SPLENDID PORTUGAL
Our Story
Back in 2013, not in an office, but on Portugal’s scenic roads and cobblestone streets, three best friends, united by a love for travel, set out to explore the world together.
It was during these adventures that Splendid Evasion was born, a travel company built on their passion for exploring, sharing and connecting with local cultures. Splendid Evasion took shape, curating adventures that immersed visitors in the local way of life, from canyoning in Gerês to hiking in Madeira’s lush mountains and exploring Lisbon’s vibrant neighborhoods.
Over the years, our mission grew stronger and in 2024, we rebranded as Splendid Portugal, a Destination Management Company (DMC) dedicated to offering not just luxury, but authentic and soul-enriching experiences.
Our mission
To maximize well-being, authenticity, the sharing of emotions and the connection with nature and the essence of life during a journey.
Apply the same philosophy to the lives of our employees and our relationship with our partners and suppliers.
We are equally committed to creating a positive and lasting impact through responsible business practices, supporting local communities, protecting nature and advancing our sustainability journey.
Learn more about our Sustainability Commitment
To be a world-leading company in our business industry.
Be recognized for the excellence of our services, the sharing of incoming results, environmental sustainability, social involvement and the protection/development of nature.
Our Team
We are more than travel designers. We are destination specialists, passionate storytellers and dedicated hosts, united by a deep knowledge of Portugal and Spain and a genuine commitment to creating exceptional journeys.
At Splendid Portugal, every itinerary begins with curiosity and is shaped by experience. Our team combines local expertise with an international perspective, allowing us to design journeys that feel effortless, authentic and deeply personal. We believe that true luxury lies in meaningful moments, thoughtful details and privileged access to the people, places and traditions that make each destination unique.
What brings us together is the conviction that travel should inspire lasting memories and genuine connections. We know that the most unforgettable experiences often happen beyond the expected, whether through a private encounter with local artisans, an exclusive cultural visit or simply discovering the quiet beauty of a place at the perfect moment. This philosophy guides every journey we create.
Our expertise spans luxury hospitality, destination management, gastronomy, culture, heritage and bespoke travel design.
Every member of our team contributes to a unique perspective, ensuring that each itinerary reflects not only flawless logistics but also creativity, authenticity and a profound understanding of our destinations. From Portugal's Atlantic coastline to Spain's vibrant cities and hidden landscapes, we design experiences that are seamless, enriching and entirely tailored to each traveler.
Pedro urgel
CEO & Founder
QUICK FACTS ABOUT PEDRO
Favorite way to listen to music: Spotify everyday, Vinyl forever (just bought my son his first Arcade Fire vinyl)
Favorite cocktail: Margarita
Travel style: Where history and nature come together
I'd revisit tomorrow: The central group of the Azores or Chapada Diamantina in Brazil
césar teixeira
Senior Travel Expert & Project Manager
QUICK FACTS ABOUT CÉSAR
Perfect setting: A cozy fireplace
Personality: Proudly extroverted
Wine of choice: Whine wine (especially with the right food and weather)
Favorite place in Portugal: Alentejo, one of many!
Sara azeredo
Marketing & Product Manager
QUICK FACTS ABOUT SARA
Signature drink: Paloma
Friends describe me as: Time out Porto
Perfect day: In the pool
Dream destination: Japan
nuno silva
Senior Travel Expert & Project Manager
QUICK FACTS ABOUT NUNO
Favorite season: Summer, definitely
Comfort food: Pasta with chicken or white rice and a fried egg
Preferred way to travel: Road trips
Everyone should experience: An ocean cruise at least once
Patrícia Alves
Sales & Operations Coordinator
QUICK FACTS ABOUT PATRÍCIA
Animal lover: Dogs
Favorite color: Blue
Favorite time to walk: Mornings
Superpower I'd choose: Organize team gatherings!
miguel zenha
Procedures Manager
QUICK FACTS ABOUT MIGUEL
City life or countryside? The best of both worlds
Coffee or tea? Coffee!!!
Souvenir you always bring home? Ideally no stuff, yet plenty of experiences
Bucket list destination? The Azores, Polynesia, New Zealand and Norway
inês oliveira
B2B Trade Manager
QUICK FACTS ABOUT INÊS
Favorite flavor: Savoury 100%
Go to meal: Pasta
Favorite time of day: Sunrise
Next destination: Thailand
laura rodrigues
Travel Expert & Project Manager
QUICK FACTS ABOUT LAURA
Better than a book? A movie
Favorite gelato flavor: Coffee
Escape of choice: Beach
I'd move to: Rome
Diogo FERREIRA
Operations Manager
QUICK FACTS ABOUT DIOGO
Favorite landscape: The ocean
Always on my playlist: Without a whisper by Invent Animate
Sport I never miss: Surf
Best local dish I've tried: Bacalhau à moda de Sintra
gabriela mesquita
Operations Manager
QUICK FACTS ABOUT GABRIELA
Preferred time of day: Early bird
Book everyone should read: The little prince
Preferred stay: Boutique hotels
Favorite type of meal: Brunch
Liliana barrocas
Accountant & Office Manager
QUICK FACTS ABOUT LILIANA
Favorite city: Santorini
I'd rather explore: Local markets
Perfect adventure: A sunset cruise
Favorite type of meal: Dinner
how we work
Here's how our team creates life-enriching, luxury journeys
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Discover
Your journey begins with your inquiry. Once you submit the form on our website, you'll be paired with one of our dedicated Travel Experts.
Then a call between you and the travel expert will be arranged to get to know you. We take the time to understand your travel style, interests, expectations and the moments that matter most to you. This call is the foundation for creating a trip uniquely yours.
Design
Inspired by everything shared on the call, your Travel Expert carefully crafts a completely bespoke itinerary tailored to your preferences. Every recommendation, from accommodations and experiences to dining and transportation, is thoughtfully selected to reflect your vision. We refine every detail together until your itinerary is exactly as you imagined.
Deliver
Once you approve your itinerary, our Operations Team takes over to bring every element of your journey to life. They'll manage all reservations and logistics, ensuring every detail is flawlessly coordinated. If needed, our team may contact you directly to collect the necessary personal information required to finalize bookings and ensure a seamless travel experience.
Dedicated Local Support
Our Portugal-based team is available before and throughout your journey to ensure a seamless and stress-free travel experience.
Secure & Flexible Payments
Book with confidence through our secure payment system and enjoy flexible installment payment options designed to make planning your journey easier and more convenient.
Sustainable & Meaningful Travel
We support local social and environmental organizations through our travel donation program, helping create a more positive impact in every destination.