Mateus Palace Day Trip

The worlds of history and wine converge on this excursion to the Mateus Palace, an exquisite Baroque estate situated in northern Portugal, where you will have the opportunity to explore its captivating rooms and partake in a Port wine tasting.

Excursion Overview

Your journey commences with a pickup at the specified time in front of Lapa Church. From here, we will travel east, passing through the stunning landscapes of the vineyards along the Douro River valley.

After approximately one hour aboard a comfortable bus, we will arrive at the Mateus Palace. This magnificent 1747 Baroque mansion is currently operated by the Fundação de Casa de Mateus, established in 1970 to maintain the palace’s cultural legacy, its gardens, and its wine production.

Upon arrival, a visit to the interior of the house-museum of Mateus Palace awaits. During this 25-minute guided experience, you will explore the various rooms of this enchanting mansion. Witness the original 18th-century furnishings and gain insights into the history that surrounds the remarkable decorative artifacts within the palace. Chairs, tables, tapestries, paintings, and lamps highlight the artistic treasures of this historic estate!

After touring the palace's interior, you will have the chance to wander through the chapel and gardens of the Mateus Palace at your leisure. Stroll along the serene pathways adorned with flowerbeds and trees, evoking the charm of the 18th century. The gardens also boast a vegetable garden, vineyards, and an artificial pond that beautifully reflects the facade of the palace.

Once your exploration of the chapel and the gardens concludes, we will proceed to Quinta do Lodeiro for a hearty lunch, featuring:

• Starter: Avó bread, marinated olives, Shepherd cheese accompanied by Lamego ham, Alheira de caza sausage, and a creamy carrot and orange soup.
• Main: grilled cod or crispy confit chicken paired with a garden salad and rustic potatoes drizzled with aromatic olive oil.
• Dessert: a rich chocolate cube followed by coffee.

Your meal will be complemented with both white and red wines from the Douro region, along with a tasting of three Porto wines with Denominación de Origen.

After concluding the tasting experience, we will return you to the original meeting point in Porto, wrapping up an enriching 8-hour journey.