Latest news with #DouroValley
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Travel + Leisure
22-07-2025
- Travel + Leisure
Sara Sardinha
'I take pride in showcasing Portuguese culture, traditions, gastronomy, and history, leaving people wishing to return.' VIP Access: A private bespoke journey for a family aboard The Presidential, an iconic century-old train, to the Douro Valley. Average Daily Spend : $500 : $500 Trip Planning Fees : none : none Languages Spoken: Portuguese, English, Spanish, and Italian A travel advisor can turn your trip into a seamless, tailored experience. With insider knowledge and trusted contacts, they craft itineraries that match your interests and handle all logistics, saving you time and stress. From exclusive perks to real-time problem-solving, they ensure your journey is smooth and memorable, leaving you free to enjoy the adventure. For more information, check out our Frequently Asked Questions page. Travel + Leisure, a Dotdash Meredith Brand, is a top travel media brand with a mission to inform and inspire passionate travelers. Our expert team includes a network of hundreds of writers and photographers across the globe, all providing a local eye on the best places to stay, eat, and explore. We reach an audience that takes 76 million round trips annually, offering valuable travel tips, ideas and inspiration, and products you need to get you to your destination—whether it's a small town or big city, beach or lake, national park or theme park, road trip, cruise, or long-haul flight, and everything in between. Learn more about us and our editorial process.
Forbes
21-07-2025
- Forbes
Why A Douro River Cruise Is The Best Way To See Portugal
Douro Valley, Portugal getty S naking 620 miles from Porto to the Spanish town of Duruelo de la Sierra —the UNESCO-listed Douro Valley offers graceful gliding through Portugal's most poetic landscapes of the River of Gold —where terraced vineyards tumble down emerald hillsides and rabelo boats drift past sleepy villages wrapped in morning mist. Passing through five dramatic locks, you'll embark on a mighty Portuguese odyssey ticking off sights from the glorious Mateus Palace to the hilltop Castelo Rodrigo, while sampling some of Portugal's finest Port wines in their birthplace, at storied vineyards—or ' quintas' —like Sandeman-owned Quinta do Seixo. The big sell? Do all this from the comfort of your stylish, boutique river ship—unpacking just once—in a world of Scandi-chic suites, chauffeured guided tours, and spectacular, farm-to-table Portuguese cuisine. Douro River, Portugal getty Embarking in Porto , Portugal's soulful second city—world-famous for its baroque churches, steep terracotta rooftops, and storybook UNESCO-listed city center—your home for the next week awaits—the ultra-contemporary Viking Helgrim . Sailing with just 106 guests, this sleek, intimate river ship offers an elegant restaurant, a sweeping Viking Lounge —complete with a boutique gift shop, small internet café, and expansive bar surrounded by plush sofas and hand-painted Azulejo tiles—plus an alfresco Aquavit Terrace dotted with garden loungers and rocking chairs, a high-tech coffee making zone (with irresistible daily-baked cookies), a serene Sun Deck , and 53 all-river-view staterooms. Viking Douro Longship Viking Its Veranda Suites , however, are bright, calming, and elegant—featuring a private balcony, a cozy sitting room (with a mini-desk, cushy sofa, and a flat screen TV), a partitioned bedroom with a queen-sized bed (convertible to twins), a walk-in wardrobe, a second TV (serving a small selection of live TV channels and movies-on-demand), and a French balcony—plus a snug ensuite with a little shower and anti-fog mirror. Expect indulgent extras: premium Freyja® toiletries, plush robes and slippers, your own dedicated stateroom steward, twice-daily housekeeping, complimentary laundry and shoe-shine service, QuietVox headsets (a true gem for excursions), and a minibar refreshed daily with soft drinks, Jacquart champagne, Heineken, and small bottles of Vinho Verde—plus free WiFi throughout Helgrim . Veranda Suite on Viking Helgrim. Viking Welcomed aboard with a chilled glass of white Port, settle in for your first dinner: crispy crab cakes, veal sirloin, and mini cheese boards, or nightly Viking staples—think Caesar salads and juicy Angus ribeye. Aided by your trusty Maitre D, make use of Viking's Silver Drinks Package and choose from a myriad of premium wines, beers, and spirits—and of course, fabulous Ports . Then step out into Porto's golden hour for a sunset stroll along a tangle of narrow streets—past open-air pizzerias, pop-up markets, and quirky boutiques like Porto's sardine emporium, climbing toward the soaring arches of the iconic Dom Luís I Bridge . Here, locals gather with