Régua, Portugal

Cistercians & Wines

Sample Local Delicacies and Walk in the Footsteps of Cistercian Monks Journey back into the past with a visit to the Saint John Monastery in Tarouca and sample the region’s delicacies. Set off to São João de Tarouca, where you will see the remnants of a 12th-century monastery built on the orders of St. Bernard of Clairvaux, and the first of its kind in Portugal. With the Cistercian monks came the cultivation of the fields and vineyards in the Varosa Valley. Next, see the charming houses of Ucanha, with their stout stone walls and colorful wooden balconies, before arriving at the Casa de Santo António Britiande. This area is one of Portugal’s rare hidden gems in the heart of the Távora-Varosa wine region: the small towns and quintas are tucked into hillsides and narrow valleys that are off the beaten path. Enjoy a taste of selected wines from the region, including sparkling and white varieties, along with savory bites that perfectly complement the wine. * Easy - Walking portions are generally over easy surfaces with few steps or inclines. Total time walking or standing is normally not longer than 1.5 hours.