By Adam Ferraresi, May 30, 2025
Against the backdrop of terraced vineyards and the flowing Douro River, the luxurious Torel Quinta da Vacaria in Vilarinho dos Freires served as the grand stage for the tour’s commencement. Beneath the Portuguese twilight sky, 18 Bugatti masterpieces stood in formation as owners and guests gathered for welcome cocktails. Spanning 18 remarkable years of innovation and craftsmanship – from a 2007 Veyron 16.4 to a 2025 pre-series Bugatti W16 Mistral¹ – each model told a chapter of Bugatti’s unmatched legacy. Bugatti Veyron Grand Sport and Grand Sport Vitesse models, including the famed ‘Transformers’ model, sat majestically alongside a Divo, two Bugatti Chiron Pur Sport, a pair of W16 Mistral variants and a Chiron Super Sport 300+. This already extraordinary lineup was further elevated by the presence of three rare icons: a 1 of 20 ‘110 Ans Bugatti’ Chiron, a 1 of 3 Chiron L’Ébé Edition and a 1 of 10 Bugatti Centodieci.
During dinner, a very special bottle of Carvalhas Port wine from 1876 was ceremoniously opened honoring the heritage of the Douro region and giving a taste of what lay ahead.
A Full Circle in the Douro Valley
Dawn broke over the Douro Valley to a symphony of W16 engines echoing through the vine-covered hills. The 235-kilometer journey that followed was as much about cultural immersion as it was about driving pleasure. Time seemed to stand still during a private visit to the historic Quinta do Vesúvio – affectionately known as ‘The Queen of the Douro’ – where centuries of winemaking tradition mirrored Bugatti’s commitment to heritage and excellence.
Lunch was followed at the panoramic Casa Redonda at Quinta das Carvalhas, offering 360° views over the valley. In the evening, the group boarded traditional Portuguese rabelo boats, once used to transport port wine along the Douro River. This atmospheric river journey to dinner completed a full-circle experience – from vine to estate, to river transport, and finally, tasting.
Heritage in the Highlands
From river valleys to mountain peaks, the over 230-kilometer route traced a breathtaking voyage through Portugal’s heartland, winding past the ancient stones of the São João de Tarouca Monastery – Portugal’s first Cistercian sanctuary. There, the serene silence was gently broken by the arrival of the Bugatti Grand Tour, warmly welcomed by a local group in traditional Portuguese attire.
Following lunch at Mesa de Lemos and the convoy’s ascent into the Serra da Estrela, Portugal’s highest mountain range, the Grand Tour visited the Burel wool factory, discovering the artistry and heritage of Portuguese textile craftsmanship. The magnificent day then culminated at Casa de São Lourenço, with sweeping views over the Glacier Valley in Manteigas.
From Snow to Sunlight
The longest and one of the most breathtaking drives of the Bugatti Grand Tour 2025 commenced with a morning ascent nearly to the summit of Torre da Estrela (1,993 m), followed by a descent through ever-changing landscapesfrom snow-dusted rocks to sunlit meadows in the full resplendent bloom of spring.
As the Grand Tour left the Serra da Estrela behind, roads opened into the rolling landscapes of Alentejo – characterized by gentle hills, fortified towns, and vineyards.
After lunch at Herdade Papa Leite, the journey of discovery continued to Quinta do Paral Hotel, where the day ended with sunset cocktails and a barbecue among the vineyards.
Precision and Power at Circuito do Sol
The Grand Tour’s dynamic finale unfolded with an exclusive visit to Circuito do Sol, a private 3.5-km racetrack sculpted into the Alentejo terrain and inspired by legendary curves from circuits like Spa-Francorchamps and Laguna Seca. Though not yet open to the public, the Grand Tour participants were among the first to explore its demanding layout.
Following a parade lap, the Bugatti models were driven on the track with full vigor, as drivers relished the opportunity to experience the full spectrum of Bugatti performance in a controlled environment.
A relaxing lunch at Herdade do Sobroso Wine & Country House then provided the perfect counterbalance to the morning’s high-intensity, high-passion driving. The evening brought the Bugatti Grand Tour 2025 to a successful conclusion with a festive farewell dinner, filled with high spirits, shared memories, and celebration of an unforgettable event.