Douro Valley small group tour, Mateus Palace, Lunch and Wine tastings
Active
10h
For a full refund, cancel at least 24 hours before the scheduled departure time.
Manual confirmation
Mobile or paper ticket accepted
About this experience
No other Douro Valley tour gives you such a rich cultural, historical and gastronomy experience.
Each stop in the tour program will bring new stories about Portugal history, the importance of Port wine for the region and the country along with delicacies and wines of this amazing region!
Available options
Douro Valley small group tour, Mateus Palace, Lunch and Wine tastings
Pickup included
What's included
Hot & Cold Drinks
Hotel pickup and drop-off
Coffee and Pastries in Amarante
Regional Lunch in Douro Valley with white and red wines, Favaios muscat and Port Wine.
Luxury Air-Conditioned Van
Photo & Video
Visit to São Gonçalo church and the old bridge in Amarante
Detailed itinerary
1
Stop 1
From your hotel in Porto, you’re picked up in the morning for the drive to Amarante. We will stop at the city of Amarante to visit its old bridge and São Gonçalo Church, a symbol of the local identity built in the XIII century by the city's patron saint São Gonçalo, a benedictine monk. Amarante's sweets and cakes are extremely famous and you will have the opportunity to taste them at a well known cake-shop.
2
After Amarante we will proceed to the Mateus Palace in the city of Vila Real. Mateus Palace, set in beautiful gardens on a vast farm, is considered to be one of the finest examples of baroque civil architecture in Portugal. You will learn from a certified guide the story of the palace and at the end enjoy walking and taking pictures in the gardens.
3
The highlight of the voyage is the lunch in the wine region of Favaios. Before lunch an aperitif is served in the gardens of the estate.The all-included lunch includes several tasting starters (alheira, pataniscas, rojões), Sopa de Pedra (Stone Soup) in iron pot, a veal stew or roast, and a fruit and dessert buffet.White and red Douro wines are served, as welll as Muscat wine of Favaios and Port wine. After lunch you will visit the estate wine cellars.
4
The tour continues driving downhill from the Favaios region to Pinhão, on the right bank of the Douro river. In Pinhão you will visit the train station with its fantastic azulejos (tiles) pannels from early XX century and take the one-hour Douro river cruise in a typical Rabelo boat to contemplate the world heritage beauty of the Douro Valley vineyards. Navigation upstream toward the Romaneira estate, in a very beautiful stretch of the Douro river where you will see some wine producing farmhouses, terraces until the river and vineyards, forming a unique landscape considered a World Heritage Site by UNESCO.
We will return to Porto via the road N222 Pinhão - Peso da Régua, that is considered one of the most beautiful in the world. 17 miles, 93 soft bends and breathtaking views of the Douro Valley. Your NOW Douro Valley full-day tour ends with return transport to your Porto hotel.
What's not included
Gratuities
Available languages
Guide guide
EN
Reviews breakdown
Viator
5.0
10 reviews
5★
10
4★
0
3★
0
2★
0
1★
0
Tripadvisor
5.0
45 reviews
5★
45
4★
0
3★
0
2★
0
1★
0
Important information
Public transportation options are available nearby
Suitable for all physical fitness levels
Child rate applies only when sharing with 2 paying adults
Children must be accompanied by an adult
Meeting point
Black Mercedes van
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
