This was my fourth trip with Jennifer and European Experiences and it was fabulous! She is a marvelous host and trip designer. She really has a knack for selecting meaningful and off-the-beaten-path experiences, providing insights into the culture and special memories to take home. Cannot recommend highly enough!

This was my fourth trip with Jennifer and European Experiences and it was fabulous! She is a marvelous host and trip designer. She really has a knack for selecting meaningful and off-the-beaten-path experiences, providing insights into the culture and special memories to take home. Cannot recommend highly enough!

This was my fourth trip with Jennifer and European Experiences and it was fabulous! She is a marvelous host and trip designer. She really has a knack for selecting meaningful and off-the-beaten-path experiences, providing insights into the culture and special memories to take home. Cannot recommend highly enough!

This was my fourth trip with Jennifer and European Experiences and it was fabulous! She is a marvelous host and trip designer. She really has a knack for selecting meaningful and off-the-beaten-path experiences, providing insights into the culture and special memories to take home. Cannot recommend highly enough!

This was my fourth trip with Jennifer and European Experiences and it was fabulous! She is a marvelous host and trip designer. She really has a knack for selecting meaningful and off-the-beaten-path experiences, providing insights into the culture and special memories to take home. Cannot recommend highly enough!

European experiences is such a great company. I’ve been on 4 of their tours and each was fabulous. The crew for each has such a great passion for the city or region you are in. Kathy woods has done an exceptional job hiring the best leaders. Kelly , Drew and Christian are all amazing.

European experiences is such a great company. I’ve been on 4 of their tours and each was fabulous. The crew for each has such a great passion for the city or region you are in. Kathy woods has done an exceptional job hiring the best leaders. Kelly , Drew and Christian are all amazing.

European experiences is such a great company. I’ve been on 4 of their tours and each was fabulous. The crew for each has such a great passion for the city or region you are in. Kathy woods has done an exceptional job hiring the best leaders. Kelly , Drew and Christian are all amazing.

European experiences is such a great company. I’ve been on 4 of their tours and each was fabulous. The crew for each has such a great passion for the city or region you are in. Kathy woods has done an exceptional job hiring the best leaders. Kelly , Drew and Christian are all amazing.

European experiences is such a great company. I’ve been on 4 of their tours and each was fabulous. The crew for each has such a great passion for the city or region you are in. Kathy woods has done an exceptional job hiring the best leaders. Kelly , Drew and Christian are all amazing.

⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️ Review: European Experiences – Porto & Northern Portugal Our trip to Northern Portugal with European Experiences was truly exceptional! Tour leaders Jennifer and JP created an experience that was both beautifully organized and deeply personal. Their knowledge, warmth, and attention to detail made every day special. We fell in love with Porto—its riverside beauty, historic bridges, and welcoming spirit—and the surrounding northern towns that felt untouched by time. The charming town of Guimarães was home base and one of our favorites, filled with history, narrow cobblestone streets, and incredible character. One of the most memorable moments was our stay at a stunning family-run hotel, where Ernesto, the gracious owner, welcomed us as if we were lifelong friends. He even invited the group to his home for a barbecue, complete with staff dressed in red, white, and blue, creating an evening full of laughter, delicious food, and genuine hospitality. The port wineries opened their doors just for us, offering private tastings that felt like a privilege. Our local guides were outstanding—kind, knowledgeable, and clearly proud to share their beautiful country and culture with us. Every day brought something new and unforgettable. European Experiences truly lives up to its name—it’s not just a trip, it’s an immersion in local life, connection, and culture. We returned home with full hearts, new friendships, and a deep appreciation for Portugal.

⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️ Review: European Experiences – Porto & Northern Portugal Our trip to Northern Portugal with European Experiences was truly exceptional! Tour leaders Jennifer and JP created an experience that was both beautifully organized and deeply personal. Their knowledge, warmth, and attention to detail made every day special. We fell in love with Porto—its riverside beauty, historic bridges, and welcoming spirit—and the surrounding northern towns that felt untouched by time. The charming town of Guimarães was home base and one of our favorites, filled with history, narrow cobblestone streets, and incredible character. One of the most memorable moments was our stay at a stunning family-run hotel, where Ernesto, the gracious owner, welcomed us as if we were lifelong friends. He even invited the group to his home for a barbecue, complete with staff dressed in red, white, and blue, creating an evening full of laughter, delicious food, and genuine hospitality. The port wineries opened their doors just for us, offering private tastings that felt like a privilege. Our local guides were outstanding—kind, knowledgeable, and clearly proud to share their beautiful country and culture with us. Every day brought something new and unforgettable. European Experiences truly lives up to its name—it’s not just a trip, it’s an immersion in local life, connection, and culture. We returned home with full hearts, new friendships, and a deep appreciation for Portugal.

⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️ Review: European Experiences – Porto & Northern Portugal Our trip to Northern Portugal with European Experiences was truly exceptional! Tour leaders Jennifer and JP created an experience that was both beautifully organized and deeply personal. Their knowledge, warmth, and attention to detail made every day special. We fell in love with Porto—its riverside beauty, historic bridges, and welcoming spirit—and the surrounding northern towns that felt untouched by time. The charming town of Guimarães was home base and one of our favorites, filled with history, narrow cobblestone streets, and incredible character. One of the most memorable moments was our stay at a stunning family-run hotel, where Ernesto, the gracious owner, welcomed us as if we were lifelong friends. He even invited the group to his home for a barbecue, complete with staff dressed in red, white, and blue, creating an evening full of laughter, delicious food, and genuine hospitality. The port wineries opened their doors just for us, offering private tastings that felt like a privilege. Our local guides were outstanding—kind, knowledgeable, and clearly proud to share their beautiful country and culture with us. Every day brought something new and unforgettable. European Experiences truly lives up to its name—it’s not just a trip, it’s an immersion in local life, connection, and culture. We returned home with full hearts, new friendships, and a deep appreciation for Portugal.

⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️ Review: European Experiences – Porto & Northern Portugal Our trip to Northern Portugal with European Experiences was truly exceptional! Tour leaders Jennifer and JP created an experience that was both beautifully organized and deeply personal. Their knowledge, warmth, and attention to detail made every day special. We fell in love with Porto—its riverside beauty, historic bridges, and welcoming spirit—and the surrounding northern towns that felt untouched by time. The charming town of Guimarães was home base and one of our favorites, filled with history, narrow cobblestone streets, and incredible character. One of the most memorable moments was our stay at a stunning family-run hotel, where Ernesto, the gracious owner, welcomed us as if we were lifelong friends. He even invited the group to his home for a barbecue, complete with staff dressed in red, white, and blue, creating an evening full of laughter, delicious food, and genuine hospitality. The port wineries opened their doors just for us, offering private tastings that felt like a privilege. Our local guides were outstanding—kind, knowledgeable, and clearly proud to share their beautiful country and culture with us. Every day brought something new and unforgettable. European Experiences truly lives up to its name—it’s not just a trip, it’s an immersion in local life, connection, and culture. We returned home with full hearts, new friendships, and a deep appreciation for Portugal.

⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️ Review: European Experiences – Porto & Northern Portugal Our trip to Northern Portugal with European Experiences was truly exceptional! Tour leaders Jennifer and JP created an experience that was both beautifully organized and deeply personal. Their knowledge, warmth, and attention to detail made every day special. We fell in love with Porto—its riverside beauty, historic bridges, and welcoming spirit—and the surrounding northern towns that felt untouched by time. The charming town of Guimarães was home base and one of our favorites, filled with history, narrow cobblestone streets, and incredible character. One of the most memorable moments was our stay at a stunning family-run hotel, where Ernesto, the gracious owner, welcomed us as if we were lifelong friends. He even invited the group to his home for a barbecue, complete with staff dressed in red, white, and blue, creating an evening full of laughter, delicious food, and genuine hospitality. The port wineries opened their doors just for us, offering private tastings that felt like a privilege. Our local guides were outstanding—kind, knowledgeable, and clearly proud to share their beautiful country and culture with us. Every day brought something new and unforgettable. European Experiences truly lives up to its name—it’s not just a trip, it’s an immersion in local life, connection, and culture. We returned home with full hearts, new friendships, and a deep appreciation for Portugal.

