Peso Da Régua Tours and Trips

We were aware of the Douro wine region but not all the other interesting aspects of the region of Northern Portugal we visited. Our guide Teresa Pires is a charming person with excellent interpersonal skills which which she was able to convey her super local knowledge of visited areas. Throughout she was very professional with lots of communication with the group, clear timetables and access to her via phone at any time she was not there, giving an extra sense of security. Flexibility in order to meet varied requests from group members was really appreciated. She was very keen to introduce Portuguese ways, history and food in a relaxed and positive way. She responded in an excellent way when things , not of her making, went wrong. For example taking me and my husband to hospital emergency care, and on another occasion ensuring alll the group was well away from vehicles on the motorway when the van was fired to stop with a flat tyre. Overall the safety and care of group members was always a priority. Whilst it was Teresa on the spot, although she did not need to, she didn't forget to point out that she was supported by the local exodus office team. Teresa was excellent at introducing us to many new experiences and gave much information on the local communities. particular highlights included the organic farm and wine tasting, cruising on a traditional boat in the delta area ( we should have remembered to take our binoculars with us for the birdlife including flamingoes), rail trip through the heart of the Douro with vineyards stretching up the slopes, baking a local speciality cake, immersing our feet in the salt pans and visiting a sparkling wine making cellar. As a finale the end visit to bustling Porto with all its interesting facets was a great end to the trip. Teresa made sure that all the lovely restaurants we visited were able to give us vegetarian dishes. Local guides were excellent on the whole, only exception was the archeology guide who talked about things other than the archeology! Teresa was always happy to take the extra step for members of the group-overall a fabulous trip leader who did an excellent and memorable job.

The overall trip was excellent. This was because of Teresa Pires, our tour guide, who was friendly, very knowledgeable about the local and regional architecture and history and well-organised. Nothing was too much trouble for Teresa and she was calm and patient, even when there were unexpected events, such as one of our party being unwell and needing a visit to the hospital, and a flat tyre on the motorway. Also, even when the lunch or dinner was not included in the itinerary, Teresa provided options and continued to help with arrangements and translation. She has an excellent rapport with all the people at the places we visited and that made us feel very welcome. The group of people on this trip were lovely, like-minded and everyone got along, which was an added bonus. The hotels were all very good, and the facilities in line with the higher expectations of a Premium Adventure.

Why is Carla’s Douro Valley tour so uniquely magical? Because she grew up here and still lives in the region, therefore she knows the nature trails, the roads, and the hidden gems like the back of her hand. Plus the itinerary is educational AND a lot of fun!

Our Wine & Walking tour was superb on many levels; scenery, wine, food and companionship. Notwithstanding, the apex of our endeavor was the non pareil service provided by our guide, Carla Costa. She personifies service, kindness, local knowledge and critical attention to details. She is truly a provider of service above and beyond.

I couldn’t believe it when I stumbled on this tour. Walking and wine! Two things I love and a journey through the countryside. For months, I anticipated the trip and planned. A friend decided to join me. And what a trip it was! Wonderful in every way. Our tour leader Carla and her husband Fernando were the perfect hosts. Because they grew up & live in the region, I felt like we were getting a hyper local, personal experience. We were able to see their home through their eyes, as Carla told stories of history, culture, recipes, current community challenges. Every day was a different landscape -all beautiful- and the food & wine was fantastic. I don’t want to give away the little surprises that were along the way, but I can promise enjoyment of them. Most days, we had a walk in the morning (a few steep hills, but mostly flat, minimum 5 miles) followed by a lovely lunch, and then we had free time in the afternoon. I really liked that we only had 3 hotels for the week. I could settle in, and the views from the rooms were something else! Weather was hot in September. I highly recommend this tour if you want to really get to know the friendly, welcoming country of Portugal and make new friends along the way!

We had a fantastic tour with Luis and Teresa! They were both very attentive and had a wealth of knowledge about the places we visited. The walking was varied and the views were spectacular. Although the weather was not always the best, Luis and Teresa adapted the itinerary to ensure we could still have all the experiences promised. Would highly recommend.