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Douro Valley Port & River Journey
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Detailed Itinerary & Activities

Day 1: Arrival & Manor Welcome

Activity: Arrive in Porto and transfer to the 17th-century manor in the Douro Valley, near Pinhão. Settle in with a welcome glass of white Port and tonic and a dinner of bacalhau à brás (cod with potatoes) and roasted kid goat, paired with a Douro red wine.

Evening Entertainment: Enjoy a fado performance in the manor’s courtyard, with a singer and guitarist delivering haunting Portuguese melodies under the stars.

Highlight: Savor a glass of tawny Port by the manor’s fireplace, surrounded by terraced vineyards.

Day 2: Douro River Cruise & Quinta Visit

Activity: Embark on a private Douro River cruise aboard a traditional rabelo boat, gliding past terraced vineyards and quaint villages. Stop at a family-run quinta for a tour of their Port wine cellars and a tasting of ruby, tawny, and vintage Ports.

Lunch: Enjoy a farm-to-table meal at the quinta, featuring grilled sardines, vegetable migas, and almond tart, paired with their signature white wine.

Evening Entertainment: Return to the manor for a second fado performance, featuring a different fadista with soulful songs of saudade.

Day 3: Pastéis de Nata Workshop & Régua

Activity: Participate in a hands-on workshop at the manor, learning to bake pastéis de nata, Portugal’s famous custard tarts, under the guidance of a local pastry chef.

Afternoon: Visit Régua, the Douro’s commercial hub, exploring the Douro Museum to learn about the region’s winemaking history.

Evening Entertainment: Relax with a fado-inspired guitar recital in the manor’s salon, paired with a tasting of late-bottled vintage Port.

Day 4: Porto Exploration

Activity: Journey to Porto for a guided tour of its historic center, a UNESCO site. Visit the Ribeira district, São Bento station’s azulejo tiles, and the Livraria Lello, one of the world’s most beautiful bookstores.

Lunch: Dine at a riverside restaurant, savoring francesinha (a hearty sandwich) and green wine (vinho verde).

Evening Entertainment: Return to the manor for a fado performance in the vineyard, with candlelit tables and a digestif of moscatel.

Day 5: Quinta Hopping & Wine Blending

Activity: Tour two additional quintas in the Upper Douro, one specializing in organic wines and another known for rare Port vintages. Learn about fortification and taste limited-edition blends.

Afternoon: Participate in a wine-blending workshop at the manor, creating your own Douro red wine to bottle and take home.

Evening Entertainment: Celebrate with a farewell gala dinner, featuring a five-course menu of roasted octopus, pork with clams, and pastéis de nata, paired with vintage Port, and a final fado performance under the stars.

Day 6: Departure

Activity: Enjoy a leisurely breakfast on the manor’s terrace, overlooking the vineyards, before transferring to Porto for your departure.

Highlight: Receive a parting gift of a bottle of estate Port and a recipe card for pastéis de nata.

Accommodation: The 17th-Century Manor

Your home for the tour is a 17th-century manor, perched on terraced vineyards above the Douro River near Pinhão. Built for a Portuguese wine merchant, the manor has been restored to preserve its Baroque charm while offering modern comforts. Surrounded by vineyards, olive trees, and the dramatic Douro landscape, it provides a serene and authentic base for your journey.

Features

Architecture & Design: The manor features whitewashed walls, red-tiled roofs, and ornate azulejo tiles, with carved wooden ceilings and wrought-iron balconies. Its grand salon, used for fado performances, is adorned with antique chandeliers and family crests.

Guest Rooms: 12 elegant en-suite rooms, each with hand-painted furniture, linen drapes, and views of the vineyards or river. Modern amenities include plush bedding, air conditioning, Wi-Fi, and rainfall showers.

Facilities: A private wine cellar with Douro wines and Ports, a professional kitchen for baking workshops, and a courtyard for al fresco dining. The manor also offers a seasonal outdoor pool and a small chapel with hand-painted frescoes.

Gardens & Grounds: Terraced vineyards producing estate Port, an olive grove, and a citrus orchard. Shaded patios and a stone fountain provide spaces for relaxation, while a riverside path offers scenic walks.

Ambiance: The manor radiates Portuguese warmth, with candlelit fado nights, fresh flowers, and staff in traditional attire. Its intimate size ensures personalized service and a deep connection to Douro culture.

Unique Aspects

Historical Significance: The manor was a key stop for Port wine transport in the 1700s, with its cellars used to age barrels before shipment to Porto. Its vineyards, still active, contribute to the region’s winemaking legacy.

Sustainability: The manor uses solar panels and maintains an organic garden, supplying herbs and produce for meals. Guests can join a garden tour to learn about Douro agriculture.

Cultural Immersion: Fado performances and baking workshops connect guests to Portugal’s soulful and culinary traditions, while the manor’s vineyard offers tastings of its micro-production Port.

Additional Notes

Accessibility: The manor includes some uneven stone paths and stairs; please inquire about accessibility accommodations.

Dietary Requirements: Vegetarian, vegan, and gluten-free options are available with advance notice.

Weather: The Douro Valley enjoys warm days and cool evenings in spring and fall, ideal for river cruises and vineyard tours. Summer tours include shaded activities for comfort.

Booking: Contact the tour operator via the website for availability and single-occupancy rates.

This tour weaves together the Douro’s Port wine heritage, culinary delights, and soulful fado, framed by the timeless beauty of a historic manor.

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