picnic blankets and bottles of Verde on the grounds of the glowing Monastery of Serra do Pilar, as rickety trams whiz by—offering some of the finest vistas of twinkling Porto. Porto getty At daybreak, Helgrim sails for Lamego —ascending the mighty Crestuma and Carrapatelo locks—as guests attend expert-led lectures on cork production and lounge on the Sun Deck , lingering in its bubbling pool, sprawling across sun-drenched loungers, or getting lost in a Dickens novel as waiters waltz by with silver trays of sangria. The tempo onboard? Firmly in the slow lane. In Lamego, you'll hop on a scenic coach ride to the glorious Mateus Palace —one of Portugal's most enchanting baroque jewels, nestled just beyond the historic town of Vila Real . Its rose-hued façade, exquisitely sculpted gardens, and ornamental pinnacles appear straight out of a fairytale, famously captured on the label of the iconic Mateus Rosé wine. Fundação da Casa de Mateus (Mateus Palace) © Associação de Turismo do Porto e Norte Inside, you'll uncover opulent period rooms with hand-carved ceilings, gilded mirrors, and oil portraits of aristocratic ancestors. Venture into the private chapel, or lose yourself in the palace's storied library—home to centuries-old manuscripts and rare tomes. Even now, Mateus remains a living legacy, home to the descendants of the Counts of Vila Real—and if you're lucky, you might catch a glimpse of them roaming the romantic, maze-like formal gardens, bursting with fragrant boxwoods, cedar-lined walkways, and elegantly sculpted topiaries. Sitting high on the sun-drenched slopes of the Douro Valley, continue to Quinta do Seixo —a striking contemporary winery owned by the legendary Sandeman . Inside, sleek architectural lines meet historic Port wine tradition. You'll be led through the entire winemaking journey, from grape to barrel, sampling rich tawny and bold ruby Ports, before stretching out on the sandstone terrace offering cinematic panoramas of the mighty valley below. Quinta do Seixo © Quinta do Seixo Waking up the next morning in charming Pinhão , you'll drift across silky-smooth waters through some of the Douro's most serene river bends, passing through the Valerie and Pocinho locks—while onboard life unfolds with Portuguese cooking demonstrations, language lessons, and casual camaraderie over Americanos. Read More: Forbes The World's Best River Cruise Lines, According To Globe Travel Awards By Lewis Nunn Arriving in sleepy Barca d'Alva , the last Portuguese town on the Douro River, just a few hundred yards from the Spanish border—you'll be enveloped by cherry, almond, and olive groves, and terraced vineyards climbing the riverbanks. From Barca d'Alva, journey to sand-swept Castelo Rodrigo , a tiny hilltop medieval fortress village—2,200 feet above sea level—perched like a watchful sentinel over the vast, golden plains of Riba-Côa . Encircled by crumbling granite walls and 13 ancient turrets, its winding cobbled lanes thread between artisan gift shops (selling everything cork-themed) and al fresco cafés shaded by climbing bougainvillaea, humming with bees. Castelo Rodrigo ©ARPT Centro de Portugal Upon arrival, you'll be welcomed with sugared almonds to graze on as you spot Hebrew inscriptions etched into lichen-covered stone, peek into its 16th-century houses, and descend into its medieval cistern—adorned with Gothic and Moorish arches. Wander the ruins of Cristóvão de Moura 's palace, a poignant echo of Portugal's turbulent entanglement with Spanish rule. Then, cap your visit by climbing to the top of the village's clock tower, offering sweeping views stretching toward the rugged Serra da Marofa and far-reaching folds of the Douro Valley, where eagles soar overhead and vineyards shimmer like glassy scales beneath the wind. Castelo Rodrigo ©ARPT Centro de Portugal Back onboard Helgrim , you'll enjoy a 'Taste of Portugal' buffet—think Marinière-style black mussels, tomato-braised sardines, roast carved duck, and rich Port wine pudding—before settling in for a night watching Salamancan flamenco dancers swirling and stomping to the rhythm of Spanish cajons. The next morning, cross the Spanish border by motor coach through the sun-dappled Iberian countryside, passing olive groves, fig trees, and sleepy road villages, and you'll arrive in Salamanca —known as 'The Golden City'. Salamanca getty Its historic center, a UNESCO World Heritage Site, glows with buildings carved from Villamayor sandstone that shimmer like honey under the basking Castilian rays. At its heart lies the Plaza Mayor , a baroque masterpiece framed by 88 arches and medallions of Spanish royalty—where locals sip vermouth beneath umbrellas and students strum guitars. The city's crown jewel is, of course, the University of Salamanca , founded in 1134—the oldest in Spain