Bridge in Portugal

September should be the perfect time to visit Northern Portugal with warm temperatures and beautiful autumnal colours. Guests simply loved this hotel last time we ran a bridge week here - an outstanding hotel in an area of natural beauty, with many interesting places locally to visit. 

Casa da Calcada

Hotel Casa da Calcada is a luxurious 5-star hotel, situated on the banks of the River Tamega in the pretty and bustling town of Amarante. This restored 16th century palace maintains its original Baroque style with charming furniture, furnishings and ornamental touches, giving the hotel the feel of a family home coupled with high levels of comfort and service.

The hotel is privately owned and a member of the prestigious hotel group ‘Relais and Chateaux’ - an exclusive collection of the finest hotels and gourmet restaurants worldwide. The hotel also has attractive and peaceful gardens with a swimming pool enjoying views over the town of Amarante.

The 30 bedrooms and suites are spread out over four floors and designed in a classic and elegant style, all with an en-suite marble bathroom. Rooms are all soundproof and come with air conditioning, satellite television, telephone, minibar, bathrobes, slippers, toiletries and complimentary high speed wifi. High quality mattresses, luxurious linen and soft fluffy towels ensure a restful and inviting stay. The hotel has a lift serving all floors and has one room adapted for reduced mobility.

For more information about Casa da Calcada, please click here to visit their website. 

Things to do locally

Amarante is perfectly placed in the rolling hills of the Douro valley, not far from the historic towns of Porto, Guimaraes and Braga and near two important wine regions. The town itself itself has plenty to offer with its twice-weekly market and boutique shops. From the hotel gates, cross over the striking arched bridge to the main square and pretty cloistered church, and watch the world go by from one of the many riverside cafes.

We will be organising two optional day trips during the stay and with the interesting and challenging Amarante Golf Course nearby, there will be plenty of things to do away from the Bridge table.