Quinta da Veiga

“Quiet splendor”

A local told us that most most beautiful part of the Duoro Valley starts here in Ferrao, 2 hours east of Porto. I believe it. The terraced hillsides were breathtaking, and the view from the pool at Quinta da Veiga was amazing. The home, owned by a lovely Portuguese woman, is filled with furnish... lisää

A local told us that most most beautiful part of the Duoro Valley starts here in Ferrao, 2 hours east of Porto. I believe it. The terraced hillsides were breathtaking, and the view from the pool at Quinta da Veiga was amazing. The home, owned by a lovely Portuguese woman, is filled with furnishings and art from Portugal and her travels and is like a museum. Every time I walked through the very spacious and comfortable house, I noticed something new and interesting. Andres, the manager, who has been there at the inn for seven years, is energetic, friendly, very helpful, and loves NBA basketball! He made sure we had everything we needed. There are only 8 rooms and wifi is available. Yes, it is remote, which is what we were looking for, so we stayed in for dinner, which was great--traditional Portuguese food, good and filling, served with the estate's wines for 25 euros per person. The use a lot of things from their garden--don't missed the breakfast jams made from their own fruit: cherry, apricot, fig, even tomato! Breakfast is included. Andre arranged for a taxi to pick us up at the Ferrao train station just down the hillside, when we arrived from Porto. Trains are inexpensive and comfortable, very east access and on time! For the second hour, the train ran alongside of the river so there was gorgeous scenery. Andres also arranged a jeep tour of the vineyards with Samuel, a young but very experienced, enthusiastic and knowledgeable local who does group and personal tours. It was such a pleasure to learn from him and benefit from his enthusiasm for his region. We had a fabulous lunch w/wine, and stops in nearby villages, and a port tasting. If we'd stayed another night, I would have returned to the restaurant by taxi for another meal--it was so good (Toca da Raposa in Ervedosa). Lovely sunsets were enjoyed poolside, with port, of course! It was a perfect, relaxing 2-night escape.

vähemmän

“Beautifully tranquil and unique”

We stayed here for three days as part of a tour around Portugal. We couldn't find many reviews for the place and worried it was a bit remote so were unsure what to expect. On arrival all concerns evaporated instantly. The house is absolutely stunning and we were made to feel totally welcome by... lisää

We stayed here for three days as part of a tour around Portugal. We couldn't find many reviews for the place and worried it was a bit remote so were unsure what to expect. On arrival all concerns evaporated instantly. The house is absolutely stunning and we were made to feel totally welcome by Andre the instant we walked in. The farmhouse itself is fairly large with a main lounge, dining room, tv/music/film room, library and 2 smaller lounges. All have doors opening onto the terrace which has breath taking views over the valley and river Douro, and a pool on the lower terrace. We had the place to ourselves which was quite a treat and were able to totally relax into the weekend. The house is remote but if you we looking for relaxation it's a great place to be. Meals can be provided at the house if you don't want to trek out in the evening, and are served with the vineyards own wines. Service by Andre was attentive but unobtrusive and the local food he prepared was just fantastic (and plentiful!)

vähemmän

“Fantastic views - abysmal food.”

Great views, terrible food! We stayed two nights and the facilities were nice, clean and at decent value for money. The dinner, at 35€, which the estate offers was absolutely horrendous though. Overcooked steak, the wines were nothing else than low-quality and served at totally wrong temperatu... lisää

Great views, terrible food! We stayed two nights and the facilities were nice, clean and at decent value for money. The dinner, at 35€, which the estate offers was absolutely horrendous though. Overcooked steak, the wines were nothing else than low-quality and served at totally wrong temperatures, which an estate in the middle of Portugals wine region could definitely improve upon. Breakfast was ok-ish, but very basic. The location is sub-par, as it‘s close to a 30 minute drive from Pinhão were all the major restaurants are, which makes it hard to not choose dinner at the estate.

vähemmän

“Remote but stunningly beautiful location ”

The location is very isolated but spectacular, the views are idyllic and it is well worth the breath-stopping/breathtaking journey to get there!! The journey is not for the faint hearted but it is well worth it when you arrive at this place but it is perfect for those that want to truly experienc... lisää

The location is very isolated but spectacular, the views are idyllic and it is well worth the breath-stopping/breathtaking journey to get there!! The journey is not for the faint hearted but it is well worth it when you arrive at this place but it is perfect for those that want to truly experience the real Portugal. The place itself is raw and rustic but in all the right ways, a little shocking when you first arrive especially if you are used to prompt service and luxurious settings BUT this has so much more than the most flamboyant hotels have as the hosts are so real and hospitable, the venue is old and historic while still being comfortable and homely and the views are second to none. We and did not know what to expect when we got there and you are truly isolated in this hotel, however you can get breakfast and dinner here (there is nothing else nearby) although dinner is not for the unadventurous either as there is no menu, you are served whatever is on offer on the day and do not know what this is until it is served(!!) - but rather than this being a negative (even for me the fussiest of eaters) this is truly part of the charm of the place as the hosts do everything with a touch of class and a lot of care and love. They give food and drink from the heart and you cannot help but fall in love with this place and the hosts. A place well off the beaten track but well worth taking a chance on. · The lack of channels on the tv - we could only get two channels and they were both German which is not ideal for English only speakers!! I hate myself for writing this but you are literally so isolated here the tv is one of the only forms of entertainment - you need to bring a book!!

vähemmän