and once among Europe's most prestigious. Its Plateresque façade bursts with ornate carvings, where legend says spotting its tiny stone frog brings academic luck. University of Salamanca getty Nearby, you'll dive into the bustling Salamanca Central Market , sampling aged Manchego, cured Iberico meats, and fine local wines, before visiting the enchanting Casa de las Conchas ('House of Shells')—dazzling with over 300 carved scallop shells; symbols of pilgrimage. Spot its twin twin cathedrals—one Romanesque, one Gothic-Baroque—rising side by side, their tapered towers piercing the skyline, offering sweeping views over terracotta rooftops and the winding Tormes River . Or, saunter off solo-style—wandering hidden cloisters, sipping café con leche in sun-dappled courtyards, and tracing Cervantes' footsteps through sandstone alleys. New Cathedral of Salamanca getty At sunset, guests gather for a golden-hour Captain Q&A —before Helgrim glides toward Pocinho , where you'll disembark to visit the quaint village of Favaios . Here, time slows and bakers still knead dough by hand, working in age-old stone ovens fueled by wood and dried grapevines. Watch as the region's famed Four Corners Bread emerges with a golden crust, its aroma both earthy and smoky. Then, naturally, enjoy a rustic tasting. Read More: Forbes Is This The World's Most Expensive Cruise? By Lewis Nunn Staying onboard? You'll slip under mighty iron bridges, past vine-laced cliffs and sun-drenched hillsides, toward Folgosa , where you'll visit Quinta das Carvalhas . Draped across the steepest slopes of the Douro Valley, this historic estate—often called the 'crown jewel' of Real Companhia Velha—dates back to 1756, spanning over 600 hectares. Here, century-old vines cling to its vertiginous hillsides, framed by wild lavender, knotted olive groves, and bursts of rosemary and thyme. Wander past Vinhas Velhas , ancient field blends boasting up to 50 indigenous grape varieties—from Touriga Nacional to Tinta Roriz and Sousão—each adding complexity and depth to Carvalhas' celebrated Ports and DOC Douro wines. Finale: enjoy a personally-cured tasting of the Quinta's finest: ruby Ports and crisp whites—served with warm fluffy breads, local cheeses, and smoky cured meats ($199 per person with Viking ). Quinta das Carvalhas © Quinta das Carvalhas You'll rejoin Helgrim in Régua for a ' Viking Explorer Society' cocktail party—think Italian negronis and rosy cosmopolitans—before setting off the next morning to visit the sacred pilgrimage town of Lamego . Its cobbled streets wind past 17th-century villas, gothic spires, and azulejo-lined staircases. At its heart, you climb up the 686 steps—zigzagging through nine lush terraces, grand fountains, and sculpted obelisks—to the elegant 'Sanctuary of Our Lady of Remedies', an 18th-century twin-towered baroque chapel, perched high on the hill like a crown. Even today, pilgrims take the long upward journey on their knees, seeking blessings from its ornate Rococo shrine, said to offer spiritual healing. Back in Lamego's center, explore its 12th-century castle, peer into the ornate Lamego Cathedral, or wander the Museu de Lamego —a former bishop's palace housing Flemish tapestries. Santuário de Nossa Senhora dos Remédios (Sanctuary of Our Lady of Remedios) getty Later in the afternoon, back onboard Helgrim, you'll be served a mini 'High Tea' in the Viking Lounge—think tiny finger sandwiches, warm fluffy scones, sweet macarons, and a wide tea menu featuring aromatic blends like jasmine blossom. Afterward, join a vintage Port wine demonstration before arriving in Vila Nova de Gaia , welcomed by a lively 'Tuna Folk Show'—a spirited serenade performed by university students in velvet capes, strumming mandolins and acoustic guitars. Edging along the shimmering riverbanks, you'll gently glide back into Porto—completing your full Douro circle—visiting Portugal's first capital, Guimarães —known as 'the cradle of Portugal.' Igreja de São Francisco (Chapel of Saint Francis) getty Nestled in the verdant hills of northern Portugal, its UNESCO-listed Old Town is a labyrinth of granite alleyways, ivy-cloaked monasteries, and palaces that whisper tales of kings and conquests—with the phrase 'Aqui nasceu Portugal' ( Portugal was born here ) etched into its ancient city walls, a declaration of national identity. At its heart stands the Castle of Guimarães , a formidable 10th-century fortress with jagged battlements and a towering keep, believed to be the birthplace of Afonso Henriques —Portugal's first king. Nearby, however, the Palace of the Dukes of Braganza stuns with its Gothic arches and red-tiled turrets. Castle of Guimarães getty Wander down narrow medieval streets, past half-timbered houses and flower-filled balconies, and arrive at the Church of Our Lady of