Lisbon - Porto - Douro River Valley - Dão

Cities, Rivers, Wine Regions, Islands, Michelin dining, and even a local insider food crawl

painstakingly curated by

• Kopke Wines

• Chef Vitor de Oliviera

• Simply B’s Sandra Tavares

• Chef Will Preisch from 82 Acres and Abbey Road Farm in Oregon

• Portland expat Don Bourassa

• Your host company, Portland Food Adventures

This very special trip has been specially curated by some incredibly special companies and people to bring you an unforgettable can’t miss insider’s food and wine tour of the hottest and coolest spots in Portugal!

Portand Food Adventures has put together a team of awesome hosts who all have the experience and connections you’ll not find anywhere else. This will be the first-ever PFA trip to Portugal, but it’s not because we didn’t want to bring you there, it’s because we found the perfect convergence of parties to jump at the chance to offer this trip to PFA patrons!

To start, we are really proud to be in the hands of some great folks at Sogevinus, who boast the oldest Port House in Porto, and Port wines they have been producing for almost four centures. They will not only showcase the best Ports and wines available, they’ll host us a number of different ways. In Porto, their brand sparkling new hotel will be our home for four nights in Gaia in Porto, and we will start there with a reception featuring Kopke Wines. Secondly, we will visit Quinta de São Luiz, where they have a beautiful inn and vineyard in the Douro Valley. We will be treated to a cocophany of wonderful experiences, from a private barrel tasting to a “four-hands” dinner you’ll witness first-hand and enjoy al fresco out on the patio of The Vine House. You cannot miss this.

Chef Vitor’s lovely wife is Sandra Tavares, who operates one of Portugal’s finest and deepest tour companies specializing in bespoke culinary tourism. (Her husband’s chef connections don’t hurt!) She has worked hand in hand with PFA’s Chris Angelus to carefully put together a wonderful array of experiences at vineyards, on boats, on islands and everywhere that isn’t on every website — away from the hoards of touristas!

Lastly, what a treat: Don Bourassa, who traveled the world with his wife Hilary, seeking out the place they’d love to live outside of the US, and chose Porto. Don was the Community Director at Yelp for years, who was right in the middle of the Portland food world. He surely hasn’t lost his interest in food since moving to Porto, and he’ll share with us and take us to some of his more beer-friendly haunts featuring his favorite local fare in his own special way.

SEE THE DAILY ITINERARY IN THE NEXT COLUMN!

WHERE WE’RE GOING

PORTO

Porto, Portugal is increasingly becoming one of the most desirable food destinations for exciting food and excellent wine, most specifically port wines. Its proximity to the ocean and fertile ground presents a playground for chefs and winemakers alike. The city is located on the Douro River's mouth where it meets the Atlantic Ocean, and is part of the world-famous Douro Valley wine region. Porto has played a key role in the production of Port wines, which are typically richer, sweeter, and higher in alcohol content than other wines. A young, vibrant city, Porto also has a growing wine bar scene, and we’ve got that covered, too!

DOURO RIVER VALLEY

The Douro River Valley is one of the oldest wine-producing regions in the world, famous for Port wine. The terraced vineyards along the riverbanks produce grapes used in the production of both Port and Douro wines The river has transported the fruits of the labor of many wonderful wine producers for years, down to Porto for aging and distribution. It is incredibly picturesque, with steep hillsides adorned with terraced vineyards that cascade down towards the river. The region has been recognized as a UNESCO World Heritage site since 2001.

LISBON

Lisbon is the largest city in Portugal, boasting a very diverse food and wine scene. Its proximity to the sea makes it a fantastic place for chefs to stretch their boundaries with seafood. Its many restaurants, food halls, markets, cafes and culture make it a must visit for people looking for relatively affordable and delcious experiences. We will get a bite of it all! Or lots of it, anyway!

Listen to Sandra Taveras, who developed our itinerary, talk about her love of food and wine in Portugal, and life at the Quinta S. Luiz, where he husband is the Chef.

WHAT WE’LL DO

Daily Itinerary

(subject to change depending on availability as we get closer and other factors)

Fly into Lisbon on or before 17 May, and out of Porto on or after 27 May.

DAY 1 - Arrive and Sleep in Lisbon

Check in to our hotel in Lisbon, meet your tripmates, and our wonderful host Sandra, who will be with us throughout our adventure. She’s the best guide and planner imaginable, and then we will kick off our Portugal experience with a most wonderful dinner featuring beautiful Fado music. Perfect, setting the tone for the week ahead.

Day 2 - Sleep - Tivoli Kopke Hotel

We will leave Lisbon and head north, first stopping in the beautiful city of Obidos.

Óbidos is a picturesque medieval town in Portugal, renowned for its well-preserved castle walls, charming cobblestone streets. This "Town of the Queens," as it was historically gifted to Portuguese queens, boasts whitewashed houses adorned with colorful flowers and offers stunning views from its walkable walls. A must-try is the local cherry liqueur, Ginja de Óbidos, often served in a chocolate cup.

