Staff Choice:
Ian Does Northern Portugal & Douro Valley
Our staff are bursting to tell you about their own favourite Archers Direct holidays. This month our Product Manager, Ian Hailes shares his recent holiday experience of Northern Portugal & the Douro Valley. Ian actually creates our tours so he should know what he's talking about.
Ian Does Northern Portugal & the Douro Valley
My previous visits to Portugal have always been to the South and in particular the better known Algarve. And what a wonderful place the Algarve is! Recently however, I had the opportunity to visit a more undiscovered corner of Portugal – Northern Portugal & the Douro Valley – a region situated to the North of Lisbon and which stretches right the way to the Spanish border of the Galicia region.
Ian's Taken Aback
This region has an altogether different feel to the Portugal that the British tourist has become accustomed to. Whilst there may not be the hustle and bustle of the South, the North does offer a very pleasant, slower paced holiday. I stayed at the Hotel Ofir and was taken aback by the huge expanse of rugged coastline just infront of the hotel that almost seemed to be your own – perfect for a leisurely stroll. The weather was also similarly very pleasant – not a cloud in the sky and pleasantly hot without the humidity of the South.
Ian Ventures Out
Whilst it was tempting to stay put on what seemed like a huge expanse of private beach, I am certainly glad that I chose to venture out. Porto was the first stop – what a wonderful city? Famous port factories proudly line the river that was once used to transport millions of barrels of Port from the verdant vineyards of the Douro Valley further upstream. The Port wine industry is just one highlight of the city, there is also the Porto historical centre – a UNESCO World Heritage site and various museums.
Ian ‘Samples' Port
I chose to spend one evening watching the River life go by and enjoying a drink and typical Portuguese fare in one of the narrow restaurants that line the River Douro. The next morning a visit to the famous Taylor's Porto wine cellar was in hand, here I quickly learnt the history of Port wine making and sampled many varieties of Port that I didn't even know existed.
Outside Porto I was treated to more aspects of the region – the rolling Vineyards of the Douro Valley with the highlight being a memorable trip on Douro's historic train from Regua to Porto – an excellent way to take in the many vineyards lining the river.
Ian Thinks He's In Venice (Well Almost)
Next stop was the charming town of Aveiro that seemed so tranquil and unspoilt; with its canals and colourful fishing boats you could almost be mistaken for being in a sleepy Venice. Aveiro is an excellent spot for lunch with its many excellent fish restaurants. Guimares, Braga, Barcelos and Viano de Castelo all offer some fine gothic architecture that symbolises much of Northern Portugal as well as some fine museums, castles and cathedrals such as the famous cathedral of Braga perched high up on the hill offering stunning views across the region.
Ian Makes a Vow
I left Northern Portugal charmed and surprised by how different it is from the South and how such an area with so much to offer is relatively still undiscovered. I vow to return – maybe for a short weekend break, perhaps for another week or even a river cruise.
Got a Question for Ian?
If you would like to ask Ian a question about this destination email him at ihailes@cosmos.co.uk and he will get back to as soon as possible.
Follow in Ian's Footsteps
Has Ian's holiday inspired you to visit Northern Portugal & the Douro Valley? If so use our search panel at the top of this page to find our tours and cruises of Portugal. You'll find full holiday itineraries, availability and prices. You can even book online in four simple steps.
Click here for our previous Staff Choice articles
