Portugal: Off-Road Wine Experience

1. Day 1 Arrival in Porto & Check-in at Monverde Wine Experience Hotel

   Welcome to Portugal! Start your journey by picking up your rental car. The scenic drive from Porto to Monverde Wine Experience Hotel awaits, spanning approximately 1 hour over 65 kilometers (40,4 mi).

   But before you hit the road, here is our suggestion for the day:

   • Explore Porto's historic center, including landmarks like São Bento Station, Clérigos Tower, and Livraria Lello
   • Wander through the charming streets of Ribeira and enjoy a stroll along the Douro River
   • Visit the Porto Cathedral (Sé do Porto) and enjoy panoramic views from its terrace
   • Indulge in a traditional Portuguese lunch at a local restaurant: why not a francesinha?

   Then, make your way to Amarante:

   • Upon arrival at Monverde Wine Experience Hotel, take some time to settle in and unwind before embarking on your wine experience adventure. Explore the hotel's exceptional facilities, from luxurious accommodations to vineyard views.
2. Day 2 Notes of Legacy & Terroir Wine Tasting (Included)

   Suggestion for the first time of the day:

   • Visit the Douro Valley: In the Douro Valley, start your morning with a visit to the charming wine village of Pinhão (1-h drive), where you can explore historic wine estates and taste the region's renowned Port wines. Then, head to Miradouro de São Leonardo da Galafura for breathtaking panoramic views of the Douro River and surrounding vineyards. Finally, make your way to Miradouro de Casal de Loivos for another stunning vantage point overlooking the valley's terraced hillsides and meandering river.

   2:00 PM - 3:15 PM: Notes of Legacy & Terroir Wine Tasting at Monverde Wine Experience Hotel

   • Indulge in a tasting experience featuring three wines that beautifully narrate the captivating stories of a family's generations devoted to winemaking at Monverde. Immerse yourself in the unique wine culture that has been carefully cultivated over the years, as each sip unveils the rich heritage, passion, and dedication infused into every bottle.
3. Day 3 Wine Blending Experience (Included)

   Suggestion for the first part of the day:

   • Explore the Historical Center of Amarante. Take a stroll through the charming streets of downtown Amarante, lined with historic buildings, colorful facades, and traditional shops selling local crafts and souvenirs.
     • São Gonçalo Bridge, a stunning Romanesque bridge.
     • São Gonçalo Church, a Baroque-style church.
     • Amadeo de Souza-Cardoso Museum, one of Portugal's most celebrated modernist artists.

   2:00 PM - 4:00 PM: Wine Blending Experience (Included)

   • Unleash your inner winemaker with this exclusive experience at Monverde Wine Experience Hotel! Dive into a world of sensory exploration as you craft your very own wine blend. From honing your olfactory senses in our sensory room to tasting and blending grape varietals, every step is an adventure in flavor. Finish by bottling your creation, sealing it with a cork, adding a personalized label, and voilà – your masterpiece is complete! Take home your handcrafted bottle as a souvenir, along with a certificate to showcase your winemaking prowess. It's a day of wine and memories you'll cherish forever.
4. Day 4 Drive to Setúbal & Check-in at Casa da Palmela

   Check out from Monverde Wine Experience Hotel and embark on your journey southward. The drive to Hotel Casa Palmela takes approximately 4.5 hours, spanning over 410 kilometers (255 miles).

   Suggestion for the day:

   • Once you hit the road, take a moment to explore Aveiro, often referred to as Portugal's "Venice." (approx. 1.5 hours drive)
     • Explore Aveiro's picturesque canals on a traditional moliceiro boat tour.
     • Visit the historic Aveiro Cathedral, a stunning example of Gothic architecture.
     • Wander through the charming streets and admire the colorful Art Nouveau buildings.

   Then, make your way to Setúbal:

   • Upon arrival at Hotel Casa Palmela, take some time to settle in and unwind before embarking on your wine experience adventure. Explore the hotel's exceptional facilities, from luxurious accommodations to vineyard views.
5. Day 5 Quinta do Esteval Wine Tasting (Included)

   Suggestion for the first part of the day:

   • Visit Parque Natural da Serra da Arrrábida. Parque Natural da Serra da Arrábida is a stunning natural park located along the rugged coastline of Portugal's Setúbal Peninsula. Renowned for its dramatic limestone cliffs, pristine beaches, and lush Mediterranean vegetation, the park offers visitors a breathtaking landscape to explore. 
     • Beaches: Relax on the pristine beaches with crystal-clear waters, such as Praia da Figueirinha, Praia dos Coelhos, and Praia do Creiro.
     • Hiking Trails: Discover the natural beauty of the park by exploring its scenic hiking trails such as Rota da Praia da Ribeira do Cavalo, Rota da Cova de Sesimbra, and Falésia Hiking Trail. 

   6:00 PM - 7:00 PM: Wine Tasting: Quinta do Esteval Selection

   • Embark on a sensory journey with a wine-tasting experience of wines from the Setúbal Wine Region. Delight your palate with a selection of exquisite wines carefully chosen to showcase the region's unique terroir. Indulge in the fruity and wooden scents that tantalize your senses, offering a truly memorable tasting experience.
6. Day 6 Reserva Wine Tasting (Included)

   Suggestion for the first part of the day:

   • Explore the UNESCO city of Évora (a 1.5-hour drive from Casa da Palmela). Embark on a sensory journey through Portugal's Alentejo region, a captivating tapestry of landscapes that unfold from the northern tip to the sun-kissed southern shores. 
     
     • Capela dos Ossos: Explore the intriguing Chapel of Bones.
     • Évora Cathedral: Admire the grand Évora Cathedral.
     • Roman Temple of Évora: Step back in time at the Roman Temple.
     • Diana’s Garden: Find serenity in Diana’s Garden.
     • Évora’s Winding Streets: Get lost in the picturesque streets of Évora.
     • Évora University: Explore the intellectual heart of the city.

   6:00 PM - 7:00 PM: Wine Tasting: Quinta do Esteval Selection

   • The last wine-tasting experience of your package features a selection of 3 exquisite wines: Red, White, and Port Wine. Immerse yourself in the enticing flavors and aromas, from the fruity and fresh notes to the smooth and velvety palate. It's a journey for your senses that promises to awaken your appreciation for the diverse and captivating world of Portuguese wines.
7. Day 7 Drive to Lisbon & Return Flight Home

   Drive to the airport and drop off your rental car at the designated location (approx. a 40-minute journey covering approximately 31 miles/ 50 km). As your memorable journey comes to a close, we wish you a safe and pleasant flight home. Thank you for exploring Portugal with us!

   Please note: For your safety and the well-being of others, we highly recommend using a taxi or Uber service (or other alternatives) if you choose to indulge in alcohol.

Available Experiences

Included

Wine Tasting: Quinta do Esteval Selection

Included

Wine Tasting: Reserva Selection

Included

Wine Tasting: Notes of Legacy & Terroir

Included

Sensory Experiences: Wine Blending

Optional

Sensory Experiences: Beyond the Cellar Doors

Additional cost applies

Optional

Spa: The Vintage Experience

Additional cost applies

Optional

Spa: Relaxing and Enchanting Treatment

Additional cost applies

Optional

Spa: Between the Vineyards Massage

Additional cost applies