Summer Escape To Douro

Porto, Guimaraes, Douro
7 Nights
Starting at $5,155 /person

Past journey

Let's get started

Let's get started

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1 Home base
4 Destinations
Moderate
Activity level
Home
Service level
Group size : 10
1 Home base
4 Destinations
Group size : 10

Let's kick summer off with an escape to a land of tradition, where the rich culture is intricately linked to history, religion, and agriculture. In Douro, simplicity, and life lived in harmony with nature are celebrated in this region and you’ll find traditional handicrafts such as shoe, tin, and basket making. Festivals and pilgrimages take place throughout the summer, and you’ll even hear people speaking Mirandes, Portugal’s second language which has been spoken here for hundreds of years. Brimmed with old-world charm, the region also boasts majestic riverbanks sculpted by centuries of vineyard cultivation. The valley is the world's oldest wine-producing region and is home to famous port wines. Downriver, Porto is a tightly-clustered assortment of colorful tumbledown houses, soaring bell towers, and stately Baroque churches. You will be introduced to some of the regional culinary traditions while focusing on locally sourced ingredients and staying in our summer home, pampered by two hosts and a local chef! Pampering is also on the schedule, along with cultural and historical discoveries, just in case the kids want to test you after the vacation is over!

What is Included

Nights
7 nights at Encostas de Baronesa

Meals
7 traditional breakfasts

3 lunches (1 with a cooking class)

Lunches taken at the villa (self-serve)

7 dinners with wine pairings (2 outside)

Open bar at the villa (wine, spirits, liquors, beverages)

Activities
One cooking class

Countless wine visits and tastings throughout

Private guided tours of Porto & Guimaraes

Half day Vintage Car Douro Valley tour

Sunset river cruise with drinks

60-minute spa treatment at Six Senses

And More
Services of two AIV hosts & a local Chef

Luxury transportation throughout

Access to a courtesy vehicle on site

Private airport transfers in Porto

All taxes

Highlights

In the heart of Portugal's birthplace

Little known to most people is the birthplace of Portugal, Guimaraes, in the heart of the Douro Valley. More than a place where great Portuguese culinary traditions meet 2,000-year-old wine marking traditions, Douro is also were Romans, Moors, Visigoths, and the Suevi have all made their marks, paving the way to what would eventually become one of the most powerful colonial powers.

Gastronomical delights

Gastronomy is important in the Douro, and the emphasis is on local products produced by the region’s farmers. On this journey, we will introduce you to traditional dishes such as roasted baby goat or wild boar stews, as well as an incredible panel of desserts that will include delicious sponge and fruit cake, rice puddings, and traditional pastries including pasteis de Nata, peixinhos de chila or biscoito da Teixeira.

Itinerary

B = Breakfast
L = Lunch
D = Dinner
|The itinerary as presented may need to be modified from time to time to address possible logistical and weather challenges.
The itinerary as presented may need to be modified from time to time to address possible logistical and weather challenges.
Welcome to Portugal

Day 1- Welcome to Portugal

Day 1 : Welcome to Portugal

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On arrival, you are privately transferred from the Porto airport to what will be your home for 7 nights. On arrival, a bubbly awaits after which you are introduced to your quarters. Meet your hosts, settle down by the pool before we regroup for a sunset drink, followed by a welcome dinner prepared by our local Portuguese Chef, and paired with wines of her own selection.

Pampering: what's not to like?

Day 2- Pampering: what's not to like?

Day 2 : Pampering: what's not to like?

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After a leisurely morning, we make our way to a local farm for an authentic cooking class and lunch. Later in the afternoon, we visit the Six Senses Douro, where we have arranged pampering at their award-winning spa overlooking the vine-covered countryside of the Douro Valley and the river below. We remain on the property for a few more hours so as to experience an impeccable wine tasting, before joining their Chef for an intimate food and wine experience at his table. The tasting dinner is prepared by our host, before your eyes, while we indulge in their finest wines. The evening wanes to an end with some of their best ports the region has to offer.

Portugal's birthplace

Day 3- Portugal's birthplace

Day 3 : Portugal's birthplace

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This morning, we make our way to spend some time in Guimaraes, the birthplace of Portugal as it is often referred to. The historical center in the area that was within the Guimarães city walls, is associated with the formation and identity of Portugal and was classified a World Heritage site based on the originality and authenticity applied in its restoration. Graceful iron verandas, granite balconies, and porticos, mansions, and arches connecting the narrow streets are some of the few things you'll admire. Tonight, dinner is served at the property and paired with more of the region's incredible wines.

Wine, Ports & Sailing

Day 4- Wine, Ports & Sailing

Day 4 : Wine, Ports & Sailing

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Full steam ahead as we have another busy day of food and wine waiting for us. After driving through the windy roads of the valley, 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. Our day being far from over, we make our way to a second winery where we enjoy some of their local ports. It is followed by a private boat trip on the Douro river with 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.

