Portugal is a land of wine that is sometimes still inexplicably overlooked. In the north of the country, between the Douro Valley and the mountainous Dão region, the perfect geometry of the vineyards is indisputably a work of art. In these arid landscapes between river and mountain, the quintas (the name given to the region's wineries) produce wines of exceptional quality. From the Atlantic coast to the interior of the country, from Porto to Santar, exploring the Douro and Dão combines the pleasures of the landscapes with those of the palate.
Hotel and restaurant in town. Sit back on the terrace of your room and admire the panoramic view: beneath your eyes, Porto, a Unesco World Heritage site, and the sinuous curves of the Douro river. The Yeatman, located in the heart of Vila Nova de Gaia–the historical headquarters of the Port wine houses–owes its name to a family of British traders who are still active: this legacy is told through the décor of the rooms and a great collection of Portuguese wines. The chef showcases contemporary gastronomy, with food and wine pairing an important part of the dining experience. The final touch is the choice of treatments available at The Yeatman Wine Spa–an oasis of harmony and well-being.
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Behind its neo-Gothic facade, this superb bookshop is a sheer delight. Lello opened in 1906 at 144 Rua das Carmelitas in the university district, and has been ranked as one of the top three most beautiful bookshops in the world by the British newspaper The Guardian. After leafing though a few volumes,...
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Discover Port Wine with Taylor's
Founded more than four centuries ago, Taylor's just renovated its 300-year-old cellars, adding a modern, innovative tour exploring its history. You can explore the cellars and go back in time to relive the glorious Golden Age of port. You'll travel through the Douro Valley while learning about the history...
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The Lello Bookshop
Behind its neo-Gothic facade, this superb bookshop is a sheer delight. Lello opened in 1906 at 144 Rua das Carmelitas in the university district, and has been ranked as one of the top three most beautiful bookshops in the world by the British newspaper The Guardian. After leafing though a few volumes,...
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Discover Port Wine with Taylor's
Founded more than four centuries ago, Taylor's just renovated its 300-year-old cellars, adding a modern, innovative tour exploring its history. You can explore the cellars and go back in time to relive the glorious Golden Age of port. You'll travel through the Douro Valley while learning about the history...
Hotel and restaurant in town. The lemon-yellow facade of the Casa da Calçada hints at the sunny stay that awaits at this hotel. Situated in the heart of the town of Amarante, between the bustle of Porto and the sun-dappled countryside of the Douro Valley, both less than an hour away, this building dating back to the 16th century, with its golden baroque interiors, is a favourite with those who love beauty, golf, great wine and gastronomy. Nearby you find a splendid 18-hole golf course. The hotel also produces “Vinho Verde” wines, and on-site activities include a tour of the region’s best wine “quintas” that will ensure that you never forget the differences between Tawny, Ruby, White or Vintage Port.
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The town of Amarante, on the banks of the Tâmega River, initially attracts visitors with its charming atmosphere and striking 17th-century houses with brightly colored wooden balconies. But on the first weekend in June, the entire region gathers along Amarante’s cobbled streets for a festival of music...
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On the route
Casa de Mateus: a Baroque masterpiece
The Mateus Palace, with its early-18th-century Baroque architecture, is considered one of the most beautiful residences in northern Portugal. Though the same family has called it home since it was built, it is open to visitors. Inside are a wooden ceiling, bookcases, period ceramics, and paintings by...
Hotel and restaurant in a vineyard. Nestled in the heart of the Alto Douro wine region, a UNESCO World Heritage Site, this intimate and deliciously bucolic hotel boasts breathtaking views of the Douro River and the surrounding hills of terraced vineyards. With over 120 hectares of land, Quinta Nova is also a renowned producer of succulent Port and Douro wines.
Carefully restored, its charming 18th-century building hosts eleven luxurious rooms with clean, elegant lines. Evoking the feel of a large family home, its quite and enchanting setting is perfect for tasting the joyous simplicity of Portuguese living. In the kitchen, chef André Carvalho honours local products as he revisits the region’s traditional cuisine with finesse and nobility, while also matching his creations with exquisite wines.
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Though the small town of Lamego is known for producing an excellent sparkling wine, raposeira (rather than port), it is most famous for its majestic, ornate double staircase. People come from far and wide to admire the structure’s azulejo frescoes and catch their breath on the broad landings as they...