Then if off to Coimbra for a light lunch (Do light lunches actually exist in Portugal? We will try!!). Once the capital of Portugal, it’s now a prominent college city. The University of Coimbra is one of the oldest in Europe Beyond its university life, Coimbra offers a captivating blend of medieval charm with steep, narrow streets and historic churches.

Late afternoon, we will arrive at the 5-star Tivoli Kopke Hotel in Gaia. Kopke is our primary host for this magical journey. We will have a toast presented by our hosts, Kopke in their beautiful wine cellar. That’ll include some of the best of their portfolio, along with a few bites to whet your appetite for the trip. Dinner is on your own. You may want to eat at the hotel’s beautiful restaurant, which also will have the wonderful breakfast you’ll have each morning.

Day 3- Sleep - Tivoli Kopke Hotel

We will start with a city and tapas tour and enjoy a ride in a jalopy, which will culminate with a top at the famous Bolhão Market, where we will start with a fun tin fish tasting, and then Chef Vitor (of the Vine Inn) will buy the ingredients for a wonderful lunch on private rooftop overlooking Porto. One for the books!

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Day 4 - Sleep - Tivoli Kopke Hotel

We will head south for a tour of the salt pans of Aveiro and then jump on a boat to enjoy an oyster workshop and a slowcooking lunch. Of course Sandra will show us around the historic center of Aveiro and Costa Nova.

The evening will feature a pub crawil with Portland ex[-pat Don Bourassa. He will be sharing his favorites, including an iconic version of a Francesinha, a Portuguese sandwich, originally from Porto, made with layers of toasted bread and assorted hot meats such as roast, steak, wet-cured ham, ..

We will have a nice casual dinner after such a full day.

DOURO RIVER VALLEY

Day 5 - Sleep - The Vine House

We will pack our things and head east. Starting with a visit to one of the most beautiful wine estates you will ever see, featuring Vinho Verde wines. We will tour and taste!! And for good measure, a bread workshop. Then we will head upriver to Kopke’s absolutely delightful property, stopping for lunch along the way in one of the most beautiful settings imaginable, in a small village built from the schist stones of the area. Another hour drive east, and we will check into The Vine House, and once you settle in to your room and catch your breath after taking in the vistas, we will have a casual sip and some tapas. If you choose to dine in the restaurant that night, you are free to do so with your companion or with some new friends you’ve made so far! And Chef Vitor will surely have your back! (dinner is optional, and not included in the trip)

Day 6 - Sleep - The Vine House

Have breakfast at the Inn and then we’ll take a hiking tour of the São Luiz vineyard, featuring a picnic lunch in the vineyard and then a bit later a visit with Chef Vitol to the wine cellar, where a special treat awaits.

For dinner, out on the beauitiful patio overlooking the Douro River, Chef Vitor will make a fantastic grilled dinner for our group. A night for appreciation as you enjoy this vista.

Day 7 - Sleep - The Vine House

After a relaxing morning at the Inn, we will depart for a beautiful train ride along the Douro River, from Pinhão to Cais da Ferradosa and visit to old wine cellar We’ll enjoy Messias and tastings and then a typical* lunch in a picturesque restaurant on the river, and then because we can, a gorgeous boat ride back to meat our luxury minibus back to your beautiful room at The Vine House. The evening is yours to do as you wish, and Sandra would be happy to book a dinner for you.

Day 8 - Sleep - Dão

We will leave the Vine House after breakfast, and enjoy a picturesque ride south to the Dão wine region, and Santar for a spectacular lunch and a visit to Casa de Santar winery. Then we will head to the municipaliry of Penalva do Castelo, and we will check into our 18th century 5-Star boutique hotel, where you can relax for a free evening on your own. Again, your guide Sandra will be happy to arrange a special evening for you, however you wish to spend it.

Day 9 - Sleep - Dão

We will be in such a beautiful environment, so what better than to take a casual and breathtaking walking tour of the property and manor house? We will pause for a cheese workshop and also a jam workshop. Relax for a bit, and then we will enjoy a wonderful dinner presented by Chef Paulo Cardoso.

Day 10 - Sleep - Porto

In order to be within convenient striking distance to the Porto airport, we will leave our hotel for a 90 minute drive back to Porto, where you have the afternoon to do as you wish, and will check in for the evening. We have a marvelous farewell dinner planed at one of Sandra and Vitor’s favorite Porto restaurants IN THE HOTEL.

Day 11 - Depart from Porto

Depart!!! And thank you so much!!

Pricing/Terms

11 days/10 nights — $10220 per person double occupancy. (Published prices subject to change due to fluctuation of the dollar or market conditions. Your price is locked in when you book)

$2000 single supplement.

