Out and about...:
While it's perfectly feasible to get to and from, and stay in Esmoriz without ever needing a car, access to one will enable you to visit some wonderful parts of Portugal within a half hour's drive, like the Ria at Aveiro, if you're into fenland and wildlife; or historic Porto, Portugal's thriving second city. Further afield, you could tour in the Douro Valley, a World Heritage region where Port Wine comes from. Or go north into Minho or the Peneda-Gerês National Park, a rugged landscape where life is still very simple and largely unaffected by modern European development. For something completely different, visit the internationally known Casino or the huge market in Espinho.
... or stay in Esmoriz:
Esmoriz is a traditional fishing village during the winter, but still at weekends a favourite spot for people to come for a night out or to spend Sunday by the sea. During the summer, it becomes a lively holiday centre, full of families and young people who give it a great buzz. Yet it’s small enough to retain its village atmosphere, and has managed to avoid large-scale resort development – there are no high-rise apartment blocks, and the fisherman's cottages still stretch out along the coast. There’s no MacDonalds, no fish ‘n’ chips, but a wealth of small cafés, bars, restaurants and small shops. (Admittedly, there are a couple of Irish bars!)
... and of course, the beach is wide, the sands white and soft, and the sea fairly calm.
Special gastronomic days out:
We have arranged some special days out with Vita d´Aurum (the 'golden life'): you can treat yourselves to one of a range of special packages that are based on the region's famous cuisine and spectacular wines.
'Afternoon Delight' - a mini-cruise on the Douro River and a 'Royal' dinner in a first class restaurant.
'Port Party' - Open bus tour of Porto’s historic centre, followed by a Port Wine tasting and a tour of the wine lodge.
'Gourmet Day' - Lunch in a traditional Manor House, wine tasting in a Port Wine Lodge, and a 'Royal' dinner in the heart of Porto's historic centre.
'Golden Day' - Scenic train trip to Régua, in the heart of the golden Douro Valley, lunch in the city's finest restaurant overlooking the river, and a restful cruise back to Porto.
Unforgettable food and wine, tremendous surroundings and a truly relaxing and stress-free way of experiencing the best of Portugal. Treat yourself!
Other Activities:
flying lessons; casino
