Agent diary: Wine tasting and fine dining in North Portugal

Your Holiday Booking’s Carol Smith reports from a jam-packed trip to Porto and the famed vineyards in the north of the country

Day 1

After meeting up with our driver at Porto airport, we headed to our first hotel – the castle-like Casas do Côro – before a drive through the local vineyards. With good wine and good food, it was hard not to enjoy ourselves.

Day 2

The area is more than just wine, however, and we started the next day with a trip to the Côa Museum, the home of northern Portugal’s ancient rock carvings. This was followed by a trip to the old stables at Quinta da Roêda, where you can taste and buy local produce such as port and extra virgin olive oil.

Then we took a boat tour from the village of Pinhão, one of the highlights of the Douro Valley. Here we had the chance to appreciate the stunning landscape from all angles, while taking in the marvellous Douro river.

Day 3

Our morning began with a deeper dive into the beautiful scenery. Going out on an off-road 4×4 tour through the region’s famous vineyards, we were treated to gorgeous views. Lunch was spent at DOC, which is run by a Michelin-starred chef and has an elegant outside area that extends along the river.

Then it was on to the beach as we travelled to watersports hotspot Espinho. Sadly, it started raining heavily, but we still had time to learn about its massive popularity with surfers.

Heading back to our final destination of Porto, there was time for an evening visit to World of Wine. Considered the city’s new cultural quarter, it has a number of museums and exhibitions for people to explore.

Day 4

On our final day we went to the famous Livraria Lello, the bookshop that inspired the one in the Harry Potter books. It really is so unusual – in a good way – especially if, like me, you love books.

We then took in the rest of Porto, which is absolutely perfect for a city break. Everyone is so relaxed and it’s very easy to get around. A final wine tour was ticked off at the Ramos Pinto Wine Cellars. Again, it was as much about history as it was about the drinks.

Verdict

The trip was so educational – without learning the things I did, I’m not sure I’d have been able to suggest it to clients. I now advise people to book a Porto city break alongside a Douro river cruise. I can’t wait to go back there myself when I next get the chance.

Book it

Clients can now save up to £500 on the eight-day Douro Discovery cruise by APT Touring. Prices start at £2,295 including flights, most meals, several guided tours and time in Porto.

PICTURES: Jose Sarmento Matos; Porto Convention & Visitors’ Buraeu.

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