Meet the most underrated city in Europe.
“Why isn’t Portuguese food more internationally known? It’s the Americans’ fault. You love Italy, Spain and France- but we’re just as good. If Hemingway had come to Portugal instead, it would be a different story.’
-André Apolinário
SAY NO MORE - SIGN ME UP
Portugal is not on the “normal” European tourist track so maybe you've yet to walk its cobblestone streets or tasted the delicate, subtly sweet saltiness of bacalao. It seems odd to call a city that's older than Paris and Rome "undiscovered," but Lisbon's underrated delights deserve your attention. We've fallen in love with this unmarketed coastal gem, traveled through Portugal both broke and flush, and are pulling the curtain aside for the high/low experience of your intrepid explorer dreams. Stay in the best 5 star hotel in Lisbon without missing the best street food and gritty fado after dark. Wake up to fresh breakfast in a converted palace, swim under the late summer sun, eat and drink the local delights with simplicity and gusto (like the Portuguese), and let us show you the art, design, music and joy of this underrated European treasure. We keep coming back to Lisbon, we can’t help it– you’ll be just as addicted.
As we head into our junior year of the pandemic, we’re lusting after travel more every day. Portugal is the best of all worlds: an old European vibe, with all the architecture, history, and well-worn streets we love. But it’s not overrun with tourists or chain stores like many of the destinations on the well-trodden tourist trail. Lisbon stands apart, eyes to the sea. Firm in its old world design sensibilities, with a tongue in cheek humor that comes from knowing that life keeps unfolding in ways we can’t predict. The Portuguese idea of saudade- the wistful longing for bygone eras of our youth– feels particularly valuable as we re-enter the world after a long hiatus.
Let’s get you straight to the good stuff. Lisbon: not touristy main street Europe, but the underrated Europe, where the best wine you’ve never heard of gets topped off a little too freely and time moves slowly and you become the highest and coolest version of yourself. The version you imagined as a kid you'd become some day. The only thing left to do is buy the tickets.
Here’s what you’ll be up to:
When we scout MFR locations, our standards are strict: it has to contain both the iconic, character-filled elements of the country while still offering modern comforts. We scour dozens of locations in each country before picking our spot. While it took us over a month to find the Palacio, much like true love, when you know you know. The Palacio is our dream venue, filled with both antique furniture and modern amenities, and is Conde Nast Traveler’s favorite hotel in Portugal.
An original 18th century Lisbon palace converted into one of the best 5 star hotels in the country, Palacio Ramalhete is an elegant historic palace right in the middle of Lisbon. Light-drenched rooms overflowing with Portuguese personality, with an entire city right outside the front door.
You’ll stay in Lapa, a peaceful bohemian neighborhood home to Lisboan artists and writers. Lined throughout with handpainted azulejos, the iconic Portuguese tilework, the palace also holds treasures like a massive stone hearth, carefully restored oak panelling, and a tiered courtyard where daybeds and glowing lanterns are surrounded by lush roses and jacarandas.
And did we mention the palm-lined pool? A private (to us, anyway) sanctuary where we can gaze at the River Tagus and the bustle of Lisbon while peacefully soaking up the summer sun and refill our wine glass with peace. A royal top pick, the Palacio has hosted everyone from the Duke of Windsor, the Portuguese king, and the queen of pop Madonna herself.
The spirit of the Old World meets modern standards. We have the whole place to ourselves, and can’t wait to fling the doors open for you.
The Palacio
“Portugal was the beginning, where I began to notice the things that were missing from the average American dining experience. The large groups of people who ate together. The family element… The fierce resistance to change, if change comes at the expense of traditionally valued dishes.” -Anthony Bourdain
The Portuguese commitment to the Julia Child maxim of “good food from fresh ingredients” is the basis for every Moveable Feast meal, snack, and sip of wine. Enjoy a mix of handcrafted meals from one of Lisbon's top local chefs, and let us show you the relaxed, deeply thoughtful approach to food in restaurants and side bars. Do it right, do it well, and enjoy every single bite.
If you have allergies or food restrictions, please send us a note, because we can usually accommodate specific diets. If you are a strict vegan, this is not the trip for you.
