WineNot Boutique

Wine and Gastronomy Tour

Douro Valley & Porto

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Welcome to Porto, one of the most beautiful towns of Europe!

Welcome to Porto, Portugal’s second-largest city and one of the most beautiful cities in Europe! Porto

is both the city that provided a nation with a name and a fortified wine famous world-wide: Port Wine. It

is the capital of the North of Portugal and a World Heritage City, having a Historic Centre with over 150

classified monuments.

This recognition by UNESCO is undoubtedly a tribute to its wealth of over two thousand years of history.

From the remains of Visigotic and Celtic villages, Roman roads, bridges and Castros to Romanesque

and Gothic churches and Cathedrals built during the Medieval Age, centuries of mankind-built heritage

are to be discovered in and around Porto.

In Porto, you will find a traditional welcoming and conservative environment, but also a contemporary

and artistic city. This is shown in the streets, in the architecture, monuments and museums, and in the

lively terraces, restaurants and leisure areas at the delightful sea coast and in the medieval Douro River

side.

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Portugal wine regions to be visited:

Vinho Verde wine region

Douro and Port wine region

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1. Program

Day 1, Saturday

Arrival at Porto airport

Welcome at the airport by your English-speaking guide

Bus private transfer to a nearby restaurant, at 10 minutes from airport

Lunch at a modern casual restaurant by the beach

This casual nice restaurant has an exceptional location on the beach, offering a summer terrace and a

superb interior room spacious and airy, with large windows and views to the beach. The decor is modern

and sophisticated. This is a very pleasant restaurant, with a cosmopolitan atmosphere and good cuisine.

Included a three courses menu, coffee, white and red wine and soft drinks.

After lunch, bus transfer towards the Douro Valley Region.

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Douro Valley Winemaking Region, classified as a World Heritage Landscape by Unesco

The valley is spectacularly beautiful with the hills falling steeply down to the water’s edge becoming more and more sparsely populated and wild the further inland one travels, with more of the land being given over to terraces of vines and, to a lesser extent, olive groves. This is port country and was, in fact, the world’s first demarcated wine region being established in 1756. Evidence of the port industry can be seen along the valley with all the famous company names – Ferreira, Cockburns, Taylors, Sandeman and others – appearing on large placards on the hillsides. The colour of the land changes throughout the year as the vines mature.

Discovering the home of Port and the Douro Wine

“Famous as the home of Port, the Douro is now also an exciting source of table wines. With its spectacular scenery and the recent emergence of some exciting new producers, the Douro is pretty close to wine geek heaven.” (Wineanorak.com)

Check-in at the Visconde da Várzea Hotel in the Douro Valley Winemaking Region (description in

annexe).

Guests will enjoy relaxing in the swimming pool of the hotel with an astonishing view over the mountains

and vineyards, or get the best of the pure air of Douro in a walk by the vineyard paths.

Dinner at the hotel

The Douro cuisine is full of delicacies whose origins are in our ancestors and in the way they let food earn exquisite and natural flavors. Dinner will be a traditional 3 courses menu with a selection of local specialties. Drinks and Wines included.

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Day 2, Sunday

Breakfast at the hotel

Visit to Palace of Mateus and its magnificent gardens

Also known as the Solar de Mateus, and famously depicted on bottles of Mateus rosé wine epitomizes

the flamboyance of Baroque architecture in Portugal, this baroque recreation was built in the early 18th

century, probably by Nicolau Nasoni. His descendants still live here, but visitors can tour the gardens

and part of the house. Its granite wings shelter a forecourt dominated by an ornate balustrade stairway

and overlooked by rooftop statues. Behind the palace is an Alice in Wonderland garden of tiny box

hedges, prim statues and a fragrant cypress tunnel. Inside, you can visit a few rooms, heavy with velvet

drapes and fussy period furnishing.

Departure to one of the most renowned wine estates of the Douro Valley for a visit and lunch.

