Inspired by the way our editors travel, BOLD presents a series of premium itineraries for extraordinary places around the globe, available for purchase through EXODUS Travels offering cultural, hiking, wildlife and cycling tours to 100 + countries worldwide.
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A RIVER RUNS THROUGH IT
Heading out of Porto, the railway connects you to a string of endlessly charming historic towns and wine-producing sites, set against a stunning natural backdrop. A scenic two-hour train ride to Regua provides an unforgettable view of the Douro River clinging to the precipitous rocks along the gorge. There, a visit to the fascinating Douro Museum is the ideal starting point to understand the history and culture of the region. It’s housed in the fully – and beautifully – restored Casa da Companhia, a historic building whose style is emblematic of the area. After the museum, it’s time to experience the area’s unique landscapes: terraced vineyards, rolling hills and olive groves. Nearby, the Quinta do Tedo, a winery dating back to the 18th century, still produces some of the area’s best wines on 37 acres of class “A” vineyards. A guided tour of the grounds includes a look into their production process, fun and messy foot treading, 19th-century cellars where their wines are aged and sampling of their signature Ports and red wines, along with plenty of chances for bird-watching and panoramic views of the valley. © 2017 PULSO MEDIA GROUP INC. ALL RIGHTS RESERVED
CIN-CITY About an hour and a half away is Cinfães, a village of about 3,330 in the northern district of Viseu. Its history is linked to the first king of Portugal and there is no shortage of historic sites, including fortified towers and Romanesque churches throughout. A stroll through its Bestança Valley reveals one of Portugal’s hidden gems: the Bestança River. Relatively unknown, even to Portuguese people, it’s rife with magical waterfalls, medieval stone bridges and villages that look like they’re straight from a storybook. Lush walking paths vein their way through the valley. Amongst them is Vilar de Mouros. Renowned as one of the best, it takes you across the ethereal medieval bridge of Covelas.
STEP BACK IN TIME A walking tour of Portugal offers a trip that is quite literally off the beaten path. It offers visitors the chance to stroll back in time through ancient structures, old-world charm and age-old wineries. Savour each step… and each sip!
OPPOSITE PAGE: A traditional winery in the Douro Region; Dom Luis I bridge over the Douro River; Details of 19th-century Palácio da Bolsa or Stock Exchange Palace. ON THIS PAGE: A grape picker; Grape picker holding grapes; traditional Portuguese fish.
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