How to Plan Your Douro Valley Wine Tour with Lunch, Tastings & River Cruise in Porto

The Douro Valley is one of the most beautiful wine regions in the world and is Portugal’s oldest demarcated wine region. A visit to Porto is not complete until you have experienced a tour of the Douro Valley. In this blog post, we will guide you through the steps to plan your Douro Valley wine tour with lunch, tastings, and river cruise.

Step 1: Find the Right Tour

The first step in planning your Douro Valley wine tour is to find the right tour operator. There are many tour operators that offer Douro Valley wine tours, but we recommend using GetYourGuide. They offer a variety of tours to choose from, including the Douro Valley: Wine Tour with Lunch, Tastings & River Cruise that we will be discussing in this blog post. You can book this tour on their website at a reasonable price and with a trusted tour operator.

Step 2: Know What to Expect

The Douro Valley: Wine Tour with Lunch, Tastings & River Cruise is a full-day tour and lasts approximately 10 hours. The tour starts and ends in Porto. The meeting point is downtown Porto and the tour includes transportation to and from the Douro Valley.

Itinerary

The tour includes a photo stop in Pinhão, a visit to Amarante for a break, a wine tasting in Sabrosa, lunch at a family-owned wine estate, and a river cruise in Pinhão.

Main Stop

The main stop on the tour is the Douro Valley where you can enjoy the stunning beauty of the valley’s unique scenery. You will explore a renowned Port Wine Estate and get to taste three different types of wines.

Other Stops

During the tour, you will also have the opportunity to stop in Amarante for a break and Savrosa for a wine tasting. You will also stop by a family-owned wine estate for lunch that overlooks the vineyards.

Highlights

The highlights of the tour include enjoying the beautiful views of the Douro Valley, tasting delicious regional wines, exploring a Port Wine Estate, and relaxing on a one-hour Douro River Cruise in Pinhão.

Experience

The tour includes a guided wine tour and transportation to all the stops. You will also have a guided visit to a family-owned wine estate and three wine, cheese, and olive oil tastings. Lunch at a wine estate with Douro wine pairings is also included. You can rest assured that you will be in good hands throughout your tour.

Step 3: Plan Your Day

The Douro Valley: Wine Tour with Lunch, Tastings & River Cruise is a full-day tour, so it is important to plan your day accordingly. It is recommended to wear comfortable shoes and bring sunscreen, a hat, and sunglasses, as some portions of the tour are outside.

Sample Itinerary

Here’s a sample itinerary for your Douro Valley wine tour with lunch, tastings, and river cruise: 9:00 am – Meet at the designated meeting point 9:30 am – Depart for Amarante 11:00 am – Wine tasting in Sabrosa 1:00 pm – Lunch at a family-owned wine estate 2:30 pm – Photo stop in Pinhão 3:00 pm – River cruise in Pinhão 4:00 pm – Wine tasting in the Douro Valley 6:00 pm – Return to Porto

Step 4: Book the Tour

Booking the Douro Valley: Wine Tour with Lunch, Tastings & River Cruise is easy. Simply go to the GetYourGuide website and search for the tour by name or activity code “T42898”. You will be taken to the tour page where you can read more information about the tour and book directly. The link to book the tour is: book the tour here.

Book Your Tour Now

Visiting the Douro Valley is a must-do experience when in Porto. Now that you know how to plan your Douro Valley wine tour with lunch, tastings, and river cruise, you can confidently book your tour and experience the beauty of this stunning wine region. Remember to book through a trusted operator, know what to expect, plan your day, and take in all the highlights of the tour. Enjoy!

Frequently Asked Questions About Porto

1. Where is Porto located?

Porto is a coastal city in the northwest of Portugal. It is the second-largest city in Portugal after Lisbon, situated along the Douro River estuary.

2. What is the best time to visit Porto?

The best time to visit Porto is from May to September when the weather is warm and sunny. However, it is also the peak tourist season. If you are looking for cheaper prices and fewer crowds, you can visit during the shoulder months of April or October.

3. What is Porto famous for?

Porto is famous for its port wine, beautiful historic center, and the Douro River. The city is also known for its bridges, including the iconic Dom Luis I Bridge, which offers stunning views of the city.

4. How do I get to Porto?

There are many ways to get to Porto, including by plane, train, or bus. The city has its international airport, Francisco Sá Carneiro, which connects to major cities in Europe. If you are travelling by train, Porto’s main train station is São Bento station. The city is also well connected to other parts of Portugal by bus.

