Douro Valley – Portugal
At sunrise you tee off at Estela, a links course just north of the historic city Porto. Eight holes cling to its Atlantic border, and you play amid the dunes with a front nine designed to awaken your golf senses, and ensure you’ve earned the indulgence that lies ahead. Then, it’s about the main event, a cruise down the iconic Douro River, into the valley famed for its steep wine terraces, stopping at historic towns and private wine estates.
At the quintas [estates], you can sample the rare wines too good to share with the wider world that are, instead, kept back for visitors to sample where and how they were intended, on a terrace overlooking the UNESCO-protected Douro Valley while trying the best local food of this rich, fertile region of Portugal. Then, it’s either Porto, and Michelin-starred eateries along the cobbled streets that tell a thousand stories or to one of the exclusive boutique estates or hotels in the valley region.
Vidago Palace
The thermal waters were the reason behind the last king of Portugal ordering this palace to be built, although he did so in the same year of the revolution, so never visited. Today, he’d be pleased with the outcome: an opulent, salmon-pink fairytale-esque hotel in 250 acres of woodland, with an excellent eighteen holes of golf.
The Yeatman
A luxury wine and spa stay, with a two-Michelin-starred restaurant, right on the Douro River in the heart of the UNESCO-listed city of Porto.
Where You Play
Estela
One of Europe’s top golf courses, hugging the Atlantic coast for a unique links experience near the city of Porto.
Oporto
The oldest golf course in Portugal, dating back to 1890, when the course was laid by British wine traders, it was redesigned by Philip Mackenzie Ross in the 1950s and offers a truly authentic clubhouse experience.
The Itinerary
Day 1
Arrival Porto, (Estela Golf, can be played twice - true gem), Dinner Old Town, Overnight (The Yeatman or Vila Foz)
Day 2
Estela Golf, Winery visit (Taylor’s), Fine dining in Porto (several * options), Overnight (The Yeatman or Vila Foz)
Day 3
Oporto Golf (or no golf), Drive to Vidago Palace, Lunch in Amarante (Casa de Calçada) / Wine tour, Overnight Vidago Palace
Day 4
Vidago Palace Golf, Thermal spa experience, Dinner Vidago Palace
Day 5
Estela Golf, Douro Valley River Cruise
Day 6
Departure
When to go
Overall Douro has a generally moderate climate. The best time to visit is April to October when the weather is often sunny and warm.
