travel tips

reasons-to-visit-france-vineyards-orchards-near-me

7 reasons to visit France for Nature

The world’s most visited country is blessed with stunning countryside landscapes, farms, fairy-tale cities and the french riviera. When visiting France your senses will come alive. From smelling the sweet vineyards of Burgundy to the pear fields of Normandy. This country is a food lovers paradise.

Renowned around the world for it’s fashion and romance, Paris is a must stop place to visit on your journey to France. The romantic capital is filled with public squares, spectacular architecture and the most delicious foods. Although the Eiffel Tower continues to be one of the most talked about visitor attractions in Europe, there is a lot more to see outside of the capital and we want to get you back to the natural landscape.

If you are looking for a flavour of France then venturing to the countryside will give you a taste of the land. Join us for unique food and orchard experiences in France. From the fruit filled vineyards of Burgundy to the luxurious champagne region to the orchards of Normandy, there is something for every nature lover in France.

Boasting a number of historically famous painters, philosophers and writers, France is a land of cultural gems. Starting in the culture packed centre of Paris you can travel to some of the charming surrounding regions.

  1. Picturesque villages

You are not going to be bored in France. You can get busy and cultural in cities like Paris, Lille, Lyon, Dijon, Marseille, just to name a few big French cities. You can reach a nice countryside, take your time, enjoy local specialities, take part in harvest…vineyards are waiting for you …Beaujolais, Cote du Rhone, and other countryside experience in Provence, Alsace….just choose the part of France you want to see first and enjoy its charm and beauty! Then I bet you will fell in love and continue to explore more of this stunning country.

2. French Cuisine

Pastry heaven with croissants and bagettes dripping from bakers windows. French food is elegant and comforting all in one. From the delicate crepes to the freshly plucked escargot, there is something sophisticated about the food culture in France. Each time you get a taste of the fresh produce and classic dishes you are creating long lasting memories. Bon appétit!’

3. Endless Vineyards

At Orchardsnearme.com we are all about the vino and the wine regions in France are first class. The deep red “vin rouge” of Burgundy to the sparkling Champagne region, there is so many flavours of wine on offer in France. In certain regions of France, you can sip on wine from grapes grown on the very land you’re stood on. Head to Bordeaux for the best red wines and the Champagne region for the iconic bubbly. Join our wine filled adventure in Burgundy.

4. The weather

It never gets too cold in the South of France – but man, does it get hot. If you want to see the spectacular blue waters of the Mediterranean or stroll along the Promenades des Anglais in Nice without getting a layer of skin burnt off, now’s the time to come. It’s warm enough to sit on a chaise longue all day and read a book; yet still chilly enough at night to wear that fabulous sweater you packed. Cole Porter might have loved Paris in the springtime, but nothing beats the South of France on a sunny day.

5. Art & Heritage

From the Mona Lisa to the Eiffel Tower we all know that France is synonymous with art and culture. There’s the famous battle sites of the Somme and the D-Day landings, as well as the stunning chateaux, churches and cathedrals that decorate the landscape. Avignon, Canal du Midi and Loire Valley are just 3 of the 39 Unesco world heritage sites that make France special.

6. Cafe Culture

Everywhere you go in France you will find charming cafes dotted along the side streets where you can grab a café au lait and let the world pass you by. If you are really living the French fantasy you may have a philosophy book or a journal with your musings with you.

7. Orchards and Country life

The idealised version of rural life in France isn’t a dream for the locals who enjoy the stunning countryside everyday. France is the ideal destination if you are looking to escape city life for a break. Cycle the fruit trail of Normandy to soak up the french lifetyle, visit some of the wonderful orchards and get a glimpse into history at the imperial war museums and d-day beaches.

From historic towns to the smell of fresh bread to miles of perfectly manicured vineyards you can’t help but fall in love with the french landscape. We are interested to hear your top tips when visiting France.

C’est magnifique!

For more information about our fruit and foraging tours in France please contact one of our travel specialists.

contact-us-button-orchards-near-me
wine-tasting-for-beginners-european-wine-orchards-near-me

Wine Tasting Guide for Beginners

Contrary to belief you don’t need to be part of any elite group to enjoy a sip or two of some of Europe’s finest wines. Wine tasting has never been more accessible with so many delicious grape varieties to choose. However, there are some tips from the wine experts that will help you to develop your wine palette and understand the different flavours that the top wines product.

