Porto and the Douro Valley: the Ribeira riverfront, the Livraria Lello bookshop and wine by the river

Your base is the 4★ Pestana Vintage Porto, right on Praça da Ribeira, in the heart of the old town by the Douro. Historic houses, colourful façades and rabelo boats outside the window; breakfast is included and the booking is refundable. From here it's a walk to the bridges, the port cellars and Porto's best views.

From the airport, a private transfer with meet & greet: straight to the hotel door, and the same in reverse for your flight home.

One day is the city itself: priority entry to the legendary Livraria Lello bookshop with its carved staircase and stained glass (the one said to have inspired the Hogwarts tales), plus a combined ticket to the Livraria Lello foundation — exhibitions and a sculpture by Álvaro Siza.

Another day, the Douro Valley, the home of port: terraced vineyards along the banks, a boat trip on the river, two wine and port tastings and a premium lunch. With transfer from the hotel and back.

The rest of the time is yours: the Ribeira and the Dom Luís I bridge, the cellars of Vila Nova de Gaia, cafés and viewpoints. I'll tell you what's where and where to eat well.

Flights I arrange separately, around the dates and times that suit you. Everything else is already in place; I stay in touch throughout.