Taste Port Wine Country

Explore Porto and especially the Vila Nova de Gaia, the headquarters of the port-wine trade since the 1600s. From vineyards along the Douro, wine is transported to « lodges » (warehouses), where it is matured, bottled, and eventually shipped around the world. More than 25 companies, including such well-known names as Sandeman, maintain port-wine lodges here. Each offers free guided tours, always ending with a tasting of one or two of the house wines.

Lapa Palace

Set in a 19th-century building, this palatial hotel is 5 km from Rossio Square.

Elegant rooms feature balconies and Portuguese-style furniture, plus cable TV, free Wi-Fi and DVD players. They also have panoramic views and marble bathrooms. Upgrades add a range of extras such as parquet floors, sitting areas, and tea and coffeemakers. Suites have iPod docks, living rooms and Jacuzzis; some have river views. Room service is available.

Breakfast and parking are free. Other amenities include a restaurant, a bar and a fitness center, along with an indoor and an outdoor pool. There’s also a business center, and a spa with a sauna and a steam room.

Hotel Bairro Alto

Featuring a quaint exterior, this elegant hotel is a 4-minute walk from a metro stop and 8 minutes’ walk from Rossio Square.

The stylish rooms offer a choice of pillows, free Wi-Fi, flat-screen TVs and minibars. Upgraded rooms include designer sofas and rooftop views, and some have balconies. Suites add lounge areas, desks, whirlpool tubs, and tea and coffeemakers. Room service is available 24/7.

Complimentary breakfast is served in the bright, colorful restaurant or on the chic rooftop terrace. There’s a cafe/bar featuring nightly music, plus a fitness room and a TV lounge.

Hotel As Janelas Verdes

Set just off the N 6 highway on a cobbled street, this upscale boutique hotel is less than a minute’s walk from the nearest bus stop. It’s also 3.2 km from São Jorge Castle.

The elegant rooms come with satellite TV, DVD players and minibars, as well as free Wi-Fi. Some rooms offer river views and/or sitting areas with sofas. Room service is available 24/7.

Parking and an American breakfast buffet are complimentary. Other amenities include a bar, a lounge and a shared terrace. There’s also a plush library with a fireplace and wood paneling.

Vivenda Miranda

Set among mature trees, this luxe boutique hotel is right beside the beach. It’s also 2.3 km from the grottos at Ponta da Piedade and 3.7 km from the boats at Marina de Lagos.

Featuring elements of traditional Portuguese design, the rooms offer terraces with garden or ocean views. They also have minibars, satellite TV and free Wi-Fi. Upgrades add living areas; some are duplexes. Suites come with a range of extras such as pull-out sofas and/or rainfall showerheads.

A fine-dining restaurant with a terrace serves a free breakfast buffet. Other amenities include an outdoor pool, and a spa with a sauna and a steam room. Parking is included.

The Pestana Porto

Across the street from the Douro River, this trendy, retro hotel is a 10-minute walk from São Bento railway station and 13 minutes on foot from Clérigos Church and its baroque bell tower.

Stylish rooms feature free Wi-Fi, flat-screen TVs and minibars, as well as safes. Upgraded rooms feature river views, and suites add sitting areas and espresso machines.

Breakfast, served in the hip restaurant with a terrace, is complimentary. Amenities include a funky bar, several lounges, a business center and meeting rooms. Bike rentals are available for a fee.

Operations & Reservations

3477 Rushbrooke street, Suite 302

Verdun, QC, H4G IS8 CANADA

Corporate Headquarters

107-27 71st Avenue, Suite 403

Forest Hill, NY 11375

Phone: 1-514-285-8758

Toll free: 1-866-285-8758

Fax: 1-514-285-9128

Email: info@eetvl.com