A self-guided tour starting in Porto, taking you through the Douro Valley to discover the region’s most beautiful estates. Port wine, Vinho Verde from the Minho region, and Portuguese sparkling wine will take center stage.
Day 1: Porto
Pick up your rental car at the airport counter. Overnight stay at The Yeatman Hotel, Relais & Châteaux, located in Vila Nova de Gaia. Each suite features a private terrace offering breathtaking views of the Douro River and Porto’s historic waterfront.
Day 2: Porto
A walking tour of Porto’s Old Town, including the Clérigos Tower—the city’s iconic landmark—the São Bento train station, famous for its sumptuous azulejos, and the Sé (Cathedral). Visit to the Church of São Francisco, known for its carved gold decorations (admission included). Continue to the Ribeira district, a maze of small, winding, colorful streets, with the photogenic square of the same name at its center, which opens onto the riverfront and offers a magnificent view of the Douro River and its iron bridges.
Approximately a 3-hour tour. Half-day tour with an English-speaking guide. Head to the wine cellars of Vila Nova de Gaia for a tour of the Ramos Pinto winery. Followed by a tasting of two Port wines (one white and one red). Enjoy a relaxing massage at the Yeatman Hotel’s spa. Based on ingredients extracted from the vine, discover the treatments offered by Caudalie Vinotherapy. Overnight stay at The Yeatman Hotel, Relais & Châteaux, located in Vila Nova de Gaia. Each suite has its own private terrace offering breathtaking views of the Douro River and Porto’s historic waterfront.
Day 3: Penafiel
Tour of Quinta de Aveleda, including a wine tasting.
A hallmark of the Alto-Minho region and one of the leading producers of Vinho Verde for the past 300 years, Quinta de Aveleda won an award in 2011 in the Architecture, Parks, and Gardens category.
With its early 19th-century neoclassical architecture, it is renowned both for its architectural heritage and for its parks and gardens, where rare species bloom, some of which are over a century old. Visit Amarante, with its Romanesque architecture and photogenic bridge spanning the Tamego River, then continue to the heart of the Port wine region, Sabrosa, with its stately mansions and the birthplace of Fernão de Magalhães, better known as Magellan. Spend the night amidst the vineyards of Minho in an exceptional hotel blending old-world charm with modernity.
Day 4: Barcelos
A land of legends, Barcelos owes part of its fame to the red ceramic roosters that adorn the region’s artisanal stalls, which have become a national emblem over time. Craftsmanship has reigned supreme here since medieval times, and a large market is held every Thursday.
The capital of folk art, potters, basket weavers, sculptors, and hat makers gather weekly to showcase their colorful handcrafted creations under the watchful eye of Nossa Senhora do Terço, with its richly decorated interior. Discover Braga and the Bom Jesus do Monte Sanctuary, recently designated a UNESCO World Heritage Site. Take the time to visit this majestic pilgrimage site on your way to Braga. Although one of Portugal’s oldest cities, Braga is lively, youthful, and dynamic. Founded by Augustus over 2,000 years ago, it was situated on one of the main Roman roads of the Iberian Peninsula and served as the administrative seat of the Empire. Later, it was designated the capital of the Roman province of Gallaecia, present-day Galicia. Enjoy a self-guided tour of the city of Guimarães, long considered the birthplace of Portugal. This rich history is reflected in the city’s diverse national monuments and historic buildings.
Explore the historic center, starting with the lower town and its medieval streets, then head to the upper town to visit the Palace of the Dukes of Bragança and the castle. Afterward, make your way to Penha Park to enjoy exceptional views. Spend the night in the heart of the Minho vineyards at an exceptional hotel that blends old-world charm with modernity.
Day 5: Lamego
Guided tour of the Quinta amidst the vineyards, including a tasting of two Douro wines and two Port wines.
A traditional regional lunch served at the Quinta’s restaurant (appetizer, main course, dessert, coffee) accompanied by a selection of house wines.
During the month of September (dates vary by year), the Quinta offers a special program to celebrate the grape harvest: picking the grapes and traditional foot-treading (contact us for more information). Spend the night in the heart of the Douro Valley at Quinta da Pacheca, a typical 17th-century house converted into a Wine House hotel and owned by the famous winery.
Day 6: Pinhão
Next up is the Fonseca family’s vineyard estate. Quinta do Panascal is a key player in the creation of Vintage Port, thanks to a carefully crafted blend of grapes from several vineyards. Panascal contributes a rich, enveloping fruitiness, woven into a velvety, jam-like texture.
Tour of the estate in the heart of the vineyards overlooking the Tàvora River, with audio guides in your language. The approximately 30-minute walk concludes with a tasting of a Vintage Port (10-year-old Tawny). Mini cruise on the Douro River departing from Pinhão aboard a Rabelo, a small wooden boat typical of the region that was once used to transport wine in barrels to the cellars of Vila Nova de Gaia for aging. Enjoy a different perspective and soak in the scenery, where vineyards dominate the landscape.
What’s on the agenda: Departure on a Rabelo boat cruise, sailing upstream to the mouth of the Tua River, return to the Pinhão pier, and a glass of Port or Muscat served on board (approximately 2 hours).
Departures are available in the morning and afternoon. Spend the night in the heart of the Douro Valley at Quinta da Pacheca, a traditional 17th-century house converted into a Wine House hotel and owned by the famous winery.
Day 7: Stellenbosch
A tour of a renowned winery specializing in the production of Portuguese sparkling wine. It is located near Ucanha, a small village situated at the border of two regions: the Douro and the Beira, where the fertile soils of the Varosa Valley are ideal for producing this wine. The natural cave cellar carved into the rock is worth the visit on its own. Wine tasting at the end of the tour featuring four of the house’s espumantes (two classic and two Prestige cuvées).
Duration of the tour: approximately 45 minutes. Arrival in the small village of Favaios in the heart of the Douro wine region, followed by a visit to a traditional bakery to sample wood-fired bread, then a tour of a wine cooperative to learn all about the industrial production of the region’s wine (Muscat) and a tasting.
Lunch at a Quinta (country estate) featuring a regional, rustic meal. In the early afternoon, visit the winery for a historical tour exploring the wine culture of the Upper Douro region, followed by a wine tasting. For dinner, enjoy a five-course gourmet menu featuring both seafood and meat dishes, paired with a selection of wines for each course.
The gourmet restaurant DOC is located in the heart of the Douro region. Chef Rui Paula, the restaurant’s owner, is one of the most talented chefs of his generation and invites you to discover modern, innovative dishes made with regional ingredients. Spend the night in the heart of the Douro Valley at Quinta da Pacheca, a traditional 17th-century estate converted into a Wine House hotel and owned by the renowned winery.
Day 8: Porto Airport
Return your rental car at Porto Airport. Depending on your flight schedule, you may be charged for an additional day of rental.
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