PORTUGAL
September 18th - 25th, 2022
8 days, 7 nights
-Visit vibrant Porto and stay in ancient Guimaraes the first two nights
-Take a day trip to the dramatically beautiful Vinho Verde region
-Spend 6 days relaxing at a private Quinta in the picturesque Douro Valley
-Visit the villages of Ucanha, Barcos, Lamego, Régua and Pinhão
-Private tastings at exclusive wineries around the Vinho Verde and Douro wine regions
-Afternoon Boat Cruise along the River
-Optional yoga classes for all levels
-Small group, maximum 14 people
From $4295
(per person, double occupancy)
ACCOMODATIONS
We start off our week in the medieval village of Guimaraes, where we will stay in a beautiful historic hotel located in the old town. After two nights here, we will move into our peaceful Quinta (a farm/wine estate that has been converted into a bed and breakfast) located in the hills overlooking the Douro River valley. 5 suites and 2 villas make up the estate, complete with a pool, indoor and outdoor dining, many patios, gardens, walking trails, a farm-to-table restaurant and more.
ITINERARY
Subject to change
DAY 1 - Sunday
Meet-up, Porto & Guimarães
-Meet up in Porto 11am
-Lunch, followed by a private Port tasting at a famous Port House on the river
-35 minute drive to Guimarães, where we will be staying for the next 2 nights.
-Check in to our hotel, unpack, settle in.
-Optional free time to explore this ancient medieval city, a UNESCO World Heritage site and the birthplace of Portugal.
-Meet up in the lobby for welcome drinks, followed by dinner on the square at an authentic Portuguese restaurant serving regional cuisine.
DAY 2 - MONDAY
Vinho Verde & Winery Visit
-Breakfast at the hotel and free time to walk around Guimarães or simply relax and people-watch on the square.
-Meet up at 11am to drive north into the stunning hills of the Vinho Verde region, approximately 1 hour.
-Lunch and wine tasting at an incredible and renowned winery that Rachel has been working with for several years.
-Tour of the vineyards, which are famous for having vines that are trellised so high, ladders are needed to reach the top.
-After a beautiful afternoon getting to know a legendary winemaker, the friendly locals, and the idyllic region, we will head back to Guimarães where you are free to grab dinner on your own at one of the many local restaurants that are walking-distance to the hotel, or dine at the highly acclaimed hotel restaurant.
DAY 3 - TUESDAY
Arrive in the Douro
-Breakfast at the hotel, pack up and depart by 11am.
-We will stop for lunch at noon, at a rural farm-to-table restaurant that sits high atop a mountain.
-After a leisurely lunch, we will continue 45 minutes further until we have reached the Quinta, our home for the remainder of the week.
-Upon arrival, you will be shown to your suites and given time to unpack and then rest, or hit the pool.
-Meet up on the terrace for some welcome-wine and an overview of the stunning Douro region.
-Dinner will be at the Quinta, served by our own chef using fresh and local ingredients.
DAY 4 - WEDNESDAY
Pinhao & Winery Visit
-Relaxing morning at the Quinta. After breakfast you can dip in the pool or partake in a yoga session.
-We will head 20 minutes down to the lovely village of Pinhao, the heart of the Douro Valley, where you can wander, shop, and grab lunch.
-After a couple of hours, we will go enjoy a wine tasting at a nearby winery, where we will participate in the harvest, if we are lucky!
-Head back to the Quinta for our chef-prepared dinner -- paired, of course, with Rachel's wines.
-Call it an early night, or sip on some wine while enjoying an evening under the stars.
DAY 5 - THURSDAY
Relaxation Day & Cooking Class
-This is your day to enjoy the Quinta and all it has to offer!
-Partake in morning or afternoon yoga
-Participate in our private cooking class, the product of which will be served for lunch
-Book a massage
-Relax by the pool and sip wine or read a good book
-Optional trips to town to shop or walk around
-Optional bike ride or hike around the property's many trails
-Wine Dinner at the Quinta with the Quinta's own wines.
DAY 6 - FRIDAY
Wine Museum, Winery Visit & River Cruise
-Breakfast at the Quinta
-30 minute drive to Peso de Regua to visit the Douro wine museum.
-From there, we head to a small winery for lunch and a tasting.
-Drive over to Pinhao where we will meet up with our captain and board our private boat!
-Spend the late afternoon relaxing on the water, enjoying the views, sipping wine, and learning about the region's history and geography.
-Dinner at the Quinta
DAY 7 - SATURDAY
Ucanha & Harvest Festival
-Breakfast at the Quinta, followed by some pool/relaxation time or an optional yoga session.
-Head into Ucanha, a village 30 minutes away that is famous for producing sparkling wine.
-After lunch in town, we will head to the Barcos harvest festival where we will get to sample many different wines, while celebrating this special time of year with the locals!
-10-minute drive back to the Quinta for our final celebratory dinner, followed by many festivities.
DAY 8 - SUNDAY
Check-out & Drop-off in Porto
-One last breakfast at the Quinta
-Get your bags ready and we will say our goodbyes, and make the 2-hour trip back to Porto.
-Drop-off location in Porto TBD
OR
Sign up for our add-on trip to The Algarve (flight from Porto) where you can pack in some sunny beach time, iridescent turquoise water, and colorful seaside villages before heading back home!