The Food
“My only regret in life is that I did not drink more wine.” -Ernest Hemingway
If all you know of European wines are French Bordeaux and Italian Barolos, and maybe the occasional port, it’s not your fault! The best Portuguese wines never leave the country, so we can all be forgiven for our general lack of familiarity. This country is bursting with treasures: with 14 wine regions in this tiny country, the quality and variety run deep.
While we’ve had our share of very tipsy nights sampling the local wares, a country with this much complexity demands an expert to unravel it all for you. We are so happy to welcome back our favorite sommelier, Chris Horn, head of wine at Seattle’s beloved Purple Wine Bar. A fan favorite at our Provence 2021 trip (and compulsive glass refiller), Chris is a one man circus. He’ll help you sort your Douros from your Alentejos and give you something to talk about the next time you want to impress someone with your wine knowledge. Most importantly, he’ll remind you how to drink the Portuguese way: enjoying your wine without snobbery or pretense. If you’ve ever sat at a table where Chris is holding court, you know what a next-level experience it is and we are so excited to share it with you again this year.
We also deeply celebrate the art of the happy hour, and have a whole collection of spirits we can’t wait to share with you. If you’re looking for a thoughtlessly booze-soaked holiday, MFR is not for you. But if you’re dreaming of long, slow dinners (and the glasses of wine that always accompany them), a celebration of mixology using herbs outside your back door, and thoughtful consumption of liquor and life with equal joy, then we think we’re going to get along famously.
PS. Don’t drink? No problem! The important thing is the celebration of and curiosity about life-- the rest is just fermentation.
The Wine
But what will we do all day?
A good day of travel, for us, is when we discover new foods, meet interesting people, and take a moment to be extremely present in an unfamiliar place. We want you to come home from your travels with a deeper sense of a place, an appreciation for the small details that can go unseen when you travel at a breakneck pace. We’ve also been listening carefully to what you want more of from MFR, so you can expect:
RESERVE YOUR SPOT NOW
Waking up in luxury accommodation with breakfast waiting
Pool lounge time under the late summer sun
A mix of private chef nights and city restaurant dinners out
Our custom guidebook with hand-picked must-sees in Lisbon
Morning yoga classes
Photo lessons so you can go home with travel photos that will actually impress your friends
The wine to flow like the salmon of Capistrano
Intros to the Portuguese concepts that have changed how we think about the world
Adventures in both modern Portuguese design and architecture (LX Factory) and historic icons (Sintra)
New BFFs and shared memories baked in
Enough time to wander solo or stick with the group, depending on how you feel that day
A real good travel time in one of Europe’s most underestimated cities
Waking up in luxury accommodation with breakfast waiting
Pool lounge time under the late summer sun
A mix of private chef nights and city restaurant dinners out
Our custom guidebook with hand-picked must-sees in Lisbon
Morning yoga classes
Photo lessons so you can go home with travel photos that will actually impress your friends
The wine to flow like the salmon of Capistrano
Intros to the Portuguese concepts that have changed how we think about the world
Adventures in both modern Portuguese design and architecture (LX Factory) and historic icons (Sintra)
New BFFs and shared memories baked in
Enough time to wander solo or stick with the group, depending on how you feel that day
A real good travel time in one of Europe’s most underestimated cities
What’s Included:
• Luxury accommodations in a 5 star hotel
• Custom guide to Lisbon
• Daily breakfast service
• 2 onsite lunches
• 6 custom dinners: 4 multi-course meals with our private chef, 2 explorations of local restaurants and cafes
• Wine and daily happy hour drinks
• Day trips to the gems of Lisbon
• Photo workshops, yoga classes, and welcome gifts
• Enough inspiration to shake off the pandemic doldrums
As always, these trips are highly curated and location specific. We cringe at big-box generic tours, and spots are very limited! The hardest thing you’ll have to do is exit the airport: if you can read “saida,” you’ll be just fine.
Our Europe trips usually sell out within 48 hours, so nab your spot below!
Le Pricetag
• 300 square feet of pure Palacio
• Delightfully comfy queen bed
• Oh so charming details (rooftop views, anyone?!)