My mother & I went on the European Experiences Christmas 2024 trip & it was just wonderful!! We both enjoyed traveling together with our small group of about a dozen very interesting people. There were 2 other sets of mothers/daughters on our trip & I can’t recommend it highly enough as a memorable shared experience. Our guides Kathy & Charley (owners of the company) were great – very knowledgeable, helpful, and arranged all kinds of interesting activities that we would not have experienced if traveling on our own. While we visited many gorgeous Christmas markets in each city -- all complete with festive holiday lights, decorations, local artisan and food/drink booths – they had so much more in store for us!! Private walking tours of each city with local guides, tour of an underground salt mine (flying down the wooden slide into the mine with my mother was priceless!), private concert, private tour of Dachau Concentration Camp, private cooking class & dinner, brewery/beer garden visit, private wine tasting at a winery, etc, etc, etc. We did not have to worry about anything during the trip! All the hotels that we stayed in were in fantastic central locations and very comfortable with friendly staff & wonderful breakfasts. All of the meals that were included with the trip were very good and at great, unique restaurants – everything was included and we always left full & happy! All transportation arrangements were made for us ahead of time & we traveled comfortably in style throughout. My mom and I are already talking about what trip we want to go on next! By the way, my husband & I also took a great trip with Kathy & Charley to the Luberon 15+ years ago -- it was fun re-connecting with them after all that time & good to know that they still remain passionate about crafting such wonderfully memorable travel experiences. I cannot recommend European Experiences highly enough… If you’ve read all the way through this rambling review, just go book a trip with them now!

My mother & I went on the European Experiences Christmas 2024 trip & it was just wonderful!! We both enjoyed traveling together with our small group of about a dozen very interesting people. There were 2 other sets of mothers/daughters on our trip & I can’t recommend it highly enough as a memorable shared experience. Our guides Kathy & Charley (owners of the company) were great – very knowledgeable, helpful, and arranged all kinds of interesting activities that we would not have experienced if traveling on our own. While we visited many gorgeous Christmas markets in each city -- all complete with festive holiday lights, decorations, local artisan and food/drink booths – they had so much more in store for us!! Private walking tours of each city with local guides, tour of an underground salt mine (flying down the wooden slide into the mine with my mother was priceless!), private concert, private tour of Dachau Concentration Camp, private cooking class & dinner, brewery/beer garden visit, private wine tasting at a winery, etc, etc, etc. We did not have to worry about anything during the trip! All the hotels that we stayed in were in fantastic central locations and very comfortable with friendly staff & wonderful breakfasts. All of the meals that were included with the trip were very good and at great, unique restaurants – everything was included and we always left full & happy! All transportation arrangements were made for us ahead of time & we traveled comfortably in style throughout. My mom and I are already talking about what trip we want to go on next! By the way, my husband & I also took a great trip with Kathy & Charley to the Luberon 15+ years ago -- it was fun re-connecting with them after all that time & good to know that they still remain passionate about crafting such wonderfully memorable travel experiences. I cannot recommend European Experiences highly enough… If you’ve read all the way through this rambling review, just go book a trip with them now!

