How to Plan Your Porto Douro Valley Tour with Boat Tour, Wine Tasting, and Lunch

A visit to Portugal’s wine country – Douro Valley, is a perfect way to unravel the country’s culture and heritage. GetYourGuide’s Douro Valley Tour with Boat Tour, Wine Tasting, and Lunch is a perfect blend that allows you to delve deeply into the stunning beauty of the region while relishing its wine and cuisine.

The tour duration is 6.5 hours and begins with a pickup, provided by the tour provider, from your hotel in Porto. The guide will be with you all through the tour, providing insightful information about the region, its history, and culture.

Experience

The Douro Valley Tour is an all-inclusive package that enables you to visit two unique sites where you can relish a variety of port wines. It also includes a relaxing hour-long boat cruise, providing an opportunity to take in the calmness of the Douro River. At your boat landing, you’ll be treated to a traditional Portuguese lunch with typical products from the Douro region.

Itinerary

The tour begins with a morning pickup by the guide at your accommodation in Porto. Afterward, you’ll begin a scenic journey through Portugal’s wine country, where you’ll get to enjoy breathtaking views of lush vineyards, historic towns, and sparkling water streams.

Firstly, the vehicle will make a 1.5-hour stopover in Peso da Régua for a photo-stop, where you’ll have a chance to take beautiful photos of the region.

Next, the tour proceeds to a vineyard, where you’ll visit their beautiful wine cellars and vineyards while gaining insight into the wine-making process of the Douro region. Besides, here, you’ll get a chance to taste some of the best wines of the region.

The next part of the tour includes a relaxing boat cruise that takes you on a 1-hour ride on the Douro River. You’ll discover beautiful and charming villages, historic landmarks, and traditional vineyards that dot the valley.

After your boat cruise, you will indulge in a traditional Portuguese lunch provided by the tour. You get to taste the typical products of the Douro region, such as olives, ham, local wine, and other assorted delicacies.

Finally, the vehicle will make a stop at Sabrosa for a photo-stop, and then proceed back to Porto. The guide will drop you off at your hotel or any selected destination within Porto.

Highlights

– Enjoy the best views of the Douro Valley from the comfort of a vehicle with a guide to provide insightful commentary
– Visit two unique sites in Douro Valley and enjoy various samples of Port wine at each stop
– Relish a relaxing 1-hour cruise on the Douro river and see beautiful villages in the valley
– Savor a traditional Portuguese lunch with typical products from the Douro region
– Travel conveniently in a comfortable vehicle with optional hotel pickup and drop-off

Pick-up information

The pickup service is included in the tour price and is available at most centrally located accommodations in Porto. During booking, there’s an option to choose a pickup, and you’ll receive an email with the exact pickup time and location. The guide will carry a copy of your booking confirmation and will be easily recognizable by a tour provider uniform.

Booking information

This tour can be booked on GetYourGuide . You can choose from different options, including various pick-up locations, and experience a hassle-free tour of Douro Valley with boat tour, wine tasting, and lunch.

Conclusion

The Douro Valley Tour with Boat Tour, Wine Tasting, and Lunch is a perfect way to experience the culture, history, and culinary delights of the region. You get to enjoy wine tastings, a relaxing boat cruise, and beautiful views of the valley. By using the above guide, you’ll be able to plan your tour and experience the best that the Douro Valley region has to offer.

The Insider’s Guide to Porto

Porto, the city of charming streets, a rich culture, and delectable cuisine, is a must-visit destination. From the bustling Ribeira district to the cobblestone alleys of Miragaia, Porto offers an array of attractions to suit every traveler’s needs. As a local, I know the city inside out and can guide you to some of the hidden gems that only residents are privy to.

Local Attractions: Beyond the Famous Sights

While Livraria Lello may be one of the most Instagrammed spots in Porto, there are many other idyllic attractions that only locals are aware of. For instance, the Jardins do Palácio de Cristal, a stunning public park with panoramic vistas of the Douro River, is an ideal spot for leisurely walks or picnics. A stroll through the narrow alleys of Rua das Flores, dotted with art galleries, boutiques, and pet-friendly cafes, is a delightful way to spend the afternoon.

Another secret you don’t want to miss is the Chapel of Souls, located in the central hub of Aliados. The monument is adorned with exquisite blue and white tiles, forming intricate patterns that are sure to astound you.

Dining Spots: A Guide to Local Cuisine

Porto’s cuisine, with the abundance of seafood, meats, and cheeses, is sure to tantalize your taste buds. The city is known for its Porto-style codfish and its meaty Tripas à Moda do Porto (tripe stew). A few must-try restaurants include Adega São Nicolau, where they serve traditional port wine, and the iconic Cafeína restaurant with its fine dining options.

One of the city’s oldest and famous eateries is A Regaleira, which offers traditional Portuguese dishes and fresh Mediterranean seafood. Did you know that the pastel de nata, a famous Portuguese pastry, is originally from Porto? The city is full of bakeries where you can indulge in some sugary delights while exploring the city.

Cultural Experiences: Diving into Porto’s DNA

Porto is a melting pot of cultures, with a profound artistic and intellectual heritage. A visit to the Museu de Arte Sacra (Museum of Sacred Art), housed in a former convent in the city center, offers a glimpse into the ecclesiastical art that has roots in Portugal.

The city also boasts an abundance of music festivals and cultural performances, including the Festival Internacional de Jazz de Matosinhos, where jazz enthusiasts can enjoy world-renowned acts. Traditional events such as Festa de São João (St. John Festival) in June, where crowds line the streets to watch street performers and enjoy fireworks, is not to be missed.

Local History: A Glimpse into Porto’s Fascinating Past

Porto’s historical architecture and cultural heritage tell fascinating stories about the city. Make sure to visit the Clerigos Tower, a Baroque-style church that was once the highest tower in Portugal, with magnificent views of the city.

Another must-see spot is the Stock Exchange Palace, with its opulent ambiance, stunning Andalusian gardens, and the Salão Árabe (Arab Room), featuring an intricately designed gold-leaf dome. The palace offers guided tours that narrate Porto’s fascinating commercial history.

Off-the-Beaten-Path Suggestions: Hidden Gems That Few Know About

For a unique and memorable experience, take a walk through the medieval walls of the old city and follow the path that will lead you to Miradouro da Vitoria, a scenic lookout point that offers breathtaking vistas of the Douro River.

You can also take a day trip to the nearby fishing village of Afurada, where you can enjoy fresh seafood while watching the sunset. Lastly, if you’re a fan of street art, don’t miss the opportunity to explore Porto’s graffiti scene. You can find intricate murals and colorful artwork all over the city, especially in the Campanhã district.

Conclusion

Porto is a city with a soul that’s waiting to be discovered. With this insider’s guide, you can experience Porto in a unique and memorable way, exploring its hidden gems, indulging in local cuisine, immersing in its cultural heritage, exploring its rich history, and discovering experiences that go beyond the usual tourist trappings.