2-12

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

We recommend traveling to Porto & Northern Portugal 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

$7,595

Starting Rate Per Person
(Minimum 2)

Embark on an unforgettable journey to discover the highlights and hidden gems of the lush region of Northern Portugal. From the riverfront city of Porto, full of Old World charm, to the verdant hillsides, diverse microclimates, and ancient towns of the up-and-coming Vinho Verde region, this trip provides a deeper look into a less-traveled corner of Portugal.

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Cruise on the Douro river Douro Portugal

"Portugal has a peaceful feel about it. I sit on the terrace overlooking the vineyard there and I feel cut off from the world. You need that sort of thing.” – Cliff Richard

DAY BY DAY ITINERARY

DAY 1. ARRIVAL PORTO

Land at Francisco Sá Carneiro Airport in Porto and transfer to your accommodations in the city’s historic center. Kick off your journey with a wine-paired Welcome Dinner at a nearby restaurant
DAY 2. PORTO

Discover the beauty of the Douro River as you board a traditional rabelo boat and experience views of Porto and its iconic six bridges from the water. This evening, visit a historic Port Lodge for a tour and dinner
DAY 3. PORTO COOKING CLASS

Roll up your sleeves, enjoy a glass of wine, and learn how to prepare an authentic Portuguese meal during a relaxed cooking class led by a local chef
DAY 4. VIANA DO CASTELO

Journey north to the green coast of Portugal (“Costa Verde”), your base for the next few days. Explore the historic fishing-port city of Viana do Castelo and the Vinho Verde wine region on the way.
DAY 5. COSTA VERDE

Enjoy an open day to discover the amenities of your hotel and the many offerings of the local area at your own pace. Your hotel provides free bikes for exploring the surrounding countryside and beaches and can help organize a variety of activities
DAY 6. MONÇÃO & MELGAÇO

Venture to the Monçāo and Melgaço subregions of the Minho Valley, home to Alvarinho producers large and small. First stop at a local winery for a tour, tasting, and lunch, followed by a visit to the Palácio da Brejoeira, a 19th-century palace and winery
DAY 7. PONTE DE LIMA

On your last day in Vinho Verde, head east to the lovely medieval town of Ponte de Lima filled with historic architecture, charming plazas, and a scenic riverside walkway. Stop at a local winery for a tour, tasting, and lunch before returning to Porto for a special farewell dinner
DAY 8. DEPARTURE PORTO

Transfer to Porto Airport for return flights home

Accommodations

Pestana Vintage Porto

Located in Porto’s vibrant Ribeira district overlooking the Douro River, this restored historic property provides an ideal base for exploring the UNESCO World Heritage City. The hotel features beautiful views of the city, a restaurant and bar, fitness center and spa, and complimentary WiFi. Rooms offer air conditioning, safe, mini-bar, and coffee maker. En-suite bathrooms are equipped with toiletries, bathrobe, slippers, and hairdryer.

Rinoterra Minho

Built in the style of an old Portuguese estate, this countryside property outside the town of Caminha offers a mix of mountain and river views. The hotel features an indoor and outdoor pool, spa and wellness center, restaurant, bar, complimentary bikes, garden, and outdoor seating areas. Rooms offer air conditioning, minibar, tea and coffee maker, complimentary WiFi, and bathrooms equipped with toiletries, bathrobe, slippers, and hairdryer.

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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.

Vinho Verde is Portugal’s largest demarcated wine region

The administrative region is called Minho and is located in the northwestern corner of Portugal. Within the Vinho Verde area, there are nine sub-regions: Monção and Melgaço along the border of Spain, known for the granite soil that gives mineral notes to the wines; Lima, Cávado, and Ave, close to the coast; and Sousa, Paiva, Baião, and Basto located in a more mountainous and warmer area. These subregions also produce red wines.

Viana do Castelo is known as the capital of Portuguese folklore

Every year in August, the city hosts the Festival of Our Lady in Sorrow, one of the most beautiful and colorful folklore festivals in Portugal. The three days of festivities are filled with processions, traditional costumes, and local music. Viana do Castelo is also famous for its handicrafts including hand-painted ceramics, the famous embroidery of the Minho and Northern Portugal region, as well as gold and silver filigree.

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.

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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 & Northern Portugal:

Who is this trip suitable for?

This trip appeals to Port and wine lovers seeking to experience off-the-beaten-track locations and immerse themselves in the local culture.

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

What does the trip rate include?

Experi

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Bainbridge Island, WA 98110
USA

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PORTO & NORTHERN 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

2-12

Guest limits

8 / 7

Days / Nights

$7,595

Starting Rate Per Person (Minimum 2)

"Portugal has a peaceful feel about it. I sit on the terrace overlooking the vineyard there and I feel cut off from the world. You need that sort of thing.” – Cliff Richard

DAY BY DAY ITINERARY

DAY 1. ARRIVAL PORTO

DAY 2. PORTO

DAY 3. PORTO COOKING CLASS

DAY 4. VIANA DO CASTELO

DAY 5. COSTA VERDE

DAY 6. MONÇÃO & MELGAÇO

DAY 7. PONTE DE LIMA

DAY 8. DEPARTURE PORTO

Accommodations

Pestana Vintage Porto

Rinoterra Minho

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Fun Facts

Porto is known as the city of bridges

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

Vinho Verde is Portugal’s largest demarcated wine region

Viana do Castelo is known as the capital of Portuguese folklore

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 & Northern Portugal:

Experi

Connect

Contact

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Starting Rate Per Person
(Minimum 2)