Enjoy Magic Moments in the Porto & Douro Wine Region
Discover Porto & Douro – one of the UNESCO world heritage wine regions and one of the most exciting wine regions in Portugal
Enjoy unforgettable moments during your awesome group travel
Experience 4 and 5 Star Hotels, excellent cuisine and a Michelin 2 Star restaurant
March 20th to March 24th 2019
Beyond Portugal’s coastline of sandy beaches and jagged cliffs lies a diverse land steeped in over 800 years of rich history. Here, past and present are inextricably intertwined, and life’s simple pleasures reflect the abundant heritage. A place of sun, sea and mountains, history and cosmopolitanism. The truly relaxed and carefree spirit of Portugal’s inhabitants is balanced by its robust cultural diversity.
Geographically, Portugal is defined by its distinctive Atlantic flavor, which encompasses nature, beaches, gastronomy and entertainment. In this land filled with sunlight, the past reinforces the sense of the present. Here, medieval castles stand alongside modern architecture; Roman, Gothic and other monuments punctuate a landscape of beaches with deep blue seas and rolling green plains.
The never ending contrasts of historic villages and luxury resorts, the cuisine of great modern chefs and simple culinary traditions, contemporary art museums and prehistoric rock drawings, world class golf courses and busy vibrant avenues reflect the welcoming juxtaposition of Portugal. Here, people are creative, open and welcoming, and wish to share with you the best of everything they have and know.
Portugal’s winemakers have been equally conservative in one respect – keeping faith with their grapes. And no wonder! Portugal’s varieties are unique, with thrillingly different flavors. Yet quality-wise there has been no resting on traditional laurels. A quarter-century of investment, education, open-mindedness and flair has meant explosive change. Choice has multiplied too. Alongside co-ops and large companies, myriad estates now make their own distinctive wines.
Terroir is so diverse. From north to south, from east to west, from mountain to maritime vineyards, hot and dry or cool and green. In every style, from fizz to port, from crisp dry whites to elegant reds, in so many diverse ways, Portuguese wines are unique.
Porto/Douro:
The Porto wines are possibly the best known wines from the Douro regions and the ones that have traded internationally the longest. The Douro region however produces both the fortified Port wines as the lighter to bodied Douro wines. The Douro wines range from light, Bordeaux style claret to rich Burgundian style wines aged in new oak.
Day 1: 20th March
- Arrival at Porto int’l airport and transfer to hotel — Check-in hotel and relax time — meeting in the Lobby at 4pm — Taylor’s winery tour — Dinner@ Taylor’s
- Accomodation: Porto Royal Bridges Hotel (Porto)
Day 2: 21st March
- Check-out hotel — Drive to the Douro Valley – Light Lunch at Quinta do Vallado – Visit winery Quinta das Carvalhas – Check-in hotel Douro Royal Valley Hotel & Spa — Free time — Dinner@Palato D’Ouro Restaurant
- Accomodation: Douro Royal Valley Hotel & Spa*****
Day 3: 22nd March
- Jogging in the Wine yards (op.) – Transfer to Peso da Régua boat dock harbor — Boat tour – Visit Quinta da Casa Amarela — Back to hotel – Transfer to the restaurant Tasquinha do Fumo and dinner
- Accomodation: Douro Royal Valley Hotel & Spa*****
Day 4: 23rd March
- Check-out hotel — Transfer to Vinho Verde — Visit and lunch@Quinta da Aveleda — Transfer to Porto – Check-in hotel — Walk Porto city Tour (op.) — Masterclasses “Portuguese Wines” @The Yeatman — Dinner@ The Yeatman restaurant
- Accomodation: Porto Royal Bridges Hotel (Porto)
Day 5: 24th March
- Check-out hotel – Transfer to Porto int’l airport
This program includes:
- Accommodation in Porto and Douro Valley;
- All meals, guided cellars visit and Wine tasting mentioned in the program;
- Coach service
- Boat trip on the Douro
This program excludes:
-
- Personal extras and expenses;
- All the services not mentioned in this program.
*Any food restriction must be noticed 20 days, prior to the arrival date.
