Days
Aug 26, 2026 to Aug 30, 2026
Start Location: Porto
End Location: Porto
5 days of exploring the colourful streets of Porto and the vineyard-covered hills of the Douro Valley with a group of other rad queer women (non-binary and trans inclusive).
Whether we’re sipping sangria on a sunny rooftop or cruising the Douro River with new LGBTQIA+ friends… this is sure to be a trip you’ll never forget.
This is your chance to explore Porto through a local queer perspective.
This queer group trip is hosted by yours truly (Porto’s biggest fan) in partnership with Queer Connect Travel, an LGBTQIA+ travel company led by a queer couple who have called Porto home for over 4 years.
From tucked-away wine bars to stunning sunset viewpoints, we’ll show you the hidden gems and local favourites that most travellers never find.
At the heart of this experience is community. Whether you’re travelling solo or with friends, this trip creates space for real connection – shared meals, sunset moments, deep conversations, and spontaneous adventures. Queer travel should feel empowering, not isolating, and this is your chance to explore Porto surrounded by people who just get it.
Porto is the gateway to the Douro Valley, one of the world’s oldest and most celebrated wine regions. So, if wine is your love language, this queer group trip delivers.
One of the days, we’ll venture deep into wine country, spending a full day in the Douro. We’ll taste some of the world’s best wines in family-run vineyards, soak up the sun on a river cruise through terraced landscapes, and dine on farm-to-table Portuguese meals in the most beautiful settings.
This is so much more than your average group holiday, it’s a curated experience designed for queer travellers who want more than sightseeing. Think meaningful storytelling, iconic landscapes, and a queer night out you’ll still be talking about years later.
From private sailboat cruises, and exploring port wine cellars made famous by trailblazing businesswomen, to tasting local eats and walking the boardwalks on the Portuguese coast. Expect a perfect balance of guided experiences and free time to make the trip your own.
Touch down in Porto and check into the beautiful The Editory Garden Porto Hotel, your home for the week, with check-in beginning at 3pm. As you settle in, open a bottle of Portuguese wine and your new signed copy of Girlfriend Material by Rosie Turner – a personal touch to kick off your holiday.
In the evening, we’ll gather for a warm and vibrant welcome party at a historic downtown bar overlooking Porto’s iconic train station. Expect delicious tapas, great drinks, and the perfect setting to meet your fellow travelers and begin building community from the very first night.
After breakfast, we’ll step into Porto’s rich history from a queer lens on an LGBTQIA+ led walking tour through the city’s most iconic landmarks. You’ll hear powerful stories of queer individuals who helped shape Porto into a more safe and inclusive place.
We’ll wrap up our tour with a walk across the breathtaking Luís I Bridge. From there, we descend in style via the Teleférico de Gaia gondola to the riverside, where a rooftop lunch with sangria awaits. In the afternoon, we’ll visit Caves Ferreira for an inspiring Port Wine cellar tour and tasting, diving into the story of Dona Antónia, a woman who defied expectations and built a wine empire in a male-dominated industry.
Enjoy some free time to explore or recharge before we reconvene for sunset charcuterie and drinks at an Esplanada overlooking the Douro River and Porto Ribeira.
After breakfast, we’ll set off on a private journey into the breathtaking Douro Valley, a UNESCO-listed wine region known for its terraced vineyards and deep-rooted winemaking heritage.
This is a next level wine tour. You’ll explore two distinct wine regions, tasting a variety of wines and learning directly from local producers about the traditions that define the Douro. Along the way, we’ll pause for a farm-to-table lunch, where seasonal ingredients and regional flavors take center stage in an authentic countryside setting.
In the afternoon, unwind with a scenic river cruise along the Douro, taking in the valley’s iconic landscapes from the water. It is one of the most peaceful and memorable ways to experience the region.
After a full day of curated tastings, storytelling, and slow travel vibes, plus a chef-prepared dinner, return to Porto and enjoy a free night to relax or explore at your own pace.
After breakfast, step aboard a private sailboat for a relaxed cruise along the Ribeira. Enjoy a glass of wine while sailing beneath Porto’s iconic bridges and out toward the mouth of the Douro.
After getting back to the marina, we’ll walk to the nearby fishing village of Afurada for a laid-back lunch, followed by beach time and free time to explore or unwind at your own pace.
For our final night together, we’ll visit a few local LGBTQIA+ hang outs a cosy queer night out in downtown Porto, complete with dinner and drinks.
Enjoy one last breakfast at the hotel before checkout at 12pm.
Say your goodbyes (for now), exchange contacts, and leave Porto with unforgettable memories, new friendships, and a deeper connection to the city and its queer community.
This gaycation is all about slowing down and soaking in the Portuguese sunshine and queer joy. You can expect light to moderate activities designed for ease and enjoyment — from relaxing sunsets and scenic boat cruises to rooftop lunches and market strolls. While Porto is a city of hills and stairs, most of our planned activities require only light walking. Outside of our guided tours, you’ll have plenty of free time to explore the city at your own pace (or rest with a glass of vinho verde in hand). Everything is designed to feel spacious, not rushed.
Our accommodation was handpicked for it’s boutique comfort and Portuguese hospitality. This stay offers style, privacy, and plenty of comfort, with thoughtful design, curated details, and inviting communal areas to gather or unwind. You’ll enjoy delicious meals, high-quality amenities, and warm, attentive service that feels personal and celebratory. It’s luxury you can relax into — queer, cosy, and full of charm.
