April 15th – 22nd 2012

Our inaugural PORT EXPLORER’S TOUR was a great success last year and our guests felt we delivered an experience that exceeded their expectations … in 2012 we plan to improve upon that!

The PORT EXPLORER’S TOUR will be focused more on providing a relaxing trip through the Douro and at least one other Portuguese wine region, after a couple of days spent in Oporto and Vila Nova de Gaia. Although remaining focused on wine and food, we’ll incorporate other fun cultural visits that will provide a greater understanding of the history and life in the region. This trip was created to feel less intense than our other tours, designed specifically for those who are looking for a fun introduction to Port and the Douro, while seeking a more casual pace. We’ve planned for more free time too, so you can do some exploring on your own, surrounded by the beauty of Northern Portugal.

Mario and Roy have listened to feedback from potential guests who’d like to participate, but don’t feel that staying at 5* hotels makes sense for them and would prefer a more value oriented introduction to the Port region. We have created this tour with that end in mind. We won’t compromise the quality whatsoever, but have added great value at a price substantially lower than our other tours.

We’ll also start the majority of our appointments a little bit later in the day, providing for a less harried schedule and the ability to sleep in; with one or two days where we’ll only schedule a single but longer winery visit instead of two. We will ensure that you have plenty to eat and certainly enough great Port & Douro wines to drink, so that should never be a concern.

Last but certainly not least, our tour will capture a broader cultural experience and at least one visit will be to the likes of an olive oil producer, or offer a cooking class, or possibly exploring the cave of an artisan cheese maker. Some of our guests prefer a break from a full week of wine and dine experiences and we plan to include at least one distinctive diversion on every Port Explorer’s Tour!

Our 2012 Port Explorer’s Tour package includes everything except airfare:

• Renowned Port expert Roy Hersh and Mario Ferreira personally guiding your entire trip
• 7 night’s accommodations at an impeccably chosen 3 – 4 star hotel in both Porto & the Douro
• Meals include all breakfasts, lunches and dinners w/ the exception of one dinner “on your own”
• Transfers to/from Porto International Airport: all tips & taxes … no hidden costs
• Transportation throughout your stay with us in Northern Portugal
• Inclusion of all Port & wine during our VIP tastings at esteemed Port properties
• Introduction to the key players within the Port trade at their Port lodges, quintas & homes
• Exploration of at least one other Portuguese wine region and additional cultural destination