WHAT’S INCLUDED

• Private group arrival/departure transfers (transfers based on group air arrival/departure times)
• Private transportation on air-conditioned bus as per itinerary
• 9 nights superior accommodation – 2 nights in Porto, 3 nights Ponte de Lima, 3 nights in the Douro Valley, 1 night Porto
• Daily breakfast, 3 lunches, 9 dinners with wine
• Sightseeing & entrance fees as per itinerary
• Highlights include Porto, Ponte de Lima, Guimarães, Jesus do Monte Sanctuary, Mateus Palace, Douro Valley, Wine & Port Tastings, Private River Cruise, local experiences and more!
• Services of an English-speaking Local Guide
• Services of a Broad Escapes Tour Manager
• Includes all applicable taxes and service charges
• 24-hour Ellison Travel & Tours Ltd. Emergency Contact Number while on tour

WHAT’S NOT INCLUDED

• Insurance has not been included as part of your tour package. Broad Escapes strongly recommends the purchase of Manulife Insurance coverage for Cancellation and Interruption Insurance, Comprehensive Assistance, Health Coverage, Individual Accident Coverage and Baggage and Personal Effects Insurance. Contact us for rates and complete details.
• International airfare
• Passport, visas, government processing fees, vaccinations
• Luggage handling
• Beverages
• Meals not mentioned
• Items of personal nature
• Gratuities
• Additional taxes, fuel surcharges or service charges levied by the governments or our suppliers

OPTIONS

• International Flights – A designated flight from Toronto will be assigned. We would be pleased to book your flights from Toronto or any other departure gateway.
• Arrival and departure transfers – for those not arriving & departing on group flights

Day 1 | Tuesday, May 13 (D)
ARRIVE PORTO
*Independent arrival at the Porto Airport
Welcome to Porto! Upon arrival meet our private group transfer and local guide who will accompany our group for the duration of the tour. Transfer to our centrally located hotel for check-in*. In the afternoon enjoy an orientation stroll through the streets and surrounding neighbourhood. Gather in the evening for a welcome dinner.

Overnight Carris Ribeirra (or similar) – 2 nights

*For early arrivals, luggage may be stored until check-in at 3pm

Note: This is a land only tour, however, Broad Escapes will suggest a designated flight from Toronto. The group transfer will be based on the recommended group flight arrival time. Private transfers (additional cost) can be arranged for those arriving at a different time/date. Flights from all gateways can be arranged through Broad Escapes.

Day 2 | Wednesday, May 14 (B/D)
PORTO
Porto, a World Heritage Site, is a riverside city with narrow streets, lively traditions, and a fascinating history. The medieval town tumbles down to the river Douro, with tight, twisting streets leading into Renaissance squares and Baroque monuments. Discover Porto with our English-speaking local guide and enjoy a walking tour in the city centre. Learn about the history, old and contemporary architecture and new projects happening in this dynamic place. Visit the San Francisco Church, the world renowned Lello Bookshop, and explore the recently renovated Bolhão Market. Enjoy free time to wander in this beautiful city and regroup for dinner in the evening.

Day 3 | Thursday, May 15 (B/L/D)
GUIMARES – PONTE DE LIMA
Today we visit a Manor House nestled between gardens and vineyards whose origins dated back over 600 years. The owners will welcome us to their lovely gardens and farmland followed by an alfresco traditional Portugese lunch. Continue to Guimarães, one of the prettiest towns of Portugal, with time to explore. Glimmering with artistic and historic treasures, this medieval town is a UNESCO World Heritage Site. Transfer to Ponte de Lima and check in to a splendid 16th century Manor house, our countryside home, for the next three nights.

Overnight Paço de Vitorino Manor House (or similar) – 3 nights

Day 4 | Friday, May 16 (B/D)
BARCELOS – BRAGA
Today we travel to the charming town of Barcelos where we’ll learn about the legendary “Barcelos Roaster”, the symbol of Portugal thought to bring good luck. Continue to Braga, a city dating back to Roman times, rich in history and baroque architecture. In the afternoon, enjoy the view from the hilltop of Jesus do Monte Sanctuary. Marvel at the spectacular staircase of 170 steps of this Christian pilgrimage site. Return to the Manor House to partake in a pastry workshop in the old kitchen prior to dinner.

