The Very Best of Porto

Start your day with a delicious breakfast provided by your hotel. Today, you will be exploring the beautiful town of Porto, enjoying the cool sea breeze and delicious gastronomy. Clinging to the steep banks of the Douro, the city is brimming with cultural riches and wander ing through the cobbled streets you will stumble across tiny petiscarias (tapas bars), riverside seafood restaurants , port cellars, craft-beer haunts and local food markets.

Feel Porto’s true essence as you walk with your guide through the scenic mysteries of this city’s Historical Centre and admire the highlights of this beautiful city.

For lunch, you will enjoy a delicious meal along the river bank, in a part of Porto that can be considered the soul of the city, Ribeira.

In the afternoon, immerse yourself in a very special visit to a Port Wine cellar, a true highlight of any trip to Porto, learn how port is made and have chance to sample some of the best ones.

At the end of the day, treat yourself to a grilled fish dinner at one of the most wonderful restaurants in this buzzing fishing port. The speciality, grilled fish, is truly sensational and not to be missed! This is a 2 course meal and includes local wine and beer.

Return to your hotel for the rest of the evening.

Accommodation

Descobertas Boutique House in Porto.

Explore the Minho Region

Today you will be visiting Minho, a vast green area, and a region of Northern Portugal that has it all: history, culture, natural beauty and, of course, wine. Vineyards blanket the slopes of mountains and unfurl from the riverbanks, while the dramatic coastline stretches up to meet the Spanish border.

Begin your day with a delicious breakfast in the sanctuary of your hotel. This will fuel you for your adventure ahead.

Later on in the morning, you will visit the cradle of the nation, Guimarães, the loveliest Portuguese city you have never heard of, and birthplace of the country’s first king, Afonso Henrique. Here you can wander the web of cobbled streets, discover pretty plazas and 14^th-century landmarks, the 1000-year old hilltop castle, and the grand 15^th-century palace. Gorgeous medieval buildings withe the stunning backdrop of the rolling hills.

Next, you will visit an ancient vineyard , an historic farm where the local Vino Verde is produced. Here, you will have the chance to enjoy a delicious wine tasting.

To end the day, you will be heading over to Braga this Baroque city has been the religious centre of Portugal since Roman times, but it has much more than its ecclesiastical credentials.

The city’s narrow lanes and atmospheric plazas, lined with Baroque churches, echo with the sound of chiming bells. Just outside the city is the sanctuary of Bom Jesus do Monte, whose elaborate staircase zigzags up the hillside – climb the 577 steps to the church before taking the funicular back down. The historic core brims with cool cultural offerings,  a mellow bar scene, independent art galleries and museums.

Check in to your new hotel in Braga, before exploring the local area. The rest of your day can be spent at your leisure.

Accommodation

Hotel Dona Sofia in Braga.

The Hotel Dona Sofia is central part of the city’s highlights, located in the historic and commercial area. This gorgeous hotel is surrounded by several museums, concert halls and a large pedestrian zone.

Duoro Valley Wine & River Cruise

After breakfast at your hotel, you will spend the day exploring the beautiful Douro Valley region, immersing yourself into the local cuisine and culture.

Begin unravelling the Douro Region, with a visit to a local vineyard where you can  get to know all about Port wine. Whilst here, you will have the chance to taste 2 Douro wines and 2 Port wines. This is an amazing experience with local producers from generations of winemakers.

After the visit, enjoy a picnic in one of the farms that make up this unique and stunning landscape, a lovely relaxing lunch al fresco, with local Portuguese delicacies and traditional artisan made produce.

In the afternoon, embark on a boat ride through a fantastic stretch of the Douro River. Along the way, you can see terraced vineyards all the way down the river as well as centuries-old buildings of wine-producing farms, in this unique UNESCO world Heritage site.    After the boat ride we will taste Olive Oil at the local Olive oil farm with a fabulous small museum showing you the history of Olive Oil making.

In the evening, explore the Douro gastronomy, trying the local cuisine and immersing yourself in the vibrant culture.

Accommodation

The Original Douro Hotel in Regua.

Built in 1880 and beautifully renovated there are just 18 rooms in this charming hotel, which also has a tavern serving local artisan produce from the area

Located in the heart of Peso da Régua, the Original Douro Hotel is the perfect base for your visit.

