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At our table

A 7-day culinary retreat in Portugal's Alentejo with Chef Leandro Carreira.

September 30 - October 6, 2026 Only 12 guests
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At our table

More than a trip. An invitation.

We've spent years hosting guests around the place we love most: Portugal. This is the most personal invitation we have ever made: to sit at our table.

Seven unhurried days in the Alentejo countryside, on a family-run 5 star estate and cooking with one of Portugal's most acclaimed chefs - Leandro Carreira. Tasting ingredients pulled from the earth that morning and learning how to cook them. Sitting together as the Portuguese light fades over the hills.

September 30 - October 6, 2026

The house

A home, not a hotel: Castelo Ventoso

Castelo Ventoso

A family-run country estate in the heart of the Alentejo.

Centuries of Jesuit heritage meet modern comfort - sun-drenched gardens, an infinity pool, sauna, and the kind of stillness only the Portuguese countryside can offer.

Castelo Ventoso estate

Reserved exclusively for our group for the entire week.

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Castelo Ventoso
Castelo Ventoso
Castelo Ventoso
Castelo Ventoso
Castelo Ventoso
Castelo Ventoso
Chef Leandro Carreira

The chef

Born in Portugal, Leandro Carreira trained in the Basque Country & London. Returned to his roots — cooking with the land, the seasons, and the ingredients he grew up with.

Experienced Chef

Trained at Mugaritz (Basque Country) and Celler de Can Roca (Spain). Led kitchens at Viajante, Lyles, Londrino in London and The Sea The Sea in Chelsea. Now heading Barbela in Lisbon.

Portuguese Roots, Global Vision

Known for bridging Portuguese and Japanese culinary traditions, and for pioneering aged fish in the UK. His cooking blends classical technique with a contemporary, ingredient-first perspective.

Author of "Portugal: The Cookbook"

An acclaimed book that brings together over 550 traditional recipes from every region of Portugal, and one of the most comprehensive collections of Portuguese cuisine in English.

Our Curated Experiences

Seven days. No rush. Each day finds its own rhythm.

Cooking Masterclasses

Cooking Masterclasses

Work alongside Chef Leandro with seasonal, locally sourced ingredients and the chef's tailored recipes for the week.

Wine & Olive Oil Tastings

Wine & Olive Oil Tastings

Discover Alentejo wines and olive oils with the producers who craft them locally.

Private Animal Reserve

Private Animal Reserve

A day at a private countryside estate: free-roaming horses, fire-cooked lunch from the land, and a walk to a private lake at golden hour.

Hot Air Balloon

Hot Air Balloon

See the Alentejo plains from above, a perspective that will stay with you forever.

Stargazing in the Alentejo

Stargazing in the Alentejo

In one of Europe's finest stargazing regions, an evening under the stars.

Ceramics Workshop

Ceramics Workshop

Hands-on with a traditional craft deeply rooted in the region.

Yoga

Yoga

Gentle morning sessions to ground the day ahead.

Ready to join us?

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Portugal's favorite host

Creating memories for guests like you

Rated 5.0 from over 600+ reviews
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We had fantastic days in Portugal with this team. They really knew their cities and made our experience great with their personal touch, knowledgeable guidance, and spot-on recommendations. Their attention to restaurants, wines, and details is like no other company; Danilo and his team are really the best!

Maria Stridh
VD at Stadshusrestauranger (Owner and organizer of the Nobel dinner in Sweden)
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During this trip, the only two things I had to worry about were having my phone charged for pictures and being hungry enough to enjoy every meal. Picta Travel ensured we were well-fed, comfortable, and having fun at all times. Being toured by locals gives you a unique advantage, introducing me to incredible places I had never even heard of before.

Juan Xavier Muñoz
President Intervalores Casa Valores
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I had a memorable experience with Picta Travel, from their warm welcome to their rare attention to detail. As someone with high culinary standards, the curated selection of Portuguese gastronomy was outstanding and truly authentic. They handled everything with impeccable organization, allowing us to experience the culture just like locals.

Pippa Ozard
Head Chefs Guernsey's
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Picta Travel ensured we were always well-fed, comfortable, and having fun, so I only had to worry about capturing photos of the incredible places we visited. Having locals manage our bookings meant any last-minute inconveniences were quickly handled. I saw parts of Portugal I never knew existed, proving that their local guidance is a unique advantage.

Brian Drolet
Federal Reserve Board Manager
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The Picta Travel team truly knows how to plan for large groups, providing exceptional activities and one of the best food tours we've ever had. The itinerary was thoughtfully designed to showcase the very best of every region with knowledgeable guides and outstanding meals. They are highly professional and offer truly unique experiences that I definitely recommend.

Jonas Kihlman
Carlsberg
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Our company trip was amazing because every detail was carefully curated and selected. Picta Travel is reliable and efficient at solving any last-minute issues, which our directors truly appreciated. This has probably been the best company trip we can remember thanks to their exceptional planning.

Urzula Kostarska
Global HR Business Partner

Why choose Picta Travel?

We are top of market

We are top of market

We are ranked #1 for Private Experiences including highest ranked Private Food Tour in Lisbon.

We are top of market

Hosts, not tour guides

Hosts, not tour guides

That's why we invite you to our table while enjoying the best Portugal has to offer.

Hosts, not tour guides

We craft intimate experiences

We craft intimate experiences

We guarantee a high-level service by taking care of every detail, working with premium partners to ensure we provide the best experience to our clients.

We craft intimate experiences

Your Chef, Your Guide

Your Chef, Your Guide

Cook alongside a renowned Chef: not recipes to follow — techniques to feel and taste.

Your Chef, Your Guide

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