“Start the car, start the car!”
The infamous advertising slogan that signifies a deal so good you’re stealing, made its way more than once into our conversations and site checks on last week’s FAM in Northern Portugal.
The FAM was to educate and celebrate the launch of Air Canada’s new direct Montreal-Porto flight that begins June 4, 2025. (Air Canada currently flies into Lisbon)
Portugal is often listed on global travel lists as being one of the more affordable countries in Europe. Usually cheaper travel means sacrificing amenities; but not in the cities we visited. Agents, you’re able to give your clients five-star luxury on a three-star budget – to the point it’s almost unbelievable and had us wondering if we’d heard the price correctly. (“Start the car, start the car!”)
The Porto and North region is a historical one, home to 5 World Heritage Sites by UNESCO: The Historical Center of Porto, the Historical Center of Guimarães, Bom Jesus do Monte in Braga, the Foz Côa Art Valley and of course, the Douro Valley.
Located about a three-hour train or bus ride from the country’s capital of Lisbon, the new route to Porto is sure to open a whole new world of travel for travellers who may be more familiar with the popular southern regions such as the Algarve and for those repeat visitors looking to explore something new.
There are packages available from Air Canada Vacations that start in Porto, or of course creating your own itinerary is also an option. Here are a few options that you should familiarize yourself with and put on your list for your clients. *Note that these are rough standard rates to give you a ballpark idea and of course will fluctuate.
Pousada Mosteiro Guimarães (Photo Credit: Marsha Mowers)
Pousada Mosteiro Guimarães
Pousadas are the Portuguese equivalent of Paradores in Spain; government owned historical landmarks that operate as a hotel. It used to be a monastery in the 12th century and is close to the historic city of Guimarães, a UNESCO World Heritage Site and 2 km from the shopping area. The Pousada offers free parking on site making it perfect if clients are driving through the region. It has the vibe of a castle and guests are sure to feel luxurious and like royalty during their stay for rates that start at about $125 CDN/ per night.
Monverde Wine Experience Hotel (Photo Credit: Marsha Mowers)
Monverde Wine Experience Hotel
Maybe it’s the wine, maybe it’s the food, maybe it’s the serene rooms overlooking the vineyards, maybe it’s…ok, yes, all of those are the reason this multi award-winning hotel (including Best of Wine Tourism) is quite simply, probably just what the doctor ordered. Monverde is located in Amarante and produces the brand Quinta de Lixa wine from its vineyards on site. Technically a 5-star hotel, rates start at about $200 CDN/per night.
Vila Galé Douro Vineyards (Photo Credit: Marsha Mowers)
Vila Galé Douro Vineyards
In the heart of the Douro Wine Region, the Vila Galé Douro Vineyards is literally built into the mountains surrounded by vineyards and scenery that will take your breath away everywhere you look. Simply stunning and another unbelievable rate; prices start at about $200 CDN/per night.
The view from the terrace at the Vintage House Hotel. (Photo Credit: Marsha Mowers)
Vintage House Hotel
Located on the Douro River in Pinhao, this hotel is literally steps away from the water and oodles charm. From its picturesque terrace overlooking the scenic landscape, to its incredibly delicious meals that are almost too pretty to eat, this is another great option if you want to “wow” your clients. Rates start at around $350 CDN/per night.
A specialty dining room at The Lince Santa Clara. (Photo Credit: Marsha Mowers)
The Lince Santa Clara
Just pulling up to this property took our breath away. Formerly the Santa Clara Monastery that dates back to the 1300s, it has only 87 rooms and overlooks the city of Vila do Conde and the Ave river. This is one of the properties on the higher end – standard rooms (which are anything but!) start on the higher end of the properties we visited, but it’s still about $400 CDN/night and a great place to celebrate a special occasion.
Hotels right in the heart of the city also provide an affordable and easy place to stay that have easy access to nearby restaurants and shops for the full authentic experience.
A good option for an arrival or departure hotel would be the Editory Boulevard Aliados Hotel, a Preferred Hotel located in the city centre of Porto. Rates start at about $200 CDN/per night and include breakfast. It has a more boutique vibe to it and is very serene and calming, a great spot to unwind and recharge after a long flight.
Another Vila Gale property perfectly located in one of the oldest cities in the country is Vile Gale Collection Braga. Once a hospital, the building dates back to 1508 and built on the site of a chapel dedicated to São Marcos, a hostel and a Templar convent.
For more photos, visit our Facebook and Instagram pages and for information, speak with your Air Canada Vacations BDM.
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