Mateus Palace, History, Art and Douro Wines
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8h
For a full refund, cancel at least 24 hours before the scheduled departure time.
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Mobile or paper ticket accepted
About this experience
Discover the elegance and legacy of the Casa de Mateus palace, one of the most beautiful examples of Baroque mannors in Portugal. The guided tour takes you through the museum, where you can explore the history of the family and its cultural impact, the stunning gardens and the imposing Chapel. In the end, you get to know the mannor's products, have a delicious lunch and a wine tasting session with 3 Douro wines.
• Discover the iconic Mateus Palace, a jewel of Portuguese Baroque architecture.
• Explore the formal gardens and richly decorated interiors of the house.
• Taste authentic regional wines in a unique historical setting.
• Learn about the connection between Casa de Mateus and the famous Mateus wines.
• Enjoy the portuguese cuisine specialties in the lunch menu
Available options
Casa Mateus - English
Mateus - Comentário Português
Casa Mateus - french
What's included
Lunch: Pão d’Avó bread, olives, cheese with ham, Alheira, carrot & orange soup Mains: Codfish Brás or crispy chicken confit with salad & rustic potatoes. Douro wines. Dessert: Chocolate cube & coffee.
Wine tastings (18+)
Detailed itinerary
1
The Casa de Mateus Foundation is a magnificent Baroque manor house that enchants with its imposing architecture and stunning gardens, the chapel, a museum full of art and relics, and the centuries-old cellar, where the region's winemaking tradition is preserved. The visit ends with a Douro wines tasting.
2
Lunch at the Quinta do Lodeiro and wine cellars visit
Starters: Pão d’Avó bread, seasoned olives, Shepherd cheese with Lamego ham, game meat Alheira sausage and a creamy carrot and orange soup
Main Courses: Codfish Brás style or Crispy chicken Confit with garden salad, Rustic potatos with Aromatic olive oil reduction
Paired with Douro white and red wines
Dessert:
Chocolate Cube
Coffee
What's not included
Pick up/Drop off service
Available languages
Guide guide
PT
EN
FR
Reviews breakdown
Tripadvisor
4.0
2 reviews
5★
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2
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Important information
Service animals allowed
Public transportation options are available nearby
Infants are required to sit on an adult’s lap
Travelers should have at least a moderate level of physical fitness
Non-alcoholic drinks will be served for travelers under 18 years old
Meeting point
Facing the church façade, bus is parked on the right side
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
From $25
per person
Price varies by option
Secure booking
Free cancellation available
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