On arrival, you are privately transferred from the Porto airport to what will be your home for 6 nights. On arrival, a bubbly awaits after which you are introduced to your quarters. Meet your hosts, settle down by the pool or walk the property's vineyards before we regroup for a sunset drink. Drinks will be followed by a welcome dinner, prepared by the property's Chef. Of course, it is paired with some of the finest regional wines.
After a morning at leisure, we make our way to a local winery where we enjoy a cooking class and lunch. After lunch, we introduce you to the winery's ports and wines. The rest of the afternoon is at leisure. After some time to freshen up, we make our way to the Six Senses Douro, where we take place in a wine tasting before enjoying a wonderful foodie experience, paired with wines from the region and carefully selected by our expert.
After a morning at leisure, and an optional visit to local markets with Chef Fonzo, join our cooking class at the property. Our local Chef will work on creating what will be a traditional and typical Portuguese lunch, prepared with locally sourced ingredients. This afternoon, and on option, we take you to another one of her favorite local wineries where you join the winemaker in tasting some of their best vintages. Guests may also enjoy relaxing at the property on this last day in Douro. Dinner is at the property, paired with local wines.
This morning, we make our way to spend some time in Guimarães, often referred to as the birthplace of Portugal. This historical center within the Guimarães city walls is associated with the formation and identity of Portugal and was classified as a World Heritage site based on the originality and authenticity applied to its restoration. Graceful iron verandas, granite balconies and porticos, mansions, and bold, arches connecting the narrow streets are just some of the things you'll admire. Tonight, dinner is served at the property and paired with more of the region's incredible wines.
Full steam ahead as we have another busy day of food and wine awaits. After driving through the winding, valley roads, and admiring some of the most incredible views along the way, we stop at our first winery. We then enjoy lunch at Cozinha (Kitchen) da Clara at Quinta de La Rosa. Lunch is followed by a port tasting at a local wine estate after which we set out for a private boat trip on the Douro river. Our river cruise is the perfect opportunity to relax and unwind and provides a spectacular view of this UNESCO World Heritage Site. Tonight, dinner is served at the property and paired with wines from today's best estates.
Today, we have a full day of fun planned ahead. Driven around the steep hills and roads of Douro in a Vintage car, you will experience the area from a different perspective while enjoying more of the local wines and ports from two of our favorite estates. Lunch will be served at one of the estates, and the day will end at the property where our local Chef awaits to delight us once again with incredible local cuisine.
After breakfast, we leave Douro behind and depart for Porto. Built on a steep riverbank, a jumble of colorful medieval houses hug the calm waters of the Douro River where wooden boats bob on the surface and people spill out of its cafes and bars (more often than not with a glass of the wine that gave the city its name). On arrival, we enjoy a private guided tour of the city’s main sites. Our morning tour is followed by a petiscos-tasting lunch, made up of lots of tasty dishes that showcase the country's rich culinary heritage. Enjoy more of Porto this afternoon, with some additional sightseeing and shopping. Our farewell dinner will take place in the city at one of our favorite eateries, and paired with local wines (and ports).
Extend your stay in or beyond Portugal, or journey home. Either way, we will arrange a private airport transfer. Head over to Lisbon for a few days of discovery, soak some sun in the Azores islands or Madeira, or simply head over to neighboring Spain or Morocco. Our team of travel experts would be delighted to assist with your extension, wherever it may take you.
Thank you to Mikael, Nadine, Philip, Kevin, and all of the AIV staff that made it possible for us. My wife and I wanted to take her parents, both of them in their early 80’s, for a fantastic and memorable trip to Portugal, and that’s exactly what we did! None of us have been to Portugal before, but have traveled independently through many countries in Europe. From start to finish, the planning was exceptional including the transportation (we loved our driver for the week!), day excursions, cooking classes, port & regional wine tastings, vineyard & city tours, river cruises, classic car ride, world-class meals, and amazing accommodations. Every vendor that AIV had for us to round out the experience was fun, professional, enthusiastic, and knowledgeable. Each day that we had was a great mix of an assortment of events, plus a little time to wind down and then dinner with our group (6 of us total plus the host). Just when we thought that we had our best day that we talked about each evening, little did we know that the next day would be even better! I’m sure that this is how everything was planned on the back side, and it was 100% successful! With all that we did for our week, we never felt rushed or lacking something to do. This was our first time with a curated guided tour and our first time with Art In Voyage, it will definitely not be our last! Thank you all so much for memories that will last a lifetime! P.S., we made some great new friends too!
Our day-to-day itinerary may, from time to time and prior to departure, need to be altered or slightly modified to address possible unforeseen logistical and weather challenges. In such rare instances, Art In Voyage guarantees delivery of the content of the itinerary yet, in a different order.
All listed retreats (hotels, villas, and barges) are, at times, subject to changes. In such rare instances, similar or higher standards will be upheld.
In case of a cancelation at more than 90 days prior to departure, your deposit will be returned minus a $500 per person administrative fee.
In case of a cancelation within the penalty period: Find a replacement at least 30 days prior to departure and your journey will be fully refunded, minus a $500 per person administrative fee.
