Flavours of Porto

Your holiday begins with complimentary UK airport lounge access before your flight to Portugal. Arrive into Porto and check into your boutique hotel, located in the heart of Porto's historical centre. The hotel celebrates two of Porto's cultural mainstays: Port wine and literature. Once you have settled in, head out and enjoy some free time exploring this vibrant and enticing city. If you so wish, our experts can arrange a reservation at the Wine & Books Restaurant for this evening. The restaurant celebrates the heritage and richness of the culinary tradition of the northern region of Portugal. Afterwards head up to the rooftop for a wine or cocktail, accompanied by breathtaking views of Porto.

Today is a chance to immerse yourself in the culinary delights of the region as you take a private transfer to Aveiro, known also for its canals, colourful boats and even as the "Portuguese Venice". Embark on a private scenic boat trip along the Ria de Aveiro. During your journey, you'll encounter the fascinating Salicornia, a recently discovered herb thriving in the salty waters and prized by world-renowned chefs. The trip will also lead you to an oyster farm, where you'll gain insights into the cultivation of these prized mollusks and pair oyster tasting with sparkling wine. There will also be time to make a visit to the Salinas (salt fields) to learn about the history of salt production in the region, dating back to Roman times.

Next, you'll discover the secrets behind Ovos Moles, a delectable local pastry unique to the region. Learn how to prepare this sweet treasure yourself before indulging in a delightful tasting. After a day filled with unforgettable discoveries, you'll have free time to explore Aveiro at your own pace before returning to Porto.

Today includes a private seafood tour in Matosinhos, a municipality in northern Porto. It all starts with a fascinating glimpse into the art of Portuguese canned fish. Visit a one-of-a-kind artisanal cannery where you can witness the production process firsthand and sample the taste of premium canned fish. Next, immerse yourself in the vibrant Matosinhos fish market, where the stalls overflow with an incredible array of fresh seafood. After a meander through the backstreets, you'll find yourself near the bustling fish auction market. Here, the air is alive with the enticing aroma of sizzling fish wafting from the numerous restaurants lining the streets, their barbecue grills beckoning. Here, you'll indulge in a delicious feast of freshly prepared local specialties, paired perfectly with excellent regional wines in true Portuguese tradition. Later, head back to your hotel for a free evening.

Across the Douro River from Porto's bustling Ribeira district lies Vila Nova de Gaia, a city known primarily for one thing: port. Since the 17th century, Gaia has held the unique distinction of being the birthplace of all port wine. Barrels of young wine, meticulously crafted in the remote vineyards of the upper Douro Valley, would journey downriver by boat to reach Gaia's shores. Here, they were unloaded and taken to the historic port lodges lining the riverfront, ready to be transformed into the world-renowned fortified wine. Today, you'll visit one of the oldest port wine cellars in Vila Nova de Gaia and enjoy a paired tasting with chocolate, cheese and custard tarts followed by a lunch at the wine cellar.

After a final breakfast, spend your last morning in Porto before your private transfer whisks you back to the airport in time for your flight back to the UK.