Embark on a delicious adventure with Chef Kevin Fonzo as he whisks you away to Portugal's breathtaking Douro Valley for a true Feast of the Senses! Rich in culture and overflowing with old-world charm, the Douro Valley is a masterpiece of nature and tradition, with its majestic riverbanks shaped by centuries of vineyard magic. As the world’s oldest wine-producing region, it’s a haven for port wine lovers. Downriver, the city of Porto awaits with its kaleidoscope of colorful houses, soaring bell towers, and elegant Baroque churches—a feast for the eyes before your culinary journey begins! Dive into the region’s rich culinary heritage as Chef Fonzo and a local counterpart create mouthwatering dishes using fresh, locally sourced ingredients. Stay at a charming boutique property nestled in the valley, where every bite and sip comes with a side of stunning views. To top it all off, local wine experts will guide you through their favorite wineries, introducing you to winemakers and unforgettable flavors. It’s a once-in-a-lifetime blend of food, wine, and unforgettable memories!
Upon your arrival at Porto airport, enjoy a private transfer to your luxurious home for the next five nights. A glass of bubbly will be waiting to greet you, setting the tone for the unforgettable stay ahead. After settling into your elegant quarters, take some time to relax—perhaps by the pool or with a stroll through the property’s vineyards. As the sun dips below the horizon, we’ll gather for a sunset drink before a sumptuous welcome dinner crafted by the property’s Chef and perfectly paired with some of the region’s finest wines.
Get ready for a day packed with fun and flair! Hop into a vintage car and cruise through the winding roads and steep hills of the Douro Valley, taking in the stunning scenery from a whole new perspective. Along the way, we’ll visit two of our favorite estates to indulge in the area’s finest wines and ports. Lunch will be an affair served at one of the estates, offering more flavors of the region. After some time to freshen up, we’ll head to the fabulous Six Senses Douro for an extraordinary culinary experience, perfectly paired with regional wines handpicked by our expert.
After a relaxing morning, consider joining Chef Fonzo for an optional visit to the local markets to explore fresh, regional ingredients. Later, participate in a hands-on cooking class at the property, where our local Chef will guide you in preparing a traditional Portuguese lunch using locally sourced ingredients. In the afternoon, you have the option to visit another of her favorite local wineries, where you’ll join the winemaker to sample some of their finest vintages. The day concludes with a delightful dinner at the property, thoughtfully paired with local wines.
Get ready for another exciting day of food and wine. After a scenic drive through the valley's winding roads, with stunning views at every turn, we arrive at our first winery. Lunch follows at Cozinha da Clara at Quinta de La Rosa, offering a memorable lunch experience. Afterward, enjoy a port tasting at a local estate before setting out on a private boat trip along the Douro River. This relaxing cruise provides a unique perspective of this breathtaking UNESCO World Heritage Site. In the evening, dinner is served at the property, thoughtfully paired with wines from today’s standout estates.
This morning, we head to Guimarães, often called the birthplace of Portugal. The historic center, enclosed within the city walls, is deeply connected to the country’s formation and identity and has been recognized as a World Heritage site for its authentic and original restoration. You'll admire features like elegant iron verandas, granite balconies, porticos, stately mansions, and striking arches that span the narrow streets. In the evening, join Chef Fonzo for an engaging cooking class followed by dinner and paired with exceptional wines to complete the experience.
After breakfast, we bid farewell to the Douro Valley and head to Porto. Perched on a steep riverbank, this vibrant city is a mix of colorful medieval houses overlooking the Douro River, where wooden boats drift along the water and locals relax in lively cafes and bars, often with a glass of the city’s namesake wine in hand. Upon arrival, we’ll enjoy a private guided tour of Porto’s main attractions. Following the tour, indulge in a petiscos-tasting lunch, featuring an array of dishes that highlight Portugal's rich culinary traditions. The afternoon is yours to explore more of Porto, with time for sightseeing and shopping. Dinner this evening is at your leisure
Today, you have the freedom to explore Porto at your own pace. Wander through the streets, visit local shops, and soak in the city's charm. If you’d like, ask our travel concierge to arrange a food tour to discover even more of Porto’s culinary delights. In the evening, we’ll gather for a farewell dinner at one of our favorite restaurants, paired with local wines (and ports) for a perfect end to your journey.
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.
Travel insurance, once purchased, goes into effect upon payment of the premium. You have 15 days from that date to cancel it (providing no claims have been filed or initiated during that period). Beyond 15 days, it becomes non-refundable/non-changeable/non-transferrable.
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.
