Vidago palace – the splendour of another era Quinta dos Três Rios – the charm of rural Portugal

For centuries we have taken advantage of the qualities of natural mineral waters for health and recreational purposes. Portugal is blessed with natural springs particularly in the centre and north. With those springs have emerged over many years many wonderful hotels.

Vidago is a village in the north of Portugal. It has been renowned for its spring waters since the 17th century. Water from Vidago has been bottled since 1886 and can still be tasted directly from the source in its highly concentrated and naturally carbonated form from one of the four spring fountains that reach the surface in the park lands surrounding Vidago Palace.

The Palace was commissioned by King Carlos in 1908. He was assassinated later that year before completion of the Palace. His son and successor King Manuel II was deposed in the republican revolution that swept across Portugal on 5 October 1910. The next day Vidago Palace was meant to open.

Vidago Palace therefore never achieved its original aim of a holiday residence for the Royal Family. But it soon found other patrons and it became a favoured destination amongst European Aristocracy. It was considered to be the most luxurious hotel on the Iberian Peninsula.

With the passage of time it deteriorated. In recent years however under new ownership and management the Palace has been refurbished at a cost of over 50 million dollars. It now boasts wonderful spa facilities, an 18 hole golf course, and a restaurant run by a famous Portuguese Chef, Rui Paula.

From the coast to the Spanish border Portugal’s Centre and North offers history, culture, national parks, mountains and villages of granite and schist. River and ocean beaches. The giant waves in Nazaré where American surfer Garrett McNamara rode a 100 foot high wave.

Portugal may be well known for the wine produced in the Douro Valley. However, the Dao River as it carves its way through granite rock is one of Portugal’s most promising wine regions. Its best red wines are made from the Tinta Roriz and Touriga Nacional grapes and its finest example of white wine is based upon the Encruzado grape.

On your journey to Quinta dos Três Rios you will experience the warmth and hospitality of the people, the culture, and the produce of central and northern Portugal. Quinta dos Três Rios is situated just outside the village of Parada de Gonta. A small village of less than 1000 people, here you will find yourself in the real Portugal. Your hosts Hugh and Jane are English but will immerse you in rural Portugal, its wine and food.

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Day 1

• Arrive at accommodation at Vidago Palace.
• 80 minutes massage or wellbeing treatment per person.

Day 2

• Morning guided trip to Chaves (guide and transport).
• 80 minute massage or wellbeing treatment per person.

Day 3

• Full day guided tour of Vila Real, Palácio de Mateus and Quinta do Douro.
• Lunch at Cais da Vila in Vila Real (two courses beverages not included).
• Dinner at Saláo Nobre Restaurant Vidago Palace.

Day 4

• Travel to Pedras Salgadas Thermal Spa for full day treatment.

Day 5

• Travel to Quinta dos Três Rios.
• Enjoy a light lunch and a visit to see local wine making in the nearest village of Parada de Gonta.
• Dinner at Quinta dos Três Rios.
• Accommodation at Quinta dos Três Rios.

Day 6

• Dao wine tour visiting 2 or 3 vineyards in the morning.
• Lunch at Quinta de Cabriz.
• Visit to a traditional vineyard in the afternoon.
• Dinner at Quinta dos Três Rios.
• Accommodation at Quinta dos Três Rios.

Day 7

• Visit to 2 vineyards in the Douro region.
• Lunch at DOC Restaurant overlooking the Douro River.
• Afternoon vineyard visit.
• Dinner at Quinta dos Três Rios.
• Accommodation at Quinta dos Três Rios.

Day 8

• Depart for your next CoolPortugal experience.

• Four nights accommodation at Vidago Palace in a Privilege room
• Daily breakfasts at Vidago Palace
• Two 80 minutes massage or wellbeing treatments per person at Vidago Palace Spa
• Transport and guided tour to Chaves
• Transport and guided tour to Vila Real, Palácio Mateus, and Quinta do Douro (including tour and entry fees)
• Lunch at Cais da Vila (excluding beverages)
• Three course dinner (excluding beverages) at Saláo Nobre for two persons
• Full day treatment for two person at Pedras Salgadas Thermal Spa
• Three dinners at Quinta dos Três Rios three courses including wine
• Light lunch on Day 1 at Quinta dos Três Rio
• Visit to local wine maker in Parada de Gonta including transport
• Lunch at Quinta de Cabriz including wine
• Douro wine tour visiting two or three vineyards in the Douro Valley including transport
• Two course lunch at DOC on the Douro River excluding beverages
• Three nights accommodation Quinta dos Três Rios