Oliveira , a Romanesque-Gothic marvel nestled beside a centuries-old olive tree—before sampling gorgeous Portuguese pastries at a charming local bakery. Finale? Gather with your fellow passengers and crew in the Viking Lounge one last time—clinking crystal glasses of aged Port and toasting the Golden River : a waterway that doesn't rush, but seductively unfurls its splendour. With ribboning terraced vineyards, glittering emerald hillsides, towering locks, and a stirring procession of ornate palaces, ancient villages, and sleek quintas, it's a journey that lingers long after the last sip. Saúde ! How To Do It Join Viking's 8 and 10-day Douro River cruises—with stops in jewels like Porto, Régua, Pinhão, Barca d'Alva, and Salamanca. For more information about availability, fares, and what is covered as part of Viking's Inclusive Value , call 0800 319 66 60 (UK) or go to For luxury chauffeured return airport transfers in the UK, choose Addison Lee. Read More: Forbes The World's Best River Cruise Lines, According To Globe Travel Awards By Lewis Nunn Forbes The World's Best Luxury Cruise Lines, According To Globe Travel Awards By Lewis Nunn Forbes Is This The World's Most Expensive Cruise? 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Forbes
14-07-2025
- Forbes
The Douro Valley's Newest Wine Hotel Mixes Heritage And Modern Luxury
Torel Quinta da Vacaria Courtesy of the hotel 'The scenery does the work for us,' says Márcio Faria Dias, the hotel manager of Torel Quinta da Vacaria in Portugal's dramatic Douro Valley. The whole place is based on what he calls 'a way of silence'—to slow down, to disconnect, to relax in the spa, to enjoy some increasingly sought-after wines. The hotel, which opened a little less than one year ago, stands at something of a gateway to the most magnificent parts of the terraced Douro Valley, a UNESCO World Heritage Site and the oldest demarcated wine region in the world. It's easily reached by highway or train from Porto—none of the hairpin turns that are needed to access some of the more remote reaches of the valley—but also deep enough in to have the sort of scenery that can do the work of attracting international visitors. Of course, that scenery gets some skilled assists. The structure, which combines two existing manor houses (one of which dates from the 17th century, and the other of which is painted port-wine red in a nod to the location) with a new semi-underground schist building, is the work of Porto-area architect Luís Miguel Oliveira. The grounds were enhanced by landscape architect João Bicho, who aimed to preserve the region's native flora and create a space that's impactful without becoming too exotic or manicured. A hotel terrace LUIS FERRAZ The design of the 33 guest rooms, two restaurants, vinotherapy spa, bar and other public spaces is by Studio Astolfi. Lisbon-based designer Joana Astolfi is known for the deft mixture of old and new she installs in projects including Michelin-star restaurants, luxury retail and posh private residences. Here, she brings her signature spirit of play to spaces that feel warm and familiar, deconstructing Portuguese heritage, winking with old toys and tools, and using sly humor to avoid stating the obvious. Silhouettes are rounded to match the curvaceous hills outside, and the color palette emphasizes the blue of the river, the green of the vines and the dark red of their juice. The fact that this contemporary spirit glimmers in a region—the oldest of its kind in the world, as they like to remind us—that's steeped in tradition makes Torel Quinta da Vacaria noteworthy. But it's also somewhat par for the course for the hotel's management brand. The new property is part of the Torel Boutiques collection of small five-star hotels in Portugal; they're known for combining grand heritage with striking design. A guest suite LUIS FERRAZ The group also prides itself on its high service standards, and Quinta da Vacaria is no exception. Dias, who grew up nearby before attending hotel school in Switzerland and working in luxury hospitality in far-flung locales from Thailand to St. Barth, is clear that he's not aiming for 'white glove service, like at the Ritz in Paris.' That wouldn't make any sense here. What the hotel offers instead is an approach that's familiar rather than formal, with a young team that's 80% from the immediate area and almost entirely Portuguese. 