$250 off per person for the FIRST 8 bookings made with deposits up to and including October 8, 2025 for ABBEY ROAD FARM WINE CLUB MEMBERS or Portland Food Adventures guests who’ve been on our trips before. (Eight spots total for this discount.)

To book or find out more, please schedule a call with Chris Angelus via email. We do not take digital bookings, as we like to talk to our guests to make sure there’s a fit to make sure we have a great group who contribute to a positive experience for all. (NOTE: Chris is away in Spain on the Urdaneta Basque Country trip from Sept 17-Oct 5, so he will do his best to contact you while traveling in Europe. WhatsApp would facilitate this, if you have it).

ALL PAYMENTS TO BE MADE BY CHECK ONLY. We cannot accept credit cards or online payment platform payments.

(see deposit and payment details below)

Non-refundable deposit of 50% of trip due upon booking by check only. Balance due Jan 15, 2026. All payments are non-refundable, except in the case we do not meet the minimum number of guests, in which case your funds will be returned. PLEASE CALL CHRIS AT 503 314 4221 TO INITIATE THIS PROCESS.

While our trips feature smaller groups for maximum enjoyment and interaction, this trip is subject to a low minimum number of guests. Please do not buy airfare until we inform you that the minimum has been met.

WHAT IS/ISN’T INCLUDED: This trip includes accommodations in beautiful 4-Star hotels and a boutique inn, hotel taxes, at least 12 food and/or beverage experiences in addition to breakfast, and associated gratuities, and transportation to our excursions in the country away from the cities during the trip. 

They do NOT include airfare or transfers to and from airports or trip insurance (which we strongly recommend) and can be purchased online, mini-bar, incidentals, food not published on itinerary, non-dining gratuities (generally for drivers, tour guides) and personal expenses.

Pescatarians can be accommodated. Please ask about other food issues/allergies. This is called Portland Food ADVENTURES for a reason. Our trips are not great for people with restrictive food issues.

Lastly, our groups are really fun, and we want to make sure we keep them that way. So, if you’re a flexible, open traveler who appreciates the opportunity to sit back and let us do the planning and the legwork while you eat and drink really well, this trip is for you. If you need to be in complete control of your schedule, and need to know what’s happening months in advance on Friday at 3pm during the trip, this may not be the best way for you to travel. Our guests who put this in our hands report the times of their lives!!

We can help you with excursions before, during and after as well. WE ALSO ASK THAT YOU LIMIT YOUR TRAVEL BEFORE OUR TRIP TO LESSEN THE CHANCE YOU CONTRACT ILLNESS. NO CRUISES!!

YOU ARE WELCOME AND ENCOURAGED TO CALL CHRIS AT 503 314 4221 TO DISCUSS THE TRIP BEFORE OR AFTER MAKING YOUR DEPOSIT. 

We strongly urge you buy travel insurance.

We cannot refund your deposit, but trip insurance can help so much!

Wanderwell is a local Portland company with which we have an affiliation. You may get a quote and buy from any source. In addition to Wanderwell, AAA, insuremytrip.com or Allianz offer policies. It’s a good idea to purchase insurance within 30 days of booking!!

Yes, Travel with Chef Will! A little about him:

Chef Will Preisch, formerly of the acclaimed Holdfast Dining, now serves as the Culinary Director at both 82 Acres in Portland and Abbey Road Farm. Renowned for his innovative approach and dedication to farm-to-table cuisine, Chef Will crafts menus that celebrate the seasons and highlight the bounty of locally sourced ingredients. At Abbey Road Farm, he collaborates closely with the on-site garden team to create dishes rooted in the farm’s harvest, while at 82 Acres, he brings the same creative flair to Portland’s dynamic dining scene. His vision ensures every dining experience is memorable.

Will is the busy father of twin sons, and as one might imagine, doesn’t have a plethora of free time at his disposal to dine out, much less enjoy the wonders of travel to places like Portugal.  This is your opportunity to spend over a week with Will when he’s relaxed, sitting at beautiful, bountiful tablse and enjoying wines from Kopke and elsewhere in Portugal.

Plus, the Preisch-less opportunity to show all your Insta-friends you were able to feast on Will’s food in collaboration with one of Portugal’s best chefs - in the Portugal. Serioiusly, though, the absolute treat is being there with great new friends, fantastic chefs who are such awesome people, with this most beautiful backdrops imaginable. And yes, the wine. That.

IN HIS OWN WORDS:

Please take a listen as PFA and Right at the Fork podcast host Chris Angelus interviews Don Bourassa about his experience moving and settling in to Porto as an expat.

IN HER OWN WORDS:

And lastly, another podcast! We talk to Sandra Tavares, who was instrumental in designing our itinerary and arrangements in Portugal. She is awesome!! Listen below!!

CHECK OUT OUR OTHER PORTLAND FOOD ADVENTURES TRIPS HERE!