Visit and lunch at the outstanding wine estate Quinta do Crasto, Douro and Port producer

A responsible of the famous Quinta do Crasto, will be pleased to receive the group for a visit to the

vineyards and wine cellars, followed by a taste of its red Douro wines and Ports. This ancestral Quinta

is located in the Cima Corgo area of the Demarcated Region of Douro in the right bank of the Douro

river. It is planted with 60 hectares of excellent vineyards, some with almost 80 years old.

This special visit will allow participants to discover one of the mythic wine estates of Douro Valley,

considered to be one of the 3 top Portuguese wine producers.

Lunch served outside, including traditional appetizers, 3 course menu paring with the outstanding wines

Quinta do Crasto including Reserva Vinhas Velhas (old vines). Coffee or tea.

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Short transfer to the nearby river dock

Douro River cruise in a charming and typical Rabelo boat, until Pinhão (private, 50 minutes)

Delight discovering the Douro River and its Valley in a cruise aboard a beautiful wooden boat. From the

river we have a unique view to the less visited winegrowing area of the World Heritage classified region

of Douro. Some of the mythical Quintas (wine estates) producing great wines will be part of this unique

landscape.

Return to the hotel and time at leisure

In the evening bus transfer for dinner

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Cooking experience and dinner at a boutique wine estate producing Douro and Port wines

The boutique wine estate, family managed, was a small monastery just before the forming of the nation

at the 12th century. The sublime countryside, the calmness, the swaying of the trees and the light waves

of the Douro, hidden between houses and vineyards, lead us to the property producing amazing Douro

and Port wines.

In this cooking experience guided by the owner, a lady passionate by culinary, guests will taste the

magnificent wines and the jams made of must (freshly pressed grape juice). In a workshop organized

in a traditional kitchen participants will be involved in cooking different local specialities. The lesson with

the owner will start in the vegetable garden where guests will learn about local vegetables and pick

ingredients to the dinner (subject to seasonal availability). Then, in the kitchen the convivial cooking

experience will end with the lunch at the estate. A winery guided visit is included.

Dinner menu will be based in a selection of several specialities. Menu sample:

Starters:

Traditional cheese au gratin with aromatic herbs

Cured cheese with raspberry sause

Regional bola (traditional stuffed bread)

Codfish fried cookies

Alheira sausage fried bolls

Assortment of salads

Main course:

Rice duck at traditional style

Desserts:

Strawberry mousse

Pineapple semi cold

Pasteis de nata (cream custards)

Sliced fresh fruit

Wines:

Douro Rosé wine

Douro Red wine

Port Wine Old Tawny

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Return transfer to the hotel

Accommodation

Day 3, Monday

Breakfast at the hotel

Visit and wine tasting with Alves de Sousa, Portuguese Producer of the Year in 1999 and 2006

Alves de Sousa was awarded as “Producer of the Year” in 1999 and 2006 due to his professionalism

and determination on the production of quality wines.

Guests will have the opportunity to get to know the passion of Alves de Sousa visiting Quinta da Gaivosa.

The total surface of vines occupies an area of 110 ha, distributed between 5 estates: Gaivosa, Vale da

Raposa, Caldas, Estação and Aveleira.

The ecological diversity (in terms of microclimate, soil and altitude), the terroir, the specificities of each

"Quinta" allows obtaining wines of great character and quality.

The visit to this producer – author of the most acclaimed wine by Robert Parker in 2008 - will include a

tasting of 5 wines from the Alves de Sousa collection.

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Lunch on your own at Régua or Lamego

Guided visit to Lamego, the monumental town of the Douro Valley

Roughly 12 kilometres from the banks of the Douro, Lamego a very ancient city, enjoyed a period of

great prosperity in the eighteenth century when the city produced the so-called "fine wine" that later

gave rise to the world famous Port Wine. Remaining as evidence of these mediaeval times are the

castle, on the hill overlooking the city, the Cathedral and the small church of Santa Maria de Almacave.

Particularly impressive are the Church of the Convent of Santa Cruz, offering a delightful view over the

city and the sumptuous and monumental baroque shrine dedicated to the Virgin Mary, in the form of

Nossa Senhora dos Remédios, who, from her lofty position some 600 metres above the town, responds

to the appeals of distressed worshippers by granting them a remedy for their afflictions.