Day 5 | Saturday, May 17 (B/D)
VIANA DO CASTELO – PONTE DE LIMA
This morning travel to Viana do Castelo, a charming town blessed with an appealing medieval centre, an attractive river front, and the Santa Luzia sanctuary, with wonderful views over the estuary and the ocean. We’ll have time to explore this lovely town, famous for traditional crafts, folklore, and pilgrimages, local shops and museums.
Return to Ponte de Lima for a visit to Casa da Aurora, a private manor house and meet the daughter of the Count of Aurora to learn about the history and stories of this historical site. Later enjoy leisure time exploring Ponte de Lima’s charming streets and shops before returning to our Manor House for a delicious dinner with local wines.

Day 6 | Sunday, May 18 (B/D)
DOURO VALLEY – LAMEGO
Today we depart for Douro Valley, the first demarcated wine region of the world. On route stop at the lovely town of Amarante, home to the first Portuguese modernist painter Amadeo Sousa Cardoso. Continue to Mateus Palace, the most extraordinary baroque house in the whole of Europe designed by Italian-born architect Nasoni. Continue to Lamego and check in to our Quinta and home for the next 3 nights. Relax by the pool or take part in some activities before dinner at the Quinta

Overnight Quinta de Casaldronho (or similar) – 3 nights

Day 7 | Monday, May 19 (B/L/D)
DOURO VALLEY
Explore the magnificent Douro Valley, whose landscape of vineyards is inscribed on the list of World Heritage Sites. Here our exploration continues with a boat trip – on a traditional rabelo – that lazily transports us through a vision of steep slopes covered in vines and punctuated by cypresses, all part of a landscape of manmade terraces. It is breathtaking! Enjoy free time in Pinhão. Later visit a local Quinta and marvel at the dazzling views over the valley before a tour of the vineyards and cellars followed by a tasting of the wonderful wines. Return to the Quinta for dinner.

Day 8 | Tuesday, May 20 (B/L/D)
DOURO VALLEY
After breakfast depart to visit the charming Sõa João de Tarouca, the first Cistercian monastery in the region built int the 12th century. Next stop will be at the champagne factory of Murganheira for a visit of these impressive caves and enjoy a “bubbling” tasting. Later, in the village of Bertiandes we will be welcomed at Casa de Santo António. Ana Maria will invite us to the spectacular granite kitchen and join the ladies of the house in preparing the regional dishes. Later visit two wine-growing villages Salzedas and then Ucanha famous for its unique towered bridge. Return to the Quinta to relax before dinner.

Day 9 | Wednesday, May 21 (B/D)
DOURO VALLEY – PORTO
This morning, we return to Porto with a stop to visit the romantic gardens of Aveleda. Continue to Porto and enjoy an afternoon at leisure. Gather this evening for a traditional Port wine tasting followed by a farewell dinner to reminisce with fellow BE travellers about the memories and experiences we have shared in Portugal.

Overnight Carris Ribeirra (or similar) – 1 night

Day 10 | Thursday, May 22 (B)
DEPARTURE
All good things must come to an end and today we say farewell to Portugal and fellow BE travellers after a private group transfer to the Porto airport.

B – Breakfast / L – Lunch / D – Dinner

**While it is our intention to adhere to the itinerary described above, there is a certain amount of flexibility built into the tour. Due to traffic or other circumstances beyond our control, it may be necessary or desirable to make alterations. Broad Escapes reserves the right to change the itinerary when deemed necessary.**

$6895 CAD
twin occupancy

Based on a
maximum 16 passengers
Upgrade to your own room  $1100 CAD
Deposit $700 per person & insurance due: at time of booking
Balance due: February 13, 2025

Claudia Viani

A travel industry veteran for the past 40+ years, my passion for travel was ignited early and is imbedded in my DNA!
Born under the Tuscan Sun in the beautiful township of Lucca, we immigrated to Canada in my early teens. Not long after I returned to Italy several times, and thus began my love for travel and exploration.

It was only natural that I would join the Travel Industry, embarking on two amazing careers in the Airline and Travel Agency sector, weaving a tapestry of experiences and expertise. Over the years I have hosted group tours to Quebec; Italy (including Sicily); Portugal; France; Switzerland; Amsterdam and Rhine River; UK; Ireland; Greek Islands; Morocco and several major US cities. I have also travelled extensively across Canada and to several other countries such as Croatia, Brazil, India, Vietnam, Cambodia, and Australia!

Today I am thrilled to join Broad Escapes as a Tour Manager, using my own adventures and expertise to inspire and to go beyond the ordinary, creating experiences that linger long after the suitcase is unpacked.

I look forward to travelling with you!