Book your Gourmet Wine Travel Event now
Safe your seat and enhance your wine Experience
Program
Day 1: 20h March
Arrival at Porto international Airport. Transfer to hotel in a private bus.
Check-in at Porto Royal Bridges Hotel and relax time until 4pm
The Porto Royal Bridges Hotel is a 4-star boutique hotel, the newest and most modern hotel in the city of Porto. It is located around 400 m from Oporto Coliseum and 400 m from City Market Bolhao. Free WiFi, minibar, flat-screen TVs with cable channels, Room service, coffee maker and free bottled water are among the amenities available to guests.
17h00 Taylors`s Winery tour followed by a lovely Dinner.
Taylor’s is the archetypal Port house and its wines the quintessential Ports. Established over three centuries ago in 1692, Taylor’s is one of the oldest of the founding Port houses. It is dedicated entirely to the production of Port wine and to its finest styles. After the cellars visit we will continue with a Tawny experience: TAWNY 10/20 YEAR and Single Harvest 1967. The dinner will be a 3 courses meal specially created to be paired with the Douro fine wines, served in the Barao Fladgate Restaurant.
Enjoy your first night in Portugal.
During the next two days, you will give you a great insight into the Douro Wine Region…
Day 3: 22nd March
07h30 Jogging with Armin in the Wine yards (optional activity, meeting point Hotel lobby)
Enjoy a different and charming morning in close contact with the vineyard whilst appreciating the views to the landscape slopes.
9h00 Transfer to Peso da Régua boat dock harbor in a private bus, for a panoramic boat tour. (in case of really excellent weather we include as a bonus todays transfers on the road in Vintage Cars instead of the bus)
There is no better way of getting to know the Douro than by taking a trip by boat. Before the railway was build, boats were the fastest and the most efficient means of transport between the Douro Valley and the city of Porto, where the Port Wine was traded and exported worldwide. The vision from the river to both banks, in areas where only vineyards and wine farms exist, is a unique experience. The smooth glide on the always refreshing water from this noble river, complements the experience in a majestic way.
12h30 Transfer to Quinta da Casa Amarela – Winery tour and Light Lunch.
Quinta da Casa Amarela is an amazing small Wine Estate to visit. A real hidden jewel away from the tourist crowds. The Quinta maintains the regions hundreds of years old traditions in regard to the skillful art of producing Port wine and DOC Douro table wines. This tradition is actually preserved in the Quinta. It starts right away in the field,with the vines which have an average age of over 45 years old. These vines are planted on terraces – supported by stone walls – which follow the contours of the vineyard and vine density is such that it maximizes solar energy and the sparse availability of water and nutrients available from the schist sub-soil. The wines are excellent, both the White and Red Douro, as well as the Tawny Port and the Vintage Ports. The predominant grape varieties are the noble Douro varieties: touriga nacional, touriga franca, tinta barroca, tinta roriz, tinto cão, tinta amarela amongst others.
Here it is the family, owning this winery, that will perform a very personalized wine tour and wine tasting. Quinta da Casa Amarela is as already mentioned, a hidden gem, a familiar Douro and Port Wine estate for generations, that is providing some of the best wines of the region. The family house is very beautiful and the wine tour and tasting is very intimate.
16h00 Transfer to our Hotel in a private bus – Free time at the Hotel until 19h20 – Relax time or SPA time
19h20 Transfer to the restaurant Tasquinha do Fumo Tasquinha do Fumo is a wonderful place to taste Portuguese genuine flavors. This restaurant is one of the best places to eat genuine Portuguese food. Traditional food really at its best. They don’t have a written menu. Just good food and wine. The traditional food is enriched with the local products. This restaurant is a local and traditional one, you would never find by your own and the specialties are roasted lamb in wood oven, arouquesa veal and grilled cod fish with special potatoes. To end the meal, we suggest you to try the traditional ” Pão-de-Ló “, their homemade liqueur. After dinner, return to the accommodation hotel.
Have a great night at the Hotel.
Day 5: 24th March – Last day in paradise.
Fill up your energy tank with the Hotel Breakfast, before the check-out.
Transfer to airport in a private bus
Day 2: 21st March
We will check-out from the Hotel, after you enjoyed having breakfast.
