Wine, river cruise & great food

CITY OF PORTO & NORTH PORTUGAL

From the big city excitement of the region’s capital, Porto, to the tranquil and beautiful scenery along the Douro River and valley, to the rugged and majestic mountains of the north, Roman ruins and medieval castles, this is one of the best kept secrets of Portugal.

Porto, the second largest city in Portugal, offers a colorful mix of historic sites and vibrant city life, while beautiful scenery can be enjoyed along the Douro River and Douro valley. Visitors will enjoy the winding alleys of the Old Town, the outdoor market that extends along the Douro River and the impressive iron bridges that span it. Tourists can also cruise the river in a flat-bottomed boat. A 50-minute excursion costs about $12 per person.

Major places of interest in Porto include: the Sé, a 12th-century fortress-cathedral; Clérigos Tower, a 249-foot hilltop combination tower and church; Palácio da Bolsa, the city’s Stock Exchange, housed in a 19th-century building; and Museu de Serralves, Porto’s first major museum of contemporary art, also the site of beautiful gardens with a wide variety of plants.

On the left bank of the Douro River from Porto is Vila Nova de Gaia, a town given over to the production and shipping of port wine. For centuries, the wine was unloaded on the riverbanks of Vila Nova de Gaia. The town is famous for its port-wine lodges. Many of its 60 wine cellars offer free 30-minute tours that conclude with a complimentary wine-tasting.

The Porto region has seven golf courses to choose from: Ponte de Lima, Estela, Oporto Golf Club and Amarante are all 18-hole facilities; Quinta da Barca, Miramar and Vidago have nine holes each. Beach and resort delights, including casinos, can be found nearby in the coastal towns of Póvoa de Varzim and Espinho.

Douro River and Valley
With the creation of new cruise options and itineraries, sailing the Douro River and valley is becoming increasingly popular. Most Porto Douro River cruises embark at Ribeira Quay in Porto. Your clients can choose from one-day sailings or multi-day excursions that combine city sightseeing with a tranquil river cruise. Some overnight cruises offer lodging and meals in historic Pousadas (reconverted Castles & Palaces). Numerous wine estates dot the area, offering tours and wine tasting.

The Mountains of Northern Portugal
The mountains in northern Portugal provide the opportunity to hike, cycle or horseback ride through awe-inspiring scenery. The Parque Nacional da Peneda-Gerês, Portugal’s largest national park, covers more than 270 square miles of mountains and valleys. The 28-square-mile Parque Natural do Alvão offers bird-watching and trout fishing in a setting that affords scenic river and hilltop views.

The Towns of Northern Portugal
The towns of northern Portugal offer an array of historic sites and varied landscapes:
• Vila Real: The Mateus Palace, two miles from the town of Vila Real, is a superb 18th-century Manor House. The palace is world-famous from its depiction on the Mateus Rose wine label.
• Lamego: The wine-producing town of Lamego is also the site of Nossa Senhora dos Remédios Sanctuary, a 14th-century hilltop chapel; the 12th century Sé; and the Museu de Lamego.
• Amarante: A city known for its Victorian riverside homes and tea houses, Amarante is also the site of the Church and Convent of São Gonçalo.
• Guimarães: It is here that Afonso Henriques proclaimed himself king of Portugal in the 12th century; the city’s castle is considered to be Portugal’s first historical monument.
• Ponte de Lima: A picturesque town with a Roman bridge and medieval towers.
• Vila do Conde: This fishing village is also a center for lace making.
• Braga: An ecclesiastical capital, with an excellent Old Quarter containing the nation’s oldest cathedral.
• Bragança: This walled city features a number of fascinating historic buildings, including the 12th-century Domus Municipalis.
• Chaves: A magnet for spa-goers and history buffs, attractions here include a 16-arch Roman bridge and a 14th-century castle.
• Vila Nova de Foz Côa: Cave paintings were discovered at the Côa Archaeological Park here. The town’s beautiful Manueline church is also worth a visit.
• Barcelos: Excellent shopping for handicrafts. Recommend the popular weekly market on Thursdays.
• Viana do Castelo: Two notable churches, São Domingos and Nossa Senhora da Caridade are among the highlights of this fortress town.

Access
Convenient air service links Porto airport, eight miles north of the city of Porto, with Lisbon and major international destinations including New York. Excellent train and bus service is also available.