Summary
Short description
Pair luxury in Porto with the wine-soaked delights of the Douro Valley
Highlights
- Stay in splendour in the heart of historic Porto
- Explore the city's UNESCO-listed old town
- Seek out the best port houses, from big names to boutiques
- Drive the N222 to the Douro Valley - voted one of the world's best driving routes
- Take in the wines and vines of Portugal's pre-eminent wine region
In pictures
About
Recommended for:
Food & wine | History & culture | Relaxation | Short break
This itinerary begins with Porto’s terracotta jumble of medieval laneways, neoclassic merchant houses and charming back-alley restaurants, brought to life with optional port tastings and a stay in one of the cities finest hotels. You’ll then head for the rolling hills of the Douro Valley with a stop in unique accommodation, before you make your way along N222 – previously voted the world’s most beautiful road. Covering 17 miles and 93 bends, it passes through the heart of the Douro region’s sweeping wineries and countryside estates to bring you to your historic hotel in Pinhão.
Day by day itinerary
Days
1-2
Fly to Porto
Enjoy complimentary airport lounge access before flying to Portugal’s second city, Porto. Collect your hire car on arrival and drive to your accommodation. The Yeatman found within historic Vila Nova de Gaia, a district that lines the south side of the Douro River. It’s here that port houses have aged their valuable wine for over three centuries, most owned by British merchant families that took advantage of Gaia’s riverside setting. Settle in and explore the medieval jumble of the UNESCO-listed old town, and tuck into a spectacular gastronomic scene that comprises everything from Michelin-starred restaurants to celebrated port houses and cosy bistros offering the best in Portuguese cuisine.
Stay: The Yeatman, Porto (Deluxe)
Meals: B
Day
3
Douro Valley
After breakfast, leave the city behind you and head into the Douro Valley, and meander to Cambres the home of Quinta da Pacheca. Set right among the vineyards, you’ll be treated to complimentary wine tastings and a choice of 18th-century manor house suites and ‘barrel rooms’ – converted wine barrels complete with en-suite bathroom, private deck and a skylight for stargazing. Over three days, you'll take in the best of the region at your own pace; there’s the chance to explore the valley’s majestic landscapes, stop off at pretty whitewashed villages for a hearty boar stew, and taste your way through the region’s beautifully terraced vineyards.
Stay: Quinta da Pacheca Wine House Hotel, Douro Valley (Superior)
Meals: B
Days
4-5
Pinhão
After breakfast drive out along N222 into the heart of the Douro Valley. Voted the world's best driving route in 2018, it's a wonderfully scenic way to reach to your historic accommodation in Pinhão. In the Heart of Douro Valley's Demarcated Wine Region, considered World Heritage by UNESCO, you will find the The Vintage House - a 5 star luxury hotel overlooking the Douro river, with balcony views to take in the unique landscape before you. The perfect base to explore the surrounding Port wine estate on foot, by traditional Rabelo boat or make a short drive to nearby boutique wineries.
Stay: The Vintage House Hotel, Douro Valley (Superior)
Meals: B
Day
6
Departure
After breakfast, wend your way slowly back to Porto in time for your flight home.
Meals: B
Map
Pricing
Any element of this itinerary can be adjusted to suit your needs. Just contact us to find out more.
Accommodation rating:
6-day tailor-made self-drive
from £470 pp incl. flights
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On a range of curated excursions, this guided tour will take you behind the scenes of Portugal’s most impressive sights, while placing equal importance on its off-the-beaten-track charms.
The perfect introduction to Portugal, this short break combines the historic charm of Porto and the rolling viticulture of the Douro Valley with stays in some of the region's finest hotels.
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