The Douro Valley in Portugal is ideal as a destination for a luxury break, particularly in the autumn or winter months. The Douro Valley in Portugal promises its visitors a peaceful, traditional alternative to Portugal’s popular areas, with stunning rural retreats, authentic wine lodges, and great historical monuments. Along the Douro riverside, wine towns and villages cling to the hilltops, mediaeval castle-towns line the rocky gorges, and the vineyards that produce the country’s famous Port cloak the steep slopes.
Visit wine towns such as Vila Nova de Gaia and Amarante, which is believed to be the most beautiful, with its clusters of tall, stone, red-roofed houses on the willow-clad riverbanks. At the centre of Amarante lies an 18th century triple-arched bridge that crosses the River Tâmega, and at its top sits the Convento de São Gonçalo, a granite church with red-tiled roof. From Amarante, board the Tâmega Railway and travel further into the north, through valleys and fields into one of the most enchanting landscapes in Europe.
Vila Nova de Gaia, just south of Porto, has the highest concentration of Port wine lodges in the region, a consequence of its being, before the end of the 20th century, the only place that Port could officially be matured. Forested gardens hide some of the wine lodges from sight at the top of their vineyard slopes, and the narrow winding roads of the town make for excellent exploration.
Aside from the wine heritage, the Douro Valley has much in the way of history to explore, particularly in Porto. Seek out the beautiful examples of 17th century architecture, particularly the Sé Cathedral, in which every column capital, every archway, and the altar, are lavishly decorated with gold floral ornamentation.
Uncover ancient Portugal at Vila Nova de Foz Côa, home to the largest outdoor gallery of Stone Age remains in the world, or travel to the pilgrimage town of Lamego, known for its iconic and intricately painted zig-zagging steps that lead up to the revered Baroque Sanctuary of Our Lady of Remedios. The range of scenery, history and gastronomy make the Douro Valley in Portugal an ideal destination for a luxury break.
Visit wine towns such as Vila Nova de Gaia and Amarante, which is believed to be the most beautiful, with its clusters of tall, stone, red-roofed houses on the willow-clad riverbanks. At the centre of Amarante lies an 18th century triple-arched bridge that crosses the River Tâmega, and at its top sits the Convento de São Gonçalo, a granite church with red-tiled roof. From Amarante, board the Tâmega Railway and travel further into the north, through valleys and fields into one of the most enchanting landscapes in Europe.
Vila Nova de Gaia, just south of Porto, has the highest concentration of Port wine lodges in the region, a consequence of its being, before the end of the 20th century, the only place that Port could officially be matured. Forested gardens hide some of the wine lodges from sight at the top of their vineyard slopes, and the narrow winding roads of the town make for excellent exploration.
Aside from the wine heritage, the Douro Valley has much in the way of history to explore, particularly in Porto. Seek out the beautiful examples of 17th century architecture, particularly the Sé Cathedral, in which every column capital, every archway, and the altar, are lavishly decorated with gold floral ornamentation.
Uncover ancient Portugal at Vila Nova de Foz Côa, home to the largest outdoor gallery of Stone Age remains in the world, or travel to the pilgrimage town of Lamego, known for its iconic and intricately painted zig-zagging steps that lead up to the revered Baroque Sanctuary of Our Lady of Remedios. The range of scenery, history and gastronomy make the Douro Valley in Portugal an ideal destination for a luxury break.
How you get there
A luxury break to the Douro Valley in Portugal is very manageable for just a few nights throughout the year. There are flights to Porto with British Airways from London Gatwick and with Easyjet from both London Gatwick and from Luton. The hotels we feature are between 60 minutes’ and 90 minutes’ drive from Porto. These holidays work for as many nights as you want and can be just short breaks of a few nights or longer stays of a week or more. If you don’t want the use of the hire-car, then we can arrange private transfers for you.
Our holidays to Portugal include
● Travel arrangements with flights, car-hire or appropriate transfers● Flexible durations and multi-centre stays
● Accommodation in personally-selected 4-or 5-star hotels
Included in all our holidays
● Concierge service● Handcrafted helpful hints and local information provided with all our holidays
● Personal service by your sales consultant who looks after all aspects of your holiday
● Full financial protection with our ATOL (3076) for all holidays including a flight and our ABTOT for all non-air holidays
