Luxury River Cruise Tours: 5-Days Douro Valley Tour & River Cruise

During this incredible and utmost experience, you will enjoy the plentiful aromas of varied wineries in the region and the singularity of the Douro Valley. Trought this marvelous trip you will enjoy a cuisine workshop to discover the secrets of the outstanding Portuguese gastronomy, a fantastic Chef’s Table experience, where you may grip some special details that will definitely make your whole experience very unique and unforgettable. And lat but not least a unique four-hour private cruise in a Vintage Boat is included for you to experience the relaxing and peaceful atmosphere. Let's unveil more about this amazing tour.

The Estates

Quinta Nova

Quinta Nova is located near Pinhão and has 120 hectares, 85 of which are planted with vines. The beautiful 18th-century manor house is nowadays the wine hotel and beside this, the estate has also a baroque style chapel dating from 1795, a 17th century chapel by the river, orchards, a watermill, and a stunning 1764 winery. Here you will enjoy an exclusive guided tour through the vines and its historical winey, as well, a unique tasting of five wines of Quinta Nova wines.

Quinta das Carvalhas

Quinta das Carvalhas is located in the municipality of São João da Pesqueira and has a dominant position on the slope of the left bank of the Douro River facing Pinhão. It has a property of immense beauty and grandiosity whose oldest written reference date back to 1759, although its expansion to the current 600 acres had happened more recently through the acquisition and subsequent land consolidation of several adjoining properties. It is, since 1950, owned by Real Companhia Velha - producer of Porto and Douro wines, founded in 1756 by a Royal Charter of King José I, King of Portugal - being the oldest Portuguese company. Moreover, in this incredible estate, you will visit the vineyards accompanied by the estate Agricultural engineer, in which, you will learn very interesting aspects of the estate and its wines. And of course, enjoy a tasting of the top wines of Quinta das Cravlhas paired with incredible cheeses and other delicacies.

Quinta do Seixo

Quinta do Seixo is breathtaking throughout the year, in a constant change of color and light. A magnificent landscape, shaped by man in shale terraces, a surprising contrast with the brightness of the Douro river and the view of the picturesque village of Pinhão nearby. The vineyard, with over 100 years, is a true heritage of many traditional Douro grape varieties that still resist the hardest conditions and temperatures, producing unique and top quality wines. Being this said, while int his estate you will have a private guided tour through all of the Quinta and have an extended tasting of five Porto or Douro wines, included the much-awarded Sandeman Vau Vintage.

Quinta do Vallado

Quinta do Vallado consists of two buildings with different settings that combine tradition and modernity, a compound that was built and designed inspired by the Douro wine environment. The historic building of the Quinta - built in 1733 and recently restored and the new building, built-in 2012 and designed by the Architect Francisco Vieira de Campos that used mainly schist in this work. The 70 ha. (172 ac.) of the Quinta do Vallado vineyards are mostly based on the slopes of schist soil, facing south and west, allowing an optimal maturation of the grapes, profiting from the Mediterranean climate. With 50 ha. (123 ac.) of vines aged between 11 and 18 years and 20 ha. (49 ac.) of the best vines with more than 80 years. Here you will also have a private guided visit with wine tasting, mainly in red and Port. 

Quinta do Bomfim

Quinta do Bomfim is located is situated on the north bank of the Douro River adjoining the village of Pinhão, the crossroads of the Upper Douro, and is owned by the Symington family who has worked here for five generations. The famous estate is composed of a winery, the beautiful old wine cellar, and the vineyard. The family-made ports and wines may be tasted on the terrace with wonderful views of the Douro River and surrounding vineyards. Waiting for you in this spectacular estate is a private guided visit and a wine tasting composed by: Dow’s LBV Dow’s 10-Year-Old Tawny Dow’s 1985 Vintage Port.

The Restaurants

After all these incredible wine experiences, it’s time to enjoy the unique Portuguese gastronomy and in particular of the Douro region. One of the most amazing experiences of this tour is the unique Chef’s Table experience at Six Senses Restaurant. In this experience, you will enjoy a ten courses meal that is prepared and hosted by the Chef, right before your eyes. Follow the process and complete the experience with selected wines, that will be perfectly paired with the dishes. You will also experience incredible dishes of restaurants such as Rabelo Restaurant, Doc Restaurant owned by the awarded Michelin Chef Rui Paula, Quinta de La Rosa Restaurant and Castas & Pratos.

The River Cruise

Another fantastic way that you will discover the alluring Douro River will be through this exclusive cruise in a Vintage Boat. It is a  66 feet Classic Wooden Yacht, an English ship built-in 1957 in the shipyards of Christchurch, in England, with a double hull in mahogany from Honduras, riveted with copper that gives her an added value both in safety and worth. The boat served the British Admirals on their travels to the high seas for the ‘exchange’ of officers on the battleships. Aboard the ship, you will enjoy a four-hour cruise and an amazing lunch. Live moments of intimacy with nature while you travel with emotion along with the history until the times when the Rabelo's boats moved