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Bespoke

Porto & Douro Valley Bespoke

The soul of northern Portugal

Country

Portugal

Accommodation Options

Boutique hotels, luxury wine estates & five-star hotels

Things to See & Do

Hiking, biking, culture & wine

Best Time To Go

April – June, September – October

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Carbon Neutral Trip

Northern Portugal is Portugal turned all the way up. From Porto’s lively laneways to the terraced vineyards of the Douro and the rugged granite peaks of Serra da Estrela, the north serves up beauty, flavour and soul. Life moves slower here—set to the rhythm of rivers, wine pours and age-old traditions. Pedal through vineyard-clad hills, hike ancient Roman roads, sip with winemakers who treat you like family and linger in villages where time forgot to rush. This is Portugal at its most authentic—untouched, unhurried and deeply rooted in tradition. 

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Exceptional Wines

The Douro Valley is one of Europe’s most striking wine regions, where terraced vineyards cascade down golden hillsides toward the river below. It’s not just postcard-perfect—its quiet backroads and sweeping views make it an exceptional setting for biking or hiking through living history. 


Timeless Traditions

Northern Portugal offers a rare opportunity: in a single trip, you can experience two distinct traditions side by side—the birthplace of Port wine, one of the world’s oldest and most storied wine regions, and the vibrant green landscapes that produce the country’s other famed export, Vinho Verde.


Sensory Porto

Porto is a feast for the senses: cobbled streets and colourful azulejos, bold architecture and riverside charm, a dynamic food scene and of course world-class wine. It’s the perfect gateway to the rural heart of the north.

Experience Designer

Trip Inspiration

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Snapshot of a Day

Ride down to the river, where your private boat awaits for a scenic Douro cruise. Then, cap off the day with a port wine tasting and toast to a ride well taken.

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Trip Inspiration

Discover Northern Portugal on Two Wheels

Pedal through the lush green heart of the Vinho Verde region, where bike paths weave past terraced hills, vine-covered valleys and timeless stone villages. Ride deeper into the mountains, where quiet roads rise and fall across granite plateaus and through oak and chestnut forests. And then there’s the Douro—one of Europe’s most breathtaking landscapes, where winding roads hug the contours of steep vineyards and sleepy hamlets, with barely another cyclist in sight. This is a place made for two wheels, yet still undiscovered.

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Recommended Duration: 6-9 days

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Best Time To Go: Late April – June, September – October

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Things to See and Do: Cycle through UNESCO landscapes, port wine tastings, explore Vinho Verde and surrounding villages.

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Don't Miss Out On: A private boat cruise on the Douro River.

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Snapshot of a Day

Take in the magnificent early morning views from the Galafura viewpoint, then follow a winding trail down through terraced hills to the river—snacking on sun-ripened almonds and plums along the way.

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Trip Inspiration

Explore Northern Portugal on Foot

Walk along the windswept Atlantic coast, where fishing villages and golden beaches give way to eucalyptus forests and pine-covered trails. Then head inland, where ancient footpaths wind through the terraced hills and sun-drenched valleys of the Douro. Hike between vineyards that have shaped this landscape for centuries, stopping for a picnic among the vines or a tasting at a family-run wine estate. With each step, the views grow wider and the connection to the land deeper.

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Recommended Duration: 6-9 days

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Best Time To Go: Late April – June, September – October

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Things to See and Do: Hiking, explore the Douro Valley towns and wine estates.

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Don't Miss Out On: A private Port wine tasting among the vines overlooking the Douro River.

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Snapshot of a Day

Start by exploring the city where the first king of Portugal was born and finish by a Portuguese fishing village learning from past and present.

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Trip Inspiration

Cultural Immersion in Northern Portugal

Northern Portugal is a land where the past lives proudly in the present. Begin in a riverside city known for its bold architecture, tiled facades and dynamic food scene. Venture inland, where medieval towns with cobbled streets and hilltop castles whisper stories of a nation’s origins. Visit traditional workshops where time-honoured crafts—like embroidery, wood carving and gold filigree—are still practiced by hand. Savour slow lunches in manor houses where hospitality is personal, and explore countryside shaped by shepherds, farmers and winemakers over generations. In this corner of Portugal, culture isn’t curated—it’s lived.

