WINE - TOUR PORTUGAL

WINE, WATER & THE WILDERNIS - an Exclusive & Tailor-Made experience

September 2025

THE DOURO VALLEY & THE NORTH

A breathtaking landscape and nature at it`s very best.

Embark on an exclusive journey of discovery accompanied by wine, water, the wilderness and of course, myself. Together, we explore some of Portugal`s most beautiful regions, meet the people behind the scenes and take a dive into the world of wine.  I look forward to introducing you to some real treasures, both in the Douro Valley and in the North. Rest assured: together with my partners, I have produced a high-quality and memorable itinerary and one which I suspect, will inspire you to return.

We will be staying in 3 quite unique Hotels. From a 5-star residence through to NATURE PURE. All establishments have one thing in common: high quality, empathetic hosts and fantastic service.

Portugal is well-known for its wines and Port wines of which we will taste more than just one. So if you are a Wine-inquisitive-traveller, this is your call.

For my own preparation as well as your personal pleasure, please take the following information to heart before registering for the tour: God gave us legs on which to walk, and we WILL be using them!  If you are water-shy, this may not be the trip for you. At least one of our activities will include “getting close to nature” and unfortunately, Portugal`s hidden beauty doesn`t always lie at our feet 😉.

Also important: do let me know of any allergies or other food preferences on registration. This way, I can inform all partners well in advance, so they too, are prepared.  

The price includes breakfast and at least one substantial meal daily. The restaurants I have chosen for their quality and exceptionally high standard of service. Moments of relaxation have been included quite consciously. Time to get your breath back is important too, as there is nothing worse than returning from a holiday, to need to go again!

All hotels have at least one swimming pool, and once we arrive in Porto, you`ll be able to take advantage of our hotel´s extensive Spa-Treatment, yet at your own expense. Your flights are not included in the total cost, but may be booked through Wimke Reisen, where the current price (from Frankfurt Int.) including luggage, is around €590.00 p/person. Detailed information about the trip will be provided following booking confirmation, to ensure you`lll be packing those bags with excitement!

LET`S GO!

Preliminary itinerary:

Travel dates: Saturday, 13.09.2025 – Sunday, 21.09.2025

WELCOME TO PORTUGAL!

▪ Saturday, 13.09.25

+/- 11.30 am: Arrival at Porto airport - Aeroporto Francisco Sá Carneiro OPO Porto

Admittedly, I don`t speak a word of Portuguese myself, so I`m grateful to have professional and reliable partners who do. From the moment of arrival, you won`t have to worry about a thing, as we have our very own personal Chauffeur. My trusted partner, SurfWineTours Mário Vidal, will be responsible for getting us safely from A to B, so hop in, sit back and enjoy the ride. The journey to our first destination will take approximately 2 hours. It is the longest time we will spend in the bus during the week, but it is one of breathtaking views and beautiful scenery. We`ll stop at some view points on the way and perhaps have a snack, as we are in no hurry whatsoever.

3.00 pm: Arrival at our first Hotel, which is situated in the heart of the Douro Valley. I am convinced you will feel more than comfortable here and following check-in, you will have plenty of time to settle in.

5.30 pm: Before dinner, we receive an exclusive tour of the winery, also a small tasting, to then enjoy an aperitif in the lounge, perhaps a Port-Tonic.

7.30 pm: The House Chef has prepared a special Menu just for us, accompanied by a selection of wine, especially paired with the meal.

▪ Sunday, 14.09.25 

FASCINATION DOURO

Our first outing is one of exploration. Kicking off at a leisurely hour, we start the day rested and following a good breakfast. Today we head to at least one of the best quintas in the Douro region, where we get to observe the winemakers first hand. September is a fascinating time of the year for a Douro visit, especially for wine fans, as in Portugal the grape harvest is already in full swing.

Departure 9.30 am: Ou first port of call: The Douro River. From the hotel we head to one of the region`s top Winemakers for a small winery tour and yes, you’ve guessed it, our first official tasting!

12.30 pm: For lunch, which we`ll enjoy right next to the river, we stop at a traditional restaurant in Pinhão, which is one of the Douro`s most important ports. A small quaint town which lies in the heart of Portugal`s most famous Wine-Region.

3.30 pm: We now return to the hotel for some relaxation, to enjoy the remaining sunshine, and perhaps even take a dip in the pool. Following our morning outing, it`s Free-Time time. Take a walk and explore the vineyards, visit the cellar or perhaps the shop ;-). The evening is yours to do as you please. Should your appetite return, the kitchen is sure to knock you up a little snack.

▪ Monday, 15.09.25

WINE ON THE WATER

Departure 10.00 am: A day packed with Wine and Water, not that I expect you to drink too much of the latter. Lunch at an amazing location, with views of the valley followed by a visit to at least one Quinta are on the Itinerary. There is no better way to admire the Douro Valley than from the water itself. Departing at one of the smaller jetty`s, we`ll enjoy the panoramic and magical scenery, passing many iconic and centuries-old Wineries on the way to lunch. The sheer number of high-quality wineries in the Douro Valley made it hard for me to select just one. What you most certainly can expect, are two truly prestigious estates. Not wanting to give the game away too soon, you may rest assured, that the photos you shoot from the boat will be more than worthy of Instagram 😉. We`ll be treated to an Altitude driven Wine Tasting, showcasing the influence exposure and altitude have on wine styles, to then head home late in the afternoon. Back at our accommodation, we round off the day with a glass of wine. Well, it would be rude not to, right? 

▪ Tuesday, 16.09.25

GREEN WINE? NO THANKS!

Departure 10.00 am: Today, we unfortunately say cheerio to the Douro Valley and on our travels, slowly gain altitude entering at the same time, a quite different landscape: The Geres National Park.

