Highlights of Porto & Douro Valley | Portugal Tour

Itinerary Highlights

Indulge on a private food tour in Porto, a city famed for its gastronomy
Discover the history of the UNESCO World Heritage listed cities of Braga and Guimaraes
Explore the Douro Valley, with wine tasting, a gourmet picnic and a boat ride
Stay in three of Portugal’s finest luxury hotels in Porto and the Douro Valley

What's Included

Accommodation Throughout
International Flights

7 nights from £9,329 per person

Samantha

Travel Specialist

01244 435 177

I'm here to tailor-make your perfect Europe holiday. Give me a call and I'll use my expertise to create your personalised experience.

Enquire

UNESCO World Heritage sites, exquisite food and exceptional Portuguese wines make this eight-day tour of Porto and the Douro Valley a superb short-haul itinerary. What’s more, we’ve selected some of the region’s top hotels for you to stay in, from an exclusive and grandiose address in the heart of the city, to a 19th-century manor overlooking vine-covered terraces.

This suggested itinerary begins in the city of Porto. While Portugal’s second largest city might be best known for its port wine, it’s Porto’s history which truly intoxicates its visitors. The centre was designated a UNESCO World Heritage site in 1996, and wandering its streets and alleyways will uncover a treasure trove of architecture at every turn. Camera in hand, drop by at the elaborately decorated Palacio da Bolsa (the Stock Exchange Palace), the medieval cathedral, and The Clérigos Tower.

Inspiring’s Highlights of Porto and the Douro Valley tour then heads for a day trip to Braga and Guimarães. The former is a city that dates back to Roman times, being a part of the roads of the Empire of Augustus that crossed the Iberian Peninsula, connecting it with Rome. While in Braga you’ll visit its cathedral, the oldest in Portugal and a UNESCO World Heritage site. The city of Guimarães is considered the birthplace of Portugal because Alfonso Henríquez, who would become the first king of Portugal, was born here. Again you’ll explore the most famous of the city’s historical sites on your guided tour of its narrow streets, cloisters and complex of architectural wonders.

Your next stop is Douro Valley, staying at the luxurious Six Senses Douro Valley. Another World Heritage site, the region is one of Portugal’s most stunning landscapes, renowned for being home to the oldest demarcated wine region in the world. While the superb Portuguese food and wines of your tour continue, the pace slows for the next few days as you have leisure time to enjoy your hotel’s pool and garden, and take a private 4x4 tour of the valley.

Your final stop before travelling home is at Porto’s The Yeatman hotel, with its views of the river and city, and a two-Michelin Star restaurant.

Itinerary

Day 1 UK to Porto

On arrival at Porto airport from the UK you’ll be collected by a driver and taken to your first luxury hotel, the Maison Albar Hotels Le Monumental Palace. Staying in a Deluxe Room on the upper floors of the hotel, Le Monumental Palace is in the heart of Porto and a member of Leading Hotels of the World. On your first evening you’ll be taken on a private Porto food tour, discovering local gastronomy and wine, with tastings at three restaurants, as well as stopping at taverns, pastry shops and snack bars. This gastronomic journey through Porto includes tasting the esteemed port wine the city is famous for in a very special location.

Day 2 Porto

Porto

After waking up with a coffee from your in-room Nespresso maker and, if you have the time, a quick dip in the indoor pool before breakfast, you’ll be collected from the hotel for your private city tour of Porto. With a local expert guide, you’ll visit the old city with its gothic cathedral and the impressive old stock exchange building of "La Bolsa"; pop into one of the nicest bookstores in Portugal, and stroll around the quaint Ribeira, the heart of the Old Town. Finally you’ll stop at a winery in Gaia, with tastings included, to learn about the wine making tradition that has taken the name Porto all over the world. After the tour, you could visit the World of Wine, a complex with several museums on the history of wine and chocolate.

Day 2 Excursion to Braga and Guimarães

Your guided excursion will be a full day private tour to see the two charming towns of Braga and Guimarães which are both close to Porto. Braga dates back to Roman times and its cathedral is the oldest in Portugal. The city has been designated a UNESCO World Heritage Site, so be sure to have your camera to hand for photographing its stunning architecture. The city of Guimarães is considered the birthplace of Portugal because Alfonso Henríquez, who would become the first king of Portugal, was born here. It too is listed by UNESCO and has a unique atmosphere among its historic streets lined with fascinating buildings.

Day 4 Porto to Douro Valley

After breakfast a driver will collect you from your hotel for your private transfer to the Douro Valley. Your next accommodation will be at the luxurious Six Senses Douro Valley, staying in a Quinta Deluxe room with breakfast. Built in 1800, this design hotel is especially appealing for its historical atmosphere, and there are plenty of unique amenities besides. You can have a tour of the hotel’s organic gardens; take a dip in the indoor and outdoor swimming pool; and visit the Wine Library & Terrace for self-service wine tasting.

Staying at

Balcony view at Six Senses Douro Valley, Portugal

Panorama Suite at Six Senses Douro Valley, Portugal

Day 5 Day at Leisure in the Douro Valley

Douro Valley

Today is yours at leisure to relax at your hotel with its pools and exceptional spa, or head out into the Douro Valley to explore. Inspiration includes the hotel’s Alchemy Bar Workshop, where you can pick aromatic herbs, salt, fruits, and spices to blend up and create your own natural cosmetics. Or how about hand painting traditional Portuguese tiles to take home as a souvenir? Then for a more adrenaline-fuelled activity there is the resort’s tree climbing experience!

Day 6 Wine Experience in the Douro Valley

Douro Valley

Today you’ll be collected for a full day tour of the valley and its famous wine-producing vineyards. You’ll be driven through the scenic roads and family estates in a private 4x4 on a journey that can be personalised to your preferences. The use of this type of vehicle gives access to the corners of the Douro used only by the region's workers, making for a truly eye-opening experience. Lunch is a highlight of the day; a gourmet picnic lunch at an idyllic viewpoint. And a one-hour boat ride along the Douro River is included in your tour.

Day 7 Douro Valley to Porto

Porto

For your final full day and evening in Portugal a driver will collect you for a private transfer back to Porto and a stay at The Yeatman. Located in the city’s Vila Nova de Gaia, just three miles from the sea and on a hillside amidst port wine lodges, this prestigious hotel is a member of Relais & Châteaux and widely regarded as one of Porto’s best. Don’t miss dinner at its two Michelin Star-awarded restaurant, a swim in the outdoor infinity pool, and a relaxing treatment in the spa with views of the city.

Staying at