If you are not a professional Sommelier or wine expert then you may find it difficult when choosing the right variety of wine to pair with your food for your next dinner party. Remember that people have different tastes so you might not please everyone but you can give it a good try.

Before you decide on your wines decide what you would like to showcase the most. If you are trying to highlight your best dish, showing off all of the ingredients then you won’t want to pick a wine that over powers the meal. Where as if you selecting a wine as a pairing for a cheese board you may want to get a more full bodied wine that compliments the cheese.

TIPS FOR PAIRING WINE AND FOOD CORRECTLY
Store wine in a cool, dark place.
If you are trying a dish originating from a region see if there is a local wine to pair with it. As the saying goes, what grows together, stays together!
For wines high in acidity, avoid bitter ingrediants and focus on foods high in fat.
In general the wine should be sweeter than the food.
Pinot grigio for light fish dishes and Chardonnay for rich fish dishes with sauce.

DO PAIR
Chianti and Pasta dishes
Zinfandel or Malbec and BBQ
Sauvignon Blanc and Goats Cheese
Pinot Noir and Roast chicken dishes

DON’T PAIR
Pinot Noir and red sauced pasta dishes (bolognese, lasagne)
Spicy food with strong wines
Champagne and cake (sweet plus bubbles is generally a no no)


Ideal Serving Temperature for Wine

The best temperature for red wine is 62-68 degrees.
The best temperature for white wine is 49-55 degrees.

HOW TO TASTE WINE IN 7 EASY STEPS

  • Look – It should be clear. For reds, the darker the better.
    A visual inspection of the wine under neutral lighting
  • Swirl – Release the aroma, the bouquet
  • Sniff – Give your nose a boost of flavour
  • Sip – Let the wine sit in your mouth. Don’t swallow.
  • Breathe – Take a deep breath and give the wine aromas a chance to fill your senses.
  • Swig – Now it’s time to take a bigger gulp and enjoy a full taste of the wine.
  • Savour – Develop a complete profile of a wine that can be stored in your long term memory.

TOP 3 WINE FLAVORS TO ENJOY

Fruit flavors (e.g. peach, blackberry, plum, current)
Herbal flavors (e.g. bell pepper, mint, oregano)
Flower flavors (e.g. roses, lavender, iris)

TOP EUROPEAN WINE TASTING EXPERIENCES

For more information on any of the above wine filled adventures please get in touch with one of our travel team.

contact-us-button-orchards-near-me
four-amazing-european-wine-tours-orchards-near-me

The Grape Escape: 4 Amazing European Wine Tours

The hills come alive in the Summer and Autumn all across Europe where grapes come out to greet the sunshine and we get a taste of the land around us. From full bodied reds to crisp whites, each wine represents a place, a culture and a climate. At Orchardsnearme.com we aim to please the palette with our unique selection of European Wine Tours. Here are four of our favourites to choose from:

1. Diverse landscapes and rich cuisine. Unwind by the terraced vineyards of the Douro. This is the heart of Northern Portugal where time stands still. Learn the traditional methods of grape harvesting. Pick some juicy fruits. Famous for its food and wine heritage. Nestled between the rugged mountains and the coast of Porto, this guided vineyard experience is a special adventure for food and wine lovers from around the world.

Learn more about this Vineyard Adventure in the Douro


2. Walking amongst the Italian vines you will feel truly lost in nature. This luxury tour takes you to the heart of the Italian countryside. Discover cellar tours and long walks in an ancient setting. Enjoy a meal al fresco with pasta, pizza and plenty of seasonal wines to choose from.

Learn more about this Italian Wine Tour


3. Soak up the medieval atmosphere. Sip cocktails in the evening. From its sweeping views to its sunshine packed beaches, the Algarve has everything to offer. Admire the impressive architecture. Old fashioned, romantic Spanish streets. 

Learn more about the wines and fruits of the Algarve


4. If you are looking for a holiday with a difference than this one is truly unique. Enjoy staying in your very own wine barrel. This tour with a difference is a delight for the senses. Discover the beauty of the Portuguese landscapes while sipping on fresh Vinho Verde.

Learn more about the Portuguese countryside

For more information on the most amazing wine tours in Europe please contact one of our travel specialists.

contact-us-button-orchards-near-me
tipping-in-europe-guide-orchards-near-me

Tipping in Europe: The Smart Traveller Guide to Tipping Culture in Europe

TThe first thing to know about tipping in Europe is that although it is greatly appreciated, it isn’t a rule and isn’t enforced in any bar or restaurant. For most countries. it isn’t a part of the wages. The majority of people working in hotels, restaurants or any service industry in Europe have weekly or monthly salaries.