'They bring a genuine hospitality that makes up for the lack of formal training,' says Dias, though only a stickler would complain about a lack of precision in a place with as much rural beauty as this one. In fact, it's hard to discern any lack of precision at the hotel's fine dining restaurant, another first in the area. The seven-table Schistó opened in March under the leadership of Vitor Matos, Michelin's favorite Portuguese chef. Two of his five stars are at restaurants within other Torel hotels, and they aren't shy about the fact that they're aiming for another one here. Schistó LUIS FERRAZ They've put the fully open kitchen the center of the dining room, as is fashionable these days, and they've fashioned a ten-'moment' tasting menu based on super-local ingredients: cheese from nearby Régua, vegetables and citrus from the onsite gardens, meat from local farmers, and freshwater fish and eel from the Douro and Corgão Rivers. Those moments change all the time, and they hand out signed menus at the end of each evening rather than promising any signature plates. Both in the pairing there and on the menu in the bar and in the casual, all-day restaurant, 16 Légoas (so named for its distance upriver from Porto, using an old wine-business unit of measure), all the wines come from Quinta da Vacaria. Dias admits this is a 'bold bet,' but insists that it's a bet worth making, both because it's a point of difference—no other five-star boutique hotel in the valley produces its own wine at all—and because the winery's nearly two dozen references are up to the job. The quinta's winemaking endeavors pre-date the valley's demarcation, which was done in the 18th century. A few historical artifacts around the property still reference its origins, in the year 1616. But the winery itself now occupies another new building, just up the hill from the hotel, a welcome addition the region's wine-tourism circuit. There, the tours include the usual tastings—including at a long table in a glass-walled room above the aging barrels—and a visit to a well-done little winemaking museum. They also organize private wine lunches in small glass houses above and among the vineyards. One of the winery's glass houses for private lunches Luis Ferraz While the hilltop house has impressive, wide-angle views over the Douro Valley, the hotel organizes excursions that give guests a close-up on the river below. They have a partnership with the local company Marma Slow, which has a collection of vintage wooden boats (imagine Italian Rivas but hand-built in Portugal), to take guests on slow-going river cruises. It's a stripped-down sort of luxury, and a welcome contrast to some of the bling that's happening nearby, and another case of letting the magnificent scenery speak for itself. MORE FROM FORBES Forbes Lisbon's New Fine Dining: 6 Restaurants That Are Better Than Ever By Ann Abel Forbes The New Quinta Do Pinheiro Brings Quiet Luxury To Southern Portugal By Ann Abel Forbes Portugal's Costa Vicentina: 11 Top Hotels And Restaurants To Know By Ann Abel
Forbes
25-06-2025
- Health
- Forbes
Six Senses Unveils Women's Wellness Initiative At 5 Luxury Retreats
The setting of Six Senses Douro Valley, one of the five Six Senses retreats currently offering the Female Wellness Program. 'As part of the Female Wellness program, fasting is an important element.' When that was relayed to me as part of the Zoom discussion prior to arriving at Six Senses Douro Valley in Portugal, I wondered whether this was a mistake: I'd been to this property before and knew the food was fantastic. Going there to not eat it didn't make sense, even though I knew that proponents of fasting broadcast its benefits to health. As it was explained, however, their program developed with holistic wellness expert Dr. Mindy Pelz, utilizes individualized fasting schedules as a healing system reset, much like a computer restart. And fortunately for me, my 13 hour fasting requirement was restricted to overnight; all I had to do was adhere to dinner and breakfast times to achieve it. Yoga at Six Senses Crans-Montana in Switzerland. @John Athimaritis Six Senses as a company has long been at the forefront of wellness advances in their ever-growing group of international retreats. So it's not a surprise that following a report from the World Economic Forum that there's a notable inequity in healthcare for women due to inadequate data on hormones and health, the company linked with Dr. Pelz to create this program. It was introduced in five Six Senses properties in February—Six Senses Rome, Six Senses Kanuhura in the Maldives, Six Senses Ninh Van Bay in Vietnam, and Six Senses Crans-Montana in Switzerland apart from Douro Valley with others scheduled to add the program this year. The bedroom of the Panorama Suite in the Quinta. Six Senses Each guest's program, which can be tailored for three, five or seven days, is structured around her hormonal stage from fertility to perimenopause, menopause and beyond and the aims of the treatment from balancing hormones to increasing vitality and improving sleep. The three-day program explores the foundations of hormonal and metabolic health. The extended five-day program allows for a