Name: A Taste of Northern PORTUGAL: Porto & the Douro Valley
Start: 2025-05-22T00:00:00.000Z
End: 2025-05-29T00:00:00.000Z
Location: Porto, Portugal

The Continental DRIFTER®

Email address verified

5 reviews

May 22 - 29, 2025

Group size: 6 - 11

A Taste of Northern PORTUGAL: Porto & the Douro Valley

Porto, Portugal

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The Continental DRIFTER®

Email address verified

5 reviews

May 22 - 29, 2025

Group size: 6 - 11

ACTIVITY LEVEL: Low to Medium

Join The Continental Drifter® Founder and veteran tour organizer Ralph Velasco for a once-in-a-lifetime travel experience to Northern Portugal.

This trip will focus on the beautiful riverside city of Porto (3 nights) as well as Portugal’s most famous wine region, the UNESCO designated Douro Valley (4 nights).

In the gorgeous city of Porto, situated on the Douro River, you’ll stay at a wonderfully-located boutique hotel within walking distance to pretty much everything the city has to offer.

East in the Douro Valley you’ll spend 4 nights at a gorgeous hotel offering spectacular views of the Douro Valley and incredible access to this amazing part of the world.

It goes without saying that these properties will be truly unforgettable, even for the most seasoned traveler.

The wait is almost over! Sign up for pre-registration today and we’ll email you as soon as this incredible journey is available for booking. Don't miss out!

Trip Duration and Locations:
- Porto: 3 nights in a riverside boutique hotel, centrally located in the city.
- Douro Valley: 4 nights in a hotel with spectacular views, located in Portugal’s famous wine region, designated as a UNESCO World Heritage site.

Accommodations:
- Stay in unique and beautifully located hotels in both Porto and the Douro Valley, promising memorable experiences for even the most seasoned travelers.

Activities and Experiences:
- Several wine tastings, exploring local varieties and vineyards.
- Cable car ride, offering scenic views of the landscape.
- Boat rides on the Douro River, providing a different perspective of the valley.
- Train rides through picturesque settings.
- Locally guided walking tours, immersing in the history and culture of each location.

"Our Taste of Northern Portugal tour was a great experience with wonderful tours, accommodations, food/drinks and activities. The people we met were delightful travel partners and Ralph's leadership was effective and thorough. We are so happy we chose Ralph Velasco and Alla Campagna Experiences for our travels!" ~ Lynn S.

"I’ve traveled a lot on my own, and put together what I thought was enough time to see the high points. The trip with Alla Campagna Experiences proved the value of Ralph’s familiarity with local restaurants and guides. I might have stumbled upon a few things in Porto, but I’m sure I would have missed so many of the details that made this trip special. The Douro Valley tour from Alla Campagna Experiences should be on everyone’s bucket list." ~ Dan M.

"A Taste of Northern Portugal is another great trip from Alla Campagna Experiences. Porto is a great city with lots of history, culture, and entertainment. But the true gem of this trip is the Douro Valley. Every view in the Valley is scenic, the wine and food are beyond fantastic, and the people are so kind. For a trip that is off the beaten path of what most people do when they visit Europe, A Taste of Northern Portugal is the way to go." ~ Jeff D.

"Another great tour with The Continental Drifter! Ralph crafts his tours through research and experience, putting together the perfect plan for Porto and the Douro Valley. The wines, the food, the views are amazing. The small group felt more like old friends and provided the perfect companions for this adventure." ~ Patrick P.

“A Taste of Portugal was an enjoyable and leisurely vacation in a country that seems to have everything. Historical sights, gourmet food, photo opportunities and a great hospitality atmosphere abound. The tour hit all the sights of interest, Ralph was the perfect tour leader and it was a good group fellow travelers.” ~ Mike C.

“This was a great tour, with lots to do and see! We visited the large cities of Lisbon and Porto as well as other cities, towns, and villages throughout Portugal. I also took the extension through the Douro River Valley which was incredible! We had many opportunities to take pictures both as part of the tour and in our free time. I feel the tour gave me a good feel for the wide variety of life in the cities and countryside of Portugal.” ~ Vivian N.

“The group was great made some new long-term friends. Loved Portugal (other than the inclines 🙂 ), the country is small but packed full of great sites.” ~ Nancy S.

