Are you already dreaming of your next vacation? If you are planning on visiting Porto in 2017 we suggest you take a few more days off and head also to Douro to relax in one of the most beautiful and preserved wine regions in the world.
In a four-day wine tour, you will be able to discover Porto, elected Best European Destination in 2017 and Best Romantic Destination in 2015, and visit the oldest Demarcated wine region in the world! Don't know where to start? Don't worry, we have planned the perfect wine tour for you and invite you to discover some secrets of this charming Wine Region called Porto and Douro.
Check-in at Intercontinental Porto - Palácio das Cardosas Hotel, Located in the heart of Porto’s downtown and in the Ribeira neighborhood, where you will be able to walk by the river or visit some of the most important attractions just a few steps away.
After an invigorating breakfast at the hotel, head for a guided walking tour of Porto's Historic Centre, considered a World Heritage Site by UNESCO. Porto is one of the trendiest destinations right now and in a walking tour, you will be able to see and visit the city's main monuments and cultural sites, as well as some lively neighborhood filled with new stores and restaurants.
At the end of the walking tour pack your bag to head to Douro, one of the most renowned wine destinations in the world and home of the famous Port wines and many awarded table wines.
Arriving in Douro, enjoy a visit with wine tasting and lunch at Quinta do Crasto. Here you will be able to appreciate a guided tour to the estate and enjoy a traditional and typical regional menu prepared mainly with products from the property: toasted almonds appetizers, organic fruits and vegetables, olive oils, and, of course, wine.
After lunch, it's time for a wine tour at Quinta Nova Luxury Winery, where you will be able to enjoy a wine tour and visit the winery dated from 1724 and the wine atelier, the barrels room and the underground cellar where they aged the best lots selected by Amorim family.
Check-in at Quinta de La Rosa, one of the most charming Quintas of the Douro Region, and engage in a guided tour by the Enologist of the Quinta – Jorge Moreira. In the end, there will be a Wine Tasting of Quinta de La Rosa wines.
For dinner, we recommend a Dinner at Rabelo Restaurant, a luxury restaurant where you will be able to taste the best traditional flavors of the Douro region prepared in a contemporary way.
Start your day enjoying the Douro Valley from another perspective: from the water. In a two-hour cruise in the Douro River you will be able to admire from below the Douro terraces perfectly aligned and filled with vines.
After this amazing experience by boat, head to Quinta dos Pôpa. After a tour to the Quinta, you will have a wine lunch with the Douro River in sight. The Menu suggested by the chef is inspired by some of the most typical Douro Courses. The wine tasting will be during your meal, where the pairing will be explained, ideal for those who want to have a good time with friends enjoying some of the best delights of the Douro Region: the view, the wine, and the typical food.
After a great lunch overlooking the river, it's time to visit Quinta do Seixo, an estate with a superb location and view. Here you will be able to engage in a guided tour with an extended wine tasting of 5 Porto or Douro wines, including the much awarded Sandeman Vau Vintage.
Later in the evening, you can enjoy a guided tour of one of the oldest Quintas in the Douro Region, Quinta da Pacheca, where you will be able to get to know its history as well as the wine-making processes of the Pacheca wines. At the end of the tour, you will have a DOC wine and a Port Wine tasting paired with homemade jam (for Port Wine) and cheese (for Red Wine).
Dinner will take place at Castas & Pratos restaurant, an exquisite restaurant located in an old railway station, with one of the most complete wine lists in Portugal.
Wake up and enjoy breakfast with the Douro in sight. Early in the morning head back to Porto to enjoy another full day in this fantastic city.
In Porto, after having discovered the charms of the historic centre, we suggest that now you visit the other side of the river and engage in a wine workshop. Before the workshop, you will have a guided tour to the Espaço Porto Cruz where you can learn the history of the Port Wine. After that, there will be an introduction to tasting Port Wine with the tasting of six Ports. The lunch will take place at DeCastro Gaia, the Espaço Porto Cruz’s restaurant with a meal paired with wine.
Insider's Tip: climb to the Terrace Lounge 360º and enjoy the incredible view of the other side of the River – the city of Porto.
What do you think of our suggestions for a wine tour in Porto and Douro? If you want other activities we can completely customize your tour and book an exclusive guide and driver, until it is like what you imagined! Start planning your 2017 holidays, We would love to help you plan the best time of your life in Porto and Douro.