The Aromas of the Dão Region

After breakfast, you will spend the day exploring the complex and delicate aromas of the Dão region, one of the oldest established wine regions in Portugal. Its granite soils and distinctive micro-climates make for fabulous vine-growing country. Unlike better known wine regions, viniculture here is still mostly small-scale and familial

Visit a wine farm in this gorgeous mountainous region, experiencing and discovering the world and art of wine making. This wine farm is near Viseu, a town which has Roman remains, an incredible cathedral, and is surrounded by wonderful green landscape.

After lunch, explore the city surrounded by hills on the granite plateau. Get lost in the beauty of these vibrant rolling hills, making for a breathtaking sight.

For the rest of your last day here in Portugal, explore Viseu at your leisure. In the evening, one more opportunity to try the delicious gastronomy of this region, making for the perfect end of this foodie trip.

Accommodation

Montebelo Principe Perfeito in Visue.

This hotel has a peaceful atmosphere, centrally located to easily access the  surrounded by green spaces, overlooking the landscapes of the natural parks of Serra da Estrela and Caramulo,

Sweet tasting Tour of Aveiro and then Travel to Lisbon

Following a guided walk around the city of Aveiro your guide will take you to taste some typical sweets from the city.

Your driver will take you to the station where you will then travel First Class to Lisbon by train from Aviero arriving in Lisbon at 14:30 and then having the rest of the day to recover from the travels and just relax.

Walking tour through Alentejo

Explore the capital city of Alentejo. Evora is a Unesco World Heritage site,  its roots date back to Roman times and in the 16th century it was the seat of the Portuguese Kings. The wonderful architecture, white houses, with their coloured tiles and balconies and its medieval churches, palaces, cathedral and historic squares was the inspiration for the building of several Brazilian cities.

Enjoy a walk through the sunny city and marvel at the beautiful monuments, the city walls and its famous Aqueduct.

Unwind in your hotel for the rest of the day.

Accommodation

The Noble House in Évora.

The Noble House has its origins in the 15th century and it is a true example of an Alentejo noble lodge. Its foundations are on “Cerca Velha”, the first city wall, and it has a rich and diverse history. It has recently been fully renovated by an award winning Architect and designer.

Located in the heart of the historical city centre, only a 2 minutes walk from the city’s Cathedral and the Roman Temple, it is an amazing base to discover Évora.

Explore Traditional Alentejo

Begin your day with a delicious breakfast in the comfort of your beautiful hotel, before you embark on toay’s adventure in Alentejo.

Today your local guide will take you to discover a tradition that has lasted centuries in Alentejo. Located in an old olive oil press, this 14th  century weaving factory is the museum of  traditional Portuguese “mantas” (blankets) where you can see the traditional weaving techniques and the beautiful designs.

Next, you will have the chance to taste the nectar of  Alentejo, in one of the most unique and unusual wine cellars in the country. This is a truly off the beaten track experience that you are sure to enjoy!

At night, the opportunity to explore the skies of the Alentejo, in an authentic experience accompanied by an astronomy expert, you will be discovering the skies of this unique region, devoid of light pollution. Tranquil and peaceful this will be the perfect end to your day in Alentejo.

Return to your new hotel in Reguengos de Monsaraz for the night.

Accommodation

Montimerso Skyscape Country House – Monsaraz.

An absolutely fantastic four-star hotel in a rural setting just 8 km from the beautiful village of Monsaraz

Discover the Enchanting Medieval Village of Monsaraz

After a hearty breakfast, you will spend the day visiting a traditional, Portuguese village before ending they day at the biggest artificial lake in Europe, Alqueva.

In the morning, discover Monsaraz with your guide, and feel yourself travel back in time while enjoying the rich Portuguese history.

This graceful medieval village, retains its former magic like few places in the world. Made of lime and schist, this place whispers to us, through the echo of our steps in its streets.

Learn the magnificent stories of Kings, Knights Templars, and the lore of the surrounding area in this authentic immersion into Portuguese history.

To end the day, you will be travelling to the biggest artificial lake of Europe, Alqueva. Whilst here, learn about the stories, the heritage, the fauna and flora while enjoying a relaxing boat ride.

Return to your hotel in Reguengos de Monsaraz for your final night here in Alentejo.

Accommodation

Montimerso Skyscape Country House – Monsaraz.

Departure day

 After a delicious breakfast, check out of your hotel, and begin your journey to the airport in Lisbon with wonderful memories of this beautiful and characterful area off the beaten tourist track.