Experience the Douro

Every year, September and October mark the beginning of the most important time of the year for the Douro Valley’s winegrowers: the grape harvest. Join us on an excursion to the area, and discover the very heart of Portugal. You’ll first stop at the Adega Cooperativa de Favaios to learn everything about the industrial wine production, before visiting a family-owned bakery because wine and bread definitely belong together here. Afterwards, we will visit the Quinta Avessada, where grapes have been pressed for five generations. The family welcomes you with traditional music that has always been part of the grape harvest.  Under the guidance of experts, you’ll roll up your sleeves – and later your trouser legs – so that you can pick grapes then crush them underfoot in traditional granite troughs. If this sounds too much like hard work, don’t worry! There’ll be music, tasty regional treats and, of course, wine to enjoy. 

The excursion takes place only in the early autumn for the harvest.

The Mateus Palace, still owned by the Count of Vila Real, was built by the architect Niccolo Nasoni in Baroque style. The original furniture and, above all, the exceptional and handcrafted chestnut wooden ceilings make the interior of the palace so unique and take you back to a bygone century. After the guided tour you will visit the famous garden of the palace, an absolute must-see. With its sculptures, ponds and rare trees, it is one of the most beautiful gardens in Portugal.

The heart of Salamanca is the university, because knowledge has been brought from here into the city and the whole world since 1218. Today almost 40,000 students study at the fourth oldest university in the world. Cathedrals have always been not only places of devotion, but also demonstrations of power. As the originally small, old cathedral of Salamanca was no longer representative, it was decided in 1513 to build a new one around it - one of enormous dimensions. They are both impressive. Have you ever drunk coffee in a bullring? On the Plaza Mayor that's no problem. The bullfighters are called "Forcados", but haven't fought here in a long time. Even today, the huge square with its granite floor and mighty archway is a real spectacle - especially when everything is beautifully illuminated in the evening. No wonder, that it is considered to be the most beautiful place in Spain.

Figueira Castelo Rodrigo is situated 671 metres above sea level and is one of Portugal's twelve historically significant villages. Surrounded by almond trees, whose blossom brightens the landscapes, it is also known as the "white city". Storks became the symbol of the city, because they spend about nine month every year in this region. The village has typically medieval and narrow streets and facades from the 16th century as well as Manuelistic window ornaments. It is known for being a place where Jews, Arabs and Christians have coexisted in peace and harmony over the past few centuries. After visiting the ruins of the castle, we walk through the narrow streets of the village, where you can still find numerous traces of the Jewish community. We will also visit the small medieval church and after that you still have enough time to stroll through the village enjoying a coffee and almond specialities.

Lamego is definitely worth a visit, for it’s not just a really charming little town but also one of Portugal’s most important pilgrimage sites. Perhaps that’s why the main thoroughfare leads right up to the 686 steps that, in turn, come to an end high up at the Santuário de Nossa Senhora dos Remédios. This baroque church with its two towers was built in the 18th century on the site of a smaller 14th-century chapel and is striking from a distance as well as close up. The so called "stairway to heaven" is decorated with several beautiful azulejos and from the top, you can enjoy stunning views of Lamego. The museum in the centre was once the bishop's residence and today houses famous paintings and tapestries from Portugal. Lamego also offers many culinary delights, such as "Bola de Lamego", smoked pork, spinach or fish baked in bread with a glass of sparkling Raposeira wine.

Welcome to Porto, the city that gave its name to one of the finest wines in the world, Port Wine. The city tour takes us along the Douro river to the mouth of the river and further along the Atlantic coast past the noble villa town, Foz do Douro, right into the city centre. Photo stops and explanations at Porto Cathedral in the heart of the old town, at the Palace of Justice near the Clerigus bell tower and at the famous railway station will bring you closer to the city. Here in the middle of the old town, which has been part of the UNESCO World Heritage since 1996, you will also have some free time. Then we cross the landmark of the city, the bridge "Dom Luís I", which was designed by Gustav Eifel, to Vila Nova de Gaja. This town is known for the old warehouses of the winegrowers which exist for over 100 years now. Here we will visit a typical wine cellar and taste the famous port wine.

Visiting Guimarães is like stepping into the pages of Portugal’s history books. This city at the foot of the Serra da Penha is considered the place where Portugal was first established. Afonso Henriques was born here and in 1139, following a victory over the Moors, he became the first king of Portugal and declared Guimarães his capital. Today, you can still see what the city was like during its heyday. Our excursion will take you to sites such as Guimarães Castle, where Alfonso Henriques spent his youth. This fortress, built in the mid 10th century on the orders of the Galician countess Mumadona Dias, is considered one of the country’s best-preserved Romanesque castles. Just as impressive – and right next door – is the Paço Ducal, a French-influenced palace built in 1420 as the seat of the dukes of Bragança. In the old town, you’ll find small, lovingly restored town houses, grand squares and convents interspersed with modern buildings and cafes. The most attractive street is without doubt the Rua de Santa Maria, which takes you from the palace to the central Largo da Oliveira (‘Olive tree square’) – the perfect place to stop for a couple of original Portuguese pastéis de nata (custard tarts).