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La Casa do Douro, Peso da Régua
This immense Art Deco building dating from 1944 is the administrative headquarters of the Douro Region's Winegrowers Association. Take time to admire the five immense chandeliers and the magnificent stained-glass windows by modern artist Lino Antonio telling the story of the winemaking process. Peso...
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Lamego's astounding staircase
Though the small town of Lamego is known for producing an excellent sparkling wine, raposeira (rather than port), it is most famous for its majestic, ornate double staircase. People come from far and wide to admire the structure’s azulejo frescoes and catch their breath on the broad landings as they...
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La Casa do Douro, Peso da Régua
This immense Art Deco building dating from 1944 is the administrative headquarters of the Douro Region's Winegrowers Association. Take time to admire the five immense chandeliers and the magnificent stained-glass windows by modern artist Lino Antonio telling the story of the winemaking process. Peso...
Surrounded by mountains that protect the area’s vineyards from the wind, the Dão winemaking region, an hour from Porto, is popular for its preserved landscapes and its exceptional wines. The Valverde Santar Hotel & Spa is the ideal destination to enjoy the charms of the Portuguese interior, in a setting that celebrates art and the art of living. Located in the picturesque village of Santar, renowned for its magnificent century-old residences and beautiful gardens, the property is a vast typical 17th-century manor house, partly belonging to the royal family.
At the entrance stands an imposing baroque fountain, which sets the tone for the decor. In the shared spaces, as in the guest rooms, period furniture and master paintings co-exist under painted or paneled ceilings. Gastronomy is also in the spotlight at the Valverde Santar Hotel & Spa, where you can enjoy modern cuisine that reinterprets traditional regional recipes. The property has collaborated for several years with the best local farmers, market gardeners and winegrowers, with all of whom it shares a taste for natural, seasonal products. Enjoy a bucolic, cultural and gourmet break, far from the daily grind.
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Located in a spectacular Renaissance palace next to Sé, Viseu's impressive Grão Vasco National Museum houses one of the country’s finest collections of paintings. The works of Vasco Fernandes (known as Grão Vasco, 1475-1543) are displayed alongside those of Gaspar Vaz and other major Portuguese artists....
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Exploring the Dão Vineyards
After years of being underappreciated, the Dão winemaking region is now firmly back on the Portuguese wine map. Surrounded by three mountain ranges–Estrela, Caramulo and Buçaco–this discreet appellation of 1,450 square miles/3,760 square kilometers, on a granite plateau at an altitude of over 1,300 feet/400...
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Visit the Grão Vasco Museum in Viseu
Located in a spectacular Renaissance palace next to Sé, Viseu's impressive Grão Vasco National Museum houses one of the country’s finest collections of paintings. The works of Vasco Fernandes (known as Grão Vasco, 1475-1543) are displayed alongside those of Gaspar Vaz and other major Portuguese artists....
Read Moreless
Exploring the Dão Vineyards
After years of being underappreciated, the Dão winemaking region is now firmly back on the Portuguese wine map. Surrounded by three mountain ranges–Estrela, Caramulo and Buçaco–this discreet appellation of 1,450 square miles/3,760 square kilometers, on a granite plateau at an altitude of over 1,300 feet/400...
**Offer cannot be combined, valid for an itinerary in at least 2 different Relais & Châteaux establishments, reserved with Relais & Châteaux concierges, discount applicable on certain rates and certain establishments. List available from our concierges.
Total price communicated as an indication, based on a stay of the number of nights recommended on this webpage, taking place in the next 3 months, and based on double occupancy (excluding recommended activities, excluding properties not bookable online).
Reservation Service
To give you inspiration, Relais & Châteaux presents the Routes du Bonheur:
Suggestions for travel itineraries that you can fully personalise according to your wishes and the experiences you would like to discover. Our consultants are available to help customise your route and assist you in making reservations at our properties. It is up to you to reserve any recommended activities on-site or nearby that might interest you.
** Offer cannot be combined, valid for an itinerary in at least 2 different Relais & Châteaux establishments, reserved with Relais & Châteaux concierges, discount applicable on certain rates and certain establishments. List available from our concierges. Call our concierge to tailormade your booking and itinerary*. *Price of a local call
From the Douro Valley to the Dão, a journey to the heart of Portuguese vineyards
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