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About this trip
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.
Overview of this Experience
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).
Info About Our Unique Accommodations
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.
Testimonials
"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.
About the Douro Valley
The gorgeous Douro Valley, just east of Porto, has been designated a UNESCO World Heritage site and it’s obvious why.
About this Itinerary
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.
Terms & Conditions
Please read Continental DRIFTER® Experiences Terms & Conditions carefully before booking your trip.
What’s included
- Airport TransferPrivate airport transfer on arrival in Porto (OPO). Group transfer from hotel to Porto Airport at the end of the trip.
- AccommodationsAll 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.
- MealsAll Breakfasts (B), 3 Lunches (L) and 4 Dinners (D).
- BeveragesDrinks at meals as outlined by our local guide(s). Bottled water is provided each day (please bring your own reusable water bottle).
- Wine TastingSeveral wine tastings throughout the trip.
- Additional ActivitiesThere'll be several wine tastings, a cable car ride, plus multiple train and boat rides too.
- English-Speaking guideServices of a local, English-speaking guide for select group activities and experiences.
- TransportationTransportation for day trips organized as group activities, including several train rides and boat rides (including train from Porto to the Douro Valley).
- Entry FeesAll entry fees for group activities and experiences as outlined in the itinerary.
- GratuitiesGroup tips for local guides, drivers and meals.
What’s not included
- International AirfareFlights or other transportation to and from Portugal.
- Other transportationTransportation to and from OPO outside of those mentioned.
- Drinks/AlcoholDrinks or other alcoholic beverages not specifically mentioned as included.
- Other MealsMeals not specifically outlined as included.
- Pre- or Post-Trip NightsPre- or post-trip accommodations outside of actual tour dates, although we can help to set up extra nights, if necessary.
- Personal ItemsItems of a personal nature are not included.
Itinerary
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 FOODIE TOUR (if available and weather permitting) where a local guide will take the group on a walking tour that will include several stops, 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 Carris Porto Ribeira Boutique Hotel or similar