August - September 2025 | Issue 06

The Europe Classic Insider

Welcome to the sixth edition of our bi-monthly product update.

This issue is dedicated to Portugal, celebrating its rich culture, breathtaking coastlines, and distinctive travel experiences. We are equally excited to unveil our new Villas collection in Greece, offering private stays that blend modern comfort with authentic island charm. You will also find noteworthy industry awards and key news from across the European market, along with new hotel additions throughout Europe—all curated to inspire unforgettable, tailor-made journeys for your clients.

Major Destination News

Portugal

EUROPE‘S TIMELESS TREASURE

Portugal invites discerning travelers to a world of timeless elegance and understated luxury. Wander through the charming historic districts of Lisbon with a private guide and discover Sintra, where romantic palaces and lush hills create a regal retreat. Explore the vibrant city of Porto and the scenic Douro Valley with bespoke wine tastings and unwind on the Algarve’s secluded golden beaches. With five-star accommodations, Michelin-starred dining, and impeccable service, Portugal offers sophisticated experiences and year-round allure—perfect for travelers seeking exclusivity, culture, and unforgettable style.

Lisbon

Known as the “City of Seven Hills,” Lisbon captivates with sweeping vistas, sunlit squares, and a seamless blend of historic charm and contemporary elegance, all enriched by a proud maritime heritage and vibrant cultural scene.

What to Visit & Do:

The XII-century Cathedral, Lisbon’s oldest church.
Parque das Nações and admire Europe’s longest bridge.
Discover masterpieces at the Calouste Gulbenkian Museum
Belém district, including the Belém Tower and Monument to the Discoveries.
The UNESCO-listed Jerónimos Monastery and the Royal Coach Museum.
Enjoy a full-day excursion to Óbidos, Nazaré, and Fátima
Take a full-day trip to Sintra and Cascais, returning via the dramatic coastal road.

porto & the duoro valley

Portugal’s northern gem Porto, set along the scenic Douro River, exudes Old-World elegance and a celebrated wine heritage, while the Douro Valley unfolds as a breathtaking landscape of terraced vineyards and timeless villages.

What to Visit & Do:

Stroll Porto’s UNESCO-listed Ribeira district and the iconic Dom Luís I Bridge.
Visit the majestic São Bento railway station and Clérigos Tower.
Enjoy exclusive Port wine tastings in historic cellars of Vila Nova de Gaia.
Cruise the Douro River past vine-clad hillsides.
Tour world-class wineries and enjoy private vineyard lunches.
Take a full-day excursion to Minho Histórico or Alto Minho.
Enjoy a full-day tour of Coimbra, Aveiro, and Costa Nova.

algarve coast

Portugal’s Algarve Coast captivates sophisticated travelers with dramatic cliffs, golden beaches, and sapphire seas, paired with charming whitewashed villages and world-class golf and wellness retreats.

What to Visit & Do:

Explore Ponta da Piedade’s spectacular sea caves and rock formations.
Take a private yacht cruise along the coast, with stops for swimming and snorkeling.
Visit the historic towns of Lagos, Silves, and Tavira.
Enjoy fresh seafood at exclusive beachfront restaurants.
Play a round at one of the championship golf courses.
Take a full-day excursion to Cape St. Vincent and Sagres, the “end of the world”.
Discover hidden coves on a guided kayak or stand-up paddle tour.

Sintra

Nestled in the lush hills west of Lisbon, Sintra captivates luxury travelers with fairy-tale palaces, romantic gardens, and a cool mountain breeze—an enchanting royal retreat steeped in centuries of history.

What to Visit & Do:

Visit the UNESCO-listed Pena Palace and Moorish Castle.
Explore the elegant National Palace of Sintra.
Stroll the mystical grounds of Quinta da Regaleira with its famous Initiation Well.
Wander the charming historic center and sample traditional “travesseiros” pastries.
Enjoy private guided hikes through the Sintra-Cascais Natural Park.
Take a scenic drive to Cabo da Roca, continental Europe’s westernmost point.
Full day excursion Cascais and the coastal road.

Additional News

Greece private villas Collection with Classic Vacations

Classic Vacations is delighted to announce the addition of stunning villas in Greece to our curated Europe portfolio. These exclusive residences offer the perfect blend of privacy, luxury, and authenticity—ideal for clients seeking a bespoke escape in one of the world’s most captivating destinations.

From sun-drenched terraces in Mykonos to peaceful olive groves in Crete and panoramic sea views in Santorini, each villa provides a unique home base for exploring Greece’s natural beauty and rich cultural heritage. Many Villas feature private pools, gourmet kitchens, and access to concierge services for experiences like sunset sails, guided ruins tours, or in-villa chefs.

Whether it is a multigenerational family getaway, a honeymoon retreat, or a group of friends island-hopping in style, our villas offer a more intimate way to experience Greece while still enjoying the comfort, quality, and peace of mind Classic is known for.

Stay tuned as we expand this exciting collection—perfect for clients who crave space, flexibility, and the soul-stirring magic only Greece can offer.

Book your Greece Private Villa here

GRACE HOTEL SANTORINI AUBERGE RESORTS COLLECTION NAMED #1 IN EUROPE AND GREECE

We are thrilled to share that Grace Hotel, Auberge Resorts Collection — often referred to as “Grace Santorini” — has been named #1 Hotel in Europe and #1 Hotel in Greece in Travel + Leisure’s World’s Best Awards 2025.

Perched atop the cliffs of Imerovigli, this stunning property is celebrated for its breathtaking caldera views, minimalist Cycladic design, and exceptional personalized service. Whether guests are seeking iconic sunsets or refined elegance, Grace Hotel delivers a truly unforgettable experience.

PAROS - GREECE CROWNED WORLD’S BEST ISLAND 2025

The Greek gem of Paros has been named the #1 Island in the World in Travel + Leisure’s 2025 World’s Best Awards. Beloved for its golden beaches, whitewashed villages, vibrant nightlife and welcoming locals, Paros offers an irresistible blend of tradition and chic sophistication. From charming Naoussa harbor to crystal-clear Aegean waters, every corner invite relaxation and discovery.

CASTELFALFI SHINE IN TRAVEL + LEISURE AWARDS

Tuscany’s luxurious Castelfalfi has been named No. 1 Resort in Italy, No. 2 in Europe, and No. 17 among the Top 100 Hotels Worldwide in Travel + Leisure’s 2025 World’s Best Awards. Nestled among rolling vineyards and olive groves, this hilltop estate blends medieval charm with modern elegance. Guests enjoy championship golf, fine dining, wellness retreats, and breathtaking countryside views, an authentic Tuscan experience at the highest level of hospitality.