You don’t have to tip if the service is bad. When you pay for a meal you should get a positive standard of service. If the service is bad and the food isn’t cooked properly than you don’t have to tip as the staff are already being paid a minimum wage. Tips are considered a bonus in Europe.

10% is the average amount to tip if you are happy with a meal. If you are delighted with the quality you may like to give 15% but 10% is more than enough.

If you are in a bar and just buying drinks you don’t have to tip at all, unless you really like the bar man. Then feel free to leave them a few euro when you are leaving. For the most part, the drinks in European cities can be quite pricey so you are paying enough.

For taxi/cab drivers they won’t expect a tip but it is also sometimes considered rude to wait for small change. For example if you take a cab and it costs €14.20 we would recommend giving the driver €15.00. Again, if your driver is extra nice you may want to leave him/her a few extra euro.

THINGS TO KNOW BEFORE TIPPING IN EUROPE

Read the bill carefully. In some resorts and towns the tips are added on as a service charge. If it is included in the bill then you will not need to give 10 – 15% extra on top of this.

If you try to tip in cash, this will usually ensure that the tip goes to the employee.

In restaurants and bars always try to tip your own server and don’t leave it on the table for others to collect.

Tipping etiquette across Europe is different per country so let’s take a closer look at some tipping points per region:

IRELAND

10 to 12% in a restaurant is normal for good quality service. If a restaurant has already added on a 12.5% service charge then no tip is expected on top of this. No tip is expected in taxis or bars.

SCANDINAVIA

It isn’t necessary or part of the culture to tip in Scandinavian countries. In Iceland, Norway, Sweden and Finland.

ITALY

Servizio incluso means your service charge is included, usually around 15% of the total.

PORTUGAL

If there is a tip jar than it nice to leave some small change. It is not customary for locals to tip at a restaurant but a tip of 10% for up market places is acceptable.

SPAIN

5 to 10% for elaborate meals and small change for bars and taxis is accepted but not expected.

FRANCE

Tip €1 to €2 to anyone who helps you: luggage carriers at the airport and hotels. Tip taxi drivers 10%. There is always a service added to the bill in France but it is customary to leave €1 for every €20 meal.

GERMANY

In many restaurants the tip is included in the price of the food. If you want to tip, a common way to do it is to pay the bill but ask for less change back.

GREECE

If you are buying an expensive meal you won’t be expected to leave a large tip but if the charge is small you should leave some change.

AUSTRIA

5% in restaurants for good service. Tipping is expected for taxi drivers and usually it amounts to 10% of the total.

CZECH REPUBLIC

20 Czech Crown (CZK) is 1 US dollar or .80 Euro. Tipping 10 to 15% is average. Don’t leave money on the table, hand it to the waitor instead.

For more European travel tips or to find the latest adventures please contact one of our team.

contact-us-button-orchards-near-me
useful-italian-phrases-for-your-adventure-in-europe-orchards-near-me

Useful Italian Phrases for my trip to Europe

Ciao — Hi and bye
Buongiorno — Hello and good morning
Salve — Hello
Buonasera — Hello and good evening
Arrivederci — Goodbye
Una buona giornata — Have a good day
Buona serata — Have a good/nice evening
A presto — See you soon
A dopo — See you later
Ciao — Hi and bye
Airport: Aeroporto
Train station: Stazione ferroviaria
Train: Treno
Bus: Autobus
Stop (bus, train): Fermata
Car: Macchina; Auto
Luggage: Bagagli
Ticket: Biglietto
Check: Conto
Beach: Spiaggia
Restaurant: Ristorante
Bathroom: Bagno
Store: Negozio
Hotel: Albergo
Food: Cibo
Drink: Bibita
Breakfast: Colazione
Lunch: Pranzo
Dinner: Cena
Snack: Spuntino
Appetizer: Antipasto
Wine: Vino
Beer: Birra
Street: Strada; Via
Hospital: Ospedale
Help: Aiuto
Police: Polizia
Phone: Telefono
Bank: Banca
ATM: Bancomat
Do you speak English?: Parla Inglese?
I don’t speak Italian: Non parlo Italiano
How much does it cost?: Quanto costa?
I’m lost: Mi sono perso
Let’s go: Andiamo
I would like…: Vorrei…
I like…: Mi piace…
I don’t like…: Non mi piace…
It’s hot: Fa caldo
It’s cold: Fa freddo

I am from/I come from…: Sono di/Vengo da…

Mi scusi, non capisco – I don’t understand!
Non parlo italiano molto bene – I don’t speak Italian very well
Parla inglese? – Do you speak English?

