Portugal Gold: Porto & Douro Valley
Discovering Northern Portugal's Culture, Cuisine & Wine
Date: TBA 2026
Special Inaugural Journey Pricing
$6,995 per person with your own private room throughout the journey
$6,495 per person when sharing a room with a friend or family member
Key Trip Details:
Group Size: Limited to 8 women to ensure a personalized experience
Activity Level: Moderate - Walking tours on cobblestone streets, some vineyard terrain, steps in historic areas. Alternative arrangements available when possible.
Accommodation: Carefully selected 4-star hotel in a prime location in Porto, and a supremely unique and exceptional accommodation experience in the Douro Valley (see description above).
Season: Spring/early summer in Northern Portugal offers pleasant temperatures (65-75°F/18-24°C), fewer crowds than high summer, and landscapes in full bloom – perfect for photography and outdoor exploration.
Overview:
Discover the soul of Northern Portugal, where ancient traditions meet breathtaking landscapes. From Porto's vibrant historic streets to the terraced vineyards of the Douro Valley, this journey blends cultural immersion with serene natural beauty. Explore UNESCO World Heritage sites, taste wines from centuries-old estates, and experience the authentic charm of Portugal beyond the typical tourist path.
Special Accommodation Highlight in the Douro Valley: For three nights, experience a truly unique stay in Douro Valley’s Quinta da Pacheca's wine barrel suites - cylindrical suites nestled among the vineyards! Each cozy suite features a plush bed, modern bathroom, skylight for stargazing, and private terrace with stunning Douro Valley views. These distinctive accommodations offer an intimate connection with the landscape that traditional hotel rooms simply cannot match. Please note: there is one double bed per room. If you prefer a standard room, we can arrange that as well as long as enough advance notice is given and rooms remain available. This is an incredibly unique and special opportunity!
Day 1: Welcome to Porto
Afternoon: Individual arrivals and check-in at our carefully selected 4-star hotel in historic Porto
Evening: Welcome drink overlooking the Douro River followed by dinner at a traditional Porto restaurant featuring contemporary Portuguese cuisine
Evening: Brief trip overview and introductions
Welcome drink and dinner included
Day 2: Historic Porto
Morning: After breakfast, embark on a relaxed private walking tour (approximately 1.5 hours) through Porto's UNESCO-listed historic center. Your guide will lead you through the city's most captivating corners, including:
The majestic Porto Cathedral and the labyrinth of medieval streets that surround it
The vibrant Ribeira district, where colorful houses line the river's edge and centuries of history echo through the cobblestone lanes
Lunch: Savor an elegant lunch at the iconic Majestic Café, a Belle Époque masterpiece beloved for its gilded mirrors, carved wood interiors, and timeless charm. Once a gathering place for artists and intellectuals, the café offers a taste of Porto's golden age.
Afternoon: The afternoon is yours to explore at your leisure. Suggested experiences include:
Visiting the magical Livraria Lello, hailed as one of the world's most beautiful bookstores and renowned for its stunning neo-Gothic and Art Nouveau architecture, including its iconic red staircase and stained-glass ceiling
Climbing the Clérigos Tower for breathtaking panoramic views over the city
Strolling the grand boulevard of Avenida dos Aliados, framed by stately architecture
Settling into a cozy riverside café for an espresso or sweet ginjinha (cherry liqueur), journaling, or simply soaking up the vibrant atmosphere
Evening: Return to the hotel at your own pace, with the evening free to relax, explore Porto's culinary scene, or enjoy a quiet night under the city lights.
Guided walking tour and lunch at Majestic Café included
Day 3: Flavors of Porto
Morning: Enjoy a leisurely morning exploring Porto's charming Arts & Gardens district at your own pace. Suggested highlights include:
Crystal Palace Gardens for sweeping views of the city and Douro River
Soares dos Reis National Museum, Portugal's first public art museum
The Photography Museum, housed in a former 18th-century prison
The lively arts district along Rua Miguel Bombarda
Or simply find a garden bench, sip a refreshing glass of Portuguese espumante, and take time to journal, take photographs or soak in the scenery.
Lunch: Participate in a hands-on Portuguese pastry workshop where you'll master the art of making the beloved pastéis de nata (custard tarts). Afterward, enjoy a light lunch featuring your creations along with a selection of traditional savory Portuguese dishes.
