How to Plan Your Douro Valley Tour with Lunch, Wine Tasting, and Optional Cruise From Porto

Visiting the Douro Valley is the perfect way to experience the Portuguese countryside and to taste some of the finest wines produced in the region. This relaxing day trip from Porto is designed to acquaint your taste buds with the gastronomy and wine of the Douro region. During the tour, you will not only savor a lunch of regional delicacies and taste fine wines, but also take a river cruise to get a glimpse of the beautiful scenery.

Experience

The Douro Valley tour is a full-day trip starting from Porto, which is one of the most beautiful cities in Portugal. With its narrow alleys, historic buildings, and the Douro River flowing through the center, Porto is an ideal starting location for your tour. After picking you up from your hotel, our guide will take you to the Douro Valley, where you will enjoy the stunning views of the countryside. The tour will take you to two local wineries, where you will taste regional wines, olive oils, honey, and almonds. You will get to discover the secrets of Portuguese winemaking and how the grapes growing close to the Douro River have a unique taste. After the wine tasting, you will savor a traditional Portuguese lunch made of regional delicacies like smoked ham, chouriço sausage, and fresh cheese. During the lunch, you will have the opportunity to try some of the finest wines of the Douro Valley. Later on, you will take a relaxing cruise along the Douro River, where you will experience the scenic views of the valley. The boat cruise is optional, but it is a great way to immerse yourself in the beauty of the region. The Douro Valley tour will take you back to the second wine tasting vineyard, where you will have an opportunity to taste Port wine. The region is famous for Port wines because of its history as a major trading port. The tour will end back in Porto, and our guide will drop you off at your hotel after a long day of tasting, cruising, and experiencing the rural atmosphere of Portugal.

Itinerary

The itinerary of the Douro Valley tour is subject to changes, but here is the basic outline of what you can expect:

Starting location: Porto

The tour begins with a pickup from your hotel in Porto. Our guide will drive you to the Douro Valley, which is approximately 1.5 hours away from Porto.

Douro Valley – Wine tasting Vineyard

You will visit two local vineyards, where you will have an opportunity to taste regional wines, olive oils, honey, and almonds. You will learn about the winemaking process and the history of wine production in the Douro Valley.

Lunch

You will savor a lunch of regional delicacies like smoked ham, chouriço sausage, and fresh cheese. During the lunch, you will have the opportunity to taste some of the finest wines of the Douro Valley.

Douro River – Boat cruise

You will have an optional boat cruise along the Douro River, where you will experience the scenic views of the valley.

Douro Valley – Wine tasting Vineyard

The tour will take you back to the second wine tasting vineyard, where you will have an opportunity to taste Port wine.

Arrive back at: Porto

The tour will end back in Porto, and our guide will drop you off at your hotel after a long day of tasting, cruising, and experiencing the rural atmosphere of Portugal.

Highlights

Enjoy a full-day trip from Porto to the Douro Valley

The tour is designed to give you an authentic experience of the region. During the trip, you will get to taste wines, savor local delicacies, and take a boat cruise along the Douro River.

Savor a lunch of regional delicacies and taste fine wine

The traditional Portuguese lunch is an unforgettable experience. You will enjoy regional delicacies like smoked ham, chouriço sausage, and fresh cheese, accompanied by fine wines of the Douro Valley.

Includes

The tour includes the following:

• Lunch
• Bottled water
• Visit to 2 wineries
• Tasting of olive oil, honey, and almonds
• Port wine tasting
• River cruise (optional)
• Hotel pickup and drop-off
• Tips

How to Book the Tour

To book the Douro Valley tour with lunch, wine tasting, and optional cruise from Porto, visit the following link: book the tour here. The tour is offered by a third-party company, so make sure to read the terms and conditions before booking.

Book Your Tour Now

Visiting the Douro Valley is a must-do activity when you are in Porto. The region offers stunning views of the countryside, fine wines, and local delicacies that are unique to the area. With the Douro Valley tour, you will have an unforgettable experience of the region. Don’t miss the opportunity to taste the wines that are produced in the Douro Valley and to have a relaxing cruise along the Douro River. Book your tour today and experience the beauty of Portugal’s countryside.

Frequently Asked Questions about Porto

1. What is Porto?

Porto is a coastal city in northwest Portugal, known for its historic architecture, romantic riverside quarter, port wine and rich cultural heritage. It is Portugal’s second largest city and one of Europe’s oldest cities with a rich history that dates back to the Roman Empire.

2. Why visit Porto?

Porto is famous for its stunning architecture, historic sites, great food, wine and a picturesque riverside quarter that has been declared as a UNESCO World Heritage Site. There are plenty of things to see and do in Porto, including visiting old port wine cellars, exploring the Ribeira district, admiring ornate churches and buildings, and wandering through the city’s colorful streets.

3. How to get to Porto?

Porto has an international airport, Francisco Sá Carneiro, located just 11 km from the city center. There are direct flights to Porto from major European cities and connecting flights to Porto from other parts of the world. You can also reach Porto by train, bus or car from other parts of Portugal or Spain.

4. What is the currency used in Porto?

Portugal uses the Euro (EUR) as its official currency. You can exchange your currency at banks, exchange offices, and some hotels or use ATMs.

5. What language do they speak in Porto?

The official language spoken in Porto is Portuguese. However, most people also speak English, especially in tourist areas, so you should have no problems communicating.

6. What is the best time to visit Porto?

The best time to visit Porto is from May to September when the weather is pleasant and the city is bustling with tourists. However, if you want to avoid crowds and high prices, you might consider visiting between October and April.

7. How to get around in Porto?

Porto is a compact city, and many of the major attractions are easily accessible on foot. However, if you prefer to use public transportation, there are metro, bus, and tram services available. Taxis and Uber are also widely available in Porto.