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Transfer back to the hotel

Arrive at the hotel and refresh

In the evening transfer to DOC restaurant

Gourmet dinner in an excellent restaurant with scenic views over the Douro River, the DOC

This beautiful scenic restaurant was built in a pier on the Douro River, offering a fabulous view over the

quite river waters and vineyard terraces around this Unesco site. In the outside, a relaxing deck

connecting with the dining room with an only-glass wall facing the river and allowing visitors to have a

unique scenario during the meal. Cuisine represents the best between Portuguese tradition of selected

regional quality products (meat, fish, olive-oil, mushrooms, vegetables, sausages) and a refined culinary

art of the Chef Rui Paula, combined with the use of some great international products but mainly inspired

in Douro recipes and in the fragrances of Douro and Port wines. Food and wine pairing is one of the

musts of the house: restaurant offers an excellent choice of most of Douro’s best wines and was a

winning-awarded in the national contest of Port Wine and Gastronomy.

Starter

Oxtail Ravioli with Celery and Scallops

Fish main course

Sea bass with White Beans and Clam's Portuguese Stew

Meat main course

Homebred Chicken with Smoked Purée and Cabbage

Dessert

Portuguese Tradition as a Dessert (Abade de Priscos Pudding, Pastel de Nata, "Bolo Borrachão" and

Sweetened Soft Eggs with Cream)

Coffee or tea & petit fours

Chef selection of wines for harmonization, mineral water

Return transfer to the hotel

Accommodation

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Day 4, Tuesday

Breakfast at the hotel and check-out

Departure towards Vinho Verde wine region

The Vinho Verde wine region, with its green rolling hills between the mountains and the ocean

This is Portugal’s largest wine region, extending from south of the river Douro to the border with Spain

over 130 km to the north. Northern Portugal is mountainous and flat, composed largely of granite and

slate. Vines traditionally grow high above the ground. The Vinho Verde wine is a light, aromatic and

elegant, often slightly sparkling wine, whose name means ‘green wine’, a reference to its youth. The

Vinho Verde is a unique product in the entire world with a blending of aroma and petillance that makes

it a delicious natural beverage!

Visit, wine tasting and lunch in a majestic manor house at the Vinho Verde wine region

Lunch will be in the best tradition of the Minho region, in this imposing manor house producing Vinho

Verde wine. Reception is by the owner of this grandiose manor house, still in possession of the same

family since the 12th century, inserted in a magnificent property. Surrounded by sumptuous and dazzling

gardens, this property is highly recognized for its heritage of the great and secular trees. Guided visit by

the rich interiors of manor house and winery, followed by a lunch with recipes of the regional cuisine

and their own Vinho Verde wine, and served with warm hospitality, a tradition of the Family. An

opportunity to meet a traditional Portuguese Family in their manor and experiencing the best welcoming!

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Continue to Guimarães

Guided visit to Guimarães, World Heritage by Unesco and European Capital of Culture 2012

Unesco inscribed the Historic Centre of the city of Guimarães on the list of World Heritage sites. A

distinction that is fully merited by this city, one that is full of historical memories and has so carefully

preserved its heritage and public spaces for the pleasure and delight of its visitors. For Portuguese

people, Guimarães has a very special symbolic value. The castle’s presence evokes the exciting mixture

of legend, poetry and heroism that surrounds the beginning of Portugal as independent country in 1143.

Check-in at the hotel in the city center of Guimarães (description attached)

Free time to refresh and rest.

Dinner at a charming restaurant in the city centre (walking distance from the hotel)

Fusion of classic flavours overlooking the iconic Oliveira. Intimate, charming, warm, modern. So it is the Hool that merges, in a same space, dichotomies: Portuguese gastronomy and international, modernity and tradition, cozy room and outdoor terrace. Located at Praça da Oliveira, overlooking this typical square of the city-crib, the Hool restaurant has a pleasant terrace protected by romantic arcades, ideal for the cool summer nights that are felt. Its elegant and contemporary line is the perfect complement to contemplate one of the historic Guimarães badges. Includes: 3-course menu, mineral water or soft drinks or beer, coffee or tea. Vinho Verde Wine, Douro DOC red wine Douro white wine.