The gorgeous Douro Valley, just east of Porto, has been designated a UNESCO World Heritage site and it’s obvious why.

ALL ACTIVITIES, LOCATIONS, DAYS, AND TIMING ARE SUBJECT TO CHANGE

Most meals are included and B = Breakfast, L = Lunch and D = Dinner

IMPORTANT NOTE: You’ll want to wear good, sturdy walking shoes as Porto and the Douro Valley are made up of hilly terrain, often with lots of stairs, inclines, declines and at times gravel and occasionally dirt and stone paths, so be prepared to up your step count on this trip!

If you are even slightly unsure of your walking capability in these conditions it’s HIGHLY recommended that you purchase a quality set of telescoping walking sticks at your local outdoor supply store or online before arriving in Portugal.

HERE'S A LINK to a set of walking poles I've been recommending.

Please read Continental DRIFTER® Experiences Terms & Conditions carefully before booking your trip.

Airport Transfer
Private airport transfer on arrival in Porto (OPO). Group transfer from hotel to Porto Airport at the end of the trip.
Accommodations
All accommodations in Porto (3 nights) and at our hotel in the Douro Valley (4 nights) in a single or double occupancy room during trip dates.
Meals
All Breakfasts (B), 3 Lunches (L) and 4 Dinners (D).
Beverages
Drinks at meals as outlined by our local guide(s). Bottled water is provided each day (please bring your own reusable water bottle).
Wine Tasting
Several wine tastings throughout the trip.
Additional Activities
There'll be several wine tastings, a cable car ride, plus multiple train and boat rides too.
English-Speaking guide
Services of a local, English-speaking guide for select group activities and experiences.
Transportation
Transportation for day trips organized as group activities, including several train rides and boat rides (including train from Porto to the Douro Valley).
Entry Fees
All entry fees for group activities and experiences as outlined in the itinerary.
Gratuities
Group tips for local guides, drivers and meals.

International Airfare
Flights or other transportation to and from Portugal.
Other transportation
Transportation to and from OPO outside of those mentioned.
Drinks/Alcohol
Drinks or other alcoholic beverages not specifically mentioned as included.
Other Meals
Meals not specifically outlined as included.
Pre- or Post-Trip Nights
Pre- or post-trip accommodations outside of actual tour dates, although we can help to set up extra nights, if necessary.
Personal Items
Items of a personal nature are not included.

Double Occupancy (per person)

Deposit:$750

Available until April 22, 20258 left

This package is perfect for two people booking together, offering a harmonious blend of cultural exploration and luxurious relaxation in a shared room.

Relax in spacious, elegantly designed rooms at boutique hotels, where you'll savor breathtaking views of the river and terraced vineyards. Experience the serene ambiance and impeccable service of this exquisite setting. With modern amenities at your fingertips, it's the perfect retreat after a day of exploring.

Note:

• Pricing shown is for 2024. Pricing for 2025 is still to be determined and may change slightly

• If booking separately, please use the "Single Willing to Share" package

$4,999

Deposit:$750

Private Room - Single Occupancy

Deposit:$750

Available until April 22, 20259 left

Unwind in your own private sanctuary in spacious, elegantly designed rooms at boutique hotels —complete with breathtaking views of the river and terraced vineyards. Soak in the serene ambiance and impeccable service of this exquisite setting. With modern amenities at your fingertips, it's the perfect retreat after a day of exploring.

Note:

• Pricing shown is for 2024. Pricing for 2025 is still to be determined.

$5,748

Deposit:$750

Single Willing to Share - Female

Deposit:$750

Available until April 22, 20258 left

Ideal for female solo travelers, this package offers shared accommodations with an assigned roommate of the same gender in beautifully designed double rooms at boutique hotels.

You'll enjoy breathtaking views of the river and terraced vineyards from your spacious room, and experience the serene ambiance and impeccable service of this exquisite setting. Modern amenities ensure a comfortable and convenient stay, making it the perfect retreat to recharge and connect with fellow travelers.

Note:

• Pricing shown is for 2024. Pricing for 2025 is still to be determined

• For the individual who doesn't want to pay the Single Supplement and is willing to share a room with a traveler of the same gender.

• Important - If Continental Drifter are unable to find a traveler willing to share you will be required to pay the single supplement.

