Experience

Gastronomy and Wine in Portugal

From the beauty of the glimmering Atlantic coastline to the enchanting, whitewashed villages and fertile fields of vineyards, Portugal is brimming with culture, history and charm. Journey from Porto to the Douro Valley, Europe’s oldest wine region, where you will delve into Portugal’s age-old gastronomy and wine making process, all whilst surrounded by mesmerising scenery and enticing culture.

When to go

May-Sept

From price

£10,000 pp*

Ideal length

7 nights

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Littered with medieval towns and villages and perhaps most famous for the production of port, Porto sits hugging the Portuguese coast on the banks of the Douro river. Diverse in architecture, embark upon a guided tour of the cities contrasting designs, from the colourful and rustic cobblestoned streets of the old city to the modern structures and contemporary art collections of the most recent buildings.

For lunch, explore Porto with your tastebuds, alongside a local guide you will wander the hidden backstreets on a culinary journey that will take you to six unique tasting locations where you will try a range of authentic dishes and world-class wines. As you sample local flavours, your guide will share with you the history behind each dish, café, restaurant, and owner.

Set out on a thrilling journey, travelling by sidecar motorbike to delve deeper into the wonderful city, travelling through the historic centre where you will have intimate encounters with local people, learn about the vast history of the city and take in striking views. Continuing your journey to Gaia, you will find the local fishermen coming in from sea with their fresh catch, making this the best place to sit back and relax in the sun as various plates of fresh seafood are prepared for you. Your journey ends at one of Porto’s oldest wine cellars where you will discover the drink for which the city is famous. Learn about the history and production as you sample the rich and fruitful flavours of several ports.

Grapes being harvest in Douro Valley Portugal

Head to the beach for a day of exhilarating surfing along the Atlantic Coast. With beautiful beaches and consistent wave breaks, practice your skills navigating the surf with your world-class instructor on hand to assist you and help you to quickly progress your technique.

Taking to the skies by helicopter, you will depart Porto for a scenic flight up the Douro River where you will land in one of Portugal’s most spectacular locations and World Heritage Site, the Douro Valley. The Douro Wine Region Valley is one of the oldest and most historical in the world, with vineyards stretching across its valley for miles, towering mountain peaks and scenic winding roads. You will check into your boutique hotel, Quinta da Corte, a 200-year-old winery with only eight exclusive bedrooms which offer the utmost luxury and privacy. With a spectacular infinity pool set high on the hills, this is the perfect place to unwind with mesmerising views across the Douro river and its winding landscape.

During your time in the Douro Valley, you will explore the very best wineries alongside a brilliant oenology guide. You will visit a mixture of family-owned traditional houses and modern-day wineries where you will learn the differences between the old-world and new production methods and approaches to wine. Throughout the day you will delve into the history and secrets of the winemaking process whilst tasting a variety of the Valley’s finest wines. For lunch you will indulge in the local gastronomy with a freshly prepared picnic taking place in the tranquil and picturesque winery vineyard setting. With some of the best panoramic views out to the river and winding valley below you will be served a selection of dishes paired with matching wines.

Today you will further explore the beauty of the Douro Valley, setting out across the Douro River on paddle boards. Discover the natural beauty of the Douro river, passing through luscious vineyards, quaint towns and rolling mountains before disembarking on the riverbank where a fresh picnic lunch awaits you. Surrounded by the tranquil countryside delight in wonderful food which will fuel you before continuing your adventure upstream.

Head into the Peneda-Gerês National Park, situated on the Spanish board, this luscious wilderness showcases rugged mountains, deep wooded valleys, and remote authentic villages. Once in the national park, you will set out on foot for a scenic hike, with your guide leading the way, this hike can be as challenging or relaxed as you pleased. You will ascend rolling mountains, climb along ridge valley tops and wind your way through dense pine forests. Coming to a stop at a beautiful waterfall, you will take a dip to cool off in this refreshing water, bathing in the natural pool, surrounded by the peace and tranquillity of nature.