12-24
GUESTS
8 / 7
DAYS / NIGHTS
16
MEALS
7
WINERIES
Join the Wine & Food Foundation as we embark on an unforgettable journey to discover the sights, sounds, and tastes of the lush region of Northern Portugal. From the riverfront city of Porto, full of Old World charm, to the spectacular vineyards and terraced hillsides of the Douro Valley, we’ll immerse ourselves in the amazing wines, flavorful cuisine, rich cultural heritage, baroque architecture, and dramatic views found in this enchanting region!
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TASTE
the varieties and styles of wine produced from grapes grown on the steep hillsides of the Douro Valley
EXPLORE
the cobblestone streets of the captivating city of Porto and the Port lodges across the river in Villa Nova de Gaia
DISCOVER
the architectural and historical marvels of this region that traces its roots to the Romans, Visigoths, and Moors
DAY 1
ARRIVE
Welcome to Porto! A private driver will greet you at the airport and transport you to our hotel set in the historic center of the city. Check-in and have some time to relax and get settled. This evening, we’ll kick things off with introductions and a cocktail at the hotel, followed by a special Welcome Dinner at a local restaurant where we’ll have our first foray into the region’s rich gastronomic offerings.
Meals: Dinner
Stay: Overnight at Hotel Teatro PortoBay
DAY 2
PORTO
After breakfast, we’ll start the day with a guided walking food tour to acquaint us with the city. The city’s architecture narrates a fascinating tale of Roman, Moorish, and Christian influences— a testament to Porto’s strategic significance throughout history.
Along the way, we’ll sample some local flavors at bustling markets and tucked-away eateries. After the tour, enjoy free time to explore the city. Consider checking out WOW, a cultural district dedicated to the celebration of wine and gastronomy. Tonight, we’ll gather for dinner at a traditional restaurant.
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Stay: Overnight at Hotel Teatro PortoBay
DAY 3
VILA NOVA DE GAIA
After breakfast, we’ll start the day with a guided walking food tour to acquaint us with the city. The city’s architecture narrates a fascinating tale of Roman, Moorish, and Christian influences— a testament to Porto’s strategic significance throughout history.
Along the way, we’ll sample some local flavors at bustling markets and tucked-away eateries. After the tour, enjoy free time to explore the city. Consider checking out WOW, a cultural district dedicated to the celebration of wine and gastronomy. Tonight, we’ll gather for dinner at a traditional restaurant.
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch
Stay: Overnight at Hotel Teatro PortoBay
DAY 4
DOURO VALLEY
We’ll have a free morning in Porto before bidding farewell to the bustle of the city and venturing inland to the majestic Douro Valley— one of the world’s oldest wine regions and a UNESCO World Heritage Site. The long tradition of viticulture and the human influence in shaping the land have created a unique cultural landscape reflecting the evolution of human activity over time. Upon arrival at our accommodations, we’ll check in and have time to get settled.
This evening, we’ll take a short drive along the river to a typical restaurant where we’ll savor a selection of regional dishes paired with local wines.
Meals: Breakfast, Dinner
Stay: Overnight at Quinta da Pacheca
DAY 5
LAMEGO
This morning, we’ll take a short drive north to Casa de Mateus where we’ll have the opportunity to visit the historic property and taste the wines produced on-site followed by lunch at a local restaurant. Next, we’ll head south through the vineyard-clad hills of the Alto Douro to continue our discovery of the region with a visit to a family-run estate to learn about the family’s history and sample their wines. After the tour, we’ll return to the property for an open evening.
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch
Stay: Overnight at Quinta da Pacheca
DAY 6
PINHÃO
After breakfast, we’ll set off for Pinhão, a lovely town in the heart of the Douro Valley famed for its wine and port production. Our first stop will be one of the finest estates— or quintas— in the region, where we’ll have a guided tour of the property, taking in the incredible views of the landscape and learning about the winemaking process. After the tour, we’ll have a tasting session of the wines and port produced on site followed by a delicious wine-paired lunch showcasing the local flavors.
In the afternoon, we’ll journey to a second notable quinta for another tour and tasting, providing further insight into the Douro Valley’s rich wine heritage and deepening our understanding of the region’s varied wine styles. As the day wraps up, we’ll return to the property for a leisurely evening.