• These rooms all have one bed and are best for couples or besties
CLASSIC ROOM
PALACIO SUITES
• 400 to 500 square feet to greet the morning
• Delightfully comfy queen bed
• Possibility for two twins for solo travelers
$4,900
$5,400
Price is per person.
Just $1k non-refundable to reserve your spot.
Remainder is due July 1st
Price is per person.
Just $1k non-refundable deposit to reserve your spot.
Remainder is due July 1st
RESERVE MY SPOT!
RESERVE MY SPOT!
THE MADONNA SUITE
• 600 glorious square feet to stretch your legs
• View of the River Tagus
• Extra lounge for late night port drinking
• Big comfy king bed
• Yes, Madonna (that Madonna) literally slept here for an entire year
• Just like Madonna, there's only one of these
$6,400
Price is per person.
Just $1k non-refundable to reserve your spot.
Remainder due July 1st
RESERVE MY SPOT!
AUGUST 6th-12th, 2022
I'm traveling solo.
How does the room situation work?
We love solo travelers. On past trips, about 50% of Feasters are those traveling by themselves.
If you're joining us "sozhino," you've got two options:
1. Before the trip, we send out questionnaires to get to know our Feasters. Once we get an idea of personalities and sleep schedules, we'll match you with your new travel bestie. There are limited spots for room with two beds (all are Palacio Suites), so get on it quick!
2. Wanting more of a solo experience? Book an entire room to yourself for an additional cost of $2,000 (available at checkout) and you can starfish in your giant bed all week. (The Madonna Suite is reserved for double occupancy)
The three step "don't regret your life" Feast Plan
1. Reserve your spot with just $1k down.
2. We’ll send you everything you need to know– what to pack, what to expect, and a style guide– one month before departure. Final payment is due July 1.
3. You meet us at the Lisbon airport (or, if you’re already in town, at the Palacio itself) on August 6. Many more details to come, but for now, badda bing.
We love these Australian mugshots from the 1920s Sydney police station. Photos only moments after these guys were pulled straight from bar fights, bloodstreams full of beer, eyes full of sass. Here’s your Lisbon team: along with the crimes we’re most likely to commit in Portugal with you.
Who's putting this shindig on?
LAURA HUYSMAN
founder, lead
Organizing the White Dinner of your dreams. Helping you take travel photos that blow your own mind.
Sneaking champagne into the movie theater.
PASSION:
CRIME most likely to commit:
TIM SULLIVAN
founder
The non-cynical pursuit of a life well lived.
Public displays of extreme decency.
PASSION:
CRIME most likely to commit:
CHRIS HORN
SOMMELiER
Surprising you with just how good wine can be.
Possession of Vinho Verde with intent to distribute.
PASSION:
CRIME most likely to commit:
KEITA HORN
FLORALS, DESIGN
Creating beautiful little details and moments.
Glamping without a permit.
PASSION:
CRIME most likely to commit:
Right here!
Clinging to the hilly edge of the Iberian Peninsula, Lisbon is firmly planted in Europe with its eyes cast west to the Atlantic. You can hop a flight directly to Lisbon from any major airline hub.
That’s not a question but WE AGREE.
MFR (and Portugal) require vaccination for entry. We are confident, and our 2021 trip proved, that we can provide a safe place to gather, particularly in an intimate group in a private location. Our sources in Lisbon are keeping us posted on any changes on the ground, so we can remain confident that your trip will be the high quality we insist on.
We love a good party and the soul of MFR is a long, wine-soaked dinner table, but this isn’t the Carnival cruise line. We’re more about tasting all the local liquors with intention. While getting a little tipsy is often part of a great vacation, dealing with a terrible hangover is no way to live a good life. We love a good drink, and we love respect for our fellow Feasters and future selves even more.
Yes! Please email us with more details about your group so we can make a more specific recommendation on which rooms are best!
Minor allergies and restrictions are usually fine- check with us ahead of time to make sure we can accommodate! In the past we have hosted vegetarians, non-drinkers, and gluten free guests. If you have a strict diet that requires a lot of specific protocol, this may not be the trip for you, as many of our meals will be family style and extremely local cuisine. We are happy to discuss specifics with you, just send us a note and we’ll get right back to you!
