An exclusive travel experience with
PORTUGAL
April 3 - 10, 2025
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12-24
Guests
8 / 7
Days / Nights
16
Meals
7
Wineries
Join the Wine & Food Foundation as we embark on an unforgettable journey to discover the sights, sounds, and tastes of the lush region of Northern Portugal. From the riverfront city of Porto, full of Old World charm, to the spectacular vineyards and terraced hillsides of the Douro Valley, we’ll immerse ourselves in the amazing wines, flavorful cuisine, rich cultural heritage, baroque architecture, and dramatic views found in this enchanting region.
Taste
the varieties and styles of wine produced from grapes grown on the steep hillsides of the Douro Valley
Explore
the cobblestone streets of the captivating city of Porto and the Port lodges across the river in Villa Nova de Gaia
Discover
the architectural and historical marvels of this region that traces its roots to the Romans, Visigoths, and Moors
Day 1
Arrive
Welcome to Porto! A private driver will greet you at the airport and transport you to our hotel set in the historic center of the city. Check in and have some time to relax and get settled.
This evening, we’ll kick things off with introductions and a cocktail at the hotel, followed by a special Welcome Dinner at a local restaurant where we’ll have our first foray into the region's rich gastronomic offerings.
Day 2
Porto
After breakfast, we’ll start the day with a guided walking food tour to acquaint us with the city. The city's architecture narrates a fascinating tale of Roman, Moorish, and Christian influences— a testament to Porto's strategic significance throughout history. Along the way, we’ll sample some local flavors at bustling markets and tucked-away eateries. After the tour, enjoy free time to explore the city. Consider checking out WOW, a cultural district dedicated to the celebration of wine and gastronomy. Tonight, we'll gather for dinner at a traditional restaurant.
Day 3
Vila Nova de Gaia
Today we begin our exploration of Porto's famed port wine heritage taking a short drive across the river to one of the port lodges of Vila Nova de Gaia where wine produced in the Douro Valley has been transported to age. A guided tour and tasting reveals the fascinating process behind port wine production, from vine to glass, and enables us to savor the complex nuances of this sweet, fortified wine. We’ll enjoy a wine-paired lunch of regional flavors, followed by a visit to a second port lodge, offering another perspective on port wine production and the opportunity to compare the tastes. Dinner is on our own this evening.
Day 4
Douro Valley
We’ll have a free morning in Porto before bidding farewell to the bustle of the city and venturing inland to the majestic Douro Valley— one of the world’s oldest wine regions and a UNESCO World Heritage Site. The long tradition of viticulture and the human influence in shaping the land have created a unique cultural landscape reflecting the evolution of human activity over time. Upon arrival at our accommodations, we’ll check in and have time to get settled.
This evening, we’ll take a short drive along the river to a typical restaurant where we’ll savor a selection of regional dishes paired with local wines.
Day 5
Lamego
This morning, we’ll take a short drive north to Casa de Mateus where we'll have the opportunity to visit the historic property and taste the wines produced on-site followed by lunch at a local restaurant. Next, we’ll head south through the vineyard-clad hills of the Alto Douro to continue our discovery of the region with a visit to a family-run estate to learn about the family’s history and sample their wines. After the tour, we’ll return to the property for an open evening.
Day 6
Pinhão
After breakfast, we’ll set off for Pinhão, a lovely town in the heart of the Douro Valley famed for its wine and port production. Our first stop will be one of the finest estates— or quintas— in the region, where we’ll have a guided tour of the property, taking in the incredible views of the landscape and learning about the winemaking process. After the tour, we’ll have a tasting session of the wines and port produced on site followed by a delicious wine-paired lunch showcasing the local flavors.
In the afternoon, we'll journey to a second notable quinta for another tour and tasting, providing further insight into the Douro Valley's rich wine heritage and deepening our understanding of the region's varied wine styles. As the day wraps up, we’ll return to the property for a leisurely evening.
Day 7
Cocktail workshop
On our last full day in the Douro Valley, we will have a free day to relax. A light lunch will be provided, and we’ll gather in the afternoon to enjoy a guided tour of Quinta da Pacheca wine estate followed by a fun and informative cocktail-making workshop where we’ll become familiar with the characteristics of our ingredients before learning the art of mixology. Later this evening, we’ll come together for a memorable Farewell Dinner at the property, sampling the Quinta's wines, toasting our journey with new friends, and celebrating the gastronomy of the Douro region.
Day 8
Amarante
Depart this morning, traveling northwest to the Vinho Verde wine region— the largest wine-growing region of Portugal. Along the way, take in the rolling green countryside, stopping in the town of Amarante, an ancient settlement on the banks of the River Tâmega known for its blend of Renaissance, Medieval, and Romanesque architecture. Have some free time to find a spot for lunch before venturing on to our accommodations. As evening falls, look forward to a wine-paired dinner of regional dishes at the property.
