City Break: (3 nights) in the City of Oporto, North Portugal

We all had a lovely time last weekend with a 3 night Mini Break in Oporto, North Portugal. The advice provided on the itinerary several months ago was spot on regarding getting the most out of our short visit. Of all the companies I initially contacted, Portugo Holidays were the only one that phoned me and kept in touch as and when needed.

We were met at Oporto airport (friday evening) and driven to the 2 Star Hotel Malaposta in downtown Oporto. Very clean, quiet and perfectly adequate for those on a budget and/or not spending time in the hotel. We would recommend it.

Peter had arranged for us to eat that evening in the Abadia do Porto restaurant where we had fantastic food at an excellent price. Recommend having the large portion between 2 persons. It was unfortunate that our flight was delayed as we would have spent more time at this restaurant.

Next day we were collected and taken for a day Cruise up the Douro River to Regua. Excellent. The views were great, going through the dams was breathtaking, and all enhanced by fantastic weather.
I agree with Peter's advice, to save seats on the deck and not to spend time on breakfast as it was basic. No catering for Vegetarians, so consider a pack lunch?

Returning by train, we followed the advise given and had the best views.
In the evening we went to the Maria Moita restaurant in Leca. We all enjoyed the traditional Portuguese feel to the restaurant and the food, however a little disappointed at the price. We all expected as it was a small local/family run restaurant that it would be a reasonable price. This was the most expensive restaurant out of the three!

Sunday morning saw us on a tour of the City of Oporto . This was very good, however those with you perhaps had a slightly better experience than with David due to the language. Perhaps consider a walking part of the tour and dropping people off on one side of the bridge and picking them up on the other side; perhaps using the funicular if there is time?

Then we were off to the Praia da Luz restaurant in the Foz for lunch.- Again, fantastic. Right on the Atlantic Ocean shore line. Good food, great views and enhanced by the weather. If the weather is good, then consider longer at the restaurant. The girls enjoyed it so much, they wanted to go back!!!

Grahams port wine Lodge was our next stop. Great tour/presentation and we all learnt a lot, everybody really enjoyed this. If the traffic is bad on the way back consider walking back, like we did.

Peter's flexibility was very much appreciated in trying to accommodate our last minute requirements on each day: for example staying longer at the restaurant and port lodge on Sunday.

Guarany Café was the choice for the Sunday evening. A cafe with different musical entertainment most nights and we had piano music during our meal. A good basic restaurant, offering good value and a pleasant atmosphere. Consider using this one on the first night as they serve later in the evening (in case the flight arrival is late, as ours did). People were certainly arriving late into the night.

The Golfers amongst us had the chance to play Estela links course: a very pleasant, very hot and a very difficult course enjoyed by everyone. Perhaps consider starting 30-45 minutes earlier to allow for longer lunch.

The Non Golfers were given the Open Top bus Tour, and found this very rewarding. Time was allowed to Visit the Palacio da Bolsa and the beautiful Arabian Room, before returning once again to the Praia da Luz (favourite) for a relaxing drink, etc.

Time regrettably to start for the Airport, but first we all met together at the Casa da Frango (Chicken and Chips) in Povoa. Great wholesome, filling food, just what was needed for the flight home - which was delayed!!!!

I found the whole experience of dealing with Peter very easy and very personable and it was much appreciated.
It was also a very nice touch to be handed a printed group photo and disc of the photos that Peter took during our break.

I would certainly recommend Portugo Holidays to any other person wishing to visit Porto.

Jon Harte : (10 people)
Birmingham
September

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As specialists in Tourism in North Portugal you can contact Peter Evens (00351) 966618332 or look at www.portugo.com> OR www.portgolf.com>