...Trip idea

Portuguese Fusion

Combine Porto with the Douro Valley in this week-long trip that merges city with country, food and wine with nature and spa.

Highlights

Experience two picturesque parts of northern Portugal on one week-long trip
Enjoy stylish stays in luxe hotels, making your trip to Portugal comfortable and relaxed
Explore Porto on foot discovering its port houses, old town and Michelin-star restaurants
Focus on wellness at nature-enclosed Six Senses Douro spa hotel
Discover the Douro valley’s legacy of wine & enjoy private vintage cruise

WHAT:

A week-long trip that starts with a city break in Porto and finishes in the Douro Valley

GETTING THERE:

You can fly direct to Porto in two hours from a number of UK airports

WHO FOR:

This cultural getaway peppered with gourmet experiences suits a couple or group of friends.

Traditional architecture of the famous Igreja do Carmo church in

Cloister of the catherdal of Porto, Portugal. It is one of the c

Traditional historic facade in Porto decorated with blue tiles, Portugal

Ribeira, the old town of Porto, Portugal

PORTO's PLEASURES

With three nights in this easy-to-explore city, you can enjoy the delights of colourful Porto, Portugal’s second-largest city. Clustered around the swirling Douro River, Porto rises up on both sides in traditional terracotta roofs and the river side is where al fresco restaurants and bars spill out into the sunshine. The Dom Luis I bridge, designed by Gustav Eiffel, bisects Porto and you can also use the cable car to get around.

Porto’s joy though is strolling around old town medieval alleyways of the UNESCO-listed historic centre of Ribeiro with a private guide to bring its history to life. The tour will include the 15th century church of Santa Clara, Ribeiro square, Igreja do Carmo church and Porto’s cathedral. Especially notable is the painted tiles which you find everywhere but particularly on the exterior of Igreja Church. And of course, a visit to Porto wouldn’t be complete without a private tour and tasting of the port houses in Vila Nova de Gaia such as iconic Sandeman, Graham’s and Taylor’s.

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STAY: THE YEATMAN, PORTO

Porto’s best hotel is undoubtedly The Yeatman. Set on a hillside with spellbinding views over the old city’s terracotta rooftops, it combines outstanding food and wine with a huge spa. All the rooms have terraces with views over Porto and its gastronomic restaurant holds two Michelin stars.

DOWN THE DOURO

In contrast to the historic city of Porto, further down the Douro lies the natural enclave of the Douro Valley. Characterized by vineyards, forests and of course the majestic river, the Douro Valley is the place to rejuvenate in nature.

It’s also the birthplace of one of the oldest wine industries in the world and there are several different ways to enjoy its viticulture. You can visit port and wine cellars, hike to wine estates, have one-to-ones with wine producers and enjoy extensive tastings.

During your three-night sojourn, you will have the chance to experience life on the river on either a luxury yacht or private vintage cabin cruiser starting at Pinhao, admiring the picturesque quintas, greenery-clad valleys and vine-covered hills – perhaps stopping at wineries at your leisure.

You can also visit prehistoric rock art sites in Côa Valley or explore the region by e-bike.

For wannabe artists, try your hand at tile painting in the Portuguese ceramic azulejo style.

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STAY: SIX SENSES DOURO VALLEY

Bringing together two of life’s greatest pleasures – wine and wellness – Six Senses Douro Valley is the place to succumb to relaxation with encompassing vineyard views and endless greens. Quinta Panorama Suites have floor-to-ceiling windows overlooking the Douro plus secret gardens and private pools; the lavish spa is where you can indulge in water therapies and treatments which use grapes grown on-site.

The Verdict

For foodies, oenophiles or anyone interested in learning a little more about Portuguese history and culture, this succinct trip to Porto and the Douro Valley is a delight. With stays in two exquisite hotels, you also have the freedom to explore the city, country and an ancient wine and port culture.

Sarah Woodthorpe

Personal Travel Designer

01488 689700 Sarah.Woodthorpe@baileyrobinson.com Read Sarah’s profile

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