Yulia - Travel Expert
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Discover a spectacular natural setting: terraced vineyards, river landscapes, and picturesque scenery.
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Immerse yourself in Portuguese culture: wine, gastronomy, and local heritage.
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Short and accessible format: a weekend optimised to combine relaxation and discovery without constraints.
Porto
Flight to Porto upon request.
Individual arrival at Porto airport.
Meet your driver and transfer to your hotel, located in the historic center of the city.
Free exploration of Porto, the second largest city in Portugal, famous for its namesake wine and historic charm. Located along the Douro River, it offers picturesque views, iconic bridges like the Dom Luís I Bridge, and rich architecture, from baroque churches to the colorful houses of the Ribeira district. With its renowned wine cellars and vibrant culinary scene, Porto is a must-visit destination for culture and gastronomy lovers.
Overnight at the hotel in Porto.
POrto
Meet your French-speaking guide for a walking tour of the old town of Porto which includes the Clérigos Tower (outside), emblematic of the city, the São Bento train station, famous for its magnificent azulejos, and the Sé Cathedral. The Ribeira district, a maze of small winding and colorful streets, with its photogenic central square opening onto the quays and offering a grand panorama of the Douro river and its iron bridges.
In the afternoon, you head to the neighboring city, Vila Nova de Gaia. From the quays you can also enjoy the best views of Porto with a pleasant riverside walk.
First glimpse with the viewpoint at Mosteiro da Serra do Pilar, offering a panorama over both cities and the Dom Luis iron bridge which you have surely crossed.
A French-language visit of one of the largest Porto wine cellars, to learn everything about the different Porto wines from grape to tasting. Classic tasting of 3 Porto wines from the house (included).
In the heart of Vila Nova de Gaia, discover the new WOW (World of Wine) complex with 6 themed museums about wine as well as 9 restaurants, a concentration of the best local specialties. An ideal place to end your day of discovery.
Overnight at the hotel in Porto (BB)
Porto
Make your own way to the station for a train departure towards Pinhão, in the heart of the Douro Valley vineyards.
After 2 hours you will enjoy the splendid view of the valley from the famous Miradouro Casal de Loivos.
You can also opt for a hike of about 10 km starting from Pinhão railway station, famous for its 19th-century azulejo panels depicting the history of winegrowing. This circular walk is a great opportunity to enjoy this quiet, wine-producing region. You’ll follow the Douro and see the local crops. The hike leads you to the famous viewpoint.
Mini cruise on the Douro River (2 hours, departures available morning and afternoon) from Pinhão aboard a Rabelo, a small wooden boat typical of the Douro that used to transport wine barrels to the Vila Nova de Gaia cellars for ageing.
Programme:
- Departure of your cruise aboard the Rabelo
- Sailing upstream to the mouth of the Tua River
- Return to Pinhão
- A glass of Porto or Muscat served on board
Free return to Porto by any train during the day.
Overnight at the hotel in Porto (BB)
Porto
In the morning, enjoy a free visit to the Lello & Irmão bookstore (entry included). Inaugurated in 1906, it is considered the most beautiful in Portugal. This beautiful bookstore notably inspired author J.K. Rowling for her Harry Potter books.
The city of Porto still has so much to offer, from the contemporary Casa da Musica, designed by architect Rem Koolhaas, to modern Porto with its grand avenues such as Boavista Avenue leading to a pleasant seafront all the way to the Fort of São Francisco Xavier do Queijo.
Depending on your flight times, a private transfer with driver will take you to Porto airport. (BB)
Return flight upon request.
• Airport-hotel-airport transfers
• Accommodation in a centrally located 3* hotel
• Breakfasts (B&B)
• Porto city tour with a French-speaking guide
• Visit to a wine cellar and tasting in Vila Nova de Gaia
• Private mini-cruise on the Douro River
• Skip-the-line entry to the Lello bookstore.
• Train tickets: Porto-Pinhao and Pinhao-Porto.
• French-speaking assistance from the Discovery Trains team
• Electronic version of the travel booklet
• Round-trip international flight and corresponding airport taxes.
• Visits not mentioned in the program
• Meals and drinks not included in each day’s inclusions.
• Personal expenses.
• Optional insurance
• Tourist taxes in hotels (to be paid on site)
• Single supplement in hotels
• 4* hotel supplement
• The paper version of the travel booklet sent by post (+ €12)