5. What are the top things to do in Porto?

Some of the top things to do in Porto include visiting the historic Ribeira district, taking a river cruise on the Douro River, exploring the port wine cellars, and visiting the impressive São Bento train station to see its beautiful tilework.

6. Where is the best place to stay in Porto?

The best place to stay in Porto depends on your preferences and budget. The Ribeira and historic center areas are popular among tourists, offering stunning views of the Douro River and close proximity to most of the city’s attractions. Other areas such as Boavista and Foz also offer great accommodation options.

7. Is Porto a safe city to travel to?

Porto is a relatively safe city to travel to, with a low incidence of violent crime. However, like any other tourist destination, one needs to be aware of pickpocketing and be cautious in crowded areas.

8. What are the local dishes to try in Porto?

Local dishes to try in Porto include “Francesinha,” a sandwich made with ham, linguiça, and steak, covered with melted cheese, and a spicy tomato sauce, and “Bacalhau à Gomes de Sá,” a traditional salted codfish recipe that originated in Porto.

9. What is the currency used in Porto?

Portugal’s official currency is Euro (€).

10. What are some cultural events in Porto?

Porto hosts numerous cultural events throughout the year, including the beloved São João Festival in June celebrating St. John the Baptist with fireworks, music and traditional sardines grills, and the Fantasporto International Film Festival in February/March each year showcasing new and innovative international movies. The city also hosts a number of cultural events related to the port wine industry, including wine tastings and other related festivals. In conclusion, Porto is a beautiful and vibrant city that attracts tourists from all over the world due to its rich history, delicious food, and breathtaking scenery. By following these tips, you can make the most out of your visit to Porto.

How to Spend Your Time as a Tourist in Porto

Porto is a scenic and popular tourist destination located in northern Portugal. The city is famous for its wine, historic center, and stunning architecture. There are many things to do and see in Porto that can cater to all kinds of travelers. In this guide, we will give you a detailed overview of how to make the most of your time in Porto.

1. Take a Walking Tour of the Historic Center

Porto’s historic center, also known as Ribeira, is a UNESCO World Heritage Site. It houses colorful houses, narrow streets, and baroque churches. The best way to explore this area is on foot. You can take a guided walking tour or explore the area on your own. A walking tour is a great option if you want to learn about the history, architecture, and culture of Porto.

2. Visit the Cathedral

Porto Cathedral is one of the city’s most iconic landmarks. It’s a magnificent Romanesque building that dates back to the 12th century. It features stunning cloisters, a baroque organ, and intricate sculptures. The cathedral also offers panoramic views of the city.

3. Go on a Wine Tasting Tour

Porto is famous for its Port wine. One of the best ways to experience it is by going on a wine tasting tour. The tours usually take you to the wine cellars located on the other side of the Douro River. You can learn about the history and production of port wine and taste different varieties.

4. Visit the Livraria Lello Bookstore

Livraria Lello is an iconic bookstore located in Porto’s historic center. The building’s facade features neo-gothic and art nouveau elements, and the interior has impressive stained-glass windows and a winding staircase. The bookstore is also famous for being the inspiration behind the Harry Potter series.

5. Take a Cruise on the Douro River

A cruise on the Douro River is a unique way to experience Porto’s stunning landscapes. The cruise takes you on a scenic route, where you can see the historic wineries, colorful houses, and lush hillsides.

6. Visit the Serralves Museum of Contemporary Art

The Serralves Museum is a contemporary art museum located in Serralves Park. The architecture of the building is a mix of Art Deco and Modernism, and it houses an outstanding collection of contemporary art from Portugal and abroad. The museum also hosts temporary exhibitions, concerts, and events throughout the year.

7. Explore the Crystal Palace Gardens

The Crystal Palace Gardens offer stunning views of Porto’s skyline. The park features various gardens, fountains, and monuments. It’s an ideal spot if you want to relax and enjoy nature as it has a peaceful atmosphere.

8. Visit the Clérigos Tower

The Clérigos Tower is a baroque bell tower that dominates Porto’s skyline. It was built in the 18th century and is one of the city’s most famous landmarks. The tower offers breathtaking views of the city from the top, but be ready to climb 240 stairs to reach the top.

9. Try the Local Cuisine

Portugal is famous for its seafood, and Porto is no different. There are many local dishes that you must try, including grilled sardines, codfish croquettes, and pork sandwiches. You can also taste different varieties of port wine, which complements the food perfectly.

Book Your Tour Now

Porto offers tourists a unique and exciting experience. From its historic center to its wine cellars, the city has something for everyone. This guide has given you the top things to do and see in Porto, but there are still many more hidden gems that are waiting to be discovered.