8. What to see and do in Porto?

Porto has a wealth of attractions and activities to explore, including:

a. Visit the Ribeira district

Explore the colorful and historic streets of Ribeira, the oldest part of the city, filled with restaurants, cafes, and shops.

b. Admire the iconic Dom Luis I Bridge

Take a stroll across the 19th-century metal Dom Luis I Bridge offering panoramic views of the city.

c. Visit the historic Palacio da Bolsa

Marvel at the ornate interiors of the former stock exchange building.

d. Explore the port wine cellars

Sample the world-famous port wine by visiting one of the many wine cellars in Vila Nova de Gaia, across the river from Porto.

e. Visit the Clérigos Tower and Church

Climb the tower for stunning panoramic views of the city.

f. Wander through the Livraria Lello Bookstore

This stunning Art Nouveau bookstore is a must-visit for book lovers and Harry Potter fans alike.

9. What is the food like in Porto?

Porto is known for its delicious food that is hearty, filling, and full of flavor. Some of the must-try dishes include francesinha, a sandwich filled with ham, sausage, steak, and topped with a fried egg and melted cheese, and bacalhau, a traditional codfish dish. For dessert, try pastel de nata, a custard tart that Portugal is famous for.

10. What are some cultural events in Porto?

Porto is a city with a rich cultural heritage, and there are many festivals and events happening throughout the year, including:

a. São João Festival

This festival takes place in June and is one of Portugal’s biggest celebrations, featuring fireworks, music, and street parties.

b. Porto International Film Festival

This festival takes place in February and features screenings of top films from around the world.

c. Serralves em Festa

This is a free outdoor music and arts festival that takes place in late May and features a wide range of performances and activities.

11. What are some day trips from Porto?

Porto is surrounded by stunning natural beauty, and there are many day trips you can take to explore the surrounding areas, including:

a. Douro Valley

Take a day trip to the Douro Valley, famous for its stunning terraced vineyards and wineries.

b. Guimarães

Visit the historic city of Guimarães, Portugal’s first capital, known for its well-preserved medieval old town.

c. Braga

Explore the historic city of Braga, known for its stunning baroque architecture and well-preserved Roman ruins.

Book Your Tour Now

Porto is a fascinating city with a rich history, stunning architecture, wonderful food and wine, and plenty of cultural events and activities. Whether you visit for a weekend or a longer stay, there are plenty of things to see and do that will make your trip unforgettable.

How to Spend Your Time as a Tourist in Porto

Porto is a dazzling city with a rich history, breathtaking architecture, and fantastic culinary experiences to offer. Whether you’re here for the wine, the beaches, or the culture, there is an unlimited array of activities to keep you entertained and engaged throughout your stay. Here are some ideas on how to make the most of your time as a tourist in Porto.

1. Explore the Historic City Centre

The historic city centre of Porto is a UNESCO World Heritage site and is brimming with stunning architecture, excellent restaurants, and charming narrow streets. Some of the highlights of this area include:

Praça da Ribeira

This is one of the most beautiful spots in Porto, filled with cafes, bars, restaurants and souvenir shops. It’s a great place to grab a meal, relax, and enjoy the view of the Douro River.

São Bento Station

The Station has a beautiful entrance hall, where you can admire the famous blue porcelain tiles that tell the story of Portugal’s history.

Dom Luis bridge

The Dom Luis bridge is an iconic symbol of Porto, spanning the Douro River with breathtaking views of the city.

Torre dos Clérigos

This tower is one of Porto’s most iconic landmarks and one that you can’t miss! You can even go to the top for some of the best views of Porto.

2. Visit the Douro Valley

The Douro Valley is one of the most beautiful wine regions in the world and a must-visit destination when in Porto. Here are some of the things you can do there:

Wine Tasting

There are numerous wine estates in the Douro Valley, where you can indulge in wine tastings or even take part in a wine-making tour. Sample some of the excellent port wine that Portugal is famous for.

Cruise the Douro River

Enjoy a scenic cruise on the Douro, which offers stunning views of the terraced vineyards and the picturesque villages along the riverbank.

Explore the Douro’s Villages

The Douro Valley is home to some of the most idyllic towns and villages in Portugal. Don’t miss out on visiting Lamego, Pinhão, and the charming and historic village of Provesende.

3. Go to the Beach

Porto is not just about history and culture; it is also home to fantastic beaches. From the much-visited Matosinhos beach to the more secluded Praia da Luz, the options are plenty.

Matosinhos Beach

Matosinhos beach is famous for its surf, fresh seafood, and vibrant nightlife.

Praia da Luz

This one is more for those looking for a secluded getaway. Praia da Luz is surrounded by cliffs, offering a serene and peaceful escape.

4. Indulge in Some Local Cuisine

Porto has a fantastic food scene with a range of culinary experiences to try. Here are some of the must-haves:

Port Wine

Port wine is a quintessential part of any visit to Porto, and you must give it a try. Sip on port wine while enjoying the view of the Douro River.

Francesinha

This is a typical Porto sandwich made with various types of meat and cheese, swimming in a tomato sauce and served with fries.

Bacalhau

Bacalhau is a Portuguese dish made with salted cod, and Porto has some of the best variations.

5. Visit Serralves Museum and Gardens

Serralves Museum and Gardens is one of the best cultural spots in Porto. The museum exhibits contemporary art, while the gardens are a patch of tranquillity in the bustling city.

Book Your Tour Now

There is no shortage of things to do and explore in Porto. From the historic city centre to the Douro Valley, from the beaches to the museums, the city has something to offer for all travellers. Don’t forget to indulge in some of the local cuisine and, most importantly, relish the laid-back Portuguese lifestyle.