Pleasures of Porto

Arrival in Porto

• Upon arriving at the Porto airport, your guide will chauffeur you to your hotel in the comfort of a private vehicle. Soak in the romantic, medieval charm of Porto, before heading out to dinner at Chez Lapin. Halfway hidden among the restaurants & cafés in the Ribiera neighborhood, experience your first taste of the traditional Portuguese gastronomy while basking in the ambience of the Douro river.

Explore the Medieval History of Porto

• Dive into the ancient history of Porto with a guided experience through some of the most famous sites in the city. Capture extravagant photos of the Baroque architecture as you wander the iconic Clérigos Tower, São Bento Train Station, San Francisco Church, Oporto Cathedral, and Palácio da Bolsa. Learn about the rich tradition of Porto wine making while taking a stroll through Ferreira Cellars; a 300 year old wine cellar converted into a museum. Enjoy a private tasting experience of sweet red wines crafted by a family of winemakers dating back to 1751. After decompressing from the day in your hotel, head out for an upscale dining experience at Orangerie which boasts spectacular views of the city. 

A Scenic River Cruise to a Luxury Wine Estate | Peso da Régua

• Embark on a scenic cruise along the Douro River from Porto to Peso da Régua. Enjoy lunch on the boat while taking in the awe-inspiring landscapes of terraced vineyards lining the Douro Valley region. Upon docking in Peso da Régua, take a visit to the Douro Museum to learn more about the region’s deep history of winemaking. Afterwards, travel to the highly esteemed Quinta Nova Luxury wine estate to spend the rest of the day immersed in the harmony of nature. Once you’re settled in, indulge in an extraordinary wine tasting experience while perched right above the Douro River. Wind down for the night with a memorable dinner at the estate’s restaurant where Chef Carvalho highlights the traditional culture of Portuguese gastronomy. 

A Dreamy Day in the Baroque Era | Vila Real

• Travel onwards to the tranquil town of Vila Real which once housed the country’s most important royalty. Begin with a visit to the gothic Cathedral da Vila Real to experience a unique combination of ancient and contemporary architecture. The sounds of organ pipes bouncing around the old stone walls and modern stained glass create a striking ambience in this Roman Catholic church. Next, head over to Casa Mateus, a stunning 18th century manor house embodying the finest of Baroque era architecture. Enter a romantic dream-like state as you wander through the fanciful palace and beautifully decorated gardens. End your experience with a local wine tasting made from the sweet, dark grapes grown & produced onsite. Enjoy a traditional lunch at Terra de Montanha with a juicy steak or rich cheese & wine pairing. Wrap up the day atop the São Leonardo da Galafura viewpoint to stimulate your imagination with expansive views of the Douro region. 

Prehistoric Adventures in the Coa Valley

• Make your way to Foz Côa to discover the beginnings of humanity at Coa Park World Heritage Site. Pique your curiosity by roaming the interactive museum full of prehistoric art dating back 28,000 years! Then, strap up for a 4-wheel drive adventure in the back of a jeep (or take a canoe down river) to get up close and personal with the rock art etched in stone by our primitive ancestors. 

• After the adventure, satisfy your hunger at Restaurante Coa Museu while enjoying breathtaking views of the Coa Valley. In the afternoon, stop for your ultimate wine tasting experience with picturesque views of the Douro Valley at Quinta das Carvalhas in Pinhão. Head back to the hotel for a well-deserved rest before a dinner at chef Rui Paula’s cutting-edge DOC Restaurant. Delight your senses with creative, forward-thinking dishes and top notch wine pairings while soaking in the atmosphere for your final night on the Douro River.

Return to Porto

• Return back to Porto to board your flight to your next once-in-a lifetime destination.