My mother & I went on the European Experiences Christmas 2024 trip & it was just wonderful!! We both enjoyed traveling together with our small group of about a dozen very interesting people. There were 2 other sets of mothers/daughters on our trip & I can’t recommend it highly enough as a memorable shared experience. Our guides Kathy & Charley (owners of the company) were great – very knowledgeable, helpful, and arranged all kinds of interesting activities that we would not have experienced if traveling on our own. While we visited many gorgeous Christmas markets in each city -- all complete with festive holiday lights, decorations, local artisan and food/drink booths – they had so much more in store for us!! Private walking tours of each city with local guides, tour of an underground salt mine (flying down the wooden slide into the mine with my mother was priceless!), private concert, private tour of Dachau Concentration Camp, private cooking class & dinner, brewery/beer garden visit, private wine tasting at a winery, etc, etc, etc. We did not have to worry about anything during the trip! All the hotels that we stayed in were in fantastic central locations and very comfortable with friendly staff & wonderful breakfasts. All of the meals that were included with the trip were very good and at great, unique restaurants – everything was included and we always left full & happy! All transportation arrangements were made for us ahead of time & we traveled comfortably in style throughout. My mom and I are already talking about what trip we want to go on next! By the way, my husband & I also took a great trip with Kathy & Charley to the Luberon 15+ years ago -- it was fun re-connecting with them after all that time & good to know that they still remain passionate about crafting such wonderfully memorable travel experiences. I cannot recommend European Experiences highly enough… If you’ve read all the way through this rambling review, just go book a trip with them now!

My mother & I went on the European Experiences Christmas 2024 trip & it was just wonderful!! We both enjoyed traveling together with our small group of about a dozen very interesting people. There were 2 other sets of mothers/daughters on our trip & I can’t recommend it highly enough as a memorable shared experience. Our guides Kathy & Charley (owners of the company) were great – very knowledgeable, helpful, and arranged all kinds of interesting activities that we would not have experienced if traveling on our own. While we visited many gorgeous Christmas markets in each city -- all complete with festive holiday lights, decorations, local artisan and food/drink booths – they had so much more in store for us!! Private walking tours of each city with local guides, tour of an underground salt mine (flying down the wooden slide into the mine with my mother was priceless!), private concert, private tour of Dachau Concentration Camp, private cooking class & dinner, brewery/beer garden visit, private wine tasting at a winery, etc, etc, etc. We did not have to worry about anything during the trip! All the hotels that we stayed in were in fantastic central locations and very comfortable with friendly staff & wonderful breakfasts. All of the meals that were included with the trip were very good and at great, unique restaurants – everything was included and we always left full & happy! All transportation arrangements were made for us ahead of time & we traveled comfortably in style throughout. My mom and I are already talking about what trip we want to go on next! By the way, my husband & I also took a great trip with Kathy & Charley to the Luberon 15+ years ago -- it was fun re-connecting with them after all that time & good to know that they still remain passionate about crafting such wonderfully memorable travel experiences. I cannot recommend European Experiences highly enough… If you’ve read all the way through this rambling review, just go book a trip with them now!

My mother & I went on the European Experiences Christmas 2024 trip & it was just wonderful!! We both enjoyed traveling together with our small group of about a dozen very interesting people. There were 2 other sets of mothers/daughters on our trip & I can’t recommend it highly enough as a memorable shared experience. Our guides Kathy & Charley (owners of the company) were great – very knowledgeable, helpful, and arranged all kinds of interesting activities that we would not have experienced if traveling on our own. While we visited many gorgeous Christmas markets in each city -- all complete with festive holiday lights, decorations, local artisan and food/drink booths – they had so much more in store for us!! Private walking tours of each city with local guides, tour of an underground salt mine (flying down the wooden slide into the mine with my mother was priceless!), private concert, private tour of Dachau Concentration Camp, private cooking class & dinner, brewery/beer garden visit, private wine tasting at a winery, etc, etc, etc. We did not have to worry about anything during the trip! All the hotels that we stayed in were in fantastic central locations and very comfortable with friendly staff & wonderful breakfasts. All of the meals that were included with the trip were very good and at great, unique restaurants – everything was included and we always left full & happy! All transportation arrangements were made for us ahead of time & we traveled comfortably in style throughout. My mom and I are already talking about what trip we want to go on next! By the way, my husband & I also took a great trip with Kathy & Charley to the Luberon 15+ years ago -- it was fun re-connecting with them after all that time & good to know that they still remain passionate about crafting such wonderfully memorable travel experiences. I cannot recommend European Experiences highly enough… If you’ve read all the way through this rambling review, just go book a trip with them now!