Day 9
Magic of Vinho Verde
After breakfast, embark on a journey through the relatively young and dynamic Vinho Verde wine region. Visit the distinguished Quinta de Santa Christina for a tour and tasting followed by a picnic lunch of regional products set amidst the vineyards.
In the afternoon, explore another acclaimed winery, deepening your understanding of Vinho Verde's unique wine styles. Return to the property for a leisurely evening.
Day 10
Vinho Verde Delights & Amarante Dining
Start the day at your own pace, perhaps choosing to indulge in the hotel's spa or explore the surrounding vineyards. After an open lunch, make your way to Quinta da Lixa, a family-run winery where a guided tour will unveil the production methods of Vinho Verde winemaking, followed by a tasting of their wines. Return to the hotel with some time to relax before venturing out to Amarante for a special gourmet dining experience at a local restaurant showcasing Mediterranean cuisine of Portuguese origin.
Accommodations
Hotel Teatro PortoBay
Situated in the heart of Porto's vibrant downtown, Hotel Teatro PortoBay is conveniently located for exploring the landmarks, shopping districts, and culinary scene of the city. Recently refurbished, the property offers an array of amenities including a restaurant, bar, and complimentary WiFi. Spacious contemporary rooms feature air conditioning, flat-screen TV, minibar, and tea/coffee maker. Bathrooms are equipped with robes, toiletries, and hair dryer.
Quinta da Pacheca
Nestled in Portugal's famed Douro Valley, Quinta da Pacheca is a wine lover's paradise, offering an authentic immersion into Portuguese viticulture. Beyond its primary function as a working winery, Quinta da Pacheca offers accommodations with modern comforts such as air conditioning, flat-screen TV, minibar, and complimentary Wi-Fi. Bathrooms are equipped with toiletries, bathrobe, slippers, and hairdryer. The property features extensive vineyards, an outdoor pool (seasonal), garden, sun terrace, fitness center, and spa.
Monverde Wine Experience Hotel (Extension)
Located in the heart of the Vinho Verde wine region, this property merges the serenity of the vineyard landscape with contemporary design and comfort. The hotel offers an on-site restaurant and bar, fitness center, tranquil spa offering vinotherapy treatments, sun terrace, garden and an outdoor pool (seasonal) for leisurely relaxation. Spacious rooms are thoughtfully designed with modern amenities like flat-screen TV, air conditioning, minibar, electric kettle, and free Wi-Fi, complemented by views of the vineyards. Bathrooms are equipped with bathrobe, slippers, toiletries, and hairdryer.
The Fine Print
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Details
Dates
Flight Information
Activity Level
This trip has been designed to include daily exploratory walks that range from one to three hours. Each day, whether touring a city or winery, guests should be prepared to be on their feet for multiple continuous hours. Guests should feel comfortable strolling along cobbled surfaces, walking up and down stairs, and sauntering down uneven nature paths. Europe tends to have Old World infrastructure (narrow cobblestone streets, lack of elevators, etc.), which can leave some areas inaccessible. Typically, our more invigorating walks are included as optional activities. If your mobility is limited in any way, or if you have questions, please contact our Guest Services team at guestservices@experi.com.
Note: Group maximum is based on double occupancy. The itinerary is subject to change or substitution at any time. You can learn more at experi.com/agreement.
Included
- Seven nights accommodations, including all taxes and fees
- Meals as listed on the itinerary: 7 breakfasts, 5 lunches, and 4 dinners, plus wine pairings with most major meals
- All private excursions described in the itinerary along with services of local speakers, guides, entrance fees, and transportation
- Visits as listed on the itinerary: 2 Port Lodges in Porto and 5 Quintas in the Douro Valley
- Gratuities for travel director, local guides, drivers, porters, and included meals
- Full guiding services of a dedicated Experi Travel Director
- Private airport transfers with porterage on the first and last scheduled days of the program
Not Included
- Pre-and post-trip accommodations and associated expenses
- Air and land transportation to/from host cities
- All types of personal insurance
- Personal expenses
- Additional alcoholic beverages beyond what has been arranged by Experi to pair with the included major meals
Program Rates*
Classic: $6,495 SOLD OUT
Superior: $6,695 SOLD OUT
Deluxe: $7,295 SOLD OUT
Single Occupancy: $7,895 SOLD OUT
Extension Rates*
Classic: $3,295
Single Occupancy: $4,195
*Rates are per person, double occupancy in US Dollars.
Deposits
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
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