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 £9,454 per person
Nick
Travel Specialist
This is a bucket-list travel experience for true food and wine lovers, journeying through Porto and the Douro Valley to reveal some of Portugal’s most iconic landscapes and signature flavours.
Arrive in Porto – a city of golden light and winding alleyways – where UNESCO-listed streets reveal ornate churches, beautiful blue and white azulejo-tiled façades, and the striking Clérigos Tower. Delve into history with guided visits to Braga, home to Portugal’s oldest cathedral, and Guimarães, the birthplace of the nation.
Then, swap cityscapes for vine-clad hills in the Douro Valley, a UNESCO World Heritage region famed for its terraced vineyards and world-class wines. Savour private tastings, leisurely river views, and authentic Portuguese gastronomy, perfectly paired with the region’s finest vintages.
Along the way, retreat to the region’s finest luxury hotels, complete with Michelin-starred dining.
(Ref: 615515)
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.
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.
Day 8 Depart Porto to UK
Today you’ll be collected for your private transfer to the airport in good time for your return flight to the UK.
Nick
Travel Specialist
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7 nights from £9,454 per person