Portugal 2025 --- European Experiences offers unparalleled white-glove organization and exemplary attention to detail! We loved our Portugal trip for so many reasons. Jennifer and JP make a memorable adventure warmly engaging and effortless! From our lovely hotel in the heart of old Porto, recommended by Jennifer, we were off to a great start. We and our travel companions walked to a food and wine tour of the amazing city food halls in Porto, then were whisked off to the idyllic Medieval town of Guimarães. So relaxing -- and a beautiful start to our wonderful adventure. Mary Ann and I have favorites on the Portugal Experience: cruising on an historic 60' British yacht through the Douro Valley vineyards as the fog lifted, our luxurious Hotel de Oliveira on an ancient town square in Guimarães with possibly the most gracious staff ever, truly amiable travel companions, and so much more. We enjoyed and learned from enthusiastic native guides through the week, all proud of Portuguese history and Portugal's contributions to the world. Meals were awesome, including sumptuous lunches at the homes and gardens of our hotel owner and another generous artisan. And a festive masterpiece dinner on the patio of our glorious hotel accompanied by soulful fado music. These are experiences we could never have arranged on our own! Northern Portugal is renowned for wines from vinho verdes to ports. But who could have expected -- in cellars/caves lined with massive casks -- the elegant linen-draped tables with crystal glasses, cheeses and breads? Charming, knowledgeable hosts led us through tastings of their vineyards' products. Exquisite! The textile industry is a major economic driver of the region and our tour of the Lameirinho textile factory was impressive for its scale, quality and automation. Buyers throughout the world feature their bedding, linens, towels and other products. We liked our day trips to Braga, the large town of cathedrals (one with 581 steps sacred to those on the pilgrimage to Santiago de Compostela), and to Ponte de Lima where we walked a 2000+ year-old Roman bridge, another Camino stop. As much as we enjoyed our day trips to these areas, we loved returning to our base in Guimarães. It's a UNESCO world heritage town and we adored it for its ancient cobbled streets, small squares where restaurant tables spill out to the plaza, fairy-lighted windows at night, and reverence of the past. After decades of planning our own travels, this was our third European Experiences trip. We're booked for another in 2026 and hope to make many more. We congratulate and appreciate the expertise of European Experiences and our hosts in making our travel a joy!!!

Portugal 2025 --- European Experiences offers unparalleled white-glove organization and exemplary attention to detail! We loved our Portugal trip for so many reasons. Jennifer and JP make a memorable adventure warmly engaging and effortless! From our lovely hotel in the heart of old Porto, recommended by Jennifer, we were off to a great start. We and our travel companions walked to a food and wine tour of the amazing city food halls in Porto, then were whisked off to the idyllic Medieval town of Guimarães. So relaxing -- and a beautiful start to our wonderful adventure. Mary Ann and I have favorites on the Portugal Experience: cruising on an historic 60' British yacht through the Douro Valley vineyards as the fog lifted, our luxurious Hotel de Oliveira on an ancient town square in Guimarães with possibly the most gracious staff ever, truly amiable travel companions, and so much more. We enjoyed and learned from enthusiastic native guides through the week, all proud of Portuguese history and Portugal's contributions to the world. Meals were awesome, including sumptuous lunches at the homes and gardens of our hotel owner and another generous artisan. And a festive masterpiece dinner on the patio of our glorious hotel accompanied by soulful fado music. These are experiences we could never have arranged on our own! Northern Portugal is renowned for wines from vinho verdes to ports. But who could have expected -- in cellars/caves lined with massive casks -- the elegant linen-draped tables with crystal glasses, cheeses and breads? Charming, knowledgeable hosts led us through tastings of their vineyards' products. Exquisite! The textile industry is a major economic driver of the region and our tour of the Lameirinho textile factory was impressive for its scale, quality and automation. Buyers throughout the world feature their bedding, linens, towels and other products. We liked our day trips to Braga, the large town of cathedrals (one with 581 steps sacred to those on the pilgrimage to Santiago de Compostela), and to Ponte de Lima where we walked a 2000+ year-old Roman bridge, another Camino stop. As much as we enjoyed our day trips to these areas, we loved returning to our base in Guimarães. It's a UNESCO world heritage town and we adored it for its ancient cobbled streets, small squares where restaurant tables spill out to the plaza, fairy-lighted windows at night, and reverence of the past. After decades of planning our own travels, this was our third European Experiences trip. We're booked for another in 2026 and hope to make many more. We congratulate and appreciate the expertise of European Experiences and our hosts in making our travel a joy!!!