09h00 Departure to the Douro Valley in a private bus
12h00 Light Lunch at Quinta do Vallado with nice food in the middle of the table to share. Presentation of the white Vallado Prima Douro 2017 and the red Vallado Reserva 2013 The wines will be explained by the oenologist Francisco Olazabal.
14h00 Departure / Transfer to Quinta das Carvalhas
14h30 Visit Quinta das Carvalhas.
Quinta das Carvalhas, the largest wine estate in the Douro Region, known for being the “crown jewel” of Real Companhia Velha. Visit the emblematic wine estate with a guided walking tour with Alvaro, while enjoying its scenic views through the vineyards. The tour leads to the wine shop, where we have a tasting of the top Wines of Carvalhas (White, Tinta Francisca, Touriga Nacional & Vinhas Velhas), combined with a cheeseplatter. A glass of Port will make the final.
17h30 Transfer to the Douro Royal Valley Hotel & Spa in our private bus. Arrival 18h20.
Check-in at Douro Royal Valley Hotel & Spa*****
Welcome to the Douro Royal Valley Hotel & Spa offering a relaxing, charming setting surrounded by old vineyards in the Douro region. This unique wine region has been declared a UNESCO World Heritage Site. Modern and elegant, this establishment enables guests to get close to nature through the quiet waters of the Douro River. Primely located along the bank of the Douro River, this 5-star hotel has stunning views over the valley. Douro Royal Valley features a restaurant, outdoor and indoor pools and a Spa & Wellness centre.
Free time at the Hotel until 20h00 – Relax time or SPA time (The Royal Spa expertly combines the serenity of the setting with the four natural elements: air, water, fire and earth).
20h00 Dinner in the Hotel – Palato D’Ouro Restaurant.
Enjoy the relaxed atmosphere of the Palato D’Ouro Restaurant and use the opportunity to sample the local gastronomy. Locally inspired, fresh food and organic ingredients fill the menu here at the Palato D’Ouro Restaurant, where much focus is placed on the delectable delights of regional cuisine.
Overnight in the Hotel.
Day 4: 23rd March
Enjoy a lovely breakfast at the Hotel, before the check-out from Quinta De Casaldronho Wine Hotel
09h00 Departure to Porto in a private bus with a stop-over to Visit and Lunch in Quinta da Aveleda
Quinta da Aveleda is a Wine Estate located in the Vinho Verde Region, the most unique wine region in the world with special characteristics that cannot be replied by other countries. The history of the Quinta da Aveleda estate is lost in time, but there are countless records of this estate after the 16th century. There you will have a guided tour along the bottling area, gardens, old winery and tasting room, with an Alvarinho wine tasting, followed by a lunch.
Check-in at the Hotel
15h15 Walk Porto Tour with tour Guide
The tour will pass through the Clérigos Tower, which is designed and decorated by the Italian architect Nicolau Nasoni, and located near Livraria Lello. Considered by Lonely Planet it is one of the three most beautiful bookstores in the world. Passing through the Aliados Avenue you will find the São Bento Train Station where you can observe its twenty thousand painted tiles, depicting historical landmarks. Continue to Santa Catarina street, the shopping district of the city center, followed by the Bolhão Market, one of the oldest and most traditional markets in the city.
17h00 Masterclasses “Portuguese Wines”
Portugal is a truly unique wine growing country with its wealth of native grape varieties and terroirs from mountainous regions to more maritime climates, which produces a wide range of styles from crisp dry whites to full bodied spicy reds and of course the wonder that is Port. It is thought that grapes have been grown in the country for over 4000 years. Let’s learn all about this diversity in this Masterclass.
20h00 Dinner at The Yeatman restaurant
In the classic comfort of The Yeatman restaurant, guests experience inspired cuisine with the accent on fresh local produce and on the imaginative pairing of food and wine. The Restaurant at The Yeatman is the only restaurant in Porto to carry 2 Michelin Stars which was awarded in November 2016. Another culinary highlight. Review the past days whilst enjoying the last night with a glass of wine in one of the most iconic cities in Europe.
Enjoy your last night of the trip.
Day 1: 28th October
Arrival at Porto international Airport. Transfer to hotel in a private bus.