Walk back to your hotel and accommodation.

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Day 5, Wednesday

Breakfast at the hotel

Departure to Melgaço, the Alvarinho Vinho Verde wine sub region of excellence. Visit, tasting and lunch at Quinta do Soalheiro , one of the great Portuguese white wines producers

Soalheiro vineyards are set in the sunny hills around Melgaço in northern Portugal, just facing the border with Spain. The family have planted the first vine in the seventies and in 1982 they start bottling the first Alvarinho. The terroir is perfectly suited to the Alvarinho grape from which they produce the renowned Soalheiro wine, one of the top white wines in Portugal. Today the winery has oenological equipment that allows a perfect control of vinification and bottling, respecting the quality of grapes. They intend to produce personalized Alvarinho, always with the conviction to keep a cleared traditionalism. The style of Soalheiro wine is dry, medium bodied, with lively acidity. Citric fruit of great quality, mineral, envolving with a large body and a long aftertaste. Luis Cerdeira and his family will welcome the group for a * guided visit to the organic vineyards and the winery; * a complete tasting of all Soalheiro wines: Sparkling, Soalheiro, Soalheiro Reserve, Primeiras Vinhas, a tasting tour by some old vintages from his private stock; * a lunch in his family farm with a home cooked specialties.

Some references:

Quinta de Soalheiro Primeiras Vinhas 2010: Best Portuguese Wine White, by Essência do Vinho 2012

Producer of the Year in Portugal, 2009, by the magazine Revista dos Vinhos Soalheiro Alvarinho 2007, in the Top Ten of Portuguese Wines, Mar2009, by the magazine Blue Wine Soalheiro Alvarinho 2007, the Best White Wine in Portugal, Mar2009, Juri of Essência do Vinho Quinta de Soalheiro Alvarinho Primeiras Vinhas 2006, 90 points by Robert Parkert (outstanding)

On the way back to Guimarães stop at Ponte de Lima

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Guided visit to Ponte de Lima, the oldest village of Portugal

Ponte de Lima is a small town in the picturesque province of Minho. This attractive riverside town, the

oldest of Portugal, takes its name from the ancient bridge over the River Lima. This historical bridge has

24 arches of which four on the south bank is the original roman construction. During the middle ages,

the town played a pivotal role in the defence of the Minho against the Moors. The roman bridge has only

five of its original stone arches; the rest were rebuilt or restored in the 14th and 15th centuries. The town

is overlooked by watchtowers, built in the fourteenth century, which, together with the whitewashed

houses make it an attractive town. There are many magnificent palaces and manor houses in the town

and surrounding area, and some receive houseguests. The charm of the place lies in its sandy riverbank

(the site of fantastic bimonthly markets and annual fairs) and shady riverside walks, its rural

surroundings and laid-back atmosphere.

Return to the hotel in Guimarães Dinner on your own and accommodation

Day 6 – Thursday

Breakfast at the hotel and check-out

Departure to Porto

Short panoramic Porto sightseeing tour for familiarization with the city

On the right side of the river Douro, the city of Porto is the second larger of Portugal and one of the

oldest and most beautiful towns of Europe. You can appreciate the beauty of this city in a tour by the

marginal of Porto. Beginning by the castle Castelo do Queijo, passing by the gardens of the Montevideu

avenue, to the beaches of Foz, the Ribeira square and its bares and its street cafés in the riverbank of

Douro. Discover in its steep streets that goes down to Douro, the unique architecture of the houses, and

the Flemish influence in the downtown of Porto.

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Guided walk & taste tour by the historic centre of Porto, a World Heritage property

This unforgettable guided tour will walk you through the Historic Centre of Porto, a UNESCO World Heritage Property. As you amble leisurely along the ancient streets and medieval lanes you will visit some of the most important monuments of Porto such as the Clerigos church and the S Bento Station, a neoclassic jewel. In the busting and colourful squares, the markets and food shops, and the traditional, highly unique cafes, you will discover the authentic heart of Porto, in its people. Included stops for tasting wines, traditional bread, cheeses, smoked sausages, fish conserves and wine.

