Portugal: The Douro & Serra da Estrela

Arrive at our group hotel in Porto. Nestled at the mouth of the Douro River, Porto’s historic city center blends tradition, culture, and natural beauty, making it one of Europe’s must-see destinations. There is much to do and see in Porto: stroll along the Ribeira District, a UNESCO World Heritage site consisting of a tapestry of colorful houses along the river; take in breathtaking views of the city from the famous Dom Luis I Bridge; and enjoy a glass of port wine in a cafe along the city’s many vibrant and lively streets.

Meet your Terra & Tu leader in the morning at the hotel for a group transport to São Bento, where we’ll take our train journey to Ferradosa, located deep within the Douro Valley where inspiring views are plentiful and other visitors are few. The train ride along the riverway takes us east towards Spain, introducing us to central Portugal’s port vineyard jewel. On arrival, we embark on a boat tour of one of the most scenic stretches of the Douro River, from Ferradosa to Freixo do Numao, giving us close-up views of the terraced wineries and the traditional remote village life. Our boat trip culminates with an authentic local lunch and a wine tasting at Quinta da Mós, one of the region’s rarely visited, yet highly acclaimed wineries.

In the mid-afternoon, we check into our luxury accommodations, Casa do Rio. Designed by renowned architect Francisco Vieira de Campos, Casa do Rio is built on a gorge between vineyards, with a terraced dining area and infinity pool overlooking the vast Douro River. In the evening, enjoy welcome drinks followed by a group dinner.

After a morning yoga session overlooking the Douro River, today we take a deep and immersive dive into the history of the Côa Valley, a UNESCO World Heritage Site that is home to prehistoric rock art dating back over 20,000 years. A short visit to the Côa Museum and Archeological Park introduces us to the history of this remarkable area, and we learn from local experts about the world-renowned network of Paleolithic drawings in the area. Following lunch on the museum’s terrace overlooking the Douro’s wine-making landscape, we embark on an optional guided walk to view the drawings for ourselves, a rare chance for a personal look at one of the world’s important historic sites.

In the late afternoon, join a restorative yoga session, enjoy a massage at the spa or relax at the hotel’s vineyard-themed grounds. Sunset drinks and dinner on the terrace overlooking the Douro complete our day.

After morning yoga and breakfast at Casa do Rio, we depart by van for the traditional mountain town of Videmonte, located in the heart of the isolated Serra da Estrela Natural Park, Portugal’s most striking mountain peaks and largest protected area. Our drive takes us past genuine sheep herding communities en route to lunch at Trancoso, a Medieval town and historically important Portuguese fortress. Our ultimate destination is Terra Sense Retreat & Farm, a property consisting of two modern, luxury villas constructed of local materials built on a family-owned farm surrounded by lavender fields. The afternoon is free to relax, check out the lavender fields or nearby river beach, and soak in the natural beauty of the Serra da Estrela. Following evening yoga, we enjoy a farm-to-table dinner on-site.

Located on a river valley and nestled between an expansive, untouched mountain range, Videmonte is home to a community known for its hospitality. According to legend, the mountain village was formed when a rich noble welcomed into his land, called Monte, the struggling people of the nearby village of Vide. To this day, the picturesque mountain village remains known for its hospitality and communal nature. We get to experience these values ourselves as we join the locals and gain uncommon insight into their lives and culture. We will meet with a local baker for a bread making class using the communal oven and enjoy a cheese making workshop, including tastings of some of the cheeses for which Serra da Estrela is known. After a tour of the village, we enjoy lunch at the local Videmonte Residents’ Association. After some free time at the farm and restorative yoga, we enjoy a dinner consisting of traditional fare – including cheeses made by the same producer we met this morning.

Following morning yoga and a home-cooked breakfast on the farm, we embark on a walk along a stretch of the Passadiços Do Mondego – a newly constructed boardwalk following the source of the Mondego River. The boardwalk provides unparalleled views of the river and the surrounding Serra da Estrela range, an experience not afforded to most Portugal visitors. Guests have the option to join our guide for shorter or longer walks. In the afternoon, we will enjoy lunch in the medieval village of Folgosinho, in the shadows of the towering stone Castle of Folgosinho. Following this, we enjoy a private wine tasting and tour at Casa da Passarella, a 130-year-old luxury wine estate. In the evening, we enjoy an aperitif by the outdoor fire pit and a traditional farm-to-table dinner.

After breakfast and yoga, we depart Videmonte for a scenic drive to the town of Manteigas, nestled in the heart of the Serra da Estrela mountains and known for its rich history rooted in wool production. Our destination is the 5-Star Casa de São Lourenço, our luxury hotel and spa for the next two days. The property is owned by one of the town’s most prominent burel wool producers, and we make sure to stop by their workshop for fascinating insight into the history of the hotel, factory, and wool in the region. After a brief tour (and yes, the opportunity to purchase some of these products yourself), we arrive at the hotel. The interior was crafted by one of Portugal’s most famous designers, and the influence of the local, wool-based economy is immediately visible in the furniture and decor of the hotel. In the evening, we enjoy a private welcome drink overlooking the glacial valley below followed by a group dinner prepared by the hotel’s acclaimed chef.

Your time at the hotel and spa is yours to spend as you desire. Those who wish, can join a guided hike as we explore the surrounding area — one of the most remote and beautiful in all of Portugal. If you’d rather take it easy, you’ll have ample time to enjoy the panoramic views from the pool or book a massage at the spa. In the late afternoon, we embark on a drive through the Zêzere Valley, formed by glaciers over 20,000 years ago, stopping at the breathtaking Covao da Ametade along the way.

This evening we gather under the stars at the São Lourenço Restaurant at the hotel for our final dinner together as a group. Known for its exceptional quality and Chef Figueira’s exclusive use of fresh, locally sourced ingredients, the restaurant has specially prepared for us a meal consisting of traditional local fare with a modern twist.

We begin our final morning with another opportunity for yoga and mindfulness, taking one last chance to appreciate our pristine surroundings. A late morning group transfer back to Porto will be provided, where we say our goodbyes and begin our journeys homeward, rejuvenated and enriched from our Portuguese experience together. If you are leaving from Porto on Day 8, please book your flight for after 4:00 PM to ensure that you have sufficient time to make it through the airport.