Feb 22, 2025
You're gonna love it. - SUPER VALE LA PENA!! It was one of the most beautiful experiences my daughter and I have ever had traveling. Marco is wonderful: kind, generous and chatty. We had an amazing day with him. It is a way to get to know a facet of Portugal not so touristic! A very original experience. If you're thinking about it for the money, I want to tell you that... IT'S FOR THIS TYPE OF ADVENTURE!
Review provided by Tripadvisor
Feb 18, 2025
Unparalleled Experience - I love to shop at local markets and cook based on what’s available—and that’s exactly the experience Marco provides. You have the opportunity to visit a seaside market to buy local fish and hear about the local ecomony. After a stunning seaside drive and stop for coffee it’s off to Marco’s organic farm for vegetables and then on to a pretty outdoor kitchen for cooking (or watching). We made a mouth-watering local fish stew preceded by apps of shrimp, olive oil, bread and streamed clams. All served with Douro Balley organic wine. Marco is passionate about his region and organic foods and really is a joy to learn from. I was lucky enough to meet his in-laws and to be able to chat and laugh with them. A tremendous day.
Review provided by Viator
Feb 16, 2025
Unparalleled Experience - I love to go to local markets to peruse regional offerings and purchase direct from the small vendors then create a meal based on what is available. This tour provides an opportunity to visit a seaside fish market, stop for cheese, bread and olives then drive along the stunning coast and stop for a coffee. After collecting vegetables from tour operator Marco’s farm stand, on to a cosy outdoor kitchen to cook (or watch Marco cook) the mouth-watering fish stew while enjoying appetizers and wine and having a nice chat. What a unique chance to shop, cook and enjoy a meal with lovely local residents. Marco is passionate about his region and organic foods and is a joy. I was lucky enough to meet his in-laws and we all had a good laugh together. What a tremendous way to spend the day.
Review provided by Tripadvisor
Dec 6, 2024
Highly recommended culinary experience with a local organic farmer - Spending the time with Marco, his family, visiting his village and fish market was pleasant, heartfelt and memorable. We then enjoyed the making and finally consumption of our endeavors!
Review provided by Viator
Nov 2, 2024
Just book it!! - Excellent tour of the areas outside of downtown Porto / Gaia. Even though it was a national holiday Marco ensured we had full day.
The highlight was visiting his organic farm to gather the ingredients for our lunch. He also picked up wine, fresh seafood and fresh Portuguese cornbread.
He made a fantastic, authentic Portuguese Caldeirada (Portuguese Fish Stew)
It was delicious. Do yourself a favor and book this experience.
Review provided by Viator
Oct 18, 2024
Fantastic experience - not to be missed - We had a fantastic day with Marco. He picked us up promptly from our hotel (despite it being on the other side of the river) and from there we visited the fish market in Gaia, drove down the Atlantic coast, took in a coffee, went to another fishmonger to pick up clams and mussels, then on to his family's organic farm shop. His wife and younger child were delightful and we had great fun using Google Translate to identify fruit, veg and fish that were unknown to us. Marco then took us to his in-laws' catering kitchen, situated in a to-die-for garden room, and we prepped the ingredients for THE most delicious four course lunch. (Marco cooked it all whilst we sat back sampling some wonderful Douro wines). We had clams, then mussels, then a fantastic traditional Portuguese fish stew with conger eel and skate wings, followed by simple mango - so fresh and local and unlike any mango we have tasted before. It was all utterly delicious and more than we could eat! Apart from being an interesting insight into local Portuguese cuisine, Marco's company was excellent and we could have all chatted away for hours - he was such an engaging and interested host. We offered to get a taxi back to our hotel, but nothing was too much trouble for Marco, and we continued to chat whilst he drove us back. 100% the most wonderful experience, even for me - a committed cook - and my husband - a committed eater.
Review provided by Viator
Jul 27, 2024
Wonderful Local Food & Culture Experience! - What an Absolutely Wonderful Day my husband and I had with Marco. This was a perfect event for us. Marco picked us up at the local fish market. He showed us the fish market, explained not only about the fish , but the local history. He took us to his farm, Then met his Beautiful Family & helped cook this spectacular dinner. This is a definite find, if your looking for an exciting fun filled food experience.
Review provided by Viator
Jul 10, 2024
Shop and eat like a local! - Marco was great! We enjoyed spending time with him, meeting his family, and of course the delicious meal!
We truly enjoyed shopping where the locals shop. It was an authentic experience, off the beaten path.
Review provided by Viator
Jul 5, 2024
Must NOT miss - This was the BEST experience! If you are considering this trip, stop and purchase it. My niece and I had such a blast. Marco picked us up and drove us to so many wonderful places. We started at the fish market where we picked out the fish we wanted to cook. From there we stopped at the beach, had a Portuguese coffee, and walked around a beautiful beach. He shared some local culture with us and made us feel welcome. Our next stop was at his farm where we picked up fresh produce, then we stopped for fresh bread and went to his in-law's beautiful home. At the home we were treated like kings, we were able to help with cooking, and were given special drinks. We all sat down together and ate our meal. It was an absolutely wonderful experience and I would do it again tomorrow if I could.
Review provided by Viator
Sep 30, 2023
So much fun and food - Marco took us all a round the fish market and then to his parents beautiful back yard to prepare our fantastic seafood stew. We ate seven different types of locally caught delicacies along with locally grown produce from Marco’s farm. The food, conversation, and wine were all a delight!
Thank you Marco and family!
Review provided by Viator