Day 1

We fly to Portugal and transfer to the Axis Hotel in Porto where we stay for two nights. We enjoy a welcome drink on arrival and meet our tour manager before enjoying dinner together.

Day 2 – Porto city Tour (Stock Exchange Palace and Wine Tasting)

We travel to Porto with its lovely waterfront, local delicacies, quirky street art and stunning Old Town, a UNESCO World Heritage Site plaited with atmospheric alleyways, historical buildings and fado houses. Formerly a stock market, the Palácio da Bolsa was built in the 19th century and is one of Porto’s most distinguished buildings. The palace was built to provide a dignified setting for the city's merchants and to impress international business visitors. One of the most notable features of the Stock Exchange Palace is its stunning interior, which includes the famous Arab Room. This room, inspired by the Alhambra in Granada, is adorned with intricate Moorish Revival architecture and lavish decorations, making it a popular attraction for tourists and a venue for official receptions.

After our visit, we enjoy a wine tasting in a port wine cellar in Porto before heading back to our hotel in the late afternoon. An optional dinner is available to be purchased in resort or look for a restaurant at your leisure this evening in the city with our incl. shuttle to and from the centre.

Day 3 – Douro river Cruise

A spectacular day of cruising the Douro River awaits, meandering from Porto to the picturesque town of Régua. Sit back and relax as we journey along the serene waters of the Douro and watch the stunning landscapes pass by that define this historic region of Portugal.

Starting in Porto, we enjoy lunch while we cruise past terraced vineyards, quaint villages, and verdant hillsides. The Douro Valley, a UNESCO World Heritage site, is celebrated for its breathtaking beauty and cultural significance. Our journey culminates in Régua, known as the gateway to the Douro Valley's renowned wine estates, where we delve deeper into the rich winemaking heritage of the region.

The Hotel Régua Douro in Régua is just a short walk from the port and is our home for the next five nights.

Day 4 – Lamego and Douro Villages

Today we enjoy visits to several cultural towns and historic villages in the northern region of Portugal, starting with Lamego, set on the shores of the Balsemão River within a sparkling vineyard. Lamego has a rich history, dating back to ancient times and the historical past is on full display with sites like the Gothic cathedral, a Moorish castle and a grand boulevard called the Avenida. The city is also renowned for its religious significance, particularly the Sanctuary of Our Lady of Remedies, a major pilgrimage site. The sanctuary, built in the 18th century, features a grand staircase of nearly 700 steps adorned with beautiful azulejos (traditional Portuguese tiles) and sculptures.

Next, we visit São João de Tarouca Monastery, a lovely small church built by the Cistercian around 1200AD. The surrounding ruins and area are quite stunning, with a river running down to the monastery and majestic mountains in the backdrop.

We continue to Ucanha, famous for its medieval bridge and tower. The Ucanha Tower can’t be missed, as the national monument dominates one side of the bridge. In the past, the bridge was used for defence and today, it continues to be used as one of the main crossing points of the river.

With the sightseeing portion of our day complete, our last stop of the day brings with it a refreshing and well-deserved change of pace with a refreshing wine tasting. Our tour takes us through the Murganheira wine cellars, also known as the Caves da Murganheira, where we are treated to a comprehensive tour.

Afterwards, there is time to find a local restaurant to enjoy dinner before we return to our hotel.

Day 5 – Regua to Pocinho by train and Coa Valley Museum

Our excursion begins with a lovely train journey, weaving our way through pretty villages and vineyards from Régua to Pocinho. Here, at the mouth of the Côa River, we see the striking architectural design of the Côa Valley Museum. This unique museum is dedicated to the preservation and exhibition of prehistoric rock art found in the Côa Valley. The fascinating exhibits showcase the different aspects of rock art and the rich history of the region.

During our tour we learn about the techniques used by prehistoric artists, the significance of the engravings and the ongoing efforts to protect and study these invaluable cultural treasures.

Day 6 – Amarante and Quinta da Aveleda

We start the day with a visit to the picturesque city called Amarante, located on the longest tributary of the River Douro and at the foot of the breathtaking Serra do Marão mountain range. We have time to explore the city and stop by a cake shop or café to try one of the city’s famous sweet treats.

This afternoon we swap tasty Portuguese snacks for delicious wine tastings with a visit to Quinta da Aveleda for a very special and unique wine-tasting experience. Quinta da Aveleda is a picturesque estate located in the Vinho Verde region. Known for its stunning gardens, historic architecture, and award-winning wines, the estate offers visitors a unique blend of natural beauty and cultural heritage. The estate has been owned by the Guedes family for over 300 years and continues to produce some of the finest Vinho Verde wines in the region.

(For those not wanting to take part in today’s excursion, you can enjoy a day exploring Régua and the hotel facilities).

Day 7 – Optional excursion to Regua and Pinhao (£39pp)

We begin our optional excursion with a visit to the stunning Mateus Palace in Vila Real, a splendid example of Baroque architecture. This magnificent estate, built in the 18th century, is renowned for its stunning gardens, exquisite interiors and historical significance.

On display throughout is the rich history and cultural heritage that make this site a true gem. From the intricately decorated rooms to the serene lakes and sculpted hedges in the gardens, visiting Mateus Palace is a captivating experience.

Our next stop is Pinhão, a charming town nestled in a lovely spot on the Douro River. Known for its picturesque landscapes and rich winemaking heritage, Pinhão is a truly beautiful destination, surrounded by terraced vineyards that produce some of the world's finest Port wines. The town itself is a delightful mix of traditional Portuguese architecture, with its iconic blue and white azulejos adorning many of the buildings.

The final visit of our holiday takes us to Quinta Do Têdo, a winery located in the heart of Portugal's Douro Valley. Here we enjoy a wine tasting and a delightful journey through the Quinta Do Têdo vineyard, enjoying guided tastings that showcase the best of their collection, from robust reds to crisp whites.

Tonight, we enjoy a farewell dinner together at our hotel.

Day 8

We check out of our hotel and transfer to Porto airport for our flight home.

National Holidays brochure price in RED

Travel 55 discount price in BLACK

Tel National Holidays reservations on 0333 234 2498 quote Travel 55 code PTR557