$4,999

Deposit:$750

Single Willing to Share - Male

Deposit:$750

Available until April 22, 20258 left

Ideal for Male solo travelers, this package offers shared accommodations with an assigned roommate of the same gender in beautifully designed double rooms at boutique hotels.

Note:

• Pricing shown is for 2024. Pricing for 2025 is still to be determined

• For the individual who doesn't want to pay the Single Supplement and is willing to share a room with a traveler of the same gender.

• Important - If Continental Drifter are unable to find a traveler willing to share you will be required to pay the single supplement.

$4,999

Deposit:$750

Day 1
Day 1
Transfer from OPO to hotel in Porto, Guided Foodie Tour
Meals: D

Please arrange your Porto (OPO)-bound flight to arrive by 3:00 pm local time today or earlier (we can assist in arranging extra hotel nights should you decide to arrive early or leave late).

You'll have an included PRIVATE TRANSFER to your hotel from the airport (specific details will follow).

6:00 pm - Estimated time of Meet & Greet where you can introduce yourself, get to know your fellow travelers in person and everyone can discuss the trip ahead.

7:30 pm – WELCOME FOODIE TOUR (if available and weather permitting) where a local guide will take the group on a walking tour that will include several stops, also allowing you to become oriented to this area. During this tour your guide will introduce the group to the history and food of Porto and other parts of Portugal found in this gem of a city situated on the Douro River.

OVERNIGHT at Carris Porto Ribeira Boutique Hotel or similar
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Day 2
Day 2
Two guided walking tours and a boat ride on the Douro River
Meals: B, D

After breakfast participate in a GUIDED WALKING TOUR of Porto's vibrant Ribeira area, located right on the Douro River. You'll get out before the tourist crowds overwhelm and when the light should be great. Later you can return to see more action if you like, but this morning it should be very quiet and peaceful for enjoying a walk in this truly stunning part of the city.

This morning's walk will end with a BOAT RIDE ON THE DOURO RIVER and will include your local guide so feel free to ask questions.

Lunch will be on your own and then later you can choose to participate in a GUIDED

WALKING TOUR of other parts of Porto.

DINNER this evening will be at a typical restaurant close to the hotel.

OVERNIGHT at Carris Porto Ribeira Boutique Hotel or similar
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Day 3
Day 3
Free morning, lunch, Port wine tasting, cable car to viewpoint
Meals: B, L

Take advantage of a free morning today to explore other parts of Porto you may not have visited, or simply sleep in and have a leisurely start to your day.

LUNCH will be taken on the Vila Nova de Gaia side of the river, near Pont Dom Luis I, Porto's most famous icon, including local guide and GUIDED WALK starting at a central meeting point to be announced.

After lunch participate in a GUIDED PORT WINE VISIT AND TASTING at a beautiful local Port Wine Cellar.

Next you can walk nearby with the group to take the CABLE CAR up to a point with truly spectacular views of the River Douro and its surroundings, after which you'll have a free afternoon and dinner on your own.

OVERNIGHT at Carris Porto Ribeira Boutique Hotel or similar
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Day 4
Day 4
Train to Douro Valley, dinner
Meals: B, D

After breakfast, PRIVATE TRANSFER with luggage from your hotel to Porto's gorgeous São Bento railway station where you'll have time to explore and then hop the TRAIN for the wonderfully scenic ride to our next stop, the Douro Valley, a UNESCO World Heritage site.

NOTE: You'll be responsible for your own luggage before and during the train ride, so just a reminder to please pack light and only bring what you can carry and lift on your own as there'll be no porters available until we arrive at our next station.

On arrival TRANSFER WITH LUGGAGE to our next property, the truly stunning Vila Gale Douro Vineyards (or similar).

If rooms are ready, which is unlikely at this early hour (approximately 12:00 pm), check in and settle in, otherwise enjoy an ORIENTATION TOUR of the property, after which you can sample the local wine and take lunch on your own by the lookout over the Douro Valley and endless landscapes of vineyards.

Next you'll have some free time to continue exploring the property, relax or do whatever you like.

Later we'll meet for an included and very memorable DINNER.

