ACTIVITY LEVEL: Low to Medium
Join The Continental Drifter® Founder and veteran tour organizer Ralph Velasco for a once-in-a-lifetime travel experience to Northern Portugal.
This trip will focus on the beautiful riverside city of Porto (3 nights) as well as Portugal’s most famous wine region, the UNESCO designated Douro Valley (4 nights).
In the gorgeous city of Porto, situated on the Douro River, you’ll stay at a wonderfully-located boutique hotel within walking distance to pretty much everything the city has to offer.
East in the Douro Valley you’ll spend 4 nights at a gorgeous hotel offering spectacular views of the Douro Valley and incredible access to this amazing part of the world.
It goes without saying that these properties will be truly unforgettable, even for the most seasoned traveler.
The wait is almost over! Sign up for pre-registration today and we’ll email you as soon as this incredible journey is available for booking. Don't miss out!
"Our Taste of Northern Portugal tour was a great experience with wonderful tours, accommodations, food/drinks and activities. The people we met were delightful travel partners and Ralph's leadership was effective and thorough. We are so happy we chose Ralph Velasco and Alla Campagna Experiences for our travels!" ~ Lynn S.
"I’ve traveled a lot on my own, and put together what I thought was enough time to see the high points. The trip with Alla Campagna Experiences proved the value of Ralph’s familiarity with local restaurants and guides. I might have stumbled upon a few things in Porto, but I’m sure I would have missed so many of the details that made this trip special. The Douro Valley tour from Alla Campagna Experiences should be on everyone’s bucket list." ~ Dan M.
"A Taste of Northern Portugal is another great trip from Alla Campagna Experiences. Porto is a great city with lots of history, culture, and entertainment. But the true gem of this trip is the Douro Valley. Every view in the Valley is scenic, the wine and food are beyond fantastic, and the people are so kind. For a trip that is off the beaten path of what most people do when they visit Europe, A Taste of Northern Portugal is the way to go." ~ Jeff D.
"Another great tour with The Continental Drifter! Ralph crafts his tours through research and experience, putting together the perfect plan for Porto and the Douro Valley. The wines, the food, the views are amazing. The small group felt more like old friends and provided the perfect companions for this adventure." ~ Patrick P.
“A Taste of Portugal was an enjoyable and leisurely vacation in a country that seems to have everything. Historical sights, gourmet food, photo opportunities and a great hospitality atmosphere abound. The tour hit all the sights of interest, Ralph was the perfect tour leader and it was a good group fellow travelers.” ~ Mike C.
“This was a great tour, with lots to do and see! We visited the large cities of Lisbon and Porto as well as other cities, towns, and villages throughout Portugal. I also took the extension through the Douro River Valley which was incredible! We had many opportunities to take pictures both as part of the tour and in our free time. I feel the tour gave me a good feel for the wide variety of life in the cities and countryside of Portugal.” ~ Vivian N.
“The group was great made some new long-term friends. Loved Portugal (other than the inclines 🙂 ), the country is small but packed full of great sites.” ~ Nancy S.
The gorgeous Douro Valley, just east of Porto, has been designated a UNESCO World Heritage site and it’s obvious why.
ALL ACTIVITIES, LOCATIONS, DAYS, AND TIMING ARE SUBJECT TO CHANGE
Most meals are included and B = Breakfast, L = Lunch and D = Dinner
IMPORTANT NOTE: You’ll want to wear good, sturdy walking shoes as Porto and the Douro Valley are made up of hilly terrain, often with lots of stairs, inclines, declines and at times gravel and occasionally dirt and stone paths, so be prepared to up your step count on this trip!
If you are even slightly unsure of your walking capability in these conditions it’s HIGHLY recommended that you purchase a quality set of telescoping walking sticks at your local outdoor supply store or online before arriving in Portugal.
HERE'S A LINK to a set of walking poles I've been recommending.
Please read Continental DRIFTER® Experiences Terms & Conditions carefully before booking your trip.
Private airport transfer on arrival in Porto (OPO). Group transfer from hotel to Porto Airport at the end of the trip.
All accommodations in Porto (3 nights) and at our hotel in the Douro Valley (4 nights) in a single or double occupancy room during trip dates.
All Breakfasts (B), 3 Lunches (L) and 4 Dinners (D).
Drinks at meals as outlined by our local guide(s). Bottled water is provided each day (please bring your own reusable water bottle).
Several wine tastings throughout the trip.
There'll be several wine tastings, a cable car ride, plus multiple train and boat rides too.
Services of a local, English-speaking guide for select group activities and experiences.
Transportation for day trips organized as group activities, including several train rides and boat rides (including train from Porto to the Douro Valley).
All entry fees for group activities and experiences as outlined in the itinerary.
Group tips for local guides, drivers and meals.
Flights or other transportation to and from Portugal.
Transportation to and from OPO outside of those mentioned.
Drinks or other alcoholic beverages not specifically mentioned as included.
Meals not specifically outlined as included.
Pre- or post-trip accommodations outside of actual tour dates, although we can help to set up extra nights, if necessary.
Items of a personal nature are not included.
Meals: D
Please arrange your Porto (OPO)-bound flight to arrive by 3:00 pm local time today or earlier (we can assist in arranging extra hotel nights should you decide to arrive early or leave late).
