LISBON & PORTO
The Cities of Champions
The New European Hotspots
Lisbon, located at the westernmost tip of Europe, is now one of the new hotspots where Europe is reinventing itself. Recently named the European Capital of Innovation by the EU, this metropolis, with just 500,000 inhabitants, brings everything that other cities lack – Champions Mentality!
This is where you find the people who make this city a Mecca of ideas, innovations, initiatives, and start-ups. Lisbon possesses an innovative spirit that can be seen in every corner of the city. There is a spirit of optimism, initiated by people like the visionaries of the LX Factory, who transformed a dilapidated urban site of a former textile factory into a vibrant cosmos of business, art, and culture.
The champion mentality is also possessed by people like José Avillez, whose cuisine is based on the incomparable combination of spices from the former colonies; Anna Moura, who rescued the traditional songs of Fado from the dusty corner of history and transformed it into a modern and hip trend; Joao Abel Manta, who reinterpreted the art of azulejos (ceramic tiles) in a modern and fresh way and Nic von Rupp, who literally surfs the BIGGEST WAVES in the world!
Move on to Porto which has a different vibe but not less of a Champions Mentality! The city has emerged as a vibrant and trendy destination, captivating visitors with its unique blend of rich history, stunning architecture, and a dynamic cultural scene. Set out on the traces of the Porto’s merchants who were already international at a time when Lisbon was still trying to find its position in the world. Porto’s wine Champions established hundreds of years ago still flourishing businesses and international relationships that put Porto in a unique position in today’s Europe.
Get to know these cities with it’s Champions from the past and the present, who make this a truly a once-in-a-lifetime journey into Europe’s contemporary Hotspots!
PROGRAM OVERVIEW
Lisbon & Porto - The Cities of Champions
*subject to change
Saturday, 21 March 2026 - Bem Vindo in the City of Champions
00.55 am departure Newark
11.40 am arrival Lisbon & Pick up from airport transfer to hotel followed by Welcome Lunch in the gardens of the hotel
PM Discovery of Lisbon
Dinner Rooftop Dinner Experience at SUD - The New Hotspot of Lisbon (top location / top culinary experiences)
Sunday, 22 March 2026 - The Discovery of Contemporary Champions
AM Backstage Street Art Tour with Artists
Lunch Enjoy a lunch at the Prado Restaurant where you will experience what farm-to-table cooking means
PM Meet and Greet with Innovation Champions at LX Factory & The Transformation of a City
Dinner At LX Factory - Lisbon’s cultural and business Hotspot where the latest trends in Portuguese Cooking are to be “tasted”
Monday, 23 March 2026 - The Artistic Champions of Portugal
AM The Architectural Champions of Cascais, the former Royal Summer residence (Pena Palace / Sintra)
Lunch The Culinary Champions of Sintra at a local tavern, with local flavors from the neighboring farm houses
PM Exploration of Sintra and its magical setting in the National Park
Dinner The Champions of the Heart and Soul of Portugal - A Fado Night – A Night that combines musical delicacies with high profile flavors
Tuesday, 24 March 2026 - Another Day - Another Discovery – More Champions in Porto
AM Train ride to Porto approx. 2.5hrs
Lunch Welcome Lunch in Porto at “Nola Kitchen” where the new healthy trends of Portuguese cuisine are being created
PM off the beaten path discovery of Porto
Dinner The Champions of Port Wine (Private tour at Taylor’s & Portwine Dinner-Event)
Wednesday, 25 March 2026 - The Champions of Beauty – The Magic of the Douro Valley
AM Discovery Tour of the Douro Valley
Lunch Visit of the Vineyard of Quinta da Pacheca followed by traditional lunch overlooking the Valley
PM Private boat cruise on the Douro River
Dinner The Culinary Champions of FUSION
The Culinary World of Ivo and Henrique Nogueira
Thursday , 26 March 2026 - Farewell Portugal!
