2-12

Q: When is the best time of year to travel to this destination?

We recommend traveling to Porto & the Douro Valley in Spring or Fall when temperatures are generally pleasant and crowds are less dense. The fall grape harvest, the timing of which varies year to year, can be an interesting and fun time to visit, although the dates are difficult to predict.

Q: What does the trip rate include?

Your trip rate covers accommodations, airport transfers, private transportation for all day trips and excursions, exclusive access and activities, emergency support services, and meals as detailed in your itinerary. The trip rate does not include airfare.

Q: How far in advance should I plan?

The earlier you begin planning, the more flexibility you will have on dates and availability of accommodations and experiences, particularly if you are seeking to travel during peak times. We recommend contacting us as far in advance as possible before your desired departure date. While we can assist with last-minute travel planning, availability may be limited.

Guest limits

8 / 7

Days / Nights

$9,795

Starting Rate Per Person
(Minimum 2)

Exclusive Portugal Private Departure

Discover the best of Northern Portugal on this unforgettable 8-day journey. From the riverfront city of Porto, full of Old World charm, to the spectacular vineyards and terraced hillsides of the Douro Valley— the birthplace of port wine— experience the amazing wines, flavorful cuisine, rich cultural heritage, and breathtaking views found in this enchanting region.

Get Started

Cruise on the Douro river Douro Portugal

“If there is one portion of Europe which was made by the sea more than another, Portugal is that slice, that portion, that belt. Portugal was made by the Atlantic.” – Hilaire Belloc

DAY BY DAY ITINERARY

DAY 1. ARRIVAL PORTO

Land at the Porto Airport and transfer to your accommodations overlooking the city. Kick off your journey with a special Welcome Dinner at the hotel’s 2 Michelin star restaurant
DAY 2. PORTO WOW

Enjoy an immersive visit to WOW Porto, the city’s cultural district featuring interactive museums, restaurants, bars, and shops that showcase the highlights of the city
DAY 3. VINHO VERDE

Join a private driver and guide for an afternoon in the young and dynamic Vinho Verde wine region including a wine-paired lunch followed by a visit to a local wine estate for a tour and tasting
DAY 4. DOURO VALLEY

Head east this morning on a scenic drive to the majestic Douro Valley, where a wine & tapas experience awaits at your next accommodations in a 19th-century manor house
DAY 5. PESO DA RÉGUA

Visit two quintas— or wine estates— to taste their prestigious wines and learn about their rich history, unique terroir, and winemaking process. In between visits, sit down to a traditional lunch
DAY 6. PINHÃO

Visit another distinguished family-run estate in the Upper Douro Valley for a tour of the historic facilities, tasting, and picnic lunch followed by a private boat tour to enjoy the spectacular views from the water
DAY 7. PORTO

Return to Porto today and enjoy an afternoon visit to one of the most famous port lodges in the area where you’ll have the opportunity to taste some of the world’s best port
DAY 8. DEPARTURE PORTO

Transfer to Porto Airport for return flights home

Accommodations

HOTEL YEATMAN

Perched on a hillside overlooking Vila Nova de Gaia (where most of the old-line port merchants are located) and the Douro River, this high-end hotel draws its identity from the local wine trade. The property offers panoramic views of Porto as well as a gourmet restaurant, bar, full-service spa, indoor/outdoor pools, and terrace. Rooms are equipped with complimentary WiFi, tea/coffee maker, minibar, TV, and air conditioning, while bathrooms offer bathrobe, slippers, toiletries, and hairdryer.

QUINTA NOVA DE NOSSA SENHORA DO CARMO

In a spectacular setting high above the Douro River, this 19th-century manor house has been converted into a wine hotel that provides guests with a peaceful and authentic experience. Surrounded by vineyards, the property offers walking trails, terrace, pool, wine museum, restaurant, and bar. Rooms feature minibar, electric kettle, complimentary WiFi, and bathrooms with bathrobe, slippers, toiletries, and hairdryer.

Get Started

Fun Facts

Porto is known as the city of bridges

There are 6 bridges in Porto, all spanning the Douro River and connecting the city of Porto with the city of Vila Nova de Gaia. Ponte Dom Luís I is an impressive piece of 19th-century engineering designed by German architect, Téophile Seyrig, who was the business partner of the famous Gustave Eiffel. It was the longest metal bridge in the world at the time of completion. The upper deck is accessible to pedestrians and offers stunning views of Porto.

Porto has one of the most beautiful train stations in the world

Designed by José Marques da Silva in a French-inspired architectural style, Sao Bento train station was opened to the public in 1916. The station displays more than 20,000 tiles or azulejos painted by Jorge Colaço. These tiles are a true masterpiece, depicting the Portuguese landscape as well as some key events of the country’s history.

The Douro Valley is a UNESCO World Heritage Site

The Douro Valley was listed as a UNESCO World Heritage Site in 2001. Its unique landscape has been shaped by the wine industry, which goes back at least 2000 years. The terraces were man-made to allow winegrowers to care for the vines, which were planted in soil made of schist, requiring the vines' roots to go deep in search of nutrients and water. The schist helps to regulate temperature, reflecting the sunlight to promote the grapes ripening while retaining the moisture in the soil.

