In the 12th Century, the Cistercian monks founded a monastery on the very fertile lands of the Varosa - Tavora Valley. These monks shaped the landscape by farming the land, planting vines, and building imposing monasteries.
Starting at 09:00 AM our private driver-guide will pick you up in your accomodation, to take you on a discovery day in the Douro Valley Region, beyond the Demarcated Region, for a off the beaten path adventure!
Our first stop will be in Lamego, more precisely in the beautiful Sactuary of Our Lady of Remédios, a baroque masterpiece and place of devotion for many Portuguese. Here you'll have the oportunity to visit the church, with an interior covered with beautiful Azulejos - Portuguese Tiles, admire the views over the city and, afterwards, go down the imposing staircase, with 686 steps.
By now, it will be time for a break and recover your energies. For that, we'll stop in a local café for a tasting of the local sparkling wine paired with traditional sausages. This is an exceptional experience for your palate!
From here, we'll head to the city center, where you'll visit the Cathedral of Lamego, founded in the 12th century and with a remarcable medieval architecture. Next, you'll have free time to explore the Lamego Museum, located in the 18th century Bishops Palace. The art collection reflects the history of the city and the building, and includes furniture, tapestries and scuptures, among other art pieces.
At lunch time, we'll stop in a local restaurant, for a nice and relaxed meal.
In the afternoon, we'll continue to explore the region by visiting the Cistercian Monastery of S. João de Tarouca, the first one of the religious order in Portugal, founded in the 12th Century. The construction was sponsored by D. Afonso Henriques, the first King of Portugal.
Our last stop will be at the fortified tower and bridge of Ucanha. This curious bridge over the Varosa River was used as a toll collection point for those who wanted to cross the Cistercian land.
At the end of the afternoon, we'll return to Porto.
Tour Highlights
Religious heritage of the Douro Valley
First demarcated wine region, for sparking wines, in Portugal
Rich history
Main Attractions
The beautiful town of Lamego (occupied by different people, from the Romans to the Jews, along the centuries)
Visit to the Shrine of Our Lady of Remédios (beautiful Baroque temple, overlooking the city)
The landscape of the Varosa - Tavora Valley
Visit to a Cistersian Monastery (the first one in Portugal, from the 12th Century)
Stop at a very peculiar medieval bridge
Sparkling Wine and traditional sausages tasting
About this tour
Duration: Up to 9 hours, usually between 9:00 am to 6:00 pm. However the schedule can be adapted according to your needs.
Private: Our tours are always private, just you and our guide/driver, for your safety and health. We follow very strict COVID-19 protocol guidelines, instructed by Turismo de Portugal.
Lunch and visits are not private, but the partners that provide these services are also approved by the Portuguese Health Department.
Tailor made: The tour will be adjusted and scheduled according to your specific interests and needs.
Pick you up and Drop off on the agreed spot: Our driver will pick you up at any agreed previously spot, like your hotel, airport, cruise terminal or another meeting point.
Our Guarantee: Our driver/guide will drive you during your tour, sharing stories and curiosities about the places you’ll visit as well as its historical context. Since our driver is also the guide, it’s possible that the guide won’t always join you on your visits inside of monuments. Find out why.
CANCELLATION POLICY:
Up to 96 hours: no charge
From 96 to 48 hours: 50% penalty
Less than 48 hours or no-show: 100% penalty
The price includes:
Entrances in the Lamego Museum
Sparkling Wine and traditional Sausages tasting
Lunch in a local restaurant
Private and exclusive Driver / Guide
Modern and Comfortable luxury Mercedes vehicle
Pick-up and Drop-off at a designated spot
Bottled water
Hand sanitizer and protection masks
24h/7 Customer Service Assistance
The price does not include:
Entrances and activities not mentioned in the program
Other meals and drinks
Personal expenses
Gratuities
Tailor this tour
LUNCH WITH HISTORY - home of a 19th C. Aristocratic family - Eur 60,00 / person
