Northern Portugal

This area stretches from the Minho region to the Douro Valley, a green expanse of extraordinary natural beauty where you will find medieval villages with enchanting palaces and mysterious castles.

The Douro Valley is a UNESCO World Heritage site, as well as the exclusive origin and producer of Port wine. Beautiful vineyards and wine estates dot the picturesque landscape, many still owned by the founding families, others by renowned multinational wine companies.

Traditionally, the barrels of port were taken downriver from the estates in flat-bottom boats called “rabelos” to be stored in cellars in Vila Nova de Gaia, just across the river from Porto. Though no longer in use, there are still numerous rabelos moored along the riverside and these remain a popular tourist attraction.