Portugal 2025 --- European Experiences offers unparalleled white-glove organization and exemplary attention to detail! We loved our Portugal trip for so many reasons. Jennifer and JP make a memorable adventure warmly engaging and effortless! From our lovely hotel in the heart of old Porto, recommended by Jennifer, we were off to a great start. We and our travel companions walked to a food and wine tour of the amazing city food halls in Porto, then were whisked off to the idyllic Medieval town of Guimarães. So relaxing -- and a beautiful start to our wonderful adventure. Mary Ann and I have favorites on the Portugal Experience: cruising on an historic 60' British yacht through the Douro Valley vineyards as the fog lifted, our luxurious Hotel de Oliveira on an ancient town square in Guimarães with possibly the most gracious staff ever, truly amiable travel companions, and so much more. We enjoyed and learned from enthusiastic native guides through the week, all proud of Portuguese history and Portugal's contributions to the world. Meals were awesome, including sumptuous lunches at the homes and gardens of our hotel owner and another generous artisan. And a festive masterpiece dinner on the patio of our glorious hotel accompanied by soulful fado music. These are experiences we could never have arranged on our own! Northern Portugal is renowned for wines from vinho verdes to ports. But who could have expected -- in cellars/caves lined with massive casks -- the elegant linen-draped tables with crystal glasses, cheeses and breads? Charming, knowledgeable hosts led us through tastings of their vineyards' products. Exquisite! The textile industry is a major economic driver of the region and our tour of the Lameirinho textile factory was impressive for its scale, quality and automation. Buyers throughout the world feature their bedding, linens, towels and other products. We liked our day trips to Braga, the large town of cathedrals (one with 581 steps sacred to those on the pilgrimage to Santiago de Compostela), and to Ponte de Lima where we walked a 2000+ year-old Roman bridge, another Camino stop. As much as we enjoyed our day trips to these areas, we loved returning to our base in Guimarães. It's a UNESCO world heritage town and we adored it for its ancient cobbled streets, small squares where restaurant tables spill out to the plaza, fairy-lighted windows at night, and reverence of the past. After decades of planning our own travels, this was our third European Experiences trip. We're booked for another in 2026 and hope to make many more. We congratulate and appreciate the expertise of European Experiences and our hosts in making our travel a joy!!!