deeper exploration of the key factors that influence hormonal balance, mood, cravings, sleep, weight, and mental clarity. The seven-day program aims to forge longstanding connections between fasting, food, exercise, self-care, and hormonal balance and places a greater emphasis and intention on weight release, metabolic flexibility, and detox principles that can support long-term hormonal health and overall well-being after the guest returns home. To assess the starting point, a very thorough biomarker examination happens after check in; the results range from body mass index, strength and exercise recovery capacity to brain serotonin level, heart rate response to challenge and insulin resistance among many others. A glucose monitor is affixed to a guest's arm to monitor fluctuations and at night, guests wear a sleep ring to analyze what's going on then. It's remarkably detailed; even if you think you sleep pretty well, what you discover can be really surprising. Facets of the Three Day Program Tibetan Singing Bowl Meditation. Six Senses Depending upon what a guest's health assessment dictates, a three day program can contain personal training, a sleep consultation, sound meditation with Tibetan bowls, guided meditation, a biohacking session with leg compression and red light therapy and given the company's excellent traditional spa services, a de-stressing holistic massage. Personal time is also included for lazing by the indoor or outdoor swimming pools and taking part in scheduled group activities such as kayaking, local touring on E-bikes, yoga and, since this is a famous wine area, wine tasting-the property has a serious wine tasting program. The Culinary Program The open kitchen of the restaurant Vale de Abraão surrounded by some of the organic vegetables used in dishes on the menu. John Athimaritis The menus designed for each Female Wellness guest are crafted specifically to their needs but are in line with the company's overall sustainable, local, healthful plans. And as I remembered, the food here with many ingredients grown in their organic gardens was so vibrant that I cheated extensively and ordered off the regular menu, including grabbing a section of vegetable salads off the breakfast buffet that were so colorful and lively that even those who don't love vegetables would love these. (As one staff member said to me when I admitted my cheating, they're not wardens so they don't force guests to submit. He also admitted that he thought the Rome property might be the hardest one in which to stick to the rules and the Crans-Montana resort the easiest.) Organic Heirloom Seasonal Tomatoes with strawberries, tomato water, aguachile and aged Bageiras red wine vinegar at the restaurant Vale de Abraão at Six Senses Douro Valley. Laurie Werner Dishes such as Organic Heirloom Seasonal Tomatoes with strawberries, tomato water, aguachile and aged Bágeiras red wine vinegar, Atlantic Grilled Fish with Salsa Verde and because it was white asparagus season, Roasted White Asparagus with House Miso and Cured Egg Yolk were so good, I had each twice. But the menu that was designed for me was hardly one of deprivation and often, in fact, very similar with dishes such as Atlantic Whole Line Caught Fish with Smoky Bean and Hazelnut Salad; Peach and Almond Crumble and Grilled Sirloin Steak with peas, red onion, basil and walnut salad. One of the restaurants, Cozinha do Douro, spotlights local specialties but the main restaurant Vale de Abraão with its open kitchen, wood fired specialties, chef creations and balcony overlooking terraced vineyards was the one I gravitated to the most. Apart from everything I learned about rebalancing, de-stressing and hopefully better sleeping, it was also the aspect I wanted most to repeat. I'm not sure I can replicate what the chef did but I asked for the recipes. MORE FROM FORBES Forbes Tuning Up For The New Year At Transformative SHA Wellness Mexico By Laurie Werner Forbes The British Virgin Islands Resort Oil Nut Bay Adds New Villas And Spa By Laurie Werner Forbes Kaua'i's Serene 1 Hotel Hanalei Bay Debuts A Sweeping Wellness Plan By Laurie Werner Forbes Sensei Porcupine Creek, A Unique Wellness Retreat, Opens On Larry Ellison's Estate By Laurie Werner
Forbes
11-06-2025
- Forbes
Exploring Portugal's Douro Valley: Wine, Views, History And Charm
