​ A land-based alternative to a Douro River cruise, designed for travelers who want deeper immersion, more time in destination, and greater flexibility. Experience the wine harvest at a working estate, explore Portugal’s historic heart, enjoy coastal contrasts, and end with a soulful Fado farewell in Porto.

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Day 1 — Arrival in the Douro Valley

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Photo courtesy of www.quintanova.com

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 Arrive in northern Portugal and travel inland to the Douro Valley, a UNESCO-listed landscape shaped by centuries of winemaking. Your home for the next four nights is Quinta Nova de Nossa Senhora do Carmo, a gracious estate overlooking terraced vineyards and the winding Douro River.

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 Settle into the rhythm of the valley with time to explore the grounds, take in the views, and enjoy your first evening surrounded by vines. Dinner highlights regional cuisine paired with estate wines, offering a warm introduction to the Douro and to your fellow travelers.

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Day 2 — Wine Harvest Participation & Estate Traditions

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Today offers a rare opportunity to take part in one of the Douro’s most important annual traditions: the wine harvest.

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 Begin the day at a local quinta, where you join the vineyard team in the harvest, learning about grape selection and seasonal rhythms before participating in the time-honored practice of grape stomping in traditional lagares. Along the way, enjoy simple regional fare and estate wines, culminating in a relaxed harvest lunch and guided tasting that brings the experience full circle.

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 Return to Quinta Nova in the afternoon, where the remainder of the day is yours to relax, reflect, and take in the landscape that defines this remarkable wine region.

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Day 3 — Sacred Architecture & Local Flavors in Lamego

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 Shift focus from vineyards to history as you travel to Lamego, one of northern Portugal’s most important religious centers.

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 Pause at scenic viewpoints overlooking terraced hillsides and the Douro River before arriving at the Sanctuary of Nossa Senhora dos Remédios, dramatically set above the town and reached by its iconic staircase. Whether admired from above or explored step by step, the sanctuary offers sweeping views and a sense of quiet grandeur.

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 Lunch is enjoyed at a family-run restaurant specializing in regional Portuguese cuisine, where traditional dishes and local wines reflect the flavors of the surrounding countryside. After time to wander Lamego’s historic center, return to the Douro Valley for a relaxed afternoon and evening at leisure.

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Day 4 — At Leisure in the Douro Valley

 Today is intentionally unstructured, allowing you to experience the Douro Valley entirely on your own terms.

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 Options may include a gentle boat ride along the Douro River, a vineyard walk or hike through terraced hillsides, a hands-on cooking experience, cycling quiet country roads, visiting another nearby wine estate, or a short excursion to landmarks such as Mateus Palace. Of course, spending the day simply enjoying the estate, the views, and a glass of wine is equally rewarding.

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 As the light softens over the valley, savor one final unhurried evening surrounded by vineyards.

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Day 5 — From the Douro to Porto via Guimarães

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 Say “adeus” to the Douro Valley and begin your journey toward the coast. Along the way, stop at a local bakery near Sabrosa to sample broa, a sweet traditional corn bread baked in wood-fired ovens.

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 Continue to Guimarães, often considered the birthplace of Portugal. Explore its beautifully preserved historic center, a UNESCO World Heritage Site, and enjoy time for lunch before continuing to Porto. 

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 Arrive in Porto and check into Porto Bay Flores, a former 16th century palace now a historic hotel in the heart of the city, ideally located for exploring Porto’s neighborhoods on foot.

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Day 6 — Porto’s History & Living Arts

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 Discover Porto through a guided walk of its most iconic landmarks, including the cathedral, historic center, riverfront, and architectural highlights that reflect centuries of maritime and commercial history. A visit to a port wine cellar adds context to the city’s global wine legacy.

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 In the afternoon, take part in a hands-on azulejo tile workshop, learning from artisans dedicated to preserving and recreating Porto’s signature ceramic tradition—and creating a piece of your own as a lasting memento.

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Day 7 — Canals, Color & the Atlantic in Aveiro

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 Travel south to Aveiro, known for its canals, Art Nouveau architecture, and brightly painted moliceiro boats. A relaxed canal cruise offers insight into the city’s maritime heritage and salt-trading past.

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 After time to explore Aveiro’s compact center and enjoy coastal cuisine, continue on to Costa Nova, famous for its striped houses along the dunes. Stroll the waterfront and take in the Atlantic air before returning to Porto in the late afternoon.

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Day 8 — Porto on Your Terms, with a Fado Farewell

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 Your final full day in Porto is designed for flexibility and personal discovery. Active travelers may walk or climb across the upper deck of the Dom Luís I Bridge, enjoying panoramic views over the Douro River and city rooftops. Others may prefer a Six Bridges cruise on the river, offering a gentle overview of Porto from the water.

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 Closer to street level, consider a visit to the historic Café Majestic, or explore markets, shops, and riverfront cafés at a relaxed pace. An optional day trip north to Viana do Castelo provides dramatic Atlantic scenery, a gracious historic center, and sweeping coastal views for those wishing to venture farther afield.

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 As evening falls, gather for a traditional Fado performance with dinner at Casa das Mariquinhas. In an intimate setting, enjoy a multi-course Portuguese meal as soulful music brings the stories and emotions of Portugal to life—a fitting and memorable farewell to the journey.

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Design Your Own Journey

 This itinerary is shared as an example of how Amerigo designs custom travel experiences. If this style of travel resonates, we’d be glad to create a journey tailored to your interests, timing, and travel style.

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