Over the past 3 years Portugal’s Douro River cruise has become hugely popular for our Expanding Horizons’ wine groups. These programs feature two cities, beginning in Portugal’s capital of Lisbon, then travel by land to Porto. With a professional guide, explore Porto’s stunning sights before embarking on a luxurious 7-night cruise along the Douro, Portugal’s breathtaking “River of Gold.”
Our program begins with a land tour spending 3 nights in Lisbon and 1 night in Porto city. Tourists will visit the best sights of Lisbon and see Fatima, Coimbra en route to arriving in Porto. The tour is well worth doing if this your first visit to Portugal. Spend a full day and evening in Porto at the stunning Pestana Vintage Porto, with a private vintage port tasting at Taylor-Fladgate, “Purveyors to Her Majesty the Queen.”
A Luxurious yet Affordable Destination for Wine and Culinary Delights
Travel & Leisure magazine calls Portugal “a magnet for those who want luxury without the sticker shock of Europe’s more well-trod capitals.” The wines of Portugal are marvelous, with native grape varietals like the red Touriga Franca and white Trajadura producing world class dry wines to wash down the marvelous seafood and delicious Petiscos e doces, the Portuguese versions of tapas. Learn about port production and visit the vineyards and premises of renowned centuries-old port producers like Taylor-Fladgate, Graham, Croft, Cockburn, and Sandeman.
Discover the Hidden Gems of Douro
The towns and villages along the Douro, are both beautiful and low traffic destinations. Portuguese wineries, called “quintas”, are excellent and fascinating, producing magnificent dry red wines. The famous port wines here captured the world’s attention long ago. Vinho Verde, the crisp dry white meant to be drunk young, will impress you. Along the way experience flamenco and fado, see extraordinary castles, palaces, iconic cathedrals and taste exquisite wine to last a lifetime. Here’s some background about this program visiting central and northern Portugal:
Lisbon emerged as a nation state in the early 12th century but has much longer origins stemming back to ancient Greece and Phoenicia. Greek legend has the city founded and named by Odysseus (Ulysses). The Phoenicians called it Allis Ubbo “enchanting port”.
The Romans arrived in 205 B.C. to commence a two-century reign. During the Roman period Lisbon became one of the most significant cities in Iberian Peninsula.
The 15th century began the Portuguese Era of Discovery. Explorers like Vasco da Gama and Ferdinand Magellan sailed the world’s oceans, established colonies from India to Brazil and brought home abundant wealth and prosperity. For the next century Lisbon was the world’s most prosperous trading center. Many of the city’s iconic buildings such as Mosteiro dos Jerónimos and Torre de Belém, were built during this period. Today these are UNESCO World Heritage sites.
The Lisbon of today is one of the most beautiful capitals of Europe. Our guests experience Lisbon’s main attractions and enjoy a private dinner at one of the city’s best restaurants.
Porto
The city of Porto has stunning 18th and 19th century buildings, new indie bars and restaurants and a laid-back vibe; all facilitated by excellent wine. The walkable city center is crammed with cobbled streets and balconies adorned with flowerpots. This city has an innate love of food and design. An ideal day in Porto combines grand history and unique architecture with great food and wine.
Major port producer warehouses are visible across the River Douro in the area called Nova da Gaio. Get a more thorough grounding in the local tipple by delving into the wine shops on the Porto side.
Sights
The bi-level Ponte de Dom Luís I bridge stretches from the Ribeira section of Porto over the River Douro to Vila Nova de Gaia. Stroll across for exquisite views downriver. Wander along the riverbank, or go for the tasting tour at Sandeman or Taylor’s. Return by teleférico, an aerial cable car (cost 5 euros).
Dine
A delightful food trend in Porto is petiscos, the Portuguese version of tapas. Caldeireiros, on the street of the same name, is the standout. Try alheira de caça, a sausage made with white meats like rabbit and chicken, and served with garlicky spinach. Or launch straight into a pork loin sandwich, topped with melted local cheese. One street over Trasca offers treats like tiny roasted green chiles with a glass of Vinho Verde. No meal listed above exceeds 20 euros.
Drink
Porto’s best bars are its most relaxed. Garrafeira AMS is a dimly lit wine shop with a few simple tables. The menu offers carefully selected Portuguese wines by the glass. You can pull a bottle from the shelves and drink it there! Walk down the block to the most effortlessly cool bar in town. Candelabro is smoky and crowded inside, but loads of fun. Patrons often congregate on the sidewalk, with bottles of Super Bock Beer (1.60 euro) in hand.
Join us Next Year in Portugal!
Look for your ideal trip through the wine regions of the world at the Tours and Wine website, or call Expanding Horizons at 1-800-421-6416.