OVERNIGHT at Vila Gale Douro Vineyards or similar
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Day 5
Day 5
Visit to nearby Pinhão, lunch and Wine Tasting
Meals: B, L

Today, after BREAKFAST on your own, TRANSFER FOR GUIDED VISIT to nearby Pinhão where you can walk around and enjoy this riverside town and its gorgeous train station which is adorned on all sides with the famous blue azulejos tiles telling stories of times gone by.

Next have a PRIVATE TRANSFER from Pinhão to another riverside wine estate called Quinta do Tedo where you'll enjoy another WINE TASTING and GUIDED VISIT of the property, including LUNCH (and absolutely stunning views of the river and surroundings).

After this visit and lunch PRIVATE TRANSFER back to our hotel where you'll be able to take advantage of a free afternoon to enjoy the property and dinner at your leisure.

OVERNIGHT at Vila Gale Douro Vineyards or similar
Read more
Day 6
Day 6
Train to end of line in Pocinho, boat ride from Pinhão
Meals: B, L

PRIVATE TRANSFER from our hotel to train station where you'll take the TRAIN to the end of the line at Pocinho where the railway station is the eastern terminus of the Douro railway line. Pocinho developed with the arrival of the railway in 1887.

Along with our local guide you'll have a PRIVATE TRANSFER from Pocinho back to Pinhão where LUNCH will be enjoyed at a local restaurant.

After lunch embark on a BOAT TRIP on the Douro River from Pinhão back to Ferrão (subject to change).

Next you can enjoy the remainder of the afternoon and dinner on your own.

OVERNIGHT at Vila Gale Douro Vineyards or similar
Read more
Day 7
Day 7
Free day to explore our hotel and/or surrounding area
Meals: B, D

Today you'll have a final opportunity to enjoy this area and its surroundings.

You can choose to sleep in, take a scenic walk, sit on the deck, enjoy a glass of wine or coffee in a comfortable chair overlooking the valley, read a book or do whatever it is that you like with lunch on your own.

At a predetermined time say goodbye to new and old friends at a memorable FAREWELL DINNER.

OVERNIGHT at Vila Gale Douro Vineyards or similar
Read more
Day 8
Day 8
Group Transfer Douro Valley to Porto Airport (OPO)
Meals: B

Unfortunately, your trip with us comes to an end today so it’ll be time to say goodbye, at least for now. Be sure to pack all your belongings, check out, leave your key and have everything with you for your GROUP TRANSFER to Porto Airport (OPO).

Approximate Timing:

8 am - BREAKFAST

9 am - GROUP TRANSFER to OPO.

12 pm - estimated arrival time at OPO

Please arrange your flight onward to leave OPO after 3:00 pm local time in order to give yourself enough time to check in and make it to your gate.
Read more

Day 1

Transfer from OPO to hotel in Porto, Guided Foodie Tour

Meals: D

Please arrange your Porto (OPO)-bound flight to arrive by 3:00 pm local time today or earlier (we can assist in arranging extra hotel nights should you decide to arrive early or leave late).

You'll have an included PRIVATE TRANSFER to your hotel from the airport (specific details will follow).

6:00 pm - Estimated time of Meet & Greet where you can introduce yourself, get to know your fellow travelers in person and everyone can discuss the trip ahead.

7:30 pm – WELCOME FOODIE TOUR (if available and weather permitting) where a local guide will take the group on a walking tour that will include several stops, also allowing you to become oriented to this area. During this tour your guide will introduce the group to the history and food of Porto and other parts of Portugal found in this gem of a city situated on the Douro River.

OVERNIGHT at Carris Porto Ribeira Boutique Hotel or similar

The Continental DRIFTER®

5 reviews

Since 2008, Continental DRIFTER® founder Ralph Velasco has been organizing and leading once-in-a-lifetime small group cultural tours around the world (all of which have been 5-star rated on Google, WeTravel, and Facebook). Our guides, drivers, accommodations, experiences, and activities are all thoroughly vetted in advance so that your trip goes without a hitch. Come learn about the people, food, drink, and many other cultural aspects of the incredible destinations we visit. Remember, DRIFTER...Life's too short not to travel!

The Dordogne trip was fantastic; we got to stay in castle built in the early 1200s on a Roman site and explore a beautiful part of France, full of rivers and limestone cliffs and ancient abbeys and castles and impossibly charming little towns. As always on Ralph’s trips, we had some truly memorable meals and did super cool and interesting tours and day trips in the company of a great group of people. I can’t wait for my next trip with Ralph!