IN THE RESTAURANT
Un tavolo per uno / due, per favore – A table for one / two please
Siete già aperti? – Are you open yet?
Possiamo aspettare (per un tavolo)? – Can we wait (for a table)?
Possiamo sederci laggiù? – Can we sit over there?
Mi scusi! – Excuse me!
Cosa mi consiglia? – What do you recommend?

Qual è la specialità della casa? – What’s your most popular dish?
Cos’è questo? – What’s this?
Mi farebbe un assortimento dei piatti migliori? – Please bring me a selection of nice things
Faccia Lei! / Lascio decidere a Lei. – It’s up to you/You can decide
Il conto, per favore – The cheque, please
Quanto costa? – How much is it?

DIRECTIONS
Mi scusi, posso farle una domanda? – Excuse me, could I ask you something?
Vorrei andare a _ – I want to go to _
Vorrei andare qui – I want to go here
Mi sono perso / Mi sono persa – I’m lost
Come posso arrivarci? – How can I get there?
È di qua? – Is it this way?
Potrebbe indicarmelo sulla carta? – Can you show me on the map?
Left: Sinistra
Right: Destra
Straight: Diritto
Where is the bathroom?: Dov’è il bagno?

Now that you have a few useful Italian phrases you are ready to book your next trip to romantic Italy. See some of our food and foraging experiences in Italy here. If you would like to join us and get back to nature please contact one of our travel team.

contact-us-button-orchards-near-me
why-you-should-travel-with-a-purpose-orchardsnearme

Why you should travel with a purpose

Think of the last time you had an amazing travel experience? Most people remember the people, the place and the food. If you travel with a purpose you will create life long memories for your travel diary. Travelling with a purpose makes us appreciate the little things while also contributing to worldwide causes and industries.

Orchardsnearme partners with responsible travel experiences that will take you back to nature. The activities connect you with the stunning landscapes of Europe and allow you to get a taste of the local culture and foods.

Learn as you go

Are you curious about the land around you? Learning whilst you travel is the most uplifting experience. From the history of coffee plantations to the sun soaked vineyards in Italy, we can all benefit from meeting the local producers and getting some inside knowledge of the natural landscapes around us.

Go to grow

If you are feeling a little overwhelmed at work and underwhelmed with mass media then this form of travel is a great way to clear your mind. Start each day with a mission to grow. In every activity you enjoy your mind will be absorbed in hands-on experiences.

Lifelong learning

In college and University we associate lifelong learning with older adults. Perhaps lifelong learning isn’t just for people who have the time in later life, it is about drinking in the facts, listening to the tales and basking in the knowledge of others.

Meet the Experts

Discover the art of wine making and producing delicious fruits of Europe with the experts. When you travel with a purpose you have the opportunity to get to know the people at the heart of a region. Farmers who take care of the land, vineyard owners who proudly showcase their wines and food lovers from around the world.

How you travel and where you travel too is a reflection of your values, your feelings and your personality. Travelling with a purpose can connect you to your inner voice and child like self that has always wanted to learn something new.

6 Ways to Travel with a Purpose

Grape Picking at Harvest time

Olive picking in Greece

Truffle Hunting in Italy

Star gazing in Portugal

Foraging in Ireland

Investigate Medieval history in Spain

Perhaps the next time you travel with a purpose you will find out something new about yourself, learn a new skill or discover a unique aspect of a different culture that you want to take home with you. Whatever your reason go to grow and you will meet like minded curious travelers along the way.

contact-us-button-orchards-near-me
digital-detox-europe-orchards-near-me

6 Places for a Digital Detox in Europe

What is a digital detox holiday?

Are you surrounded by screens everyday? Maybe you check your mobile phone the minute you get out of bed, scroll through instagram several times a day, sign into Facebook for a scroll, read up on the top new stories for instant hits from your favourite news sites and get lost on pinterest for at least half an hour.

Can you relate to this? If so, like me, you deserve a digital detox. Simply put, this is time out to give yourself a break and get some control over how your time is being spent.

