Douro valley small group tour with wine tasting portuguese lunch and optional river cruise

Visit Portugal’s prestigious Douro Valley on this full-day wine tour from Porto! Famous for its production of Port, the valley is indisputably scenic with swathes of vineyards clinging to the hills around the River Douro. Traveling in a small group of no more than eight people, you’ll admire the scenery around Pinhão, and then enjoy a traditional lunch accompanied by award-winning wines and a 30-year-old Port. Visit Quinta do Portal wine estate for a tasting session and then travel through ‘Vinho Verde country’ on the way back to Porto.

If you want to enjoy more of the countryside on the way to Douro Valley, upgrade to include a sightseeing cruise from Peso da Régua to Pinhão.

Leave your Porto hotel in the morning, and travel inland to Douro Valley by air-conditioned minivan. After a journey of roughly 45 minutes, you’ll arrive in Peso da Régua – the valley’s capital. If you’ve opted to include a boat ride with your tour, you’ll be dropped at Pinhão for a leisurely 1-hour cruise on a rabelo boat from up the Tua River, passing by Quinta da Romaneira and returning back to the town of Pinhão. Alternatively, continue your journey by minivan.

In Pinhão, both groups will re-join and walk over to Pinhão train station, known for its pretty blue-and-white tile murals that depict the scenic Duoro landscapes and vineyard workers.

Stop to enjoy a traditional Portuguese lunch of various salted pastries, meats, cheeses and salad at a local quinta. To accompany the local specialties, sip on samples of the region’s award-winning wines as your guide explains how the grapes are cultivated in the area. After lunch, try a glass of prestigious 30-year-old Port – taken right from the barrel!

Continue your tour by heading into the hills to visit a family-run wine estate in the Cima Corgo region called Quinta do Portal. Nestled in gloriously isolated countryside, this renowned estate boasts a large tasting room and wine shop. Sample various Ports and wines, and then explore the shop for treats to take home.

On the way back to Porto, travel through the Minho region, known for its production of very young wines, which gives the region its nickname,' Vinho Verde (green wine) country.’ Your tour finishes at your hotel, where you’ll arrive in the early evening.