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

Are you a wine lover looking for an unforgettable experience? Look no further than the Douro Valley Wine Tour with Lunch, Tastings & River Cruise. This 10-hour tour begins and ends in Porto, taking you through some of the most beautiful landscapes of Portugal. Here’s how to plan your perfect Douro Valley wine tour.

Experience

10 hours long, starting and ending in Porto, the Douro Valley Wine Tour covers all the highlights of the region. You’ll make a quick stop at the charming town of Amarante and taste regional wines at two different family-owned wine estates. You’ll also enjoy a delicious lunch overlooking the vineyards, a photo stop in Pinhão and a relaxing one-hour river cruise along the Douro River.

Itinerary

The Douro Valley Wine Tour starts in Porto and takes you through the beautiful landscapes of the Portuguese countryside, passing charming towns, vineyards and hillsides. The itinerary includes the following stops:

Meeting Point

Your guide will pick you up at a convenient location in the Porto city center.

Amarante

This charming town is located along the Tâmega River and surrounded by beautiful hillsides. You’ll have a short break here before heading to your first wine tasting.

Sabrosa

Your first wine tasting will take place at a family-owned wine estate in Sabrosa. You’ll enjoy a guided tour of the estate and taste three different types of wine, along with cheese and olive oil.

Lunch

After your wine tasting, you’ll head to a family wine estate where you’ll enjoy a delicious lunch overlooking the vineyards. The lunch will be paired with local Douro wines.

Pinhão

In Pinhão, you’ll have a photo stop to admire the beautiful scenery and vineyards. You can also explore the town for a while before your river cruise.

River Cruise

You’ll board a boat for a relaxing 1-hour river cruise along the Douro River. This is the highlight of the tour, as you’ll get to enjoy the stunning landscapes of the Douro Valley from a different perspective.

Douro Valley

After your river cruise, you’ll head to another family-owned wine estate in the Douro Valley for a guided tour and more wine tastings.

Porto

The tour ends in Porto, where your guide will drop you off at the original pick-up location.

Highlights

The Douro Valley Wine Tour is a perfect choice for both wine enthusiasts and nature lovers. You’ll get to experience the following highlights on this tour:

– Enjoy views of the unique beauty of the Douro Valley, a UNESCO World Heritage site
– Explore a renowned Port Wine Estate with a guided tour and taste three different types of wine
– Taste a delicious lunch on a family-owned wine estate that overlooks the vineyards
– Relax on a 1-hour Douro River Cruise in Pinhão
– Discover the different wine varieties of the Douro Valley

Booking Your Tour

To book your Douro Valley Wine Tour, simply follow the link here and select your preferred date. The price includes transportation, a guided wine tour, tastings at two family-owned wine estates, lunch with Douro wine pairings, and a one-hour river cruise. Don’t forget your camera and enjoy your experience in the beautiful Douro Valley.

Final Thoughts

The Douro Valley Wine Tour is a perfect choice for those who love wine, nature and unique landscapes. Thanks to this tour, you’ll get to discover some of the best wine estates in the Douro Valley, taste the most delicious wines and enjoy a relaxing river cruise. Plan your trip today and discover the beauty of Portugal’s wine region.

The Insider’s Guide to Porto, Portugal

If you’re traveling to Porto, you’ll likely hit up the famed Ribeira District along the Douro River, sample the francesinha sandwich at one of the city’s many restaurants, and maybe even take a tour of Livraria Lello, the inspiration for the Harry Potter bookstore. But as a local, I’m here to show you the not-to-be-missed gems of Porto that aren’t on the typical tourist itinerary.

Local Attractions: Exploring Porto Like a Local

While many tourists flock to the popular sites, there are a few undiscovered places in Porto that are often overlooked. One of them is the Fundação Serralves, an art museum surrounded by beautiful gardens. For a stunning bird’s-eye view of the city, take the old staircase that runs from Rua da Bataria down to Ribeira and enjoy the charming, narrow streets on the way. And if you’re feeling adventurous, rent a bicycle and ride along the seaside promenade to the beaches located in Foz do Douro.

Dining Spots: Try the Local Flavor

Porto is known for its seafood, bacalhau (salt cod), tripe, and of course, Port wine. Head to Matosinhos, a short train ride away, to sample some of the best seafood in the region. If you’re looking for something closer to the city center, check out the city’s best bakery, Manteigaria, which serves up Pasteis de Nata, a traditional Portuguese pastry. To truly experience the diverse flavors that Porto has to offer, make sure to stop by Casa Guedes, a little hole-in-the-wall that specializes in roasted pork sandwiches.

Cultural Experiences: Embrace the Local Traditions

Porto has a rich artistic and cultural history that spans hundreds of years. One of the most famous annual events is the São João Festival, which takes place in June. The city is filled with live music, colorful street decorations, and traditional grilled sardines. Another cultural tradition is the azulejo tiles that adorn many buildings in Porto. Take a walking tour of the city’s tiles and discover the intricate and beautiful designs that tell the stories of Porto’s past.

Local History: Dive into Porto’s Fascinating Past

Porto has a storied history that is often overshadowed by its more well-known destinations. The city played a key role in the Age of Discovery, when Portuguese explorers like Prince Henry the Navigator led expeditions to Africa, Asia, and the Americas. Visit the Museu dos Descobrimentos to learn about the city’s role in these maritime adventures. Another key historical site is the Palácio da Bolsa, once a stock exchange and now a cultural center, which showcases some of Portugal’s finest art and architecture.

Off-the-Beaten-Path: Discovering Hidden Gems

For a truly unique experience, take a break from the city and hop on a boat tour of the Douro River. From there, you can explore the rolling hills of the Douro Valley and visit wineries that produce Port wine. Many wineries offer tours, tastings, and even river cruises that give you a chance to experience the region like a local.

In conclusion, Porto has so much to offer beyond the standard tourist itinerary. From its local attractions to its hidden gems, cultural experiences, and rich history, there’s always something new to discover. So take the time to delve a little deeper and uncover the hidden treasures that make this city truly unforgettable.