About this experience
I invite you to go on a journey filled with beauty, romance, exquisite flavors, and ancient history. You will find yourself in the floral kingdom of an English park from the 19th century. You will see how grape brandy is stored, try port wine and local wines with cheeses. And also visit the cradle of Portugal - Guimaraes - and explore the monuments of the historical center, which is listed in UNESCO.
What to expect
Antique estate and green wine tastings (advance booking required)
In the first part of the journey, we will visit a 17th-century estate with a beautiful garden, fairytale houses, and a winery.
Rhododendrons and hydrangeas, roses and camellias, huge oaks, century-old eucalyptus, and many other plants! The charm of weathered pavilions, bridges, and birdhouses. Peacocks and swans. You will stroll along the winding paths of the amazing 19th-century landscaped park and learn about the history of this atmospheric place.
We will visit a storage room with barrels of aguardente - grape brandy. Here you will feel the incredible aroma of the drink, which evaporates through the pores of the barrels. And you will be able to purchase brandy of various ages (6, 12, and 30 years). And after that, you will be invited to taste port wine, green wine, and other wines with cheeses.
Guimaraes: the cradle of Portugal
The historic center of the city is listed on the UNESCO World Heritage List. Medieval mansions Mota-Regu, Vila-Flor, Toural, and other monuments create a unique atmosphere of a thousand-year-old city. What eras did the first capital of Portugal and the birthplace of the country's first king go through? I will tell you when we meet.
- We will start the tour in the heart of the "Lower Town" - at Oliveira Square, where the memorial sign of Padrao-du-Saladu and the Church of Our Lady of the Olive Tree rise
- Passing by the city hall, we will reach Santiago Square, which in the Middle Ages served as a shelter for pilgrims heading to Santiago de Compostela
- In memory of past times, ancient churches and castles, parks, architectural complexes, and houses of the 11-19th centuries remain here
- We will end the walk on Mount Monte-da-Penya, from which one of the most amazing panoramas of Northern Portugal opens up
- The journey will end at Sanctuary Sameiro, located at the highest point of the city. This is one of the most famous and visited places in the region. The sanctuary was built in the late 19th century, as well as the beautiful garden that surrounds it. The garden is equipped with fountains, stages, crosses, and shrines of Nossa Senhora da Piedade.
Organizational details
- Visiting the facilities of the first part of the program (estate, park, winery) should be planned in advance, preferably two weeks before the date
- If visiting the estate on a convenient day is not possible, I can offer alternative wineries. Details in correspondence.
- The order of sightseeing may vary, as it depends on the reserved time for visiting the winery
- The price includes: transfer (including fuel and parking) and guide accompaniment
- Additional expenses: tour of the estate park, winery, and tastings - from 7.5 euros per person, children under 14 free; tickets for sightseeing (if desired); meals and drinks (if desired)
- What to bring: water, camera, medical insurance, comfortable shoes
