However, spending a day with the Douro Modernist
just got even better. Culture Viewfinder fondly refers to Architect Belém Lima as the "Douro Modernist". Having eschewed Portugal's larger urban centres to live, work and teach in the heart of the Douro Valley, Belém Lima has built a highly respected practice for his elegant buildings, masterful use of materials and artisanal details. The exceptional opportunity behind the change, only just became available, and is so worthwhile that adding some mileage and some time to this eventful day, seemed to be the absolute right way to go. Over the last few years Belém Lima has also become a friend, who has generously contributed his time and effort in researching lesser known, difficult to find destinations and artisans within his beloved Douro, enabling Culture Viewfinder to introduce and share them through our unique travel experience tours. In April, on the day in it was published in a national Portuguese magazine, a full spread feature article was sent to CV via email, without a note. Once translated, there was no question that the full day Belém Lima had offered to spend with us as part of the Wine Architecture + Gastronomy Tour was about to change. Relatively unknown outside of the viticulture (wine) world, a dream, 20+ years in the making, had just been realized. A new state-of-the-art headquarters for Lavradores de Feitoria (Farm Labourers Factory), designed by Belém Lima, has officially opened to the public. At the turn of the new century, nearly twenty highly respected grape-producing farms in the Douro Valley, joined forces to form a wine-production collective, sharing wine knowledge and providing stability to small producers--perhaps the most unique new initiative in Portuguese wine history since the official designation of the 'Port' and 'Douro' appellations in 1756. The result has been a stellar rise in recognition year by year, prompted by leading international wine critics and journals, and culminating in kudos such as the only Portuguese company to be included in the Wine Spectator's '30 Wineries to Discover Around the World. Not surprisingly, having achieved all of this from within a non-descript facility in an industrial park, which they have outgrown, their new home incorporates not only expanded winemaking, storage and presentation requirements for their current needs, but also their commitment to environmentally sustainable practices and the flexibility to adapt and expand as needed. Culture Viewfinder is pleased to announce that their Wine Architecture + Gastronomy Tour group will be the only international public tour group to be given a personal private tour of the new winery by the architect. Oh, and of course we'll enjoy a special wine tasting too! All of this said...Wine Architecture + Gastronomy is available only as a post-tour option to participants of the Creative Spirit Tour. Note: Recent bookings have reduced availability for both tours further (see below). Venture Forth toward a thoughtful, engaging and richer travel experience with Culture Viewfinder
Beginning on September 8, 2022 the 10-day Creative Spirit tour starts in Lisbon, then moves northward to Serra da Estrela (a region of outstanding natural beauty and creative gems) and ends in Porto. Experience contemporary Portugal through a cultural lens, including rare opportunities for behind the scenes visits to destinations not open to the public and guided introductions to significant lesser known neighbourhoods, galleries, restaurants, regional wines, and shops. Looking for a different and exceptional wine experience? Add the 4-day post-tour option Wine Architecture + Gastronomy A unique Douro Valley journey including compelling architecture, beautiful wine experience hotels, and fabulous regional cuisine. Booking for Culture Viewfinder tours in September 2022 Tours is underway!! Culture Viewfinder tours are intentionally capped at a maximum of 20 participants (or fewer as noted). As a result the 2022 Tours are approaching capacity. Creative Spirit September 8-17, 2022. 10-day unique introduction to Lisbon and Porto and remarkable points in between. Maximum capacity 20 participants. Having recently received additional bookings, this tour has now been upgraded to Very Limited Availability. Wine Architecture + Gastronomy September 17-20, 2022 4-day post-tour option to the famous Douro Valley wine region. Maximum capacity 14 participants is now upgraded to Extremely Limited Availability. Note: There are only two rooms still available for WA +G, (one Standard 'Double' Room priced as per the posted Culture Viewfinder Itinerary, and one Suite for an added-upcharge of $115CAD for the final night of the tour). Visit www.cultureviewfinder.com for detailed itineraries and pricing. Further questions regarding these tours write CV at info@cultureviewfinder.com Contact our logistics partners at Ellison Travel & Tours to make your booking. Sandie Vanderschot sandiev@ellisontravel.com or 1.800.265.7022 x 236. About Culture Viewfinder Exceptional Travel Experiences in Contemporary Culture Portugal is the first Culture Viewfinder destination and Culture Viewfinder is the first to feature and bring to life the recent and remarkable contemporary culture resurgence there. "I see Culture Viewfinder as a series of immersive curated experiences that engage all five senses and extend far beyond the limitations of a single exhibition, museum visit, lecture or book." Did I mention this will be fun and delicious too? - Esther E. Shipman, Established architecture + design curator and Culture Viewfinder Founder Discover modern culture in Portugal. From behind the scenes at the top museums, ateliers and architecture to the street culture of Lisbon and Porto's historic neighbourhoods, plus extraordinary culinary and wine experiences. Small groups and atmospheric hotels ensure attention to detail and an immersive cultural journey for travelers who never thought they would take a tour. A very limited number of bookings are still available for the Creative Spirit and Wine Architecture + Gastronomy tours in September 2022, or ask Culture Viewfinder to design a custom one-off travel experience for you. Booking details are outlined in each tour description listed under Discover Portugal at www.cultureviewfinder.com
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