The wine traditions of the bucolic Douro River Valley c stretch back nearly 2,000 years. This long viticultural tradition has transformed the valley’s cultural landscape, from the topography of its terraced vineyards to the region’s economy and social fabric. Today, you can tailor your exploration of this captivating region with your choice of privately-guided excursion. Meals B
Deluxe Quinta Nova Wine Tasting, Lunch + Boat Ride: After a leisurely breakfast, enjoy a privately guided tour of one of the most storied wine estates in the Alto Douro region. With a history dating back more than 260 years, Quinta Nova de Nossa Senhora do Carmo has long been an integral part of the valley’s illustrious winemaking legacy. From the original 18th-century wine cellar to the 19th-century manor house, you’ll be captivated by the stories and history of this venerated estate—once owned by the Portuguese Royal Family! After your tour of the estate, including a wine tasting, sit down to lunch at Quinta Nova’s highly-regarded onsite restaurant, Terraçu. Enjoy a 3-course degustation menu accompanied by fine wine. After lunch, embark on a scenic 1-hours cruise along the Douro River. Sipping a glass of sparkling or Port wine, this is a delightful way to experience the region’s scenic landscapes with their terraced vineyards and charming riverside towns. Tour Duration: 6 Hours
Lamego Walking Tour + Cooking Demonstration: Situated amidst vineyard-covered hills about 7 miles from the banks of the Douro River, Lamego is one of the oldest and most interesting towns in the Alto Douro region. It was here that Alfonso I was crowned as the first king of Portugal in 1139. Then during the 16th to 18th centuries, Lamego prospered as an important wine-producing center. Traveling comfortably with your private car and driver, today’s excursion reveals Lamego’s wealth of historical landmarks including the Moorish castle, Lamego Cathedral, and the Sanctuary of Nossa Senhora dos Remédios—famed for its spectacular Baroque staircase. After sightseeing and a tasting of regional delicacies, we’ll take you to Casa Viscondes da Várzea, a boutique hotel set in a restored 17th-century manor house. Learn about the property’s illustrious history and then join the kitchen staff for a culinary workshop featuring a variety of Portuguese dishes. After lunch, enjoy a guided visit to Caves da Raposeira to learn about the production of their excellent sparkling wines. See the subterranean caves where the wines are aged and enjoy a tasting before returning to your hotel. Tour Duration: 7 hours
Hiking in the Douro Valley with Picnic Lunch + Wine Tasting: Setting out after breakfast, this excursion begins with a scenic drive to Favaios. Surrounded by the hills and undulating landscapes of the Douro Valley, this enchanting wine village is the starting point for your guided hike. Without any major ascents or inclines, this trail is accessible for walkers across a range of fitness levels. Delight in dramatic ridgetop views of the vineyard-covered slopes and discover tiny hamlets and small villages that other tourists rarely visit. After the hike, we’ll take you to Quinta do Seixo for a picnic lunch surrounded by the terraced vineyards of this venerable wine estate. These are the vineyards behind the world-famous Sandeman brand of Port wine, and your tour and tasting explores Sandeman’s long history and state-of-the-art production methods. Tour Duration: 7 hours