Portugal
Eater Journeys: Porto
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As luxury travel experts, we know a thing or two about getting around the world in style.
That’s why we’ve combined our round-the-world travel expertise with the culinary insight of Eater. This slice-by-slice tour of Portuguese food, and the landscapes which gave rise to it, is the result, making use of our approach to truly bespoke, experiential travel. Scroll down to read the full itinerary or click the button below to browse more food-focused Eater experiences.
We love Porto. The color-splashed, hillside buildings set along the Douro River, the quaint cobbled streets and buskers playing by trendy café hangouts. But besides its charming aesthetics, the city is an absolute food lover’s haven. For this six-night trip, we’ve teamed up with Eater to bring you the best of Porto’s impressive gastronomy. With our expert guides, you’ll be delving into the traditions of Porto’s wine and port industry with private tastings at our favorite cellars around Douro Valley. You’ll be exploring curbside eateries, dining at the finest Michelin-starred spots and embarking on private cooking classes with local residents.
Welcome to Portuguese gastronomy in Porto
Arriving in Porto, our driver will welcome you at the airport, ready to whisk you across to the historic port wine cellar district. Porto was once a thriving medieval harbor that exported its eponymous port wines back to Britain, therefore it’s fitting to start your tantalizing journey staying at a hotel dedicated to the spirit of wine: The Yeatman. Unwind with a glass – or bottle – among the sprawling landscaped gardens and soak up the vistas of Porto’s skyline as the day turns to night. For your first hearty plateful of Portuguese gastronomy, experience two-Michelin-star dining at The Restaurant at The Yeatman, which boasts a phenomenal tasting menu, including melt in the mouth beef and fresh oysters drizzled in veal sauce. And the fantastic selection of Portuguese wine is the perfect accompaniment for your meal.
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Start PlanningCooking classes and vineyards in Douro Valley
Checking out of the Yeatman, our expert guide will be waiting to bring you to Casa de Juste, a grand 16th century manor house in the quaint town of Guimarães, 45 minutes away from Porto. Experience a private cooking class with a local chef, discovering the traditions of northern Portugal and exploring the flavors of authentic recipes in the family’s old kitchen. From there, we continue onward to Portugal’s famous wine region: Douro Valley. The outstanding Six Senses will be your base for two nights, overlooking the vast stretches of vineyards laden along the valley’s rolling hills.
On a private tour of Douro Valley, your guide will go through the ancient heritage of port, whose vines were originally planted along the steep banks by Romans over 2,000 years ago. Set sail down the river in a private yacht from Pinhão, the original loading dock for wine barrels heading to Porto. Along the way, you’ll stop off at our favorite vineyards, tasting the varieties of wine along the way. Experience an exclusive private wine tasting with a passionate sommelier and learn how the grapes have been cultivated to produce the bold, full-bodied Tinta Amarelas and the light, refreshing Malvasias before you.
Northern Portuguese culture and Taylor’s port tasting
Leaving the Douro Valley behind, today you’ll explore more of northern Portugal with your guide, visiting Lamego, Mateus and Amarante on the journey back to Porto. Arriving back at The Yeatman for the final three nights, we’ve reserved a table at the exclusive Taberna Dos Mercadores. Set down a narrow alley away from the bustle of the city, this intimate restaurant serves some of the best traditional dishes of the region, including the must-try seafood açorda. Wind down the evening with live jazz in The Yeatman’s bar or relaxing out on your private terrace, overlooking the lights of Porto.
The next morning, your guide will unveil the backstory of Porto during a tour of Portugal’s second city. Experience a special private tasting at Taylor’s port wine cellars, savoring the bottles of Tawny and carefully aged vintages. You’ll also have an exclusive, behind-the-scenes tour of the Stock Exchange Palace, visiting the private rooms of this grand high-society venue. The day wraps up at Casa de Chat da Boa Nova. Nestled on the coastline in Leça da Palmeira, the restaurant is both a national monument and a gastronomic haven, with ultra-fresh seafood as the chief protagonist on its sublime tasting menu.
Moliceiros, porcelain and dining with a local host
It’s your last full day in the enchanting Porto, but there’s still plenty more to discover. Your expert guide will take you to Aveiro, a small riverside city laden with traditional Moliceiro boats, and Ílhavo, exploring the artistry of Porcelain Factory of Vista Alegre, Portugal’s original porcelain production unit. Last, but certainly not least, our friends in Porto will open their doors and welcome you in for an evening sharing their passion for food. Whether it’s a history teacher, an artist or a designer, you’ll have plenty of stories to swap during dinner at your local host’s home, as you gain a true flavor of Portuguese culture.