Golf, wine and wellness – From Vidago to Parada de Gonta

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. And it offers golf in beautiful mountain settings. At Vidago Palace and Montebelo you will find two challenging scenic golf layouts. Courses to please you not to harm you.

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.

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Day 1

• Arrive at accommodation at Vidago Palace.

Day 2

• 18 holes of golf per person Vidago Palace.
• 55 minute massage or wellbeing treatment per person.

Day 3

• Full day spa treatment per person at Pedras Salgadas.
• Three course dinner at Salão Nobre Restaurant Vidago Palace (excluding beverages).

Alternative option for Day 3

• Additional cost per couple €100.
• Half day guided tour to Vila Real and Palácio de Mateus.
• Lunch Cais da Vila at Vila Real (beverages excluded).
• 55 minute massage or well being treatment per person.
• Three course dinner at Salão Nobre Restaurant Vidago Palace (excluding beverages).

Day 4

• 55 minute massage or wellbeing treatment.
• 18 holes of golf per person Vidago Palace.

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

• Golf at Montebelo Golf Course.
• 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

• Dáo wine tour visiting 2 or 3 vineyards in the morning.
• Afternoon golf at Montebelo Golf Course.
• Dinner at Quinta dos Três Rios.
• Accommodation at Quinta dos Três Rios.

Day 8

• Depart for your next CoolPortugal experience.

• Accommodation at Vidago Palace four nights in a Privelege Room
• Daily breakfasts at Vidago Palace
• Three course dinner at Salão Nobre Restaurant Vidago Palace excluding beverages
• Two games of golf per person 18 holes Vidago Palace including cart (but not including club and shoe hire)
• Two or three 55 minute massage or wellbeing treatments per person at Vidago Palace Spa depending on Day 3 option
• One full day spa treatment per person Pedras Salgadas depending on Day 3 option
• Half day guided tour Vila Real and Palácio de Mateus including entry fees transport and guide depending on Day 3 option
• Two course lunch at Cais da Vila at Vila Real (excluding beverages) depending on Day 3 option
• Accommodation at Casa Museu four nights
• Daily breakfast at Casa Museu
• Welcome drinks at Casa Museu
• Two dinners at a local restaurant (excluding wine)
• Hot springs visit including transport with treatments and entry fees per person to a value of €75
• Visit to Serra Sáo Macário including packed lunch
• Two games of golf per person 18 Holes Montebelo including cart (but not including clubs & shoe hire)
• Two dinners at Casa Museu including wine