection to Portugal’s colonial past.

“The story behind sericaia fascinates me,” Paula explains. “It’s believed to have been brought to Portugal in the 16th century by D. Constantino de Bragança, the 20th governor of Portuguese India.Some say it shares origins with a Malaysian coconut custard known as srikaya, mentioned in 17th century Malay manuscripts - and some historians suggest the influence might have gone both ways, with each dessert inspiring the other through different iterations.”

What’s certain is that sericaia, refined in the convent kitchens of Nossa Senhora da Conceição and Santa Clara, became an Alentejo staple, traditionally baked in the intense heat of wood-fired ovens to create its signature cracked surface.

“The contrast is what I love most,” Paula says. “Between a soft pudding and a fluffy cake, it’s light, airy and delicately sweet but with just the right touch of spice from the cinnamon. And it’s perfection when you pair it with the syrupy tartness of Elvas plums - every spoonful like a warm embrace rich with the history and soulful flavours of Alentejo.”

Favourite Festival? Nossa Senhora da Agonia

Every August, the beautiful coastal city of Viana do Castelo erupts into one of Portugal’s most vibrant and heartfelt celebrations - the Nossa Senhora da Agonia festival. For Paula, it’s more than just a spectacle - it holds a special place in her heart. Having been married here, at the breathtaking Santa Luzia temple whose mountain-top vantagepoint crowns this city of small-town charms and seafront panoramas, the festival is all about family, heritage and home. The festival itself dates back to 1744, and honours the fishermen of the region, who prayed to Nossa Senhora da Agonia (Our Lady of Agony) for protection from the sea’s unpredictable wrath.

One of its most iconic moments is the Desfile da Mordomia, a dazzling parade of over 500 women dressed in traditional Minho attire, each adorned with heirloom gold jewellery (some with several kilos of gold passed down through generations around their necks).

“It’s said to be the largest outdoor showcase of gold in the world,” Paula explains. “But it’s not about prosperity - it’s about heritage, family and pride.”

Another unforgettable highlight is the deeply symbolic Procissão ao Mar, for which the streets are transformed by salt carpets into works of art, with intricate, kaleidoscopic patterns created overnight from coloured salt. During the procession, a statue of Nossa Senhora da Agonia, draped in robes or purple and blue, is carried through the city’s streets, placed on a beautifully decorated fishing boat (traneira) and taken out to sea to bless the waters - with hundreds of flower-filled boats following in a breathtaking tribute to the city's faith and unwavering connection to the ocean.

And of course, traditional folk attire is a huge part of the festivities too, with each parish having its own variations and every one rich in embroidery and intricate detail, from the brightly coloured skirts and aprons of the lavradeiras (farm girls) to the elegant formal lace and brocade of the mordomas (cultural stewards of the Minho women).For Paula, the festival is a fascinating living expression of Portuguese identity, resilience and devotion.

“Viana isn’t just a city,” she says. “It’s a feeling. And during the Nossa Senhora da Agonia festival, that feeling is unforgettable.”

To learn more, get an introduction to the Portugal by TravelTailors and set up a meeting with Paula, get in touch today.

Meet Paula Alves, Founder of Portugal by TravelTailors DMC: The Art of Crafting Journeys with Soul