Holidays in the Douro Valley & Northern Portugal
The Douro Valley is an altogether quieter corner of Portugal to the one most people are familiar with. From the banks of the River Douro to the border with Galicia you'll discover the real Portugal full of fabulous scenery and steeped in history.
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Porto - Portugal's Second City
Chances are your experience of Northern Portugal will begin with Portugal's second city, Porto. Porto is a wonderful city, full of history and timeless comforts. The medieval city centre is a UNESCO World Heritage site while the 14th city walls and the old port wine cellars are fine reminders of former glories and continuing traditions.
Strolling around the city you'll be impressed by its many museums, its relaxed bars and cafes, its fine shops and restaurants and that certain something that only purposeful seaports seem to possess. You'll feel quite at home here too. In fact, since the 18th century, there has been a strong British presence throughout the Douro Valley region thanks to the Napoleonic Wars and the entrepreneurial spirit of British wine merchants.
Vineyards of the Douro
Continued conflict with France meant Britain was quickly running short of some of its favourite tipples. A new source was required and British drinkers quickly turned to Portugal and the wines grown in the vineyards or quintas of the Douro. Unfortunately the Douro was a rather longer journey than Bordeaux's Gironde and there is a school of thought which states that, because of the increased distances involved, keeping the wine on the relatively long sea voyage became a problem. Until, that is, someone hit upon the idea of adding brandy to the wine as a preservative. Thus, it is claimed, port wine was born.
Of course you can't really leave Porto without trying the drink that lends the town its name and you'll probably want to bring a bottle or two home with you too. Therefore here is a quick guide to the types and classifications of port you'll see.
• Vintage Port
Usually the very best! A vintage year is decided by the port houses themselves based on the quality of the grapes from that year's harvest. On average, vintage years are declared 3 times a decade. The wines spend up to two years in oak barrels and are then bottle aged. Some may take over a decade in the bottle to reach their potential.
• Single Quinta Port
Basically wine from a single vineyard from a non-declared year. These are often very fine ports whose non vintage status makes them quite affordable.
• Late Bottled Vintage Port
These wines receive considerable ageing in the wood that makes them ready to drink far earlier than traditional vintage port.
• Tawny Port
The tawny colour is the result of considerable oak ageing, the length will normally be stated on the bottle
• White Port
Something of a rarity in the UK but a fine, if heavy, aperitif. The cuisine of Northern Portugal is rather more hearty than the light fish based cuisine of the south so the heavier wines and ports of the Douro complement the food particularly well.
• Ruby
Young and uncomplicated style.
• Vintage Character
Blended to resemble a vintage port
• Crusted Port
Is a blend of several Vintage Character Ports.
Douro Valley & Northern Portugal Sightseeing
Naturally there's more to Northern Portugal than the city of Porto and, indeed for many, the real charm of this region lies further off the beaten track. You also have a choice as to how you see this enchanting part of the world as you can opt for either a traditional tour or a river cruise right into the heart of the country. However you decide to explore you'll find there are plenty of opportunities to sample both excellent port and some rather good wine on your travels.
There are many outstanding places of interest too like Braga, the religious centre of the country and home to one of the Portugal's most magnificent cathedrals. Then there's historic Coimbra one of Europe's oldest university towns and, briefly the Portuguese capital. As well as the flamboyant university there is a beautiful cathedral and a monastery too.
The tour can also show you the scenic delights of Portugal's green Coast as well as Aveiro, dubbed the 'Venice of Portugal' for its charming canals, along which glide its gaily-painted 'moliceiros' or fishing boats. There's also chance to hop across the border into Spain on an optional excursion to the medieval pilgrimage town of Santiago de Compostela
Douro River Cruises
If you decide to discover the Douro by boat then your journey is likely to be every bit as enchanting. An excursion to Vila Real for example will reveal a fine Gothic cathedral and imposing 16 arch Roman bridge. You can stroll the beautiful gardens of Solar de Mateus, before rejoining your river cruiser in Pinhão, the geographical centre of the demarcated port wine making region.
Once again, there's an opportunity to slip across the border into Spain and an optional excursion to Salamanca, home to one of the oldest universities in the world. Other fabulous includes a visit to the Nossa Senhora dos Remedios sanctuary, 600m above the town, the medieval castle, the church of Almacave with its azulejo lined walls and gilded woodwork on the alters, and the Cathedral.
Best of all, your river cruise gives you plenty of time on board to watch the wonderful countryside slip by. If there is a more soothing way to travel, we've yet to hear about it!
Archers Direct Holidays in the Douro Valley & Northern Portugal
For a world of holidays that won't cost you the earth, you've come to the right place. From escorted coach tours and train tours to resort-based beach holidays to cruises and short breaks. From Europe to the USA & Canada to Australia, we have getaways to suit everyone – all featuring the amazing value that only direct booking can offer. Year round holidays (summer holidays, winter holidays, Christmas holidays & Xmas holidays, half term holidays, Easter holidays) include January, February, March, April, May, June, July, August, September, October, November & December. We fly from the following UK airports: London airports – Heathrow airport, Gatwick airport, Luton airport & Stansted airport as well as Birmingham airport, Bristol airport, East Midlands airport, Edinburgh airport, Glasgow airport, Manchester airport & Newcastle airport.
View all our holidays to the Douro Valley & Northern Portugal
