Douro Valley Half-Day Tour: Wine Tasting and Boat Ride

Porto , Portugal

Douro Valley Half-Day Tour: Wine Tasting and Boat Ride

Active

(7 reviews)

For a full refund, cancel at least 24 hours before the scheduled departure time.

Instant confirmation

Mobile or paper ticket accepted

About this experience

Explore the stunning Douro Valley on this half-day tour from Porto, perfect for those short on time. Visit a charming family winery for exclusive wine tastings, and enjoy a scenic boat ride along the Douro River. Experience the breathtaking views along the renowned N222 road, known for its winding paths and picturesque landscapes. To ensure your comfort, it's an 8-seater van, but the max capacity will be 6 people. Offers unique insights into the region's wine culture and heritage. Ideal for wine enthusiasts and travelers seeking a memorable experience in one of Portugal's most beautiful areas.

- Enjoy a 1-hour boat ride on the Douro River, subject to weather conditions. For those who prefer to stay on land, take a walk and have a glass of wine in Pinhão... that's an option.
- Visit one family-run winery with multiple wine tastings included
- Scenic drive along the award-winning N222 road offering stunning views
- Pick-up and drop-off at central Porto locations for convenience

Available options

Douro Valley Half-Day Tour: Wine Tasting and Boat Ride

What's included

Certified guide

Comfortable car. We prioritize comfort.

Bottled water

Wine tasting at the winery to be visited.

One-hour boat trip in Pinhão.

Detailed itinerary

Departing from Porto, the journey into the Douro Valley includes several scenic stops at selected viewpoints, offering panoramic views of vineyards and the river below.
Upon arrival, guests enjoy a short and relaxed boat experience on the Douro River, providing a different perspective of the valley when weather and local conditions allow.

Our journey continues to a small, family-run winery, carefully selected for its authenticity and intimate atmosphere. Far from commercial routes and large group visits, this winery offers a quiet and personal experience, where tradition, craftsmanship, and passion for winemaking are felt in every detail.
Here, guests are welcomed by the family or local team and invited to discover exclusive, small-batch wines that are rarely found outside the region. Through guided tastings, you’ll learn about the estate’s history, production methods, and what makes these wines truly unique and distinctive.

After the river experience, the journey continues by road along the stunning N222, considered one of Portugal’s most scenic routes. Passing through Peso da Régua, the landscape unfolds with terraced vineyards, winding curves, and breathtaking river views, offering a true sense of the Douro’s character.
This scenic drive leads us to a family-run winery, where the experience continues with wine tastings and insights into the region’s traditions and winemaking process.

What's not included

Personal expenses

Available languages

Guide guide

Reviews breakdown

Tripadvisor 5.0

7 reviews

5★

4★

3★

2★

1★

Important information

Infants and small children can ride in a pram or stroller

Public transportation options are available nearby

Specialized infant seats are available

Not recommended for travelers with poor cardiovascular health

Suitable for all physical fitness levels

Meeting point

Right in front there is a sign indicating stops for tourist vehicles.

About Porto

Porto, the second-largest city in Portugal, is a vibrant coastal city known for its rich history, stunning architecture, and delicious cuisine. With its picturesque Ribeira district, historic bridges, and world-famous port wine cellars, Porto offers a unique blend of cultural heritage and modern charm.

Top Attractions

Ribeira District

The Ribeira district is the historic heart of Porto, known for its colorful buildings, narrow streets, and lively atmosphere. It's a UNESCO World Heritage site and a must-visit for anyone coming to Porto.

Historical 2-3 hours Free to explore

Livraria Lello

Livraria Lello is one of the most famous bookstores in the world, known for its stunning neo-Gothic interior and as an inspiration for J.K. Rowling's Harry Potter series.

Cultural 1 hour €6 (includes a book voucher)

Clérigos Tower

The Clérigos Tower is a iconic Baroque bell tower that offers panoramic views of Porto. Climbing the 240 steps to the top is well worth the effort for the breathtaking views.

Architecture 1 hour €5

Dom Luís I Bridge

This double-deck iron bridge spans the Douro River, connecting Porto to Vila Nova de Gaia. The upper deck offers stunning views of the river and the city.

Architecture 30 minutes Free

Port Wine Cellars

Vila Nova de Gaia is home to many of Porto's famous port wine cellars, where you can learn about the history of port wine and enjoy tastings.

Cultural 2-3 hours €10-€30

Must-Try Local Dishes

Francesinha

A hearty sandwich made with layers of meat, covered in melted cheese and a special sauce, served with fries.

Lunch/Dinner Contains meat and dairy

Bacalhau à Brás

A traditional Portuguese dish made with shredded cod, onions, potatoes, and eggs.

Lunch/Dinner Contains fish and eggs

Tripas à Moda do Porto

A traditional Porto dish made with tripe, beans, and spices, slow-cooked to perfection.

Lunch/Dinner Contains meat

Pastéis de Nata

Delicious custard tarts with a flaky pastry crust, often dusted with cinnamon or powdered sugar.

Dessert Contains dairy and eggs

Popular Activities

Hiking in the Serra do Pilar Kayaking on the Douro River Sunbathing at Praia do Castelo do Queijo Enjoying a port wine tasting Visiting the Livraria Lello Exploring the Ribeira district Swimming at Praia do Castelo do Queijo Boat tours on the Douro River

Best Time to Visit

May to September

This is the peak tourist season with warm weather and plenty of sunshine. It's ideal for exploring the city and enjoying outdoor activities.

18°C to 28°C 64°F to 82°F

Practical Information

Language

Official: Portuguese
Widely spoken: English, Spanish, French
English: Widely spoken in tourist areas

Currency

Euro (EUR)

Time Zone

GMT+1 (Western European Time)

Electricity

230VV, 50HzHz

Safety Information

Overall Safety Rating: Generally safe

Porto is generally a safe city for travelers, with low violent crime rates. However, petty crime, such as pickpocketing and bag snatching, can occur in tourist areas and on public transportation.

Important Precautions:

• Keep valuables secure and out of sight, especially in tourist areas and on public transportation
• Be cautious when using taxis, and always ensure the meter is running or agree on a price before starting your journey
• Avoid walking alone at night in quiet or poorly lit areas

Getting there

By air

Francisco Sá Carneiro Airport • 11 km (7 miles) from city center

By train

Porto Campanhã, Porto São Bento

By bus

Porto Bus Terminal (Terminal de Camionagem de Porto)

Getting around

Public transport

The metro system is efficient and easy to use, with six lines connecting major points of interest.

Taxis

Available • Apps: Bolt, Uber

Rentals

Car, Bike, Scooter

Neighborhoods

Ribeira Bolhão Foz do Douro Miguel Bombarda

Day trips

Braga

50 km (31 miles) • Full day

Braga is a historic city known for its beautiful churches, monasteries, and the Bom Jesus do Monte sanctuary.

Guimarães

40 km (25 miles) • Full day

Guimarães is a historic city known as the birthplace of Portugal. It's home to a well-preserved medieval center and the stunning Guimarães Castle.

Douro Valley

80 km (50 miles) • Full day

The Douro Valley is a stunning wine region known for its terraced vineyards, port wine cellars, and scenic boat tours.

Festivals

São João Festival • June 23-24 Festa de São João • June 24 Porto Wine Festival • September

Pro tips

Visit the Livraria Lello bookstore early in the morning or late in the afternoon to avoid the crowds and long queues
Take a port wine tasting tour to learn about the history of port wine and sample a variety of wines from different cellars
Explore the historic center of Porto on foot, as many of its narrow streets and charming squares are best discovered by walking
Try the local cuisine, such as Francesinha, Bacalhau à Brás, and Tripas à Moda do Porto, at traditional restaurants and cafes
Take a day trip to the Douro Valley to see the stunning vineyards, visit port wine cellars, and enjoy a scenic boat tour on the Douro River