Douro Valley: Historical Sites, Wine Experience, Lunch & Cruise

Porto , Portugal

Douro Valley: Historical Sites, Wine Experience, Lunch & Cruise

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(5104 reviews)

10h

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

Enjoy an all inclusive tour through the unique Douro Valley and discover fabulous landscapes in this region, on this 10-hour tour from Porto. Learn about the unique culture and heritage of this old demarcated region.
Enjoy a guided visit and wine tastings to one of the most renowned wineries (Croft / Taylor's group or Calém / Burmester group.

Available options

Portuguese - Meeting Point

Portuguese: The activity takes place with a guide that speaks in Portuguese, although it may occasionally be done in two languages.

English - Meeting Point

English: The activity takes place with a guide that speaks in English, although it may occasionally be done in two languages.

French - Meeting Point

French: The activity takes place with a guide that speaks in French, although it may occasionally be done in two languages.

Spanish - Meeting Point

Spanish: The activity takes place with a guide that speaks in Spanish, although it may occasionally be done in two languages.

What's included

Renown Wine estate guided visit with tasting of 3 wines

Porto City Walking Tour (available from the day after your experience)

Amarante, São Leonardo de Galafura viewpoint & Road N222

Panoramic Douro River Cruise on a Traditional Rabelo Boat from Pinhão

Lunch (Vegetarian & Gluten-free options available if informed in advance)

Professional Guide & Comfortable Small Group Minibus

Detailed itinerary

Stop 1 Pass by

Your experience starts at our Meeting Point, next to S. Bento Station and you will meet your guide that will drive you to the Amarante, our first stop.
On your way to the Douro Region, your guide will give you insights regarding the Portuguese history, development and cultural facts of portuguese heritage.

Stop 2

Amarante, our first stop, features the majestic Serra do Marão and the river Tâmega, which flows through the city and adds charm to its picturesque houses.

The city, possibly founded by the Roman centurion Amarantus, links the provinces of Minho and Trás-os-Montes. In the 13th century, St. Gonçalo, a Benedictine monk and the city's patron saint, built a bridge over the Tâmega. Amarante is also renowned for its sweets, including papos de anjo, brisas do Tâmega, toucinho do céu, bolos de São Gonçalo, and galhofas, which can be found in local cake-shops and cafés.

Our second stop, at 640 meters high, is the São Leonardo da Galafura Viewpoint between Vila Real and Peso da Régua.
This spot offers breathtaking views of the Douro River and the steep, vineyard-covered slopes of the historic Trás-os-Montes region.

It's now time for Lunch!
Your guide will take you to a local restaurant where you will have a delicious traditional all-inclusive portuguese meal.
Try some of most traditional portuguese gastronomy pairing with some local Douro table wines.
(Vegetarian option for lunch is available, make sure you request it during the booking process)

The N222 road is classified as the most beautiful road in the world and guides us along the south bank of the Douro River, for miles of pleasure, fascination and beautiful surroundings into the very heart of the Douro Wine Region.

Time to Sail on a scenic Rabelo boat, sided by terraces where the vines that produce ours, and yet so global, Port grow.
The vision from the river to both banks, in areas where only vineyards and wine farms exist, is a unique experience.

For an authentic vineyard experience, you will visit a vineyard estate, in the heart of the Douro Valley.

Discover the secrets of the vineyards as you take a guided walking tour through the property, stopping at points of interest along the way and taking in the magnificent landscape of the vineyards.
During the guided visit, and before returning to Porto, you will also enjoy the unforgettable experience of tasting of different wines.

What's not included

Gratuities

Personal Expenses

Hotel Pick up and drop off

Available languages

Guide guide

PT EN FR ES

Reviews breakdown

Viator 4.6

938 reviews

5★

673

4★

154

3★

2★

1★

Tripadvisor 4.8

4,166 reviews

5★

3719

4★

315

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

Suitable for all physical fitness levels

Vegetarian and gluten-free meals are available if requested before the tour. Inform us before the tour starts.

Tours are usually in one language, but a second language may be used.

The services included in the tours (wine estate visits, restaurants, etc) are subject to 3rd party availability and other groups/participants may be with the group during the experience. Schedules and Itinerary may change without prior notice.

Group size maximum capacity is 27 people.

Discover Porto in a unique way with a Free Walking Tour with Living Tours, available to all customers who book this activity. Our Free Walking Tour is available on a daily basis, in English and Spanish, at 9:30 a.m. and 4:30 p.m. departing from Living Tours Agency located in Rua Mouzinho da Silveira 352, 4050-418 Porto

For the Pick-up option: Please note that pickups are only available from hotels located within Porto city center. Unfortunately, pickups outside this area are not possible

Meeting point

Important notes

Meeting Point: Calçada da Vandoma, Porto – just next to Porto Cathedral (Sé do Porto).

Look out for our friendly staff dressed in red and clearly identified with Living Tours. They’ll be ready to check you in and introduce you to your guide for the tour.

Please note that the drop-off point at the end of the tour is currently Rua Alexandre Herculano, next to Batalha Square

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