Reasons why you should take a digital detox holiday

  • Leave work behind. Don’t feel guilty about the e-mails building up in your inbox. Put your off of office message on and sign off from all emails. What you think is urgent in work terms, rarely is in life terms. They will be there for you when you get back and if it is truly urgent your employer will find a way to get in touch.
  • Be mindful. Living in the moment is something we all strive to do and tell ourselves to do but it is becoming more and more difficult. We get lost on screens and have to schedule our time around them. By turning off and tuning into the land we can reconnect with our senses and learn to appreciate again.
  • Do it together. A digital detox can be shared. Everyone has a friend or family member who is a slave to the screens so why not ask them to go along with you. As well as encouraging eachother to stay offline, you will be sharing the experiences together.
  • No news is good news. Did you ever hear of this saying? Well, it could be applied to anytime we get off our many new sites today. We might think we need to stay updated by the hour but we really don’t. We can survive without the news for a couple of days.
  • Facebook and Instagram won’t miss you. Say to day but true, nobody but you wants to see endless photos of your fantastic life on instagram and Facebook. Yes, it is nice to keep up with friends and the original concept was inspiring but selfies are boring and if you wait to post an album when you get back people will be looking forward to seeing your updates. When it comes to social start thinking less is more.
  • Health benefits – Less stress

Top Tours for a Digital detox in Europe

Now is the perfect time to turn off and get some time for you. Whether you want a break from a hectic office life, a bit of the headspace to come up with some new ideas or would love to learn to appreciate the land around you and live more mindfully, there is a detox to suit your needs.

LIFE ON A FARM IN PORTUGAL

Give yourself other things to do with your body and brain. A fruit picking experience is a great way to spend time out from the screens. Join us to experience life on a vineyard in Portugal’s Douro Valley region.

TRUFFLE HUNTING IN ITALY

Wine tasting and hunting for truffles are two activities often associated with luxury. These are two ways to take your mind off the future and into the present.

GO WILD FOOD FORAGING IN IRELAND

Step back in time and learn to forage like our ancestors did. This wild food experience is just what you need to get back to nature and enjoy the fruits of the land around us.

VINHO VERDE DIGITAL DETOX

Northern Portugal is packed full of delicious grapes to taste. The Vinho Verde is the most famous wine in the region. This tour will give you a taste of the Portuguese lifestyle.

DISCOVER THE LANDSCAPES OF BURGUNDY

As one of the most famous wine regions of France you will be perfectly situated to experience all there is to love in the area.

OLIVE PICKING IN GREECE

This is the ultimate way to get back to nature and reconnect with the land. Enjoy fruit picking for 1 week in the most stunning landscapes of Greece.

Tips for your Digital Detox

  • Practice at home – start by leaving your phone at home while you go for a short walk. Increase your time away from the screen daily.
  • Manage your updates – do you need to update your facebook feed or instagram account everyday? No, you can minimize your updates.
  • Buy a handheld map – Instead of using google maps to guide you everywhere you go.
  • Invest in a guidebook – a well written guidebook can be more of a tool than any website.
  • No screens before bed – try to stop checking your phone before bedtime.
  • Social doesn’t mean social media – Give yourself time out to reflect, what happens on social media will stay on social media. Leave it there and give yourself time to think.

Enjoy every minute of your digital detox. Savour the time away from the screens and discover the beauty of the land around you.

For more information on any of our fruit and foraging tours contact one of our travel experts.

contact-us-button-orchards-near-me
alba-italy-travel-orchards-near-me-min

48 Hours in Alba, Italy

Planning a visit to Italy? Spend some time in the beautiful Piedmont region, renowned throughout the world for it’s truffles and wines. This is a real slice of the high life.

The centro storico or historic centre of the town is compact and easy to nacvigate on foot or bike. You will find yourself strolling through the streets aimlessly. If it’s one thing the Italians can teach us to do more of, it’s sitting back and enjoying the moment. If you have two days to spare, Alba is a great place to get a taste of the Italian lifestyle. 

DAY 1 

Morning
Start the day with breakfast at Vicolo dell’Arco. enjoy the cosy atmosphere right in the historic centre. Enjoy sipping on a creamy cappuccino outside on a sunny day. 

The sights, smells and sounds of the market are calling from Piazza Risorgimento. Now is the perfect chance to get a flavour of the region. Alba is often quoted as Italy’s gastronomic gem so be sure to taste all of the produce on offer.