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch
Stay: Overnight at Quinta da Pacheca
DAY 7
COCKTAIL WORKSHOP
On our last full day in the Douro Valley, we will have a free day to relax. A light lunch will be provided, and we’ll gather in the afternoon to enjoy a guided tour of Quinta da Pacheca wine estate followed by a fun and informative cocktail-making workshop where we’ll become familiar with the characteristics of our ingredients before learning the art of mixology. Later this evening, we’ll come together for a memorable Farewell Dinner at the property, sampling the Quinta’s wines, toasting our journey with new friends, and celebrating the gastronomy of the Douro region.
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Stay: Overnight at Quinta da Pacheca
DAY 7
DEPARTURE
After breakfast, take a private transfer to the Porto Airport. Not ready to leave Portugal behind? Continue your journey with an optional four-day extension in Vinho Verde.
Meals: Breakfast
DAY 8
AMARANTE
Depart this morning, traveling northwest to the Vinho Verde wine region— the largest wine-growing region of Portugal. Along the way, take in the rolling green countryside, stopping in the town of Amarante, an ancient settlement on the banks of the River Tâmega known for its blend of Renaissance, Medieval, and Romanesque architecture. Have some free time to find a spot for lunch before venturing on to our accommodations. As evening falls, look forward to a wine-paired dinner of regional dishes at the property.
Meals: Dinner
Stay: Overnight at Monverde Wine Experience Hotel
DAY 9
MAGIC OF VINHO VERDE
After breakfast, embark on a journey through the relatively young and dynamic Vinho Verde wine region. Visit the distinguished Quinta de Santa Christina for a tour and tasting followed by a picnic lunch of regional products set amidst the vineyards.
In the afternoon, explore another acclaimed winery, deepening your understanding of Vinho Verde’s unique wine styles. Return to the property for a leisurely evening.
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch
Stay: Overnight at Monverde Wine Experience Hotel
DAY 10
VINHO VERDE DELIGHTS
Start the day at your own pace, perhaps choosing to indulge in the hotel’s spa or explore the surrounding vineyards. After an open lunch, make your way to Quinta da Lixa, a family-run winery where a guided tour will unveil the production methods of Vinho Verde winemaking, followed by a tasting of their wines. Return to the hotel with some time to relax before venturing out to Amarante for a special gourmet dining experience at a local restaurant showcasing Mediterranean cuisine of Portuguese origin.
Meals: Breakfast, Dinner
Stay: Overnight at Monverde Wine Experience Hotel
DAY 11
DEPARTURE
After breakfast, a private transfer will take you to Porto Airport, marking the conclusion of your wine journey through Portugal’s northern regions.
Adeus!
Meals: Breakfast
Stay:
DAY 8
AMARANTE
Depart this morning, traveling northwest to the Vinho Verde wine region— the largest wine-growing region of Portugal. Along the way, take in the rolling green countryside, stopping in the town of Amarante, an ancient settlement on the banks of the River Tâmega known for its blend of Renaissance, Medieval, and Romanesque architecture. Have some free time to find a spot for lunch before venturing on to our accommodations. As evening falls, look forward to a wine-paired dinner of regional dishes at the property.
Meals: Dinner
Stay: Overnight at Monverde Wine Experience Hotel
DAY 9
MAGIC OF VINHO VERDE
After breakfast, embark on a journey through the relatively young and dynamic Vinho Verde wine region. Visit the distinguished Quinta de Santa Christina for a tour and tasting followed by a picnic lunch of regional products set amidst the vineyards.
In the afternoon, explore another acclaimed winery, deepening your understanding of Vinho Verde’s unique wine styles. Return to the property for a leisurely evening.
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch
Stay: Overnight at Monverde Wine Experience Hotel
DAY 10
VINHO VERDE DELIGHTS
Start the day at your own pace, perhaps choosing to indulge in the hotel’s spa or explore the surrounding vineyards. After an open lunch, make your way to Quinta da Lixa, a family-run winery where a guided tour will unveil the production methods of Vinho Verde winemaking, followed by a tasting of their wines. Return to the hotel with some time to relax before venturing out to Amarante for a special gourmet dining experience at a local restaurant showcasing Mediterranean cuisine of Portuguese origin.
Meals: Breakfast, Dinner
Stay: Overnight at Monverde Wine Experience Hotel