Check-in at The Yeatman
A 5-star Wine Lodge and Spa Hotel located on the banks of the Douro River in the city of Vila Nova de Gaia. With unparalleled views over the River Douro and the riverside area of Oporto, Yeatman provides a luxury and friendly environment, conducive to rest and relaxation. Each room has been individually decorated with objects and pictures contributed by a different Portuguese wine producer.
17h00 Taylors`s Winery tour followed by a lovely Dinner.
Taylor’s is the archetypal Port house and its wines the quintessential Ports. Established over three centuries ago in 1692, Taylor’s is one of the oldest of the founding Port houses. It is dedicated entirely to the production of Port wine and to its finest styles. The dinner will be a 4 courses meal specially created to be paired with the Douro fine wines end the cellars visit with a Tawny experience: TAWNY 10/20 YEAR and Single Harvest 1967, follow by a 3 course menu in the Barao Fladgate Restaurant.
Enjoy your first night at the Yeatman Hotel.
During the next two days, you will give you a great insight into the Douro Wine Region…
Day 2: 29th October
We will check-out from the Yeatman Hotel, after you enjoyed having breakfast.
09h00 Departure to the Douro Valley in a private bus to Visit Quinta das Carvalhas.
Quinta das Carvalhas, the largest wine estate in the Douro Region, known for being the “crown jewel” of Real Companhia Velha. Visit the emblematic wine estate with a guided walking tour with Alvaro, while enjoying its scenic views through the vineyards. The tour leads to the wine shop, where we have a tasting of the top Wines of Carvalhas (White, Tinta Francisca, Touriga Nacional & Vinhas Velhas), combined with a cheeseplatter. A glass of Port will make the final.
14h30 Transfer to Quinta De Casaldronho Wine Hotel in a private bus.
Check-in at Quinta De Casaldronho Wine Hotel and Welcome Apero
Welcome Apero in the Winery and Wine Hotel Quinta de Casaldronho, situated on the banks of the Douro River in Valdigem in the region of Lamego. Quinta De Casaldronho Wine is distinguished by being a hotel that harmoniously combines the contemporary design with the very essence of the typical elements of the area, as well as materials associated with the wine production, such as cork.
Enjoy some free time at the Hotel.
17h00Transfer to DOC restaurant in a private bus, for dinner.
The DOC Restaurant is in a unique place, laid above the Douro River waters. It is owned by the Michelin Star Chef Rui Paula, born in Oporto in 1967. Chef Paula receives recognition for his masterful work at Casa de Chá da Boa Nova in Porto, with a Michelin*. This mind-blowing dinner will be paired with Vale Dona Maria wines.
Return to the “Quinta De Casaldronho Wine Hotel” in a private bus and enjoy the stay at the Hotel.
Day 3: 30th October
07h30 Jogging with Armin in the Wine yards (optional activity, meeting point Hotel lobby)
Enjoy a different and charming morning in close contact with the vineyard whilst appreciating the views to the landscape slopes.
9h00 Transfer to Peso da Régua boat dock harbor in a private bus, for a panoramic boat tour.
There is no better way of getting to know the Douro than by taking a trip by boat. Before the arrival of the railway, the Rabelo boats were the fastest and the most efficient means of transport between the Douro Valley and the city of Porto, where Porto Wine was traded and exported worldwide. The vision from the river to both banks, in areas where only vineyards and wine farms exist, is a unique experience. The smooth glide on the always refreshing water from this noble river, complements the experience in a majestic way.
11h30 Transfer to Sabrosa Boat dock to Quinta do Crasto
The visit to Quinta do Crasto includes a visit to the famous old vineyards, a winery and beautiful warehouse barrels, which matured table wines and premium Port wines, followed by a typical regional lunch menu prepared mainly with products from the property. The meal starts with appetizers. The recipes belong to the family and the dishes are carefully harmonized with the wines served, in order to enhance the wine experience
15h00 Transfer to Quinta Nova in a private bus.
