Porto and the Douro Valley

with Bill Knott 15th-21st October 2020

If a coffee-table book Visible from Space is ever published, the Douro Valley will surely feature strongly. Its steep banks, where the national drink’s grapes have been cultivated for hundreds of years, are spectacular. Bill Knott, The Oldie’s wine writer, knows the area well and you will also be accompanied by an English-speaking guide. Full itinerary and terms and conditions at: www.theoldie.co.uk/tours

Thursday 15th October – arrival and tasting

Depart Gatwick 12pm; arrive Porto 2.20pm. Transfer to Hotel Ribeira, near the river. Talk, tasting, dinner.

Friday 16th October – Villa Real

Visit to the nearby palace and gardens of Mateus Palace; lunch at Villa Real, followed by a tour of the historic centre, including the early-15th-century cathedral. Also a visit to the Galafura viewpoint.

Saturday 17th October – Régua

Régua is the base of the oldest demarcated wine region in the world. We will visit the museum and the Quinta da Pacheca.

Sunday 18th October – Arrival at Quinta de la Rosa

Free morning shopping in Porto; transfer to the quinta after lunch. Supper will be local Trás-osMontes cooking at the quinta’s Cozinha da Clara.

Monday 19th October – Pinhão and boat trip

Morning visit to nearby Pinhão, which is encircled by terraced hillsides on a lovely bend in the river. Tasting of the quinta’s wines at the winery, followed by lunch. Late-afternoon boat trip. Dinner at the quinta.

Tuesday 20th October – Provesende

Morning drive through the hills to the tiny village of Provesende for lunch at the Quinta Manhãs D’ouro. Free afternoon back at La Rosa’s pool. Dinner in the barrel room at La Rosa.

Wednesday 21st October – Casal de Loivos Miradouro

Morning visit to Casal de Loivos Miradouro, with beautiful views through the valley. Light lunch at Tim’s Terrace, before departure for Porto Airport for the 5.50pm flight, which lands at Gatwick at 8pm.