In the north of Portugal, where the River Douro meets the Atlantic, lies the historic city of Porto. In fact, there are two cities, divided by the Douro: Porto on the north bank and Vila Nova de Gaia on the south bank.

In Vila Nova de Gaia, you will find all the world-famous Port wine brands aging in ancient cellars crammed along the riverbank. Meanwhile, Porto is a fabulous old city filled with winding cobbled streets, stunning architecture and a personality you won’t find in Europe’s larger cities.

An international airport serving over 60 destinations is just 15 minutes by taxi from the city centre or 30 minutes by metro. Porto is also well-connected by train, with a direct route to Lisbon taking just 2.5 hours. Beyond the city, Porto is surrounded by some of Europe’s most breathtaking landscapes, from unspoilt beaches stretching along the coast to Portugal’s jewel in the crown – world-renowned Douro Valley. This stunning river valley, home to the famous Port wine-producing vineyards, is often considered one of the most picturesque in the world.