Quinta Nova N. S. do Carmo is a place of extreme beauty in the heart of the Douro and it’s owned by the Amorim family since 1999. But this property is prior to 1764 and a historical research confirms it as a great land belonging to the Portuguese Royal Family. The historic sites that are still preserved today and opened for visitors reveal all this: the creek, the gazebo, the stone mark of the Marquis of Pombal dated of 1758, the cellar’s crest, two chapels and three secular orchards. Visit in detail all production of wines, the vineyard, the winery of 1764, the underground wine cellar and end your visit with a Premium tasting of 3 wines: QN Grande Reserva Red; QN Grande Reserva Referencia Red and Mirabilis Grande Reserva Red.
15h00 Transfer back to the Hotel
19h00 Dinner will take place in Quinta De Casaldronho Wine Hotel restaurant. This dinner will consist of 4 courses, mainly paired with the Casaldronho Wines. Casaldronho has their own Wine production, but the only place in the world where you can taste and buy their wines is on property. They only produce for their guests.
Have a great night at the Hotel.
Day 4: 31th October
Enjoy a lovely breakfast at the Hotel, before the check-out from Quinta De Casaldronho Wine Hotel
09h00 Departure to Porto in a private bus with a stop-over to Visit and Lunch in Quinta da Aveleda
Quinta da Aveleda is a Wine Estate located in the Vinho Verde Region, the most unique wine region in the world with special characteristics that cannot be replied by other countries. The history of the Quinta da Aveleda estate is lost in time, but there are countless records of this estate after the 16th century. There you will have a guided tour along the bottling area, gardens, old winery and tasting room, with an Alvarinho wine tasting, followed by a lunch.
Check-in at The Yeatman
15h15 Walk Porto Tour with Ana Sofia (optional activity, meeting point Hotel lobby)
The tour will pass through the Clérigos Tower, which is designed and decorated by the Italian architect Nicolau Nasoni, and located near Livraria Lello. Considered by Lonely Planet it is one of the three most beautiful bookstores in the world. Passing through the Aliados Avenue you will find the São Bento Train Station where you can observe its twenty thousand painted tiles, depicting historical landmarks. Continue to Santa Catarina street, the shopping district of the city center, followed by the Bolhão Market, one of the oldest and most traditional markets in the city.
17h00 Masterclasses “Portuguese Wines”
Portugal is a truly unique wine growing country with its wealth of native grape varieties and terroirs from mountainous regions to more maritime climates, which produces a wide range of styles from crisp dry whites to full bodied spicy reds and of course the wonder that is Port. It is thought that grapes have been grown in the country for over 4000 years. Let’s learn all about this diversity in this Masterclass.
20h00 Dinner at The Yeatman restaurant
In the classic comfort of The Yeatman restaurant, guests experience inspired cuisine with the accent on fresh local produce and on the imaginative pairing of food and wine. The Restaurant at The Yeatman is the only restaurant in Porto to carry 2 Michelin Stars which was awarded in November 2016. Another culinary highlight. Review the past days whilst enjoying the last night with a glass of wine in one of the most iconic cities in Europe.
Enjoy your last night from the trip at the Yeatman Hotel.
Day 5: 01st November – Last day in paradise.
Fill up your energy tank with the Hotel Breakfast, before the check-out.
Transfer to airport in a private bus
Participation Fee per Person:
Price includes the listed services in a double room: € 2.497,-
In case of booking a room for single use plus € 300
Important to know:
Price does not include:
- Flight to and from Oporto
- Travel Insurance
- Additional alcoholic beverages, which are not included in the program
- Other extras or services, which not included in the program
- Tips in restaurants and for the bus drivers, etc.
Contact
Armin H. Müller
Gourmet Wine Travel GmbH
We are very pleased about your participation and timely registration with complete address and mobile number,
Please register online / In case of question: Tel: +41 76 3377722
After booking you will receive a confirmation email and before the trip you will get all information and a detailed program. This program on our website is not a binding one.
program, as program changes are possible. 50% of the travel price will be paid on booking and the balance will be paid up to 2 months before departure. The money transfer to all means is at the same time a binding booking. In the case of a cancellation, each participant is obliged to have either a travel cancellation insurance or to provide another participant as substitute.
If you have any questions do not hesitate to contact me.
Best regards,
Armin H. Müller
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