11.00 am: It`s Education-Time and ALL-HANDS-ON-DECK! followed by lunch at one of Northern Portugal’s most exquisite establishments.  Whether we enjoy the wines served with our lunch depend wholly on your own blending talents. That`s all I`ll say for now.

2.30 pm: After lunch we set off for our second destination and one which really is – out in the sticks! At Arcos de Valdevez owner João eagerly awaits our arrival.  

4.00 pm:  Check- and settle-in.

7:00 pm: Tonight, we confiscate Mário `s keys and stay put, as host João has a little surprise up his sleeve.

▪ Wednesday, 17.09.25 

THOSE FEET WERE MADE FOR WALKING...

Departure 10.00 am.: Portugal's Vinho Verde region – as the name suggests, is much greener than the Douro Valley. It has a maritime climate and is also home to the beautiful Geres National Park. More importantly, some very good wine producers 😉. Flowing through the park with its wooded and undulating hillside is a network of rivers, natural springs and in some places, waterfalls. The prettiest spots, though, can only be reached on foot. Today and accompanied by an experienced guide, we set off for a little stroll near the pretty village of Soajo. Fully equipped, we begin an adventure which may take us THROUGH, as well as TO – a suitable Watering-Hole. Following a snack-lunch, we head back to our accommodation for a few hours of relaxation, before enjoying an evening meal at the nearby restaurant.

6.30 pm: Tonight’s restaurant is located directly on the banks of the River Vez and just a stone`s throw from home.

▪ Thursday, 18.09.25

SURPRISE!

10.00 Uhr: A truly special day trip awaits you today. It's still being planned, so I don't want to let the cat out of the bag just yet.

Rest assured, however, your possibly tired legs from yesterday won't be exerted. We plan to be out and about all day, experiencing quite a variety of activities, not forgetting the odd glass of Vinho Verde, before returning home late afternoon.

▪ Friday, 19.09.25 

From PORT TO PORT

Departure 10.30 am: Following a good night`s sleep and refreshed we set off for Porto, taking the Atlantic coast road. On the way, we stop briefly for a bite to eat. It might be something fishy, as we have finally reached the seaside - and no, you don`t necessarily have to have oysters!

2.30 - 3.00 pm: Arrival and check-in at our final hotel. A five-star residence which I`m sure you`ll love. Arriving early in the afternoon, you have more than enough time to wander around, get a feel for the place, and above all, relax.

7.00 pm: On our second to last evening, we dine in the relaxed atmosphere of one of the hotel restaurants, before enjoying live music in the bar with The Cover Van.

 ▪ Saturday, 20.09.25  

WALK & TASTE

Departure 9.00 am: The morning is reserved for a Walk & Taste Tour. With one of Portugal's best guides, we discover the city of Porto's traditional and culinary secrets. Porto City`s character has been influenced over the centuries by traditional and family-run businesses, many of which we would never have discovered on our own. João Marinho Falcão, owner of Vinitur and an empathetic host, will accompany us for a half-day walk through the streets of Porto. This is a highlight I could personally, do time and time again.

1.00 pm: This afternoon I treat you to some free time. The Gaia Cable Car is nearby and offers a great view of the city from quite a different perspective. Residing in Gaia ourselves, we are in the middle of the Port Wine Hub, also very close to the river. So why not take a leisurely stroll from one cellar to the next? Tasting opportunities galore! It also goes without saying, that the wellness and spa facilities in our hotel are at your disposal. Please ask at reception for more details, in order to spoil yourselves to a little pampering. Spa Treatment will not be included in the price.

7.00 pm: Our final dinner is currently being scheduled.

▪ Sunday, 21.09.25

Departure 9.00 am: It's an early morning today, as we need to get to the Aeroporto Francisco Sá Carneiro OPO Porto airport on time and talking of time, it`s here, we unfortunately say goodbye.

I thank you for reading this far and presuming I have aroused your curiosity, also whet your appetite, you just might consider registering. The tour price is currently only available on request, and should you wish to book, please continue reading below.

Gail

Registration deadline for this programme is Tuesday, 20.05.2025.

Price currently available on request

REGISTRATION & Payment

▪I encourage you, should you now be as excited as I am, to register as soon as possible.  

▪The group is limited to just 7 guests and the Itinerary subject to change, depending on availability and unforeseen circumstances.                                          

▪Registration deadline is Tuesday, 20.05.2025.                                                                       

▪Should the minimum number of 7 guests be achieved, you will receive a booking confirmation by Thursday 22.05.2025.                      

▪On receipt of booking confirmation, a deposit of 50% of the total costs is required within 5 days, in order to guarantee your slot.

▪The outstanding balance must have entered the bank account provided, by Tuesday 15.07.2025 (60 days prior to departure).

IMPORTANT

▪! Having received your booking confirmation, please make sure you arrange a suitably timed flight immediately (Wimke Reisen can assist you with this. If using their services, please mention my name at the time of booking.). This is very important, as I cannot guarantee flight availability. Please also ensure you have sufficient travel insurance, should you for whatever reason, need to cancel your reservation.

CANCELLATION & REFUND POLICY:

▪The required number of guests for this tour is 7. Should this number of registrations not be reached by Tuesday, 20.05.2025, then unfortunately the trip cannot take place.   

▪Should you, for any reason whatsoever, need to cancel the reservation yourself, please take note of the Refund Policy below: 

▪ 100 % refund can only be made on cancellation up until 40 days prior to departure (Monday 04.08.2025)                                                                                                                     

▪ 50 % refund can be made on cancellation up to 31 days of departure (by Wednesday 13.08.2025).  

▪ 0 % refund policy, by cancellation 30 days and less prior to departure (Thursday 14.08.2025). In this case, no refund will be made.