This is not your average group holiday. Expect laid-back queer luxury and immersive cultural experiences that let you feel the rhythm of Northern Portugal. We blend local charm, rich Portuguese history, and queer community into a travel experience that’s both soulful and joy-filled. From elevated wine tastings in sun-soaked Douro vineyards, to a chill beach sesh and a queer night out — every moment is designed to spark connection, laughter, and lasting memories.
We’ll be staying at The Editory Garden Porto Hotel. A cosy and colourful four star boutique accommodation nestled in the heart of the city, featuring beautifully designed communal areas for rest or connecting with new friends. You can expect delicious breakfasts, thoughtful amenities, and warm Portuguese hospitality.
Queer women of all ages and identities (non-binary and trans inclusive), who are looking for meaningful connection and a slower pace of travel.
This trip requires a minimum of 8 travellers to operate. We will confirm whether the minimum has been met 60 days prior to the trip start date, if not sooner. You’ll receive an email update from hello@queer-connect.com when the trip is confirmed.
If the trip is not confirmed, you’ll receive a full refund of all payments made to Queer Connect, or you can choose to transfer to another Queer Connect trip (subject to availability).
Flights: Please wait to book flights until the trip is confirmed. If you choose to book earlier, use fully flexible/refundable fares; Queer Connect cannot reimburse third-party costs (airfare, visas, insurance, etc.).
Absolutely! Many of our guests come solo and leave with lifelong friends. For this trip, we offer private solo rooms at an additional cost.
Not at all. Yes we will be drinking plenty of wine on this trip, but the overall vibe is laid-back. The focus of the trip is on connection, culture, rest, and queer joy — not clubbing every night.
For this trip, we can accommodate a maximum group size of up to 15 people (plus hosts). Regardless of group size, our accommodation and itinerary will provide you with plenty of space to have quiet time to yourself when needed.
We’ll be staying at The Editory Garden Porto Hotel. A cosy and colourful four-star boutique accommodation nestled in the heart of the city, featuring beautifully decorated communal areas for rest or connecting with new friends.
See more details and photos under the “Where We’ll Stay” tab above.
No — flights are not included in the trip price.
If you’re staying in Portugal for 90 days or less within a 180-day period (e.g. for tourism, business, or visiting friends/family), you typically don’t need a visa if you’re from a visa‑exempt country (like the U.S., UK, Canada, Australia, most Latin American countries). Otherwise, you must apply for a Schengen short-stay visa (Type C) before traveling.
For the most up‑to‑date and official information, please check Portugal’s government visa portal.
The best airport to fly in to is Francisco Sá Carneiro Airport (OPO) in Porto. We recommend arriving in Porto during the daytime on August 26th, 2026, or a day or so before if you need to adjust to the time difference before we begin our adventure together.
If you want a bit more adventure, another good travel option is to fly into Lisbon – Humberto Delgado Airport (LIS), and then travel by bus or train to Porto (~3.5 hour journey). Just make sure you arrive in Porto by the evening of the 26th!
Accommodation, all meals, some drinks, most transportation, activities, excursions, guides, and support from your hosts. Just about everything but flights, travel insurance, and transportation from the airport to the accommodation.
See more details under the “What’s Included” tab above.
Yes! The itinerary is full but spacious — you’ll have plenty of free time to rest, explore, or opt out of activities when needed.
Check the full itinerary above for detailed info about when you will have free time.
Most of your big expenses are already covered — but you’ll want a little extra pocket money for personal treats and spontaneous splurges:
Drinks, desserts, and snacks at your leisure
Souvenirs, local wine, or handmade goods from boutiques and markets
Here’s a rough guide for how much spending money to expect (per person), depending on your spending style:
Budget Babe: €100–€180
Stick to local snacks bars, house wine or a local beer, get a couple of cute souvenirs, and still soak up all the magic.
Mid-Tier Queer: €180–€300
A mix of wine and cocktails, boutique shopping, and a few treat-yourself moments along the way.
Big Spender Energy: €300–€600+
Think designer finds, more unique or handmade souvenirs, buying art from local artists, and saying yes to whatever feels indulgent in the moment.
Portugal offers great value for money — and we’ve got all the local tips to help you spend wisely and fabulously.
We accept Stripe (all major cards except Amex), and offer payment plans via Klarna.
You can pay in full, or pay a 25% deposit to reserve your spot and pay the remaining balance later. The balance is due 60 days prior to the trip start date.
The deposit is non-refundable. The only exception is if we cancel the trip due to not meeting the required number of travellers. You can view our full Cancellation & Refund Policy for more details.
Yes! When paying a deposit, the cost is split into 2 payments.
OR – when paying in full, you can pay in 4 installments through Klarna – subject to their approval.
We strongly recommend it, and partner with SafetyWing for flexible, queer-friendly coverage.
Most likely, yes. Please email us to make sure we can support you and ensure the retreat is safe and comfortable for your needs.
While this is not a substance-fueled party space, we aren’t party killers! We will have plenty of wine and alcoholic drinks available throughout the trip (non-alcoholic too) and encourage you to enjoy yourselves! You’re adults, so do as you please – all we ask is that you be respectful of the rest of the group and don’t get carried away. We prioritize collective care and consent.
Days
Aug 26, 2026 – Aug 30, 2026
Price From:
Estimated Group Size: 8-15
Please note:
A minimum of 8 travelers is needed for this trip to run. We will confirm whether the minimum has been met two months before the trip start date. If the minimum isn’t met, you’ll receive a full refund.
We recommend waiting to book flights until after the trip is confirmed, unless your tickets offer full flexibility
Read more under the trip FAQ or under our
Terms & Conditions