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Recommended Duration: 6-9 days

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Best Time To Go: Late April – June, September – October

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Things to See and Do: Food, history and art tours in local towns, experience traditional Fado music, and explore the countryside and fishing villages.

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Don't Miss Out On: A visit to Guimarães, the cradle of the nation.

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Snapshot of a Day

Enjoy a serene family cruise along the Douro River, taking in views of the vineyards as the kids splash in the water. Pause for a leisurely lunch overlooking the vines.

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Trip Inspiration

A Family Adventure in the Douro Valley

Northern Portugal is a dream playground for active families. Start by exploring the wild beauty of the Atlantic coast, where kids can try surfing or stand-up paddle boarding, while parents join a beach yoga session—or dive in too. Inland, trade waves for vineyards as you bike along the Douro Valley, hike scenic ridge lines or glide down the river on a boat between vineyard-covered slopes. Along the way, hands-on cooking classes, farm visits and traditional workshops bring everyone into the story of the region. Stay at soulful retreats where wellness meets adventure and where time together is balanced with space to breathe. 

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Recommended Duration: 6-9 days

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Best Time To Go: Late April – June, September – October

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Things to See and Do: Private boat rides, water activities, yoga, cooking classes and artisanal workshops.

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Don't Miss Out On: River adventures for the entire family: kayaking, sailing or rowing.

Featured stays

Itinerary

Six Senses Douro Valley

Location: Lamego, Portugal

Itinerary

Quinta Nova De Nossa Senhora Do Carmo Winery House

Location: Douro Valley, Portugal

Itinerary

Vidago Palace Hotel

Location: Vidago, Portugal

Itinerary

The Yeatman

Location: Vila Nova de Gaia, Portugal

Total immersion into the culture. All the senses were awakened.

Exceeded our expectations! A total immersion into the culture. Admire the love, hard-working, humble but filled with pride characteristics of all the people we encountered. All the food & wine prepared & shared was an experience never to be forgotten. All the senses were awakened.

—Susan S; North Dakota, US

Process

Step 1

Let's connect

Whether you have a specific trip in mind or are looking for inspiration, get in touch with your travel preferences, and one of our Experience Designers will kick off the planning.

Step 2

Detailed Brief

After a conversation to learn more about your trip, you’ll receive details on an adventure with us, including activities and accommodation options in the destinations. An initial Trip Development Fee is made before moving to the next stage.

Step 3

Customized Itinerary and Confirmation

Your Experience Designer will share a tailored trip plan and will collaborate to adjust and finalize the itinerary. A per-person trip deposit is requested to confirm your trip, with full payment made 95 days* before departure. 

Step 4

Support, Start to Finish

Before your trip, you’ll receive details on every step of your journey. You’ll have dedicated support while on trip, and when you return, our Traveller Relationship team will be ready to welcome your feedback and explore ideas for your next B&R adventure!

* Final payment terms may vary based on destination and type of trip.

Good to know

Terrain
Terrain

Portugal offers diverse terrain which can include cobblestone roads when entering towns. We recommend familiarity with biking in these conditions.

Accommodation
Accommodation

Five-star hotels in Portugal offer excellent luxury experiences, however service may be more relaxed compared to that in countries with a longer tradition of high-end service.

Why choose a Bespoke trip?

An Effortless Journey

Our expert Experience Designers are perfectionists, using first-hand knowledge of routes, restaurants and hotels to create an unforgettable experience. This means you’re in the best hands to plan your dream trip.


Lifelong Memories

Our Bespoke trips are often described as lifechanging. When every detail and magical moment is planned just for you and your group – you'll get exactly what you’re after, and more. The perfect addition to the memory book.


Years of Local Friendships

We’ve been at this since 1966, and our Experience Designers have been planting seeds and building friendships around the world since day one. The loyalty we share with our connections is invaluable and is what allows us to give access exclusive to B&R.


Creativity and Spontaneity

From our office to our guides on the road, every person who touches your trip pours their passion and creativity into it. When you travel Bespoke, you’ll work closely with passionate planners to create the perfect fit for you and your travelling companions.

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Speak to an Expert

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