Excursion Cooking class with the countess – rural gastronomy experience tour at Oporto

Escape into the Portuguese countryside for an exclusive hands-on cooking class at a historic manor house, guided by the Countess herself, where traditional recipes, local ingredients, and rural hospitality

Hotel Rural Casa dos Viscondes da Várzea

Depart from the pier in Leixões and begin a scenic drive of approximately two hours into the heart of northern Portugal’s countryside. As the urban landscape gives way to rolling hills and rural villages, arrive at the elegant Hotel Rural Casa dos Viscondes da Várzea, a historic estate steeped in family tradition and heritage.

Traditional Rural Kitchen, Hands-on Cooking Class with the Countess

Upon arrival, you are welcomed into the manor’s traditional kitchen, where the Countess hosts an intimate cooking experience in a rustic setting featuring a wood-burning stove and large chimney. During this hands-on class, you will prepare a signature regional dish using fresh ingredients sourced from nearby farms and the estate itself. Along the way, the Countess shares culinary techniques, family stories, and insights into Portuguese rural gastronomy passed down through generations.

The experience concludes with the tasting of the prepared dishes, enjoyed in a warm and convivial atmosphere, accompanied by local wines, water, and coffee. After the meal, rejoin the coach for the return drive of approximately two hours through the countryside, arriving back at the pier in Leixões in good time for the ship’s departure.

Note

Please Note: This tour involves a moderate amount of walking of approximately 1.2 miles (2 km) on flat and partially uneven terrain, including around 20 steps; it is not wheelchair accessible and not recommended for guests with mobility issues, injuries, or for pregnant women due to uneven ground and a bumpy ride; guests must be able to board and exit the coach independently; the journey includes two longer drives of approximately two hours each; comfortable walking shoes and a light jacket are recommended; wine and water are included, with alcohol consumption restricted to guests aged 18 and over; a vegetarian option is available upon request in advance.