Portugal 2025 --- European Experiences offers unparalleled white-glove organization and exemplary attention to detail! We loved our Portugal trip for so many reasons. Jennifer and JP make a memorable adventure warmly engaging and effortless! From our lovely hotel in the heart of old Porto, recommended by Jennifer, we were off to a great start. We and our travel companions walked to a food and wine tour of the amazing city food halls in Porto, then were whisked off to the idyllic Medieval town of Guimarães. So relaxing -- and a beautiful start to our wonderful adventure. Mary Ann and I have favorites on the Portugal Experience: cruising on an historic 60' British yacht through the Douro Valley vineyards as the fog lifted, our luxurious Hotel de Oliveira on an ancient town square in Guimarães with possibly the most gracious staff ever, truly amiable travel companions, and so much more. We enjoyed and learned from enthusiastic native guides through the week, all proud of Portuguese history and Portugal's contributions to the world. Meals were awesome, including sumptuous lunches at the homes and gardens of our hotel owner and another generous artisan. And a festive masterpiece dinner on the patio of our glorious hotel accompanied by soulful fado music. These are experiences we could never have arranged on our own! Northern Portugal is renowned for wines from vinho verdes to ports. But who could have expected -- in cellars/caves lined with massive casks -- the elegant linen-draped tables with crystal glasses, cheeses and breads? Charming, knowledgeable hosts led us through tastings of their vineyards' products. Exquisite! The textile industry is a major economic driver of the region and our tour of the Lameirinho textile factory was impressive for its scale, quality and automation. Buyers throughout the world feature their bedding, linens, towels and other products. We liked our day trips to Braga, the large town of cathedrals (one with 581 steps sacred to those on the pilgrimage to Santiago de Compostela), and to Ponte de Lima where we walked a 2000+ year-old Roman bridge, another Camino stop. As much as we enjoyed our day trips to these areas, we loved returning to our base in Guimarães. It's a UNESCO world heritage town and we adored it for its ancient cobbled streets, small squares where restaurant tables spill out to the plaza, fairy-lighted windows at night, and reverence of the past. After decades of planning our own travels, this was our third European Experiences trip. We're booked for another in 2026 and hope to make many more. We congratulate and appreciate the expertise of European Experiences and our hosts in making our travel a joy!!!

Portugal 2025 --- European Experiences offers unparalleled white-glove organization and exemplary attention to detail! We loved our Portugal trip for so many reasons. Jennifer and JP make a memorable adventure warmly engaging and effortless! From our lovely hotel in the heart of old Porto, recommended by Jennifer, we were off to a great start. We and our travel companions walked to a food and wine tour of the amazing city food halls in Porto, then were whisked off to the idyllic Medieval town of Guimarães. So relaxing -- and a beautiful start to our wonderful adventure. Mary Ann and I have favorites on the Portugal Experience: cruising on an historic 60' British yacht through the Douro Valley vineyards as the fog lifted, our luxurious Hotel de Oliveira on an ancient town square in Guimarães with possibly the most gracious staff ever, truly amiable travel companions, and so much more. We enjoyed and learned from enthusiastic native guides through the week, all proud of Portuguese history and Portugal's contributions to the world. Meals were awesome, including sumptuous lunches at the homes and gardens of our hotel owner and another generous artisan. And a festive masterpiece dinner on the patio of our glorious hotel accompanied by soulful fado music. These are experiences we could never have arranged on our own! Northern Portugal is renowned for wines from vinho verdes to ports. But who could have expected -- in cellars/caves lined with massive casks -- the elegant linen-draped tables with crystal glasses, cheeses and breads? Charming, knowledgeable hosts led us through tastings of their vineyards' products. Exquisite! The textile industry is a major economic driver of the region and our tour of the Lameirinho textile factory was impressive for its scale, quality and automation. Buyers throughout the world feature their bedding, linens, towels and other products. We liked our day trips to Braga, the large town of cathedrals (one with 581 steps sacred to those on the pilgrimage to Santiago de Compostela), and to Ponte de Lima where we walked a 2000+ year-old Roman bridge, another Camino stop. As much as we enjoyed our day trips to these areas, we loved returning to our base in Guimarães. It's a UNESCO world heritage town and we adored it for its ancient cobbled streets, small squares where restaurant tables spill out to the plaza, fairy-lighted windows at night, and reverence of the past. After decades of planning our own travels, this was our third European Experiences trip. We're booked for another in 2026 and hope to make many more. We congratulate and appreciate the expertise of European Experiences and our hosts in making our travel a joy!!!