By Karen Gareis G for FRANCE’s Magical Dordogne in a Private Castle on Oct 09, 2024

Thank you so much, Karen, for a great review. I’m so happy you enjoyed our time here in France and I simply can’t wait to travel with you again!

By The Continental DRIFTER® on Oct 09, 2024

The uniqueness of staying in a castle put this trip over the top. Ralph put together a well organized trip which included interesting adventures each day balanced with relaxation time at the castle. All of the side tours were interesting and unique. The biggest challenge for me was lack of wifi in my castle tower. But lol and behold the game room with its interesting decor provided wifi. I do m think the main idea behind the castle was to focus on the quiet and the people around you. I would highly recommend this tour if you like to experience something different and enjoy learning about the region.

By Lynn E for FRANCE’s Magical Dordogne in a Private Castle on Oct 06, 2024

Thanks so much for joining this trip, Lynn, and for the 5-star review. I'm so glad you enjoyed our time at the castle and in all the surrounding villages we visited. Can't wait to have you along on another trip soon!

By The Continental DRIFTER® on Oct 07, 2024

A magical time in a magical location, a private medieval castle whose owner managed some of the most well known rock bands of the 80s and 90s. Stories filled the evening hour around the great dining hall under the watchful eye of several suits of armor. Day trips out to various stone medieval towns for open air markets, gothic churches, an abandoned abbey and prehistoric paintings some 20,000 years old hidden amongst the stalactites of limestone caverns. A unique view of another side of France.

By Anthony P for FRANCE’s Magical Dordogne in a Private Castle on Sep 28, 2024

Thanks, Tony, for the wonderful review. I’m so glad you joined this trip and enjoyed it so much. It was a pleasure to have you along and to see you on the road in this magical place!

By The Continental DRIFTER® on Sep 29, 2024

Continental DRIFTER’s Northern Spain trip was the trip of a lifetime, but I will definitely travel with Ralph again, so there’s going to be competition for that “trip of a lifetime” title! With a small group of delightful companions, we saw spectacular views and architecture, ate amazing local food, drank delicious local wine, visited interesting locations with fun and knowledgeable local guides, and had so many laughs. Highlights included the sheer cliff faces overlooking Zumaia Beach, the lush terraced vineyards over the impossibly blue Bay of Biscay, the charming beachfront of San Sebastian, the ridiculously delicious tapas crawl on Calle Laurel in Logroño, and spending part of the trip in a little 13th century walled town in Rioja. Ralph takes care of every detail, so all that’s left to do is to marvel, learn, and enjoy. And eat. And eat. I loved spending enough time in each location to really get a feel for it instead of rushing from place to place checking items off a list, and Ralph curates the coolest experiences, like olive oil farm tours and cooking classes. 47 thumbs up from me!

By Karen Gareis G for Northern SPAIN’s Basque Country & La Rioja on Sep 20, 2023

Karen, thank you SO much for the wonderful review. I'm so happy you enjoyed our trip to Spain, it was a pleasure having you along and I can't wait until the next one!

By The Continental DRIFTER® on Nov 02, 2023

I have recently returned from this trip to Northern Spain and I highly recommend it! We toured wineries, had an olive oil tasting in an olive grove, attended a cooking class, took tours of churches and architecture, and so much else! At each stop Ralph had hired guides with extensive knowledge of their area, who were interesting, helpful, and punctual. (In Ramon's case, hilarious as well!) After daily excursions, we had the late afternoon and evening free to wander on our own and explore the three different cities we stayed in. The food was fantastic and fresh. We never had a bad meal. The hotels were beautiful. My favorite memory will always be sitting on the outdoor patio of a beautiful winery in the sun, eating pintxos (Basque tapas), drinking incredible wine, chatting with the really nice group of people on the trip; all with a beautiful view of the Bay of Biscay. It was definitely one of the highlights for me! I would recommend Ralph and Continental Drifter to anyone looking for an amazing travel experience!

By Diana S for Northern SPAIN’s Basque Country & La Rioja on Sep 18, 2023

Thank you, Robin, for the amazing 5-star review. I can't tell you how happy I am to know that this trip exceeded all your expectations and I look forward to seeing you on the road again real soon!

By The Continental DRIFTER® on Nov 02, 2023