Porto: Douro Valley History & Wine Tour With Cruise & Lunch

The Porto: Douro Valley History & Wine Tour offers an immersive experience that combines the region’s stunning natural beauty, rich cultural heritage, and world-renowned winemaking traditions. Visitors embark on a captivating 10-hour journey, exploring charming towns, savoring local cuisine and vintages, and marveling at the breathtaking vistas of the Douro River. From a guided tour of the picturesque town of Amarante to a relaxing boat cruise, this comprehensive excursion promises to captivate the senses and leave a lasting impression. But the true allure lies in the opportunity to delve deeper into the valley’s winemaking legacy, where the secrets of this renowned region are unveiled.

This experience made our list of the 11 Best Wine Tours In Douro Valley.

Key Points

• This 10-hour excursion from Porto offers a comprehensive experience, including a guided tour of Amarante, a panoramic viewpoint in the Douro Valley, and a 1-hour boat cruise.
• Participants can savor a traditional 3-course Portuguese lunch with local wines and enjoy a guided tour and wine tasting at a renowned winery.
• The tour showcases the picturesque villages, historic architecture, and iconic landmarks of the Douro Valley, providing an immersive cultural and scenic exploration.
• Travelers can appreciate the region’s stunning terraced vineyards, idyllic landscapes, and unique perspective from the traditional Rabelo boat during the Douro River cruise.
• The tour is suitable for groups up to 27 people and offers free cancellation up to 24 hours in advance, providing flexibility for participants.

You can check if your dates are available here:

Tour Overview

The "Porto: Douro Valley History & Wine Tour with Cruise & Lunch" is a comprehensive 10-hour excursion that typically begins at R. de Mouzinho da Silveira 360A.

Priced from $94.57 per person, this small-group tour accommodates up to 27 people and is offered in multiple languages, including Spanish, French, Portuguese, and English.

Guests can take advantage of the tour’s flexible cancellation policy, allowing free cancellation up to 24 hours in advance for a full refund.

The tour incorporates guided visits, free time, photo stops, tastings, and a scenic Douro River cruise, providing an immersive experience in the Douro Valley’s rich history and wine culture.

Itinerary Highlights

The tour begins at R. de Mouzinho da Silveira 360A, where guests will first explore the charming town of Amarante with a guided tour and free time.

Next, the group will make a quick photo stop in the picturesque Douro Valley before enjoying a traditional 3-course Portuguese lunch paired with local wines.

After the meal, the tour continues with a guided visit to a renowned winery, where guests will sample three different wines.

The experience culminates with a serene 1-hour boat cruise along the Douro River from Pinhão, offering panoramic views of the valley’s vineyards and villages.

Explore Picturesque Villages

Picturesque villages dotting the rolling hillsides are the main allure of the Douro Valley tour. Guests embark on a guided exploration of Amarante, a charming town with historic architecture and a lively town square. During the free time, visitors can wander through the quaint streets, admire the medieval bridge, and perhaps visit a local cafe. Another highlight is the photo stop at the panoramic viewpoint of São Leonardo da Galafura, which offers breathtaking vistas of the Douro Valley’s vineyards and winding river. These idyllic villages and landscapes showcase the region’s timeless beauty and rural charms.

Village	Highlights
Amarante	– Historic architecture – Lively town square – Medieval bridge
São Leonardo da Galafura	– Panoramic viewpoint – Sweeping vistas of vineyards – Douro River

Panoramic Views and Lunch

After exploring the picturesque villages, the tour takes guests to a viewpoint that offers panoramic vistas of the Douro Valley’s stunning landscapes.

From this vantage point, visitors can admire the region’s iconic terraced vineyards, winding river, and quaint towns nestled among the rolling hills.

Following this, the group enjoys a traditional 3-course Portuguese lunch:

1. An appetizer of local cheeses and cured meats.
2. A main course featuring seasonal, regional dishes.
3. A dessert showcasing the valley’s renowned Port wine.

