Porto & Douro Valley: Port Wine Experience

1. Day 1 Arrival in Porto & Private Transfer to Douro

   Welcome to the North of Portugal! Upon arrival in Porto, you'll be picked up at the airport and embark on a scenic drive to the Douro Valley for about 1 hour and 30 minutes. Arrive and check in at your hotel in the heart of the Douro Valley. For a more comfortable arrival, we suggest adding early hotel check-in to your reservation.

   • Suggestions for the day:
     • Experience the heart of Portugal's wine country on a river cruise! Embark on a scenic boat trip along the Douro River in the afternoon or at sunset. Immerse yourself in the stunning scenery of terraced vineyards and traditional villages, a hallmark of this renowned region. Click here to see our offers for a Douro boat trip.
     • Later, enjoy a delicious and authentic dinner at a local restaurant. Savor some of the area's famed dishes, like "alheira de Mirandela" (sausage), "leitão" (roasted suckling pig), or "bacalhau" (codfish), all complemented by a glass of the region's renowned Douro wine.
2. Day 2 <b>Private Wine Tour (Included)</b>

   • Private Wine Tour (Included): Explore the Douro Valley, a UNESCO World Heritage Site, renowned for its winding river, charming villages, and postcard-perfect vineyards. Our exclusive tour takes you to two carefully chosen Quintas (wineries) for intimate visits and tastings, revealing the secrets of wine production. Learn from the passionate people behind these prestigious labels. Enjoy a relaxing lunch (not included) at a local restaurant and soak in the valley's beauty. This tour includes luxurious transportation with a knowledgeable guide, visits & tastings at 2 premium wineries, hotel pick-up, in-car Wi-Fi, bottled water, and insurance. 
3. Day 3 <b> Private Sightseeing Tour Douro Valley (Included)</b>

   • Sightseeing Tour Douro Valley (Included): Escape the ordinary and discover the Douro Valley's hidden gems! This tour showcases the region's serenity and beauty, from iconic landmarks to charming corners often missed by visitors. Immerse yourself in the UNESCO World Heritage charm: a winding river, unique vineyards, and picturesque villages. Enjoy a shared Douro River cruise and a relaxing lunch (not included) while soaking in the stunning scenery. This incredible experience includes luxurious transportation with a guide, a Douro Valley sightseeing itinerary, a shared Douro River cruise, hotel pick-up, in-car Wi-Fi, bottled water, and insurance.
4. Day 4 Free Day for Personal Activities (Douro)

   • Suggestions for the day:
     • If you're feeling active, today is a great day to go for a hike or bike ride through the vineyards. There are many hiking trails to choose from, ranging from easy to challenging.
       • Casal de Loivos (7 km/ 4.3 miles)
       • São Salvador do Mundo (8 km/5 miles)
       • Covas do Douro (10 km/ 6.2 miles)
     • Take the afternoon to enjoy your hotel's amenities, enjoy a picnic in the middle in the middle of the vineyards (many hotels in the Douro are used to preparing a picnic basket so that clients can take to the vineyards), or have dinner/lunch at a local vineyard restaurant.
5. Day 5 Check Out from Douro & Private Transfer to Porto

   Arrive in Porto and be transferred to your hotel (transfers included). Please consider adding early hotel check-in for a more comfortable arrival.

   • Suggestions for the day:
     • D. Luís I Bridge: This iconic double-decker bridge offers stunning panoramic views of Porto and Vila Nova de Gaia. Take a walk across the bridge for a unique perspective, or hop on a tram for a thrilling ride.
     • Ribeira District: Explore the heart of Porto's historic center. Wander through the charming Ribeira district, a UNESCO World Heritage Site, with its colorful houses, narrow streets, and lively atmosphere.
     • Livraria Lello: A haven for bookworms, this historic bookstore boasts a beautiful neo-gothic facade and a grand staircase said to have inspired J.K. Rowling. Be prepared for queues, though!
     • Torre dos Clérigos: Climb the 225 steps of the Clérigos Tower for breathtaking 360-degree views of the city. Don't miss the adjacent Igreja do Clerigos church, known for its baroque architecture.
     • Porto Cathedral (Sé Catedral do Porto): This imposing Romanesque cathedral is the oldest church in Porto. Climb the bell tower for stunning city views and admire the intricate architecture.
     • São Francisco Church: Immerse yourself in the extravagant Baroque style at São Francisco Church. Be sure to marvel at the opulent gilded woodwork and the azulejo tilework within.
     • Majestic Café: Step back in time at the Majestic Café, a Belle Époque gem known for its art nouveau interior and delicious Portuguese pastries.
6. Day 6 <b>Food Tour Porto (Included)</b>

   • Food Tour Porto (Included): Uncover Porto's hidden culinary gems alongside award-winning food writers! This isn't just a tasting tour - it's a cultural immersion. Explore the vibrant city market, where stories behind local ingredients come alive. Venture through charming backstreets, discovering "mercearias finas" (fine stores), taverns, and snack bars. Each stop reveals a piece of Porto's everyday culinary magic. The journey concludes with exquisite local pastries, a testament to centuries of sweet tradition. This unique gastronomic adventure promises an unforgettable taste of Porto! Visit 5 spots, among restaurants, taverns, pastry shops, and markets. Tastings may include an array of regional cheeses, cured meats, seasonal fruits, "petiscos", soups, local sandwiches, traditional sweets, wines, spirits beers, and more. These tastings will vary according to availability and day of the week (inform us of any dietary restrictions in advance).
7. Day 7 <b>Bridges Cruise, Cellars, Wine Tasting, Dinner & Fado (Included)</b>

   • Bridges Cruise, Cellars, Wine Tasting, Dinner & Fado (Included): Set sail on a traditional Rabelo boat at 4:00 PM, cruising the Douro River under the iconic bridges of Porto and Gaia. This scenic journey takes you back in time, followed by a guided tour of a Port wine cellar with a delicious tasting. Cap off your evening with a traditional Portuguese dinner and a captivating Fado show – a cultural experience not to be missed! 
8. Day 8 Return Flight Home

   Thank you for choosing Portugal Getaways! We're looking forward to our future travels together.

Available Experiences

Included

Private : Private Wine Tour

Included

Private : Sightseeing Tour Douro Valley

Included

Cruise: Bridges Cruise with a visit to the Cellars, wine tasting and dinner with a fado live performance

Included

Food Tour: Porto

Optional

Yatch: Douro Sunset Cruise

Additional cost applies