In the morning we will embark on a coastal tour of northern Portugal, going through some of its highlights such as Moledo and Caminha and then moving further along the river Minho to the historical town of Valença, where we will visit its fortress and other highlights, also making time to shop on its narrow streets - towels & clothing are a commodity here.

We will have lunch at a charming restaurant and afterwards we will visit Brejoeira Palace, one of the landmarks for Portuguese baroque architecture, where we will also have a wine tasting.

We will return to the hotel, to enjoy some free time, before having dinner at one of the most renowned and Michelin Star recommended restaurants in the region, for a gastronomic experience.

After our stay at Viana do Castelo with its charming and quite portuguese flair, we will still have time for shopping at the city centre (Viana do Castelo that is known for its embroidery) before we head to a magical place called Soajo while crossing some of the most typical villages of Portugal (Ponte de Lima, Ponte da Barca and Arcos de Valdevez).  

We will have lunch by the river Lima before arriving at Soajo.

We will continue our journey through the Gerês National Park crossing the Medieval castle of Lindoso before arriving at Vidago, where kings and queens came for SPA treatments, thus making Vidago an international hub for who’s who in Madrid, Paris, Vienna & Rio de Janeiro, during the “belle époque” years. You will find its charm and timelessness is still intact!

Dinner at the hotel’s Salão Nobre (Noble Room).

Since the Vidago Palace is one of the gems of Portugal, the morning will be spent indulging yourself, either going for a SPA treatment at it’s “art nouveau” building, playing tennis or golf - enjoying the country club like atmosphere - or just spending time by the pool. The morning is yours! 

Lunch will be held at the hotel premises (country club, pool bar or restaurants) and an optional short scenery tour can be taken, during the afternoon, to visit a lost monastery inside the Gerês National Park if you feel that is the direction you want to have for your day. Otherwise, you can indulge yourself with the amenities at the hotel. Dinner that evening will be at the historical town of Chaves.

Moving onward to the heart of the Douro Wine producing region, we will arrive at Symington´s headquarters in Pinhão, where we will have a picnic overlooking the river alongside a bottle of Altano Branco and a glass of Dow’s port, after which we will tour the winery and have a wine tasting at Quinta do Bonfim, with the Douro River at our feet. 

After enjoying the wine notes and smells, we will check into our hotel located at a vineyard. That evening we’ll prepare to dine with amazing views, again, surrounded by the Douro vineyards.

Waking up to astonishing views you will have breakfast and options to enjoy at the hotel like a cooking class, bird watching, or simply walking along its trails (these options are not included in the price). The morning should play as an interlude to our sailing adventure up the river, in the afternoon. Our cruise will take us through breathtaking views of the Douro valley where we will also have lunch. 

After enjoying our day we will arrive back at our hotel where we will dine.

If the Douro wine region is a traditional one, just beside it lies another one - more youthful and fresh in its notes - called Vinho Verde region. As we travel there we will stop at Quinta do Crasto to have lunch and a last glimpse of the Douro from the terrace. While there we will visit the vineyards and experience a Wine Port & Chocolat tasting. 

Then we will head towards Amarante, checking-in at a Wine Experience Hotel by the afternoon, having free time to walk along the premises before having dinner at the hotel restaurant led by chef Carlos Silva.

The morning is yours to relax at the hotel SPA that offers signature facial treatments and massages all inspired by wine (to be booked accordingly, as an option). Other programs are also provided by the Wine Experience Hotel. Lunch will take place at a Michelin award winning restaurant led by Chef Tiago Bonito.

After lunch we will head towards Guimarães (UNESCO World Heritage) to visit Portugal’s cradle as a nation (since 1128). We will stroll around its mediaeval streets and squares as well as visit its main church and castle. Afterwards, a wine tasting awaits us at the Hotel.

As our journey comes to an end, we will dine at one of the most promising restaurants in the region led by a former Michelin star chef Luís Moreira at his new culinary project in the town of Baião.

After a wonderful week in Porto and the Douro Valley I hope you travel home with lasting memories of my beautiful Portugal. I will escort you to the Porto airport with well wishes for safe travels home. UNTIL YOUR NEXT VISIT TO PORTUGAL, ATÉ Á PRÓXIMA!