THE WINES OF PORTUGAL

After breakfast, head to Alentejo. It is here that Portugal’s climate finally escapes the Atlantic influence and the scenery changes to large, gently undulating plains. Aside from the many tourist attractions in the region, it is wine that is currently putting the Alentejo region on the map, and more specifically, its red wines. Continue to Evora, the capital of Alentejo Province. This museum-city, whose roots go back to Roman times, reached its golden age in the 15th century, when it became the residence of the Portuguese Kings. Its unique quality stands in the whitewashed houses decorated with azulejos and wrought-iron balconies dating from the 16th to the 18th century. Overnight in Evora. (B)

After breakfast, head north to Coimbra. On our way, we stop in the charming village of Obidos and in Batalha for a visit of its imposing 14th century Monastery. Coimbra, known as Portugal’s most romantic city, was the inspiration for the song “April in Portugal.” On the weather-washed right bank of the muddy Mondego, this city of medieval churches is also the educational center of the country, and is at its best when the university is in session and the city radiates youthful energy. Overnight in Coimbra. (B)

After breakfast at the hotel, we drive to the fertile wine growing areas of Dão and Bairrada. In the western part of the Beiras, between the mountainous Dão region and the surf-washed Atlantic beaches, Bairrada has a mild, maritime climate with abundant rainfall. Although much of the Bairrada region is hilly, the majority of the vineyards are on flatter land. Continue to the Dão region. This area is a fine example of the changes that are driving the rapid improvement in Portuguese wines. Once home to mostly large cooperative wineries that churned out wine en masse, it’s now blossoming into a premier wine region with several small, quality minded producers. Overnight in Porto. (B)

Start your day with an orientation tour of Porto, Portugal’s second largest city. Sitting pretty among the hilly landscape at the mouth of the Douro River, Porto welcomes visitors looking for history, culture and a good glass of port wine. Porto’s historic center is the Ribeira district, a UNESCO World Heritage Site. See its narrow, cobbled streets, pause for a cup of coffee and “pastel de nata” at one of many inviting cafes. Walk across the 19th century Ponte de Dom Luis Bridge to visit Porto’s other half - the port-soaked Vila Nova de Gaia. Here you can tour one of the many ancient port wine cellars, learn about the beverage’s history and sample some of the rich red liquid for yourself. Overnight in Porto. (B)

Today we drive to the Douro Valley, a UNESCO World Heritage Site. The valley is spectacularly beautiful with the hills falling steeply down to the water´s edge becoming more and more sparsely populated and wild the further inland one travels, with more of the land being given over to terraces of vines and, to a lesser extent, olive groves. This is port country and was, in fact, the world’s first demarcated wine region being established in 1756. Overnight in Porto. (B)

Head to the province of Minho, a rolling province of lush river valleys, forested hillsides, trailing vines and long, sandy beaches, it is certainly pleasing to the eye, especially in the mountainous east where you can still see wooden wheeled ox-carts creak down cobbled lanes. Your first stop is in Guimarães, the first capital of Portugal that has preserved a medieval atmosphere in its core. Continue to Ponte de Lima, spread lazily along the tree-lined banks of the Lima River, it is named for the Roman Bridge with 27 arches spanning the water. This is also the area where the famous Vinho Verde (green wine) is produced. Overnight in Porto. (B)

Today say “adeus” to Portugal or extend your stay. (B)