Douro Valley
The Douro Valley could as easily be called the enchanted valley, such is the beauty and magic that its landscapes offer.
Departing from Porto, where the river flows into the sea and where the Douro wines (table wines and Port wine), produced on its hillsides, also end up, there are various ways to get to know this cultural landscape, listed as a World Heritage Site: by road, by train, on a cruise boat and even by helicopter. None will leave you indifferent.
Following a route between the viewpoints that offer the best vistas, you need to cross the river from north to south and back again. But along the way you can admire breathtaking landscapes over the river and visit vineyards, towns and villages until you reach Miranda do Douro, the point at which the river enters Portugal.
Experience Port wine production and help in the harvest
Strong and sweet, Port Wine is the Douro Valley’s cultural treasure and has been attracting international wine aficionados since the 18th century. Participating in the harvest and production, towards the middle to the end of September is a unique way to appreciate this delicious, sweet drink even more.
Top 4 Wine Tours in the Douro Valley
1 – The origins of Port Wine
Discover the origins of the Por Wine with this Amazing Tour in the Douro Valley.
From Pinhão the “pipas” departed on the Rabelo Boats bound for the Vila Nova de Gaia cellars (Porto). It is one of the most central villages in the Douro Demarcated Region. It is here that most of the “Quintas” that produce Port wine are located.
What is included:
- Welcome (Meeting at Régua Station)
- Train Ride Régua-Pinhão
- Interpretive visit at Pinhão Station
- Visit to the Metallic Bridge, completed in 1906
- Lunch (4 typical dishes)
- Rabelo Boat ride (1 hour)
- Guided tour to a mythical “Quinta” with wine tasting (2 Port Wines)
- Short walk through Pinhão Village
- End of the tour (train ride back)
Book your experience here
2 – Douro Valley Farm-to-Table Tour
Enjoy a Farm-to-Table Tour in the Douro Valley and have a typical lunch at a familiar farm (gastronomic experience, with the possibility of tasting some of the Farmer’s Products), tasting of Douro and Port Wine.
What is included:
- Welcome (Meeting point – Café da Portela, Moura Morta)
- Beginning of the walk through the village (guided tour: view to the Marão mountain range, chapel, church, vineyard and old roads no longer in use
- Typical lunch at a familiar farm (gastronomic experience, with the possibility of tasting some of the Farmer’s Products), tasting of Douro and Port Wine
- Visit to the farm
Book your experience here
3 – Douro Valley Picnic Tour
Enjoy a Picnic Tour in the Douro Valley. Take a little tour of Santiago’s interior path for the opportunity of contemplating nature majesty and the Douro from one of the most beautiful viewpoints of the region – São Pedro in São João de Lobrigos. Along the way nature, vineyards, the river, the mountain and view over the Serra do Marão will astonish us.
What is included:
- Welcome (Meeting point – Alvações do Corgo village)
- Beginning of the walk
- Arrival at São Pedro viewpoint
- Picnic
- Continuation of the Walking Tour
Book your experience here
4 – Meditative walk through the Douro Valley
Enjoy an Amazing Walking Tour in the Douro Valley. During our walk we will share with you about our wine, how we make it and let you taste it. This walking tour will also give you the possibility to go deeper into yourself and meditate on what your soul wants you to know. Do you accept the challenge? Let’s discover the vineyards, the vegetation, hug the trees, touch the water and smell all these natural wonders and smells. Very suitable for children, who will be motivated to enjoy the walk and will have access to a “Logbook” where they can find elements of Nature / Village and make the walk more interactive and fun.
What is included:
- Welcome (Meeting point – Tourist office of Santa Marta de Penaguião)
- Beginning of the Vineyard Walk
- Descent to the river banks (possibility to take a dip – if the weather allows it)
- Visit to Santa de Santa Marta de Penaguião village, to get to know its monuments and history
- Lunch in a typical restaurant with Port Wine Tasting
Book your experience here
The Douro Valley is truly an off-the-beaten-path and wonderful destination for peace and quiet. Life’s everyday stresses will melt away when you wander through the vineyards and chat with the cheerful locals.