Lunch at the elegant Bolsa Palace restaurant

The elegant atmosphere is created by the hand-woven carpets, formally dressed staff and candlelit tables. Though the menu frequently changes, the restaurant bets in a Mediterranean cuisine with a touch of modernity. All this accompanied by a very complete wine list. The decoration of the space, from Artur Miranda and Jacques Bec, is of timelessness, simultaneously elegant and cosy, mixing the ancient and the modern in blue tons. 3 course menu, with mineral water, wine selection of the restaurant (1/3 bottle per pax). Coffee.

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Check-in at the selected hotel (descriptions attached)

Free time for the rest of the afternoon

Dinner on your own and accommodation

Day 7 – Friday

Breakfast buffet at the hotel

Visit to the Modern Art Museum of Serralves and garden, designed by Siza Vieira

By the Portuguese Architect Alvaro Siza, 1997, one of the most influent and awarded architects, which fame had crossed the Portuguese frontiers. The new Museum of Contemporary Art is in the Quinta de Serralves, a property comprising a large house surrounded by gardens, woods and meadows, commissioned in the 1930s to serve as a private residence and later used as an exhibition space. In the heart of Porto, the Serralves Park is the ideal refuge for those who want to escape from the pressures of city life. Here you will find 18 hectares of various gardens, including a beautiful rosarium, pasture, woods and a romantic lake that provide the perfect setting for quiet reflection. The Serralves Museum of Contemporary Art built in concrete and lined with granite and painted plaster, is the Foundation's main exhibition space. The different areas of the Museum, with their unique combination of natural and artificial light, are designed to receive multiple exhibitions. The landscaping around the new Museum reflects its contemporary spirit, integrating it naturally in the Park, which is also the setting for sculptures and installations.

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Lunch at a fish restaurant at the fishing harbour of Matosinhos

Matosinhos is the biggest discharging-port of sardine, of the tasteful Portuguese sardine, worldly

famous. An agreeable restaurant, at one of the streets near the fishing harbour, is the ideal place for a

lunch with the most delicate dainties of the sea: the different shellfish, with relief to the tasteful barnacles,

the coast shrimp and the stuffed spider crab, and a choice of fish to grill specially sardines.

The Vinho Verde wine, light, fresh and with light acidity, from the neighbor wine region of Minho, is the

ideal match to this delicate food.

Return to the hotel and time to rest.

In the late afternoon, meeting with the guide at the hotel, bus transfer to Taylor’s Port Wine cellars

Farewell dinner at the elegant Taylor’s Port Wine cellars, with private guided visit

Taylor’s cellars are situated in Vila Nova de Gaia, across the river Douro from Porto and create a superb location for dinner, with an astonished view over the Douro River and the historical centre of Porto. Founded in 1692 by Job Bearsley, Taylor’s is still a totally independent Port producer, run by descendants of the Fladgate and Yeatman families. Taylor is accepted by most wine authorities to be the greatest of all Port shippers, famous especially for its sublime and long-lived Vintage ports, which consistently fetch the highest prices at auction, and for old, distinguished Tawny ports. But Taylor's is also an innovative house, pioneers of the successful Late Bottled Vintage style, which has been copied by almost every other shipper. The restaurant is advantageously situated in the cellars, so easy to admire the beauty of the scenery. and the characteristic ambiance of the Port wine cellars. Included: * private guided visit to the cellars followed by a wine tasting of 3 Ports * a cocktail appetizer served in the garden * a three courses menu * Douro white and red wines and a Taylor’s Port wine * Vintage Port with the traditional opening with iron tongs heated in fire (supplement)

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Bus transfer to the hotel and accommodation.

Day 8 – Saturday

Buffet breakfast at the hotel and check-out

Transfer to the Porto airport.

Departure of the group and end of the program.