Afternoon: Continue exploring at your own pace with suggestions including:
Admiring the magnificent azulejo tile panels inside São Bento Railway Station
Browsing the colorful stalls of the traditional Bolhão Market
Shopping along Rua Santa Catarina, Porto's most famous shopping street
Pausing for a coffee break to savor the city's vibrant street life
Evening: Cross the river to Vila Nova de Gaia for an intimate Port wine tasting at Espaço Porto Cruz, led by a knowledgeable sommelier. Learn about the rich history and craft of Portugal's most iconic export while sampling a curated selection of Ports. Optional: enjoy sunset views from their stylish rooftop terrace.
Dinner: Dine at your leisure with our recommended riverside restaurants in Vila Nova de Gaia, such as DeCastro Gaia or Barris do Douro, where you'll enjoy spectacular views of Porto's illuminated skyline reflected in the Douro River.
After dinner, return to your hotel at your leisure — Ubers are readily available from Vila Nova de Gaia's riverside area, offering a quick and easy ride back across the Douro.
Pastry workshop (with lunch) and Port wine tasting included
Day 4: Journey to the Douro Valley
Morning: Depart Porto for a scenic drive in private transportation to the Douro Valley, with photo stops at breathtaking viewpoints including Miradouro de São Leonardo da Galafura and Peso da Régua for panoramic vistas of the terraced vineyards
Lunch: Relaxed meal in a charming riverside village
Afternoon: Upon arrival in the Douro Valley, you'll settle into your extraordinary accommodations at Quinta da Pacheca's Wine House Hotel. Here, among the rolling vineyards, your private wine barrel suite awaits — a cozy yet luxurious retreat featuring a plush bed, modern bathroom, and a private terrace where you can sip wine under the stars.
Late Afternoon: Free time to relax and enjoy the spectacular vineyard views from your private terrace
Evening: Evening: Welcome dinner at the hotel's restaurant showcasing regional Douro Valley cuisine
Private transportation to Douro Valley, lunch, and dinner included
Day 5: Female Winemakers of the Douro
Morning: Visit to Quinta de la Rosa, led by Sophia Bergqvist, who became the sixth generation in her family involved in the port trade when she relaunched the estate in 1988
Lunch: Portuguese cooking workshop at a traditional quinta using seasonal ingredients, followed by enjoying our creations together with local wines
Afternoon: Free time to relax at the hotel, perhaps enjoying the vineyard views or spa facilities
Evening: Enjoy a free evening with curated dining suggestions, including:
DOC — elegant riverside dining featuring contemporary Portuguese cuisine
Castas e Pratos — modern Douro cuisine in a stylish, historic setting
Quinta da Pacheca's own restaurant — relaxed dining among the vines for a cozy night in
Reservations are recommended. We're happy to assist with bookings in advance or during your stay!
Wine estate visit, cooking workshop, and lunch included
Day 6: Olive Groves & River Cruising
Morning: Visit to D'Origem olive mill and museum to learn about Portuguese olive oil production and taste this "liquid gold" that complements the region's wines
Lunch: Picturesque meal featuring local olive oils and regional specialties
Afternoon: Scenic eco-friendly boat cruise on the Douro River aboard Magnífico Douro's 100% electric rabelo boat, the first of its kind in the region. Glide silently through the water, allowing you to hear the natural sounds of the valley without the intrusion of engine noise while producing zero emissions. These traditional flat-bottomed vessels, historically used to transport wine barrels from the Douro vineyards to Porto's cellars, have been thoughtfully reimagined with sustainable technology that honors their heritage while protecting the pristine environment they traverse.
Evening: Special farewell dinner featuring traditional Portuguese dishes with modern interpretations, concluding with a toast to celebrate our shared journey and new friendships formed along the way
Olive oil experience, light lunch, eco-friendly boat cruise, and farewell dinner included
Day 7: Departure
Morning: Leisurely breakfast and check-out
Individual departures
Optional private transfer to Porto Airport available upon request
What's Included:
3 nights in carefully selected 4-star hotel in Porto
3 nights in the unique Wine House Hotel with barrel-shaped rooms in the Douro Valley
Daily breakfast
Welcome and farewell dinners
All scheduled lunches
Wine tastings and culinary experiences (cooking workshops, olive oil tasting)
Eco-friendly electric boat cruise on the Douro River
Expert local guides
Private transportation
Entrance fees
Tips and gratuities
GlidePath Travel host throughout
What's NOT included:
Airfare
Alcoholic beverages with meals (except for welcome dinner, wine tastings, and farewell dinner)
Personal expenses and souvenirs
Required travel insurance
Note: Sequence of activities may be altered due to weather or other logistics. Alternative activities of equal quality will be provided if needed.