Tour 10

Today, and after airport formalities, you will be collected outside customs, and transferred, by Deluxe vehicle with English speaking chauffeur, to your hotel in Porto.

After check-in procedures, take your time to unwind and relax!

Discover Porto, the second biggest metropolis of Portugal and one of Europe’s most charismatic cities, on a fun and special sidecar tour! 

Your driver/guide will take you on a “Mercedez Maria”, a Ural Ranger, a charming vintage motorcycle, with the look of Second World War but with all the modern safety features of an XXI century motorcycle and with room for two each. The rhythm is slow-paced with a lot of conversation, historical facts and curiosities, lots of stops for photos and to enjoy the views. 

Through the Historical Center, you’ll see places like S. Bento station, Ribeira and the Stock Exchange Palace, along the Douro River with its bridges, the Miragaia neighborhood, and all the way to the beach to understand the connection of the city’s history with the ocean. Return to the city center, explore Cristal Palace and neighborhoods like Virtudes, Vitória, and Clérigos, learn all their history and see the great views that Porto has to offer. 

Cross to Gaia, on the other side of the river and see the D. Luís bridge and the Port wine neighborhood.

Sidecar tour ends back at your hotel.

Today’s tour will take you to the world’s oldest wine region: Douro Valley. Let yourself be enchanted by the views of the river and the vineyards.

Your journey starts with a private visit followed by a lectured wine tasting at a breathtakingly beautiful family-owned wine estate, referred by Wine Spectator, brilliantly situated on top of a small hill, overlooked by steep sloping vineyards. 

Feel the magnificence of a wine estate with 130 hectares, of which 70 are planted with grade “A” vineyards. Sitting on a privileged location in the Douro Demarcated Region, the state has been in the family for over a century. Like other great Douro quintas, its origins lie in ancient times. References to the state date as far back as the early seventeenth century, long before the Douro became the world’s first demarcated wine region in 1756. In 2008, Wine Spectator has reviewed and selected the best for their Top 100 list. 

Explore the estate widely admired wines, its vineyards and cellars, whilst discovering the Portuguese tradition of warm hospitality. Enjoy a private toast on an amazing frame, at the top of the hill close to the swimming-pool and indulge in a private lunch, at the terrace (if weather allows it) or at the family house.

After lunch, marvel with a private river cruise aboard a typical Rabelo boat.

Until the end of the 19th century, the Douro River was the main access route to the interior regions and the only means of importing foreign products. A difficult river and risky to navigate, there was only one type of boat that could overcome its natural obstacles, the Rabelo Boat. The robustness of the boat and the ability of the first crews made it possible to carry large barrels of wine above the river. 

With the help of a local guide, discover the green vineyards, stratified culture and stunning natural beauty of the Douro Valley. Marvel at the beautiful slopes, heavily planted with vines, which offers breathtaking views of one of the most impressive man-shaped landscapes in the world.

• Possible winery upgrade;

• Possible cruise upgrade.

Today, you’ll have private chauffeured transfer to Porto International Airport where you’ll catch your internal flight from Porto to Ponta Delgada (not included).

Upon arrival to Ponta Delgada, your private chauffeur will be waiting for you outside customs to drive you to your hotel.

Explore Sete Cidades, one of the 7 Natural Wonders of Portugal, that showcases the Green and Blue Lakes, which according to legend, were formed from the tears of a shepherd and a princess who shared a forbidden love. 

These lakes can be seen from the Vista do Rei (King’s View) Lookout, named after King D. Carlos and Queen D. Amélia to celebrate their visit to the island in 1901.

Venture on an e-bike tour and learn about the fauna, flora, history, volcanic formation of the island and of course, the legendary love story behind the formation of the lake. 

Along the route, as you pedal across the rim of the crater, you’ll have superb views over several lakes in the region as well as the adjacent coastline.

Allow yourself to immerse in the breathtaking nature of Sete Cidades! 

• Possible upgrade including regional picnic for lunch.

Leisurely day to explore on own or just to rest and relax enjoying your hotel facilities!

If you want a place to recharge your batteries and experience the magical nature you should definitely pay a visit to Terra Nostra Park!

Dive in and relax! The warm spring water supplying the pool provides a feeling of rest and relaxation that is possible at very few locations in the world. 

Today adventure on a hiking tour through Janela do Inferno. 

This hike passes by an ancient aqueduct, in the shape of a tunnel, around 50m long. From here, the trail goes along Ribeira Seca, crossing several impressive aqueducts that used to supply the ancient Alcohol Factory of Lagoa and nowadays supplies water to the municipality. 

You will reach a particular point of interest – Janela do Inferno – a vertical wall, rich in water springs, where it is possible to spot Newts (Triturus cristatus) in different stages of their life cycle (aquatic larva, juvenile/eft and adult). Take the opportunity to appreciate the beauty of this place and to regain energy. 

Along this trail, enjoy the beautiful views over the municipality of Lagoa and Ponta Delgada. 

According to your flight departure time, and after check-out procedures, your private chauffeur will meet you at the lobby and take you towards Ponta Delgada International Airport.