Food & Wines of Portugal

Description

3 Nights – Porto
2 Nights – Douro Valley (Extend to explore more of this region)
5 Nights – Algarve

✈ UK to Porto (3 nights): You’ll start your journey in Porto, known for its pretty riverside setting and legendary port wine. A great place to begin exploring is the UNESCO-listed Ribeira quarter, with its medieval maze of narrow streets and bustling waterfront promenade, Cais da Ribeira.  Nearby, the Praça da Ribeira is a lively square surrounded by shops and bars and a great spot to watch the world go by with a glass of vinho verde or a chilled port. A great way to see the city is by taking a traditional rabelo boat tour along the Douro River, passing under Porto’s famous bridges including the Dom Luís I Bridge, an iconic double-deck metal arch structure.  Just a short walk uphill you’ll find the magnificent Porto Cathedral (Sé do Porto).  The city’s other iconic landmarks include the stunningly beautiful Livraria Lello bookshop – which reportedly inspired JK Rowling’s description of Hogwarts – and the São Bento Station with its breath-taking blue and white tilework. Of course, no visit is complete without exploring the port wine cellars in Vila Nova de Gaia, where you can learn about the region’s processes of storing and ageing port wine – enjoy a tasting or two.  And when hunger strikes, head back to the lively Praça da Ribeira or nearby Mercado do Bolhão market to feast on fresh seafood, slow-cooked stews, and the city’s signature francesinha sandwich, layered with meat, melted cheese, and rich sauce.

🚗 or🚆Porto to Douro Valley (2 nights with possible extension):  The Douro Valley is renowned for its terraced vineyards and stunning landscapes, where you can explore the world of wine to your heart’s content by visiting local quintas for wine tastings and learning about the rich winemaking history.  You have two exciting options for exploring the Douro Valley. If you prefer a more direct route, a private transfer will take you to Guimarães, a charming town near the valley, for a two-night stay. Guimarães is a lovely medieval town with beautifully preserved historical sites, including the impressive Guimaraes Castle and the Palace of the Dukes of Braganza.

Alternatively, if you’re looking for a more scenic way to experience the Douro Valley, a great option is to take the scenic train from Porto to Pocinho. This stunning route winds its way through Régua, Pinhão and Tua, offering picture-perfect views of terraced vineyards, the glistening Douro River, and pretty villages nestled within dramatic cliffs. For a quick two-night escape, Pinhão is an ideal stop en route to soak up the scenery and vineyards. It’s considered one of the prettiest towns in the valley.  You can then complete your trip by taking a day trip to Pocinho to complete the rail journey, with the stretch between Tua and Pocinho offering some of the most jaw-dropping views of the whole journey. If you’d like to fully embrace the rail adventure and enjoy the valley at a more leisurely pace, you could consider adding a few extra nights.  You could even mix things up with a boat trip between some of the stops.

✈ Douro Valley to Algarve (5 nights): You’ll take a private transfer to Porto airport for an onward flight to the Algarve – Portugal’s golden coast.  You might want to head east to Quinta do Lago or Vale do Lobo for a taste of luxury – think stylish resorts, pristine beaches, world-class golf courses, and plenty of restaurants and nightlife. Or go west to Lagos for a blend of history and beach life, with cobbled streets, lively squares and pretty coves like Praia Dona Ana on your doorstep.  The whole of the Algarve is known for its freshly caught shellfish (grilled sardines or clams in garlic sauce) which is perfectly accompanied by a glass of crisp Algarve branco.  The local markets are a feast for all the senses and overflowing with citrus fruits, almonds, and freshly baked local pastries such as pastéis de nata.  For a quieter, more relaxed vibe, try Porches or Sagres. These laid-back spots offer traditional whitewashed streets, peaceful surroundings, and secret coves tucked beneath cliffs. Nearby, Praia da Marinha is one of the Algarve’s most photogenic beaches – and a great place for a swim or snorkel. From here, you can set out on the Seven Hanging Valleys Trail, a cliffside walk with incredible views of the coastline.

You may wish to hire a car so you can venture off the beaten track to discover hidden fishing villages where you can enjoy sunset dinners of the day’s catch paired with a glass of crisp white wine.  Or you could try a cooking class or a wine tasting tour along the coast to get a real taste of Portugal.

✈ Algarve to UK: You’ll head to Faro airport for your flight back to the UK.