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LISBON

All hands on bacalhau: private cooking sessions in Lisbon.

Lisbon’s gastronomic scene has skyrocketed in recent years - and it’s no wonder: delicious seafood, petiscos (local tapas), sumptuous custard pastries that defy the ‘just one’ rule, excellent coffee… the list goes on.

For us, travel is far more than going: it’s doing. And eating local also means to take an active part in it, getting the ingredients by local grocers and discovering the best markets. Even, if you’re up for it, rolling up your sleeves and preparing the meal yourself with a little help from our friendly local chefs.

The experience starts with a tour around a local market, where you can see the splendid produce and meet some of the vendors.

Our expert chefs will be happy to uncover for you the secrets of Portuguese cuisine: the best recipes, how many actual ways to make codfish there are, the lesser-known delicacies.

Afterwards, you will head to their private kitchen, where you will learn how to prepare a traditional meal.

You can contribute to the preparations or just witness the chef work their magic and learn some tricks of the trade. And of course, after the class, comes the prize: a delicious three-course lunch with wine.

Don’t miss this sensational, bespoke experience to make the most of Portuguese cuisine in a most Alfacinha way.

Where?
We can organize this experience for you in different locations around Portugal.
When?
The taste of Portugal can be experienced all year round, but in the Summer some markets may be closed.
Why?
A cooking and cuisine experience in private with a local chef will surely make a huge difference in your memories of the region, one of the most exciting food destinations in Europe.

Inspired yet? The journey continues…

Food & Wine

Food & Wine

Culture

Culture

Lifestyle

Lifestyle

Stays

Stays

ABOUT US

Hola! Welcome to THE REAL THING
The Really Top DMC in Spain & Portugal

We plan the trips that dreams are made of: trips tailored to your tastes and interests, with sophisticated proposals and all-around excellence. We help you discover the soul of vibrant cities and picturesque villages, the best coastal enclaves, the true countryside, and the natural beauty of rivers and mountains in their purest state.

You will enjoy food and wine like never before and soak up history and art at every turn; you will take part in our traditions and immerse yourself in our culture. Always in superb spaces, in great company, with an emphasis on quality, exclusivity and good taste.

We know how to have fun and how to make your trip truly enriching, connecting you with the local spirit: its people, its art, its cuisine, and its land.

What we do

We make sure you enjoy every moment of your trip, arranging one unforgettable experience after another.

We take care of absolutely everything so you don’t have to worry about absolutely anything. Our job is to ensure that your travels in Spain and Portugal are a pleasurable experience. We work for people with high standards (we have them, too), both on an individual and corporate level. We are flexible, but we like to have everything under control. And we aim to exceed expectations, including those of children: we love kids and know how important they are.

We put together packages based on what you want to experience. We are very well-versed in the cultural and dining scenes, and we have a long list of exceptional locations and contacts at our disposal. We open the doors of a convent full of precious art work just for you, we invite you to discover an enchanting Andalusian city guided by a viceroy, we take you to harvest oysters in the sea and cook with a chef, we send you sailing through Lisbon at dusk while listening to fados live… The accommodations, means of transport and restaurants, like everything else, will always be superb and fit with your style and preferences.

We highlight the local historic, artistic, natural and traditional heritage with a contemporary approach. We stand for a high-quality, inclusive, sustainable and respectful form of tourism. We want you to feel like a local, but not just any local: we provide you with the best of the best because there are so many wonders to see and no time to waste.

Monuments, museums, urban vibes, shopping, heritage, traditions, festivals, local cuisine, wine, crafts, relaxation, slow life, wellness, sports, adventure, nature, sea, music, fun, the good life…

During your travels will we be available to assist you 24/7 and help you with whatever you need.

Letting go is easy when everything feels so good. THE REAL THING always makes your wishes come true.

Who we are

We are your hip insiders, the guardian angels of your travels.

Gloria Pou and Marta Muñoz
Glòria Pou and Marta Muñoz Recarte

We are a small but strong team led by Marta Muñoz Recarte and Glòria Pou. Both of us had long-standing careers in the art world until 2013, when our passion for travel led us to create THE REAL THING.

We are based in Madrid and Barcelona, where we design and oversee your journeys. We have a close-knit network of choice collaborators that make us the really top DMC we are. They include hoteliers with class, tour guides with cachet and chauffeurs with an eye for detail and impeccable timing; people who hold the keys to historic and unique buildings, art curators, cultural ambassadors and personal shoppers; contacts at the trendiest restaurants and bars of our cities, musicians, DJs, flamenco dancers, chefs, sommeliers, bartenders… Farmers and winegrowers, ceramicists, cheesemakers, sports instructors, massage therapists, fishermen, percebeiras (goose barnacle hunters), sailboat captains, jugglers, magicians… Want to meet them?

We like to keep up with the latest developments and traverse villages and cities in search of the best locations, hotels, businesses and restaurants.

We’re passionate about fine dining, great wine, and—above all—art. Creative, communicative, and detail-driven, we deliver impeccable service at every step.

Postcards

Welcome to our Postcards, a curated collection of travel inspiration from across Spain and Portugal.

This section is your gateway to the destinations, experiences, stays, flavors, and cultural gems that shape The Real Thing’s bespoke itineraries. Each Postcard offers a glimpse into the essence of our journeys – exclusive, sophisticated, and deeply rooted in the heart of the Iberian Peninsula.

Whether it’s a hidden boutique hotel, an unforgettable dining experience, a must-see art exhibition, or a private escape to a secluded beach, each Postcard reflects the detail, creativity, and luxury that define our approach to travel.

SPAIN

SPAIN
PORTUGAL

PORTUGAL