Pinhão is the gateway to the Douro Valley's quintas

Pinhão is a little gem at the heart of the Douro Valley. Nestled at the foot of the steep terraces, it is the ideal place to admire the stunning landscape with a glass of wine. The town is surrounded by Quintas producing both wine and port, most of which have tasting rooms halfway up the hill with beautiful views over the vineyards and the Douro River. Pinhão is also the departure point of many Douro cruises, which offer a unique way of discovering the region.

Details

Included

Accommodations during program dates, including all taxes and fees
All activities and private excursions described in the itinerary along with services of local guides, entrance fees, and private transportation
Meals as detailed in your itinerary, including pre-arranged drink pairings
Private airport transfers with porterage on the first and last scheduled days of the program

Not Included

Airfare to/from arrival and departure cities
Travel insurance
Additional alcoholic beverages beyond what has been arranged by Experi to pair with the included major meals
Gratuities for drivers, local guides, porters, and included meals

Travel Insurance

Learn more about travel insurance and how it can help you prepare for the unexpected at https://experi.com/travelinsurance/

Travel Terms & Conditions

View our complete terms and conditions here at https://experi.com/agreement.

Reservation process

Step 1:

Complete the form above indicating:

the number of travelers in your group
your preferred travel dates
the best way to reach you

Step 2:

We will contact you to discuss your preferences.

Step 3:

Based on our conversation, we will check availability, confirm pricing, and provide you with a detailed proposal.

Step 4:

To confirm the services and accommodations for your private departure, a non-refundable 50% deposit of the total trip fee is required.

Get Started

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

How a Private Departure Works:

What is the difference between a Private Departure and a Custom Program?

A Private Departure is a program that our destination specialists have meticulously crafted and curated to highlight the best of a particular destination. While we offer a few options to personalize your journey, the main framework of a Private Departure itinerary has been set. If you are seeking to make changes in the schedule or activities, a Custom Program may better suit your needs.

What is the process for reserving a Private Departure?

The first step is to complete the website form indicating the number of travelers in your group, your preferred travel dates, and the best way to reach you. Next we will connect with you to discuss your preferences. With these in mind, we will check availability, confirm pricing, and provide you with a detailed proposal. When you are ready to confirm arrangements, the final step is payment of a 50% non-refundable deposit. [Note: The deposit percentage amount may vary depending on the program.]

How far in advance should I plan?

When is final payment due? What is the cancellation policy?

Final payment is typically due 90 days prior to departure although this time frame may vary depending on the specific program. In general, trips canceled more than 90 days before departure incur a Cancellation Fee of the deposit amount. Trips canceled 90 days or less before departure incur a Cancellation Fee of the full program price. (For full details, see our Terms and Conditions at: https://experi.com/agreement/). We highly recommend travel insurance to safeguard against unexpected circumstances such as family/medical emergency.

Do I need travel insurance?

We highly recommend travel insurance to protect your investment in your trip and help safeguard against unforeseen personal events. A range of coverages are available. Please note that certain coverages (such as "Cancel For Any Reason" coverage, which offers the most flexibility) must be purchased within a short window of time following your initial reservation deposit. We do not sell travel insurance, but if you are looking for more information, visit our website at: https://experi.com/travelinsurance/.

Destination-Specific Information - Porto & Douro:

Who is this trip suitable for?

This trip appeals to Port and wine lovers seeking to experience the stunning landscape of the Douro Valley and immerse themselves into the local culture.

When is the best time of year to travel to this destination?

What does the trip rate include?

Experi

P.O. Box 10576
Bainbridge Island, WA 98110
USA

Connect

Contact

guestservices@experi.com

866.456.8825 Toll Free

206.905.4260 Main

RESERVE YOUR OWN PRIVATE DEPARTURE WITH

PORTO & DOURO

“If there is one portion of Europe which was made by the sea more than another, Portugal is that slice, that portion, that belt. Portugal was made by the Atlantic.” – Hilaire Belloc

2-12

Guest limits

8 / 7

Days / Nights

$9,795

Starting Rate Per Person (Minimum 2)

Exclusive Portugal Private Departure

“If there is one portion of Europe which was made by the sea more than another, Portugal is that slice, that portion, that belt. Portugal was made by the Atlantic.” – Hilaire Belloc

DAY BY DAY ITINERARY

DAY 1. ARRIVAL PORTO

DAY 2. PORTO WOW

DAY 3. VINHO VERDE

DAY 4. DOURO VALLEY

DAY 5. PESO DA RÉGUA

DAY 6. PINHÃO

DAY 7. PORTO

DAY 8. DEPARTURE PORTO

Accommodations

HOTEL YEATMAN

QUINTA NOVA DE NOSSA SENHORA DO CARMO

Get Started

Fun Facts

Porto is known as the city of bridges

Porto has one of the most beautiful train stations in the world

The Douro Valley is a UNESCO World Heritage Site

Pinhão is the gateway to the Douro Valley's quintas

Details

Included

Not Included

Travel Insurance

Travel Terms & Conditions

Reservation process

Step 1:

Step 2:

Step 3:

Step 4:

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

How a Private Departure Works:

Destination-Specific Information - Porto & Douro:

Experi

Connect

Contact

Join our newsletter

Starting Rate Per Person
(Minimum 2)