Afternoon 
Spend some time exploring the old town. Stroll through the cobbled streets.

Focacceria di Budego is the perfect choice is you want to grab a bite while walking around. Try the delicious focaccia. 

Cattedrale di San Lorenzo and Chiesa di San Domenico are waiting to be explored. Learn about the history of the region. Unwind over a coffee in one of the town squares.

Evening 

Sample the local wines and cheeses at Voglia di Vino wine bar.

DAY 2

Morning
The sights, smells and sounds of the market are calling from Piazza Risorgimento.

Get up early and head to Sant’ Eustachio Il Caffè in the Centro Storico for your morning coffee. No takeaway cups in Italy. Coffee time is relaxing time. Savour and enjoy. Take a seat outside this humble cafe and relax under the sunshine. This is your chance to soak up the local atmosphere.

Afternoon

After breakfast stroll to enjoy discovering the stunning baroque style architecture of Chiesa di San Giuseppe, a colourful church in the city centre. Admire the frescoes and murals that have been beautifully restored. For spectacular views of the city climb the church tower.

In the afternoon pay a visit to Bono Nella E Pagliarino where you can sample some of the best Italian cheeses. Castelmagno is simply delicious. For some required resting time enjoy sipping sipping a glass or two of the local wine at one of the many casual cafes in the town centre.

Evening

For dinner check out Caffe Umberto. This fine dining restaurant will leave you with a true taste of Italy. After dinner enjoy a nice walk to Gelateria La Romania for the best gelato in town.

In the evening get dressed up and ready from some cocktails at Hemingway in the city centre.

This is the perfect way to spend 48 hours in Alba before or after your Truffles and Wine of Italy tour that will delight your senses.

contact-us-button-orchards-near-me
things-to-do-in-porto-orchards-near-me

7 Unmissable things to do in Porto

  1. The Church of St Francis
    If you are a fan of gothic architecture then you will find plenty of treasures in Porto. The Church of Sao Francisco do Porto was completed in 1410. The gold plated interior is dazzling. Discover the eerie catacombs.
  2. Palácio da Bolsa
    You won’t need to walk far if you are visiting the church as the Palace is right beside it. You can opt to do a short guided tour to learn about the art, history and construction of the Palace. Be sure to explore the central courtyard, the golden room and the Octagon.
  3. Dom Luis Bridge
    This iconic bridge is part of the Porto landscape, linking the Port wine houses with the lively Ribeira district.
  4. Café Majestic
    Café Majestic is situated on Rua de Santa Catarina. It is one of the most beautiful examples of Art Nouveau in the city. With leather seats and chandeliers this cafe and book shop will leave you with life long memories. The perfect place to have coffee with a pastel de Nata. J.K. Rowling is thought to have spent time here when writing Harry Potter.
  5. Livraria Lello & Irmão
    We feel that all bookshops are inspiring in a way and this wonderful attraction is no exception. Rich in history this ornate book shop has been around since 1906. Stained glass, a magical staircase and books as far as the eye can see are just some of the features of this famous bookshop.
  6. Sip Port by the Harbour at Wine Quay Bar
    It would be rude not to sample a sip or two of Port when you are visiting the city of Porto.
  7. Cycle to the beach
    Porto is well known for it’s stunning city centre but did you know that you will be surrounded by some stunning beaches. So if you feel like a dip in the Atlantic ocean you are never far from the sea. Grab a bike at the hungry biker cafe and head to the beach for a day in the sun.
porto-harbour-things-to-do-in-porto-orchards-near-me

We fall in love with this city over and over again. The hilly streets, the antique shop windows, the harbour, the galleries, the gardens and the restaurants will keep you entertained for days. A city that’s full of life while also maintaining a relaxed vibe gives us the perfect balance to start and finish our journey.

HOW TO GET TO PORTO

Getting to Porto is relatively easy. There is good access from some major hubs in Portugal and Spain. Here are the three easiest ways to get to Porto if you are flying from mainland Europe:
Fly into Porto Airport
Travel up from Lisbon 2 1/2 hours
Travel down from Santiago de Compostela 2 1/2 hours

If you are travelling from the US than you may want to fly directly from New York to Lisbon. If you plan to fly into Madrid than be mindful that you will need to get an overnight train from Madrid to Coimbra (12 hours approx), followed by a bus or train to Porto which will take approximately 1 hour.