You'll have an included PRIVATE TRANSFER to your hotel from the airport (specific details will follow).
6:00 pm - Estimated time of Meet & Greet where you can introduce yourself, get to know your fellow travelers in person and everyone can discuss the trip ahead.
7:30 pm – WELCOME DINNER where a local guide will take the group on a walk to enjoy a nice meal, also allowing you to become oriented to this area. During this tour your guide will introduce the group to the history and food of Porto and other parts of Portugal found in this gem of a city situated on the Douro River.
OVERNIGHT at The Editory House Porto or similar
Meals: B, D
After breakfast participate in a GUIDED WALKING TOUR of Porto's vibrant Ribeira area, located right on the Douro River. You'll get out before the tourist crowds overwhelm and when the light should be great. Later you can return to see more action if you like, but this morning it should be very quiet and peaceful for enjoying a walk in this truly stunning part of the city.
This morning's walk will end with a BOAT RIDE ON THE DOURO RIVER and will include your local guide so feel free to ask questions.
Lunch will be on your own with the afternoon free.
DINNER this evening will be at a typical restaurant close to the hotel
OVERNIGHT at The Editory House Porto or similar
Meals: B, L
Take advantage of a free morning today to explore other parts of Porto you may not have visited, or simply sleep in and have a leisurely start to your day.
LUNCH will be taken on the Vila Nova de Gaia side of the river, near Pont Dom Luis I, Porto's most famous icon, including local guide and GUIDED WALK starting at a central meeting point to be announced.
After lunch participate in a GUIDED PORT WINE VISIT AND TASTING at a beautiful local Port Wine Cellar.
Next you can walk nearby with the group to take the CABLE CAR up to a point with truly spectacular views of the River Douro and its surroundings, after which you'll have a free afternoon and dinner on your own.
OVERNIGHT at The Editory House Porto or similar
Meals: B, D
After breakfast, PRIVATE TRANSFER with luggage from your hotel to Porto's gorgeous São Bento railway station where you'll have time to explore and then hop the TRAIN for the wonderfully scenic ride to our next stop, the Douro Valley, a UNESCO World Heritage site.
NOTE: You'll be responsible for your own luggage before and during the train ride, so just a reminder to please pack light and only bring what you can carry and lift on your own as there'll be no porters available until we arrive at our next station.
On arrival TRANSFER WITH LUGGAGE to our next property, the truly stunning Vila Gale Douro Vineyards (or similar).
If rooms are ready, which is unlikely at this early hour (approximately 12:00 pm), check in and settle in, otherwise enjoy an ORIENTATION TOUR of the property, after which you can sample the local wine and take lunch on your own by the lookout over the Douro Valley and endless landscapes of vineyards.
Next you'll have some free time to continue exploring the property, relax or do whatever you like.
Later we'll meet for an included and very memorable DINNER.
OVERNIGHT at Vila Gale Douro Vineyards or similar
Meals: B, L
Today, after BREAKFAST on your own, TRANSFER FOR GUIDED VISIT to nearby Pinhão where you can walk around and enjoy this riverside town and its gorgeous train station which is adorned on all sides with the famous blue azulejos tiles telling stories of times gone by.
Next have a PRIVATE TRANSFER from Pinhão to another riverside wine estate called Quinta do Tedo where you'll enjoy another WINE TASTING and GUIDED VISIT of the property, including LUNCH (and absolutely stunning views of the river and surroundings).
After this visit and lunch PRIVATE TRANSFER back to our hotel where you'll be able to take advantage of a free afternoon to enjoy the property and dinner at your leisure.
OVERNIGHT at Vila Gale Douro Vineyards or similar
Meals: B, L
PRIVATE TRANSFER from our hotel to train station where you'll take the TRAIN to the end of the line at Pocinho where the railway station is the eastern terminus of the Douro railway line. Pocinho developed with the arrival of the railway in 1887.
Along with our local guide you'll have a PRIVATE TRANSFER from Pocinho back to Pinhão where LUNCH will be enjoyed at a local restaurant.
After lunch embark on a BOAT TRIP on the Douro River from Pinhão back to Ferrão (subject to change).
Next you can enjoy the remainder of the afternoon and dinner on your own.
OVERNIGHT at Vila Gale Douro Vineyards or similar
Meals: B, D
Today you'll have a final opportunity to enjoy this area and its surroundings.
You can choose to sleep in, take a scenic walk, relax by the resort's pool, sit on the deck, enjoy a glass of wine or coffee in a comfortable chair overlooking the valley, read a book or do whatever it is that you like with lunch on your own.
At a predetermined time say goodbye to new and old friends at a memorable FAREWELL DINNER.
OVERNIGHT at Vila Gale Douro Vineyards or similar
Meals: B
Unfortunately, your trip with us comes to an end today so it’ll be time to say goodbye, at least for now. Be sure to pack all your belongings, check out, leave your key and have everything with you for your GROUP TRANSFER to Porto Airport (OPO).
Approximate Timing:
8 am - BREAKFAST
9 am - GROUP TRANSFER to OPO.
12 pm - estimated arrival time at OPO
Please arrange your flight onward to leave OPO after 3:00 pm local time in order to give yourself enough time to check in and make it to your gate.
