The Northern Portugal GrapeHops tour with Shannon did not disappoint at all! The intimacy of having a small group of people on the tour made for a wonderful experience and the pace was very leisurely. A variety of activities was enough to satisfy everyone’s preferences and we were particularly pleased that Shannon took extra care in addressing things written in our pre-tour questionnaires.

The planned meals that were included with the tour were fantastic and opened our eyes to the world of Portuguese traditional cuisine. Not only did we learn a lot about winemaking — both traditional and non-traditional and the making of port –  but also the historical/cultural aspects of Portugal.  If large tour groups and rushing around to see sites is not for you, then you will LOVE this tour.

Jean & Ernie V. — Waipahu, Hawaii

I had an amazing time on our GrapeHops Portugal tour. We visited some wonderful wineries and sampled some of Portugal’s delicious cuisine. All the lodgings were great and the local guides like Pedro were excellent in providing interesting cultural and historical background to the beautiful towns we visited. I want to thank Shannon for creating an awesome itinerary that also included some fun and enjoyable activities which created some of my most memorable travel experiences.  This was my second GrapeHops Tour and it certainly won’t be my last.

Kathy C. — Torrance, California

We had a fabulous time on this tour. Shannon had it so well thought out and planned. There was a huge amount of variety in activities with, of course, wine tasting being in the forefront. We are usually independent travelers, but after taking the Portugal Wine Tour, we wouldn’t hesitate going with Shannon again

BJ & Alan F. — Placitas, New Mexico

This was our first trip to Portugal and we loved everything about it. The trip was well balanced with history, local culture, wonderful wines and fabulous food.  Shannon does a phenomenal job of planning and connecting with the local people and her guides couldn’t be better.  We enjoyed every aspect of the trip and would highly recommend it.  For those concerned about hills and walking, accommodations were always made and generously provided – a great help to my husband and any others on the trip who needed it.  We plan to travel with Shannon again and look forward to our next trip.

Diana & Ted J. — San Anselmo, California

As one who was on the maiden voyage of this fantastic tour, I urge you all to consider this trip. It was fantastic to meet winemakers, visit ancient towns, eat fabulous food, taste the local wines, explore the world of port, and interact with some of the warmest, kindest locals I’ve had the pleasure of meeting. Shannon has done it again–she attracts the best folks! Both locals and travelers.

Judy R. — Berkeley, California

A Taste of Northern Portugal is our fourth wine tour with Shannon and each tour seems to get better. This one was a nice balance between the vinho verde, just south of Galicia in Spain, and the great Port district along the Douro River. We visited very historic sites, had many memorable, delicious meals and visited and tasted at a remarkable variety of wineries ranging from small producers of white wines to the noted, theatric presentation at Sandeman, one of the major Port producers. it would be difficult to imagine a better experience.

Don & Mary M. — Marshfield, Wisconsin

As veterans of Shannon’s tours, Linda and I continue to praise her ability to generate experiences that are so genuine and so enjoyable. And she does this at a value point that is perfect: value lux. Thanks for all of the effort you put into these wonderful tours on our behalf, Shannon.

Paul & Linda H. — Alamo, California

The Portugal tour was the 4th tour I have taken with Shannon and GrapeHops. So clearly, I enjoy her tours immensely. Let me expand upon the many reasons why: Shannon provides great tours at an affordable price and gives you great value for your money. We stay in lovely settings; she is very generous with food and wine offerings and the restaurants she chooses are special. I am especially grateful for her no single supplement charge. As a woman of a certain age who often travels without my husband, I especially love this perk that few other tours offer. Shannon always manages to find very special experiences with locals, allowing one to feel a deeper connection with the culture. Not only are the food and wine spectacular but the local guides she uses provide so much insight to the history and local customs whether it is a bigger city or an off the beaten track village. But the most impressive to me is how Shannon and her local counterparts really go the extra mile to make sure everyone is happy and address any concerns promptly. She is a bit of a mother hen watching over her group and that is a lovely quality in a tour operator. Most of all, I love traveling with Shannon because it is like traveling with a good friend who enjoys the same kind of travel experiences I do.

I recommend this tour as well as her Croatia, Sicily and Slovenia tours highly and can’t wait to go on the rest of her tours!

Colleen K. — Cambridge, Massachusetts

Our trip to Portugal was phenomenal! This is not only a wine trip but also a trip of history & culture. The hotels are first rate and the food and wine just keep coming and coming! Shannon works very hard to make sure everything goes smoothly and it shows. Can’t wait for our next trip!

Rick & Nancy S. — Walnut, California