WHERE TO EAT

Homemade chocolat at Chocolataria Equador with a wide selection of bonbons, truffles and chocolate bars. If you have a sweet tooth than this is a firm favourite for locals and visitors. You will find stores on Rua das Flores and Rua Sousa Viterbo.

Try the famous Bacalou dishes and the fish cakes at Adego Sao Nicolau, a restaurant that has become an institution nearby the river. The low curved roofing makes it feel intimate and homely. Pair your dishes with some of the regions finest ports.

If its a lunchtime snack you are looking for than Bar Gazela is where you want to be. Situated on Santa Catarina you will enjoy the traditional atmosphere here. We highly recommend a spicy hot dog with a cold beer.

These are just a few of our top tips when travelling to the charming town of Porto. If you would like to add a fruit picking or wine tasting experience to your Portuguese adventures please contact one of our travel team.

contact-us-button-orchards-near-me
amazing-orchard-experiences-orchards-near-me

4 Unforgettable Orchard Experiences

Make 2019 your year to travel with a purpose and get back to nature. With so many different orchard experiences, picking one is a hard task! Sip the sweet wines of the Douro Valley, marvel at the grape filled fields of Burgundy, take a romantic trip through the heart of Italy or sample the olive harvest in Greece.

The world is your oyster, all you need to do is take the first step.  Whatever orchard experience you choose make it one to remember. There are four amazing orchard experiences to inspire your next adventure:

JOIN THE OLIVE HARVEST IN GREECE – 6 NIGHTS

This year round sunny destination will leave you with life long memories. Spend your days picking olives, learning about the local culture and getting to grips with the harvest season. Spend your weekends on the sandy beaches diving into the turquiose waters. This incredible tour is a nature lovers dream. With whitewashed villages to stroll around and so many ancient ruins to discover, Greece is the perfect place to catch up on some well needed Vitamin D. Famous local dishes of moussaka and souvlaki will leave your mouth watering and don’t forget to try the tasty dessert of Baklava.

From the moment you arrive your host will teach you the tricks of the olive trade. You will learn how olives are harvested and turned into the most delicious oils. This farm to table orchard experience is one for the bucketlist.

More details: Olive Harvest Tours

DISCOVER THE DELIGHTS OF THE DOURO VALLEY – 2 NIGHTS

Renowned worldwide for it’s terraced vineyards, the Douro Valley is a delight for the senses. Find yourself in one of Europe’s most treasured regions. On this tour you will have the opportunity to sample the grapes, pick the grapes and learn about the unique Portuguese wines on offer.  

This is a land of fascinating wild landscapes and spectacular views from the mountain tops. This short tour packs every detail in so you get a true taste of life in the Douro. Our expert guides will take you on a delicious journey of discovery. From meeting with the olive oil producers to participating in the harvest you will have plenty to write home about after this unique orchard experience.

More details: Discover the Douro Valley

TASTE THE FAMOUS WINES OF BURGUNDY – 3 NIGHTS

If you are in the mood to taste some of Europe’s most delicious wines, you can head to Burgundy in France. This tour takes you to the heart of France’s most famous wine region. Now it is time to sit back, sip wine and watch the world go by. On this amazing orchard experience you will learn about the grapes, sample vintage wines and take some well deserved time out to enjoy the finer things in life. It is a truly stunning landscape that the locals are delighted to share with you. Ramble through rolling green countryside and get exclusive access to wine cellars of Burgundy as you discover all that this region has to offer. The Burgundy tour is truly special and not to be missed.

More details: Burgundy Truffles & Wine Tour

LUXURY TRUFFLES & WINE ADVENTURE IN ITALY – 5 NIGHTS

Famous for it’s white truffles, the region of Alba in Italy epitomizes all that Italy has to offer food and nature lovers. As you start this journey visit the church of San Giovanni Battista containing artworks from the 14th century. This unforgettable tour will enhance your taste buds every step along the way. It is no wonder that Ferrero Roche and Nutella come from this area as everywhere is bursting with sweetness. Enjoy the beautifully preserved medieval town while getting to know the local culture with our fantastic guides. You will get a hands on experience of farm life in Italy, meeting the local wine producers and learning about the different production processes. This is the land of truffles, so you are in for a real treat.

More details: Luxury Orchard Experience Italy

You can see all our orchard experiences here: Orchards Near you

Does not include: flights and insurance

For more details about these amazing Orchard Experience routes or to request a quote contact our travel specialists.

Select your currency
EUR
USD