For the novice and even the casual connoisseur, sampling a new wine can almost be an intimidating prospect. But generally, a little background information makes all the difference in your ability to taste and enjoy a foreign potable. To help you out, Ted Loos has cleverly and succinctly broken down one of the most enigmatic varietals, Portugal’s Vinho Verde. Check out his article, Going Green with Vinho Verde, and if you find yourself inspired to sample, join VBT Owners, Gregg and Caroline Marston on a delightful Walking Tour of Portugal. There’ll be wonderful scenery, a few surprises along the way and, of course, ample opportunity to sample the “green” wine straight from its source.

Bookmark It

Hide Sites

“Wandering is what I relish most in a place that I’m still learning,” writes Frank Bruni in his New York Times article, How I Fell for Lisbon. Based upon that sentiment, we loved the way Bruni relayed his ongoing exploration of Lisbon. From chatting with locals at small cafes to vising humble, almost intimate cathedrals, the author paints a beautiful picture of one of Europe’s most culturally rich cities. We hope his work will inspire you to join VBT on our Walking Portugal’s Douro River Valley vacation, ​and to take advantage of our post-trip, wandering awhile in Lisbon.

Bookmark It

Hide Sites

Spain—Mezquita de Cordoba

Sometimes a change of tune is a good thing. Perhaps the perfect example of the adage is Cordoba’s Mezquita. Originally constructed in the 7th century, the denomination of the UNESCO World Heritage Site has been adapted several times over by its governing inhabitants. And, yet the combination of Christian and Moorish influence upon the cathedral’s design only adds to its aesthetic appeal. Take a guided tour of Cordoba de Mezquita on our Spain: Under the Andalusian Sky biking vacation.

Puglia—Cattedrale di Monopoli

Attractive from afar, and intoxicating from within, is the fortified town of Monopoli. The port village’s location has drawn many invaders historically, and much of the architecture has been built and rebuilt by its flux of inhabitants. Restored in the 17th century, the Cattedrale di Monopoli is one of the most noteworthy structures in the small town. At almost 200 feet high, the cathedral’s soaring tower is visible from quite a distance. Yet the baroque cathedral offers an even more stunning view at its base. Enjoy a close-up of the historic Catterale di Monopoli on our Puglia: Italy’s Undiscovered Coast bicycling vacation.

Portugal—São Jorge Castle

Europe’s western-most capital, Lisbon, boasts a collage of architectural styles. For a classic example of Lisbon’s hodgepodge of building styles, peer up at São Jorge Castle from the Baixa neighborhood of the coastal city. Atop Lisbon’s tallest hill, the Moorish castle rests like an ancient crown, capping off an elegant blend of Roman, Celtic, and even French architectural styles. Explore São Jorge Castle on an extension after our Walking Portugal’s Douro River Valley vacation.

Thailand—Wat Rong Khun

Just outside of Chiang Rai, Thailand, travelers will find the unorthodox and absolutely striking Buddhist temple, Wat Rong Khun. In a land known for its vibrant natural colors, Wat Rong Khun truly stands out as much for its pristine white appearance, as its incredibly intricate façade. Though the White Temple is just over a decade old, it is certain to remain among one of the world’s sacred masterpieces for centuries to come. Marvel at Wat Rong Khun on our Exploring Northern Thailand biking vacation.

Vietnam—Hien Nhan Gate

Park your bike and take some time to explore the Purple Forbidden City, the former headquarters of the Nguyen dynasty. Located in Hue, Vietnam, the Imperial City was once surrounded by a moat and a large stone wall, and outsiders could only peer upon its enclosure. Admittedly, it was quite a view. Admire it yourself, and as you enter into the Purple forbidden City, enjoy a moment examining the detail of the massive stone entryway, the Hien Nhan Gate. Visit the Hien Nhan Gate on our Journey through Vietnam biking vacation.

Peru—Machu Picchu

What can be said about Machu Picchu to relay the wonder and awe of the “Lost City of the Incas”? We can merely echo our predecessors’ sentiments. Since its construction in the 14th and 15th century, the centerpiece of the Sacred Valley has simply amazed visitors from the Spanish conquistadors and Hiram Bingham to the ardent travelers that make their way along the Inca trail each year. Their conclusions? The journey astounds beyond words. Experience it for yourself and visit Machu Picchu on our Peru: Machu Picchu & The Sacred Valley walking tour.

Bookmark It

Hide Sites

In his piece, 36 Hours in Porto, NY Times Travel writer, Seth Sherwood unveils a revitalized Porto, Portugal. From street food and shopping, to a thriving art scene and noble architecture, Porto’s intrigue extends well-beyond its vitnering heritage. Of course, few travelers will find themselves impervious to the temptation of the Douro Valley’s famed varietal, Port, and there are plenty of opportunities to sample some, but visitors will also find a number of worthy rivals among Portugal’s ample selection of domestic wines. On VBT’s walking Tour of Portugal, travelers can take advantage of a three day extension in Porto, enjoying all that the budding metropolis has to offer. Enjoy 36 Hours in Porto.

Bookmark It

Hide Sites

In the heart of Portugal’s Beira Alta, which features ranging altitudes between 650 and 3000 feet above sea level, sits the Dão wine region. Produced at a host of successful vineyards, Dão is primarily noted for balanced reds, great for pairing with food.  However, recently, Dão has managed to produce some very popular white wines as well.

Home to both Vinho Verde andPort,Portugal’s northern portion lays claim to the country’s most celebrated wines. The Minho region of Portugal gives us Vinho Verde, which literally translates as “Green Wine” in reference to a slight tinge of green at the wine’s edges. Vinho Verdes are intended to be enjoyed at a young age, generally within a year of bottling. And complementing their freshness, a slight, secondary fermentation yields a delightfully light sparkle in most.

It would be inappropriate, to say the least, to engage in a discussion of Portuguese wine and not mention its virtual namesake, “Port.” While Portugal is home to many fine wines, it was Port that put really put its vineyards on the map in the 17^th century. The delectable potable was made in the Duoro Valley, then shipped west along the Duoro River to the city of Porto (from which it gets its name), where it would finally be exported to the rest of Europe. In fact, Port was so popular internationally that it resulted in the Duoro Valley becoming the very first delimitated wine region in the world, long before any other demarcated region in Europe.

There are many varieties of fortified wines produced globally, and some very popular ones at that. Yet most expert and amateur wine lovers agree that the distinct Ports cultivated in the Duoro Valley have remained unmatched since their conception. Join us on our Walking Portugal’s Douro River Valley vacation and sample all that Dão, Minho, and the Duoro Valley have to offer as we enjoy some of the most unique wines and landscapes in the world.

Bookmark It

Hide Sites