The Douro River and terraced vineyards in Portugal's Douro Valley. getty It's sometimes an advantage to arrive at a hotel late at night with the darkness obscuring any real sense of where you are. The discovery the next morning can be startling. Quinta São José do Barrilário in Portugal's Douro Valley. Quinta São José do Barrilário That's what happened in Portugal's Douro Valley due to a near midnight arrival at Quinta São José do Barrilário, an intimate slip of a hotel that opened last August atop a curving, uphill driveway That was a clue to its elevated location but it was only when I pulled back the curtains in sunlight the next day that the gob smacking majesty of the site came into view. Perched high on a hill, surrounded on all sides by terraced vineyards on other hills and the Douro River below, this is a setting that encourages just hanging out with a bottle of the quinta's Red Reserva or a sampling of port and taking in the view. But there are too many other points of interest in the area to explore. The wine barrel rooms at Quinta da Pacheca. Quinta da Pacheca Starting from Porto, with its medieval streets, bustling restaurant scene and river views, it's just an hour and a half drive to this area, the Alto Corgo in the Douro Valley, UNESCO designated for its cultural authenticity and the oldest demarcated wine region in the world. Tasting opportunities abound but a few miles down the equally scenic N222, Quinta São José do Barrilário's sister property Quinta da Pacheca is one of the oldest and best for sampling. (It also has the quirkiest accommodations: oversized wooden barrels set up within the vines with glass doors to view them and the vineyard's peacock who occasionally saunters by. More typical, classically decorated rooms in the Wine House Hotel section of the property are also available.) A wine tasting by the vines at Quinta da Pacheca. Quinta da Pacheca Sampling the wines from vines dating back to 1738 can be achieved either in a pure tasting of wines and ports ranging from a 10 year old white port to a 50 year tawny or with a gastronomic pairing. Among the possible pairing choices: Quinta da Pacheca Grande Reserva White composed of pale gold, fruity Caminhos Cruzados Reserva Encruzado to accompany a filet of turbot on "cuscos" with Trás-os-Montes razor clams and wakame seaweed and sautéed veal with foie gras escalope on sautéed snap peas and crispy potatoes accompanied by Quinta da Pacheca Grande Reserva Red Tinta Roriz composed of the rich, powerful Herdade do Moinho Branco Alicante Bouschet grape. Adding to the pleasure: an outdoor table overlooking gardens and vines with the river in the distance. The view of vineyards from a cruise on the Douro River. Laurie Werner Getting on the river is essential and a particularly good option for that is a cruise on one of the motoryachts belonging to the company Deltatur which leave from the town of Pinhão. Nuno Diz Martins and Liliana Martins, captain and guide, navigate smoothly and point out areas of interest such as important vineyards and creative restaurants such as DOC, the domain of master chef Rui Paula in Armamar. (It is excellent; I've been there.) They will, of course, also serve port, this time paired harmoniously with chocolate. Chapel of Saint Francis at Guimaraes, Portugal getty Additional exploring in the region should be done on foot, walking the UNESCO designated historic center of Guimarães, the birthplace of the nation in 1143 and of its first king D. Afonso Henriques. The tiles on the façade of the Chapel of Saint Francis, the meticulously crafted Garden of Largo Republic of Brazil leading to the Church of Our Lady of Consolation and the colorful medieval buildings of the square Praça de São Tiago are just a sampling of the city's sights. Stairway to the church of Bom Jesus do Monte in Braga, Portugal getty Braga, about 15 miles northwest, is also worth a look as both a lively and historic city with cafes frequented by its student population, a buzzing, cutting edge cultural scene as Portugal's 2025 Capital of Culture and the location of major religious sites. The ornate interior of Braga Cathedral, Portugal's oldest dating to the 11th century, and the UNESCO designated sanctuary Bom Jesus do Monte are important sights; hardy visitors can walk up the 573 steps but a 19th century funicular that sometimes gives the impression that you have to will it to keep going is also available. (It, however, always succeeds.) The view over the city is stunning and there are several hotels adjacent to take a break and take it all in. And, of course, they all serve port. Where to stay in Braga: The modern INNSIDE Braga Centro which really is in the center of town so convenient to restaurants and all sightseeing. Where to go for dinner: Tasquinha Dom Ferreira, a rustic, stone walled tavern serving earthy regional dishes. (Reserve in advance.) How to get to the Douro Valley without changing planes in Lisbon: Flying directly to Porto just got easier for visitors from New England with a new Boston-Porto nonstop from the national carrier TAP Air Portugal that launched in mid-May. The New York metro area also has a nonstop to embattled Newark Liberty International Airport (but its schedule seems to operate without disruption.)