The Journey Ahead
YOUR HOTELS
Hotel Pestana Palace Lisbon
Hotel Pestana Vintage Porto
HOTEL PESTANA PALACE
Pestana Palace Lisboa – Hotel & National Monument is a timeless sanctuary that captures the soul of Lisbon, a city shaped by more than 800 years of cultural influences seamlessly interwoven with contemporary life. Set within the former Valle Flôr Palace, commissioned in the late 19th century by the Marquis of Valle Flôr, the hotel stands as a symbol of aristocratic grandeur, restored with sensitivity and respect for its remarkable legacy.
Surrounded by lush tropical gardens featuring an original lake and elegant pavilion, Pestana Palace Lisboa evokes the romance and intrigue of a bygone era. Inspired by the Marquis’s Parisian residence, the palace blends refined European styles with Portuguese artistry, showcased through frescoes, hand-painted tiles, marble finishes, and exquisite vintage details. Classified as a National Monument, the palace remains an enduring icon of excellence, where historic splendor meets refined hospitality in the heart of Lisbon.
YOUR ROOM: DELUXE CITY ROOM
Providing approximately 269ft² of comfortable and well-appointed living space, the Deluxe City Rooms are located in the new Wings of the Palace and offer views overlooking the city. Designed to blend classic elegance with contemporary comfort, these rooms provide a refined introduction to the palace experience.
Deluxe City Rooms feature a well-designed bathroom with a bathtub, and select rooms located on the ground floor offer small private terraces.
Rate:
€250 per night (Single Occupancy)
(US$ 325.00 final US$ amount might change depending on exchange rate)
€275 per night (Double Occupancy)
(US$ 355.00 final US$ amount might change depending on exchange rate)
Available for pre-night stays.
UPGRADE YOUR STAY AT HOTEL PESTANA PALACE
*first come first serve - subject to availability
You are currently guaranteed a Deluxe City room from 21 - 24 MARCH 2026 at the Pestana Palace including exclusive breakfast for the event stay.
To upgrade or extend your stay please press on the button below to provide your requests.
To upgrade your stay we have preselected the following category.
All available room categories may also be requested for pre-night stays, subject to availability.
1. PREMIUM ROOM
Providing approximately 280ft² of refined and comfortable living space, the Premium Rooms are located in the new Wings of the Palace and offer tranquil views of the hotel’s gardens, which are listed as a national monument. Select rooms feature a private ground-floor terrace overlooking the lush landscaped grounds.
Premium Rooms are thoughtfully appointed with a well-designed bathroom featuring a bathtub, ensuring a relaxed and elegant stay within a historic palace setting.
EXCLUSIVE EO NJ RATE – UPGRADE YOUR ROOM TO A PREMIUM ROOM FOR €95 per night / per room
(Applicable to both single and double occupancy. Rates include all taxes & fees & breakfast.)
2. SUITE
Providing approximately 344ft² of elegant and generously proportioned living space, the Suites feature a separate living area and offer refined views of either the hotel’s gardens or the city. Designed in a classic and sophisticated style, each suite blends timeless décor with residential comfort. Suites are thoughtfully appointed with a well-designed bathroom featuring both a bathtub and separate shower, creating a refined and relaxing stay within a distinguished palace setting.
EXCLUSIVE EO NJ RATE – UPGRADE YOUR ROOM TO A PREMIUM ROOM FOR €345 per night / per room
(Applicable to both single and double occupancy. Rates include all taxes & fees & breakfast.)
HOTEL PESTANA VINTAGE PORTO
Pestana Vintage Porto is nestled along the banks of the Douro River in Porto’s historic Ribeira District, one of the city’s most prestigious and atmospheric neighborhoods. Set within a collection of 18 interconnected buildings recognized by UNESCO as a World Heritage Site, the hotel preserves its authentic character while offering panoramic views of the Douro, the Gaia wine cellars, and the iconic Dom Luís I Bridge.
Exclusive yet unassuming, Pestana Vintage Porto blends vintage charm with contemporary comfort, creating an intimate setting ideal for romantic stays. Surrounded by historic monuments, winding streets, and cultural landmarks, the hotel offers an immersive experience at the heart of Porto’s riverside soul.
YOUR ROOM: CLASSIC ROOM
Providing between 215 and 247ft² of comfortable and functional living space, the Classic Rooms offer a practical and well-appointed stay within Porto’s historic riverside setting. Designed for simplicity and ease, these rooms provide a relaxed base for exploring the city.
Classic Rooms feature a marble bathroom with either a walk-in shower or a bathtub, offering comfort and convenience in a timeless setting.
Rate:
€210 per night (Single Occupancy)
€235 per night (Double Occupancy)
Available for post-night stays.
UPGRADE YOUR STAY AT HOTEL PESTANA VINTAGE PORTO
*first come first serve - subject to availability
You are currently guaranteed a Classic room from 24 - 26 MARCH 2026 at the Pestana Vintage Porto including exclusive breakfast for the event stay.
To upgrade or extend your stay please press on the button below to provide your requests.
To upgrade your stay we have preselected the following category.
All available room categories may also be requested for post-night stays, subject to availability.
1. PLAZA ROOM
Providing between 258 and 323ft² of comfortable and well-appointed living space, the Plaza Rooms are located on the second floor and above and offer picturesque views of the iconic Dom Luís I Bridge, Praça da Ribeira, and the surrounding historic buildings, with a side view of the Douro River.
Plaza Rooms feature a marble bathroom with a bathtub, offering a refined and authentic stay in the heart of Porto’s historic riverside district.
EXCLUSIVE EO NJ RATE – UPGRADE YOUR ROOM TO A PLAZA ROOM FOR €55 per night / per room
(Applicable to both single and double occupancy. Rates include all taxes & fees & breakfast.)
2. VINTAGE RIVER VIEW BALCONY ROOM
Providing between 204 and 321ft² of elegant and inviting living space, the Vintage River View Balcony Rooms feature French windows and a private balcony offering breathtaking views over the Douro River and the iconic Port wine cellars across the water.
Designed in a refined vintage style, these rooms include a marble bathroom with either a walk-in shower or a bathtub, creating a serene and authentic riverside retreat in the heart of Porto.
EXCLUSIVE EO NJ RATE – UPGRADE YOUR ROOM TO A VINTAGE RIVER VIEW BALCONY ROOM FOR €105 per night / per room
(Applicable to both single and double occupancy. Rates include all taxes & fees & breakfast.)
Chapter Retreat Details
Retreat: Lisbon & Porto
COSTS: € 4.190,00 per person in double occupancy incl. learning, meals, activities, guides, transfers, taxes/fees. ***Airfare NOT included***
(US$ 4.690.00 final US$ amount might change depending on exchange rate)
SINGLE SUPPLEMENT:
COSTS: € 750,00 per person in single occupancy
(US$ 840.00 final US$ amount might change depending on exchange rate)
DEPOSIT: US $500,00 deposit (initial payment) towards registration is non-refundable.
REGISTRATION: Open to all EO New Jersey members, EO Spouses (SLPs), adult children, and guests.
HOTEL LISBON:
Hotel Pestana Palace Lisbon
HOTEL PORTO: - To be communicated shortly
Flight Recommendations
ITINERARY FROM NEWARK:
Flight recommendations - coming soon
More Details
Participants are encouraged to book their flights directly.
Registrations are transferable to another participant or spouse/guest.
For full terms and conditions of participation, including cancellation terms, visit T&C’s page.
For more retreat inquiries:
Maximilian Weisl
Senior Event Director
inspiria global events
m.weisl@inspiria.net
Registration Questions:
Managing your booking is easy!
Sign-in to WeTravel.com with the email you used at the time of booking. Make changes to your registration including adding guests, extending hotel stay, making a payment, and more!
Visit T&C’s page for full terms and conditions of participation, including cancellation terms.
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