Northern Portugal Epic Trip
Northern Portugal is the country’s birthplace and the rich cultural heritage of the region highlights its noble and ancient origins. Tradition, culture, architecture, gastronomy and wine, landscape, hospitality and the joy of their people are the attributes of a unique region, worth an epic trip!
Seven-days Itinerary
Northern Portugal has a peculiar charm. By visiting this region, you will take home much more than pictures and memories! You will experience in the most Portuguese feeling: Saudade. Cities as Porto, Braga, or Guimarães, the birthplace of the country, are places of great heritage and historical interest. The churches and monasteries, the museums and castles, the gardens, and the rich architecture, are part of an unforgettable itinerary! Furthermore, it is almost impossible not to enjoy the Nature at its purest state. Many Natural Parks, rivers, the sea, as well as the mountains altogether frame this region.
Without reservation, you must take time to appreciate the rich gastronomy and premium Wines. From the Douro wine, to the “Vinho Verde” and the famous Port Wine, certainly, here you will taste some of the best Portuguese wines.
Northern Region culture has been recognized by UNESCO, and places like the Historical Center of Porto and Guimarães, the Douro Valley, and the Côa Valley are nowadays considered as World Heritage.
This multi-day itinerary aims to make you feel the true Portuguese lifestyle, in an epic trip which will be, undoubtedly, memorable!
Journey Schedule
DAY 1
DAY 2
DAY 3
DAY 4
DAY 5
DAY 6
DAY 7
DAY 1
Best Friends: Porto and its gastronomy
In Vila Nova de Gaia, you will visit a Port Wine producer and taste some of its Ports, in the Vintage Room. The historic Caves of this Port producer, from 1890, offer spectacular views over the Douro River, the historic center of Porto town, and the iconic D. Luís I Bridge, connecting both banks.
The cellars are still in operation these days, so during your visit, you will hear the sounds of workers at the barrel maintenance, cleaning, or simply sampling wine for the tasting room.
After that, its time for a cooking class experience! The art of Portuguese cuisine will be discovered with a hands-on cooking class in Porto. Afterwards, Northern Portugal cuisine is known for having very rich and varied dishes! This luxury wine and food experience will take place in the historic quarter of Ribeira, with a unique atmosphere.
Accomodation in Porto.
DAY 2
Tour in Porto – The Highlights
Porto’s historic center has UNESCO World Heritage status since in 1996 and is home to many beautiful monuments and buildings. Be amazed with the 75.6-meter Clérigos Tower, watch the marvelous tiles of São Bento station, and discover the world-famous Lello bookstore and its connection to Harry Potter. Adittionaly, the 19th century Bolhão Market, is a must-visit place as well as Café Majestic, one of the most historic places in the city, where J. K. Rowling spent many hours writing Harry Potter.
The lunch, is obviously an integral part of the route, and takes place in a typical restaurant where you will realize that Porto gastronomy is as diverse and rich as its geography.
Finally, you will have the chance to visit a traditional canned fish factory. Founded in 1920, every single can produced is a unique masterpiece, a genuine product of incomparable and superior quality.
Later, dinner will take place in a restaurant in a spectacular location and atmospheric setting. On the grounds of one of the most well known Port producers you will enjoy the evening with magnificent views to Douro River and the historic center of Porto.
DAY 3
The Cradle of Portugal and the Green Wine Experience
Guimarães historic center is associated with the birth and identity of Portugal and was classified as a UNESCO World Heritage Site. Here you will discover Guimarães Castle, the Palace of the Dukes, St. Michael’s Chapel, the baptism site of D. Afonso Henriques, first King of Portugal, and Largo da Oliveira.
After discovering Guimarães beauties, you will proceed to a full Wine and Food Experience, in a well know Green Wine producer. A pioneer in the production of Alvarinho wine in Melgaço, and an international reference, this wine estate is perfectly integrated into the typical Minho landscape that surrounds it.
In this gastronomic experience, you will enjoy a meal of local artisanal products, offering an authentic taste of Northern Portugal.
Later, we will do a very special tasting: it will start with a visit to the Herbal Tea Fields where you will learn more about Minho region and infusions. Then you will visit the cellar ending up on the terrace, where, with a privileged view over River Minho’s valley, you can clearly understand what makes this territory unique. At last, you will start the tasting.
Accomodation in Porto.
DAY 4
Off the beaten path Green Wines
About 35 minutes from Porto, you will visit a special winery. Here you will find innovative winemaking, but also tradition and history. The owners respect the stone and rustic architecture, and preserved the granite “lagares” to stomp grapes by foot and the concrete tanks to age wine. It’s a small and boutique production but with a great atmosphere and character.
During the visit, you will learn about Vinho Verde Wine Region, followed by a premium wine tasting with the best whites, roses, reds and even sparkling wines.
Later, you will lunch in Porto and have your own free time to explore the city.
Farewell Dinner in Porto will be in a restaurante located on the 14th floor! The breathtaking view over the city, with the sea, the river, and the mountains at our feet, will make this dinner even more special! This place focus in authour cuisine, but always with regional flavours in mind! Some of the dishes are even freshly made in front you, which contributes to the intensity of the whole experience.
DAY 5
Learning about Douro
Leaving Porto, this day will spent in the beautiful Pinhão Region.
Firstly, you will visit a very famous wine estate, guided by the estate’s viticulture director. Famous throughout the Douro Valley, his knowledge of the estate is recognized, but visiting the property with him makes you feel the pulse of this land in all its diversity, richness, and history. Located in Cima Corgo, in the heart of Douro, this historic farm has records dating back more than four centuries. After this, enjoy a Premium wine tasting, accompanied by a cheese and sausage board, finishing with a glass of Port wine.
Lunch in a beautiful wine state, with breathtaking views over the river Douro, celebrating the best of the region’s cuisine in a stunning contemporary setting.
Later, you will visit one last wine estate, where the owners, two of the most celebrated winemakers in Portugal, began their adventure in 2001. By that time, they had no vineyards and no wine, but only a shared dream, to which they devoted themselves body and soul. Here you will do a very special visit to the winery, finishing with an unforgettable tasting of still wines and Porto wines!
Accomodation in Pinhão
DAY 6
Enjoying the beauty of Douro Valley
Boarding will be in the Pinhão Quay towards the Tua River. Let your senses guide you through a charming trip to the heart of the Douro Wine Region, in a journey of unveiling secrets and traditions throughout history.
Visit and Lunch on one of the most well-known wine estates in the Douro Valley. For the 5th consecutive time, this estate is featured in the Top 20 of the World’s Best Vineyards, having been awarded 15th place in the 2023 edition and once again leading the Portuguese ranking of wine estates.
In this experience, we invite you to visit the facilities and enjoy a traditional meal, with the best of the estate wines.
Acccomodation in Pinhão.
DAY 7
Visiting the classic quintas of Douro
Visit one of the Douro most recognized Quintas. This noble estate is established in the Cima Corgo sub-region and has specific terroir: old vineyards, efficient location, altitude, and good exposure in terms of sunshine and winds. The wine tasting will be commented by the winemaker, while you can enjoy this moment of sharing on the terrace of the Quinta, in contact with the vineyards and the river.
Visit and lunch in a very special wine estate, built in the 17th century. The main house was part of an old farm of the Cistercian monks and it has undergone architectural transformations over the years, while maintaining the essentials of the original design.
At this wine estate, Douro wines are tasted in an informal and familiar environment, carried out by family members and where the history, passion for the land, and wine is shared.
Return to Porto.
Join us on this itinerary and explore Northern Portugal, its history and cultural traditions, combined with a glass of wine!