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2. Accommodation

2.1. Accommodation in the Douro Valley

Viscondes de Varzea Rural Hotel, Lamego (Douro Valley)

(Countryside and vineyard environment, aristocratic and private ambience)

Located in the heart of Douro, close to Lamego and inserted in an artistic and varied landscape where

the nature leaves with roman, gothic and manueline styles. The house is from the 18th century and is

surrounded by ancestral trees. Inserted in a family property with more than 180 hectares, divided into

vineyards, olive and fruit trees, this manor house was adapted to a Hotel of Charm. Rigorously restored,

its decoration is worthy of maximum note. The rooms elegantly decorated along with the 3 lounges and

the dining-room give the house an unequalled noblesse. The hotel offers 35 rooms, some with Jacuzzi,

central heating, swimming-pool, tennis court, cable and satellite TV. The cuisine of the house is typically

regional. You can appreciate there a chapel from the 18th century. The cellars and the olive oil lagars

turn into animation rooms and for the days of heat. Bedrooms are equipped with private ensuite, two

large beds, stylish furniture and antiques and satellite tv.

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2.1 Accommodation at Guimarães

Santa Luzia Arthotel * * * *. Guimarães

(Historic central location, modern hotel, outdoor pool and spa facilities)

A distinguished 19th century Manor House at the inner centre of Guimarães sets the origin of the new Santa Luzia ArtHotel: an encounter between the memory of our History and contemporaneity of our days, having in the arts its biggest cause of inspiration. This hotel recently opened is located in the historic center of Guimarães, a World Heritage town, and is surrounded by monuments, shops, bars and cafés, restaurants. Offers 99 modern rooms with free Wi-Fi, a restaurant and bar-lounge, a seasonal outdoor infinitive pool, a spa with indoor pool and fitness room. The rooms are equipped with a modern bathroom, air conditioning, safe, cable and pay-per-view TV, minibar, laundry service and 24 hours rooms service.

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2.3. Accommodation at Porto

Hotel Dom Henrique * * * *, Porto (recently renovated)

(Downtown location, classical style, upper level scenic bar and restaurant)

Located in Porto's city centre, this recently renovated hotel offers a bar with panoramic views and a restaurant serving traditional Portuguese cuisine. The hotel has 111 comfortable air-conditioned rooms, including 20 suites. Air-conditioned rooms at Dom Henrique Hotel are decorated with warm colours and modern furniture. All rooms have a minibar, satellite TV, and an en suite bathroom. The Panoramic Bar features a deck with scenic city views and provides regular live music shows. Restaurant Além-Mar features a tiled wall created by Júlio Resende, a famous contemporary Portuguese artist. Hotel Dom Henrique has a 24-hour front desk and can organize citywide excursions and car rentals for guests. It also offers free WiFi access in all areas. Dom Henrique is in the centre of the entertainment district, with Cândido dos Reis Street less than 5 minutes’ walk away. It is 600 metres away from Rua Santa Catarina and Via Catarina shopping venues. Porto International Airport is 16 km away from the Hotel Dom Henrique.

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Price for the Trip:

$3,445 (per person, double occupancy); $ 3,945 (per person, single occupancy)

When paid by credit card.

$3,345 (per person, double occupancy); $ 3,845 (per person, single occupancy)

When paid by cash or check.

Included in the price: - Organization of program as detailed;

- Accommodation at described hotels, 7 nights BB;

- Transportation for the group in a deluxe bus, as per program;

- Official English-speaking guide with the group;

- All breakfast plus 11 complete meals as per program, including wines.

- 7 exclusive wine visits and tastings of wines as described;

- Douro River cruise in a private Rabelo boat;

- Cooking lesson at boutique winery;

- Guided visit to Mateus Palace and gardens;

- Guided city tour: Lamego, Guimarães (entrance fee at Ducal Palace), Ponte de Lima and Porto;

- Walk & Tasting tour at Porto with tasting of local delicacies and wines;

- Visit to Serralves Museum and park;

- Porto city tax;

Not included: - Airfair; - Free meals; - Insurance; - Porterage service at hotels; - Guide and driver tips; - Personal expenses and items not described.