5 independent reviews for Vegetarian cooking vacation in Portugal
Reviews for Vegetarian cooking vacation in Portugal
Nicky Stainton review 29 Mar 2026
1. What was the most memorable or exciting part of your vacation?
The enjoyment of preparing and cooking delicious dishes alongside a group of strangers who became friends over a few days.2. What tips would you give other travelers booking this vacation?
This is an ideal break for anyone who enjoys cooking and eating delicious vegetable-based Mediterranean dishes and is at least reasonably sociable. The atmosphere is relaxed and chatty, collaborative and non-competitive. There are times to relax, read, explore the countryside or enjoy water-based activities, too.3. Did you feel that your vacation benefited local people, reduced environmental impacts or supported conservation?
Yes, I think it gave us a better understanding of Mediterranean culinary culture, and almost all the ingredients we used were sourced locally. It was interesting to visit the local food market and a relatively new local artisan winery, where we learnt about traditional wine-making techniques. Our hosts are very aware of their relationship with the land, encouraged responsible use of resources, grow many of the herbs used and drew our attention to the local flora and fauna.4. Finally, how would you rate your vacation overall?
The 3-day cookery weekend with this tour operator was an absolute delight. Graham and Cheryl welcomed us to their beautiful home, overlooking the dammed Funcho river, to learn about and prepare delicious Ottolenghi-inspired Mediterranean dishes. Assisted by generous glasses of local wine, we worked in pairs and singly creating a wondrous range of mouth-watering vegetable-based feasts, which we sat and enjoyed together. Conversation flowed in the kitchen, over the table, on our spontaneous walks around the countryside or whilst lounging on one of the terraces, and a bunch of strangers became a group of 'compadres' for four days. Our hosts were knowledgeable, fun and generous with their time and ingredients and ensured we had a stimulating yet relaxing time. We all came away inspired to continue to eat well, sustainably and healthily, aided by a fantastic selection of recipes. I would highly recommend to anyone who enjoys cooking and wine, and is looking for a break that is, in equal parts, a relaxing wind-down and enjoyable hands-on learning experience set in a beautiful rural location.Martin Hewings review 25 Mar 2026
1. What was the most memorable or exciting part of your vacation?
Sitting down to share wonderful food that we had cooked together with strangers who soon became friends.2. What tips would you give other travelers booking this vacation?
Be prepared to eat an array of tasty and beautifully presented dishes.3. Did you feel that your vacation benefited local people, reduced environmental impacts or supported conservation?
They sourced ingredients from local markets. All the heating came from solar panels. The gardens and surrounding area were nurtured for wildlife. A real haven.4. Finally, how would you rate your vacation overall?
An excellent mix of cooking activities, food and wine related excursions and good company.Jacki Moore review 16 Oct 2025
1. What was the most memorable or exciting part of your vacation?
Cooking alongside other people (some on the same vacation and some locals) made the whole experience extremely sociable and enjoyable. Trying new recipes was also great, and learning about the influence of Portuguese cuisine was fascinating.2. What tips would you give other travelers booking this vacation?
Be prepared to cook a lot and eat a lot. There isn't much time for anything else, which was fine for me. If you want to see something more of the area, I would recommend adding a few extra days on.3. Did you feel that your vacation benefited local people, reduced environmental impacts or supported conservation?
Yes, Graham and Cheryl try hard to use local produce- we went to a local market to buy some ingredients. They also use all solar power and are keen to remind guests about water usage and recycling.4. Finally, how would you rate your vacation overall?
Excellent. Very enjoyable. I would definitely like to go again.Tomer Shitrit review 30 May 2025
1. What was the most memorable or exciting part of your vacation?
The place is a gem in the nature and the hospitality of the owners was remarkable2. What tips would you give other travelers booking this vacation?
There is much to see in the area.3. Did you feel that your vacation benefited local people, reduced environmental impacts or supported conservation?
Yes4. Finally, how would you rate your vacation overall?
Great vacation. Beautiful place near the river with really warm hospitalityAnne Layton review 4 Dec 2024
1. What was the most memorable or exciting part of your vacation?
2. What tips would you give other travelers booking this vacation?
3. Did you feel that your vacation benefited local people, reduced environmental impacts or supported conservation?
4. Finally, how would you rate your vacation overall?
We loved it all, the friendship, accommodation, the cooking and the eating! The recipes provided were well-tested and have now been successfully executed on our return. Definitely recommend.Read the operator's response here:
Thank you for your feedback. We're thrilled you enjoyed every aspect of your vacation and that the recipes were a hit at home!
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