Day at Leisure

Day 5- Day at Leisure

Day 5 : Day at Leisure

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We have set this day aside so guests may, at their leisure and with our assistance, have additional experiences in a more private setting. On the menu, we suggest a day relaxing at the property where we will have our own bartender indulging us in a mixology class and the making of poolside cocktails. Alternatively, massages can be organized at the villa. For our active guests, we would be delighted to arrange for a private guided bike tour of the local towns and wineries or a morning hot air balloon ride for that special someone. Tonight, dinner is served at the property and paired with some of the favorite wines uncovered during your journey.

A day in the life of Porto

Day 6- A day in the life of Porto

Day 6 : A day in the life of Porto

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After breakfast, we 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. This morning, we enjoy a private guided tour of the city’s main sites. It is followed by a petiscos tasting lunch (paired with local wines), made up of lots of tasty dishes that showcase the country's rich culinary heritage. Enjoy more of Porto this afternoon for some additional sightseeing and shopping. After some time to freshen up, we enjoy a local farm-to-table experience, paired with lovely Douro wines.

Vintage cars & Port

Day 7- Vintage cars & Port

Day 7 : Vintage cars & Port

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After a slow morning, we start our day with a unique experience. Today, you'll be driven around the valley in your own Vintage car. We will continue to discover some of the best wineries around, stop for a lovely lunch along the valley, and end the day with a series of Port tastings. A good thing it all comes with your own driver. Tonight, our farewell dinner is served at the property, giving guests a chance to the incredible views from our pool, and one last sunset over the Douro river.

Beyond Portugal

Day 8- Beyond Portugal

Day 8 : Beyond Portugal

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Extend your stay in or beyond Portugal, or journey home. Either way, we will arrange a private airport transfer to Porto. 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.

Accommodations

Encostas da Baronesa

Douro Valley, Portugal

If you’ve ever heard of the Douro Valley, you’ve likely heard about how it provides some of the most breathtaking views in all of Europe. Experience a retreat from life that is sure to recharge your mind and invigorate your soul. This villa is located in the wine region of the world, offering some of the best wine in a private and secluded environment. Whether you’re lying in bed or...

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Read Details

If you’ve ever heard of the Douro Valley, you’ve likely heard about how it provides some of the most breathtaking views in all of Europe. Experience a retreat from life that is sure to recharge your mind and invigorate your soul. This villa is located in the wine region of the world, offering some of the best wine in a private and secluded environment. Whether you’re lying in bed or sitting on one of the many patios, there is never a shortage of scenery to take in. As you shield your eyes from the powerful rays of the sun, you’ll want to open your senses to the sights, sounds, and smells of Portugal's Douro region.
The wide glass façade invites light to come in, providing natural lighting which reveals a myriad of colors, reflections, and shadows. It is ubiquitous transparency, which absorbs and transports the tranquility of the Douro landscape to the interior spaces. On the first floor, the sharing of moments: conviviality, games, and meals. On the second floor the introspection, in a contemplative lounge, overlooking the river, where a library invites the mind to travel beyond the Douro hills and valleys.

Your Hosts

Mikael Audebert
Mikael Audebert
Founder & CEO
Creative Director

What is Included

Nights
7 nights at Encostas de Baronesa

Meals
7 traditional breakfasts

3 lunches (1 with a cooking class)

Lunches taken at the villa (self-serve)

7 dinners with wine pairings (2 outside)

Open bar at the villa (wine, spirits, liquors, beverages)

Activities
One cooking class

Countless wine visits and tastings throughout

Private guided tours of Porto & Guimaraes

Half day Vintage Car Douro Valley tour

Sunset river cruise with drinks

60-minute spa treatment at Six Senses

And More
Services of two AIV hosts & a local Chef

Luxury transportation throughout

Access to a courtesy vehicle on site

Private airport transfers in Porto

All taxes

Important Information

Good to know
All listed activities are optional in attendance.

Airport to fly into: PORTO (OPO)

Additional daily trips and excursions may be arranged for a small supplement.

We recommend adding a night in Lisbon on the front end and/or Porto on the back end

Our travel experts are standing by to assist with flights to/from Portugal.

Travel insurance is recommended.
Smallprint

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. Beyond 15 days, it becomes non-refundable/non-cheangeable/non-transferrable.

In case of a cancelation at more than 60 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.

How about extending?
Extending in Portugal or beyond? Our team is standing by to help you plan an exceptional and memorable journey
We recommend: Azores Islands, Spain's Andalusia or Morocco
Why travel with us?
Expertise & Flexibility

Friends /Family Spirit /Small Groups

Unpretentious Luxury Vibe

Exclusive Experiences

Summer Escape To Douro

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  • Your email is used as the primary form of contact.
  • Although not required, we would reach out should we be unable to get through by email.
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Summer Escape To Douro

Get added to the wait list for Summer Escape To Douro should a room open up on this departure.

  • Hidden
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Find out more about Summer Escape To Douro

  • If you’re excited about this journey but unable to join us for these dates, why not allow us to privatize this experience for your travel party? Simply complete the form below indicating the date range you prefer, and we will customize this itinerary to suit your needs.
  • Preferred dates
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    Auto-populated. If this journey is not showing, kindly select the one you'd like customized.
  • A day time contact number, should we need to call you.
  • How many guests (including yourself)?
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Customize this journey

  • Your email is used as the primary form of contact.
  • Although not required, we would reach out should we be unable to get through by email.
  • City, state or country.
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