The meal is paired with a selection of the area’s acclaimed wines, providing an authentic culinary experience.

More Great Thing To Do Nearby

Douro River Boat Cruise

Following the Douro Valley wine tasting and lunch, the tour group boards a traditional Rabelo boat for a leisurely 1-hour cruise along the iconic Douro River.

These historic flat-bottomed boats were once used to transport port wine barrels down the river. Now they offer visitors a unique perspective of the region’s stunning landscapes.

As the boat glides along the water, travelers can admire the terraced vineyards, historic quintas, and picturesque towns lining the riverbanks.

The tranquil journey provides a relaxing end to the day’s adventures, allowing guests to soak in the serene beauty of the Douro Valley from the comfort of the boat.

Guided Winery Visit

Wrapping up the riverboat cruise, the tour group then heads to a renowned winery in the Douro Valley for a guided visit and tasting.

During the tour, visitors learn about the winemaking process, from grape harvesting to fermentation and aging.

They’re then invited to sample three distinct wines, each showcasing the unique terroir of the region.

The knowledgeable guides provide insight into the flavors, aromas, and characteristics of each varietal.

This hands-on experience allows guests to deepen their appreciation for the Douro’s world-class wines.

The winery visit is a fitting conclusion to an immersive exploration of the valley’s rich history and traditions.

Transportation and Inclusions

The tour is conducted in an air-conditioned minibus, providing comfortable transportation throughout the day.

The price includes a guided tour, walking tour in Amarante, a panoramic viewpoint visit, a 3-course Portuguese lunch with local wine, and a 1-hour Douro River cruise.

Guests will also enjoy a guided visit to a renowned winery, where they can sample three different wines.

The tour isn’t suitable for people with mobility impairments, and pets, oversized luggage, and large bags aren’t allowed.

Special dietary requests, such as vegetarian or gluten-free meals, must be made in advance.

Customers can also take advantage of a free walking tour in Porto offered by the tour company.

Important Tour Details

Although the tour isn’t suitable for those with mobility impairments, the organizers welcome guests to bring along comfortable shoes for the walking portions.

Plus, pets, oversize luggage, and large bags aren’t allowed.

Special requests, such as vegetarian or gluten-free meals, should be communicated before the tour.

Guests can also enjoy a complimentary walking tour of Porto, offered daily in English and Spanish by Living Tours Agency at 9:30 a.m. and 4:30 p.m.

Frequently Asked Questions

Is There a Minimum Age Requirement for the Tour?

There is no minimum age requirement for the tour. Participants of all ages are welcome to join, though the tour may not be suitable for young children or those with mobility issues.

Can I Bring My Own Food and Drinks on the Tour?

No, participants cannot bring their own food and drinks on the tour. The tour includes a 3-course traditional Portuguese lunch, as well as wine tastings at a renowned winery, so outside food and beverages are not permitted.

Do I Need to Bring My Own Wine Glasses for the Tastings?

The tour provider supplies the wine glasses for the tastings, so you don’t need to bring your own. All necessary equipment and supplies are provided as part of the wine tasting experience.

Is There an Option to Extend the Tour Duration?

There doesn’t appear to be an option to extend the tour duration. The tour is already 10 hours long and any extension would likely require additional fees. It’s best to plan accordingly within the given timeframe.

Can I Request Stops at Specific Vineyards or Locations?

Customers can request stops at specific vineyards or locations, but this may incur additional costs or require private tour arrangements. The standard tour itinerary cannot be customized without additional fees or arrangements.

Recap

The Porto: Douro Valley History & Wine Tour offers a captivating exploration of the region’s natural beauty, rich cultural heritage, and renowned wine production. From the charming town of Amarante to the breathtaking vistas of the Douro Valley, this immersive experience combines guided visits, traditional cuisine, and a serene river cruise, providing a well-rounded and unforgettable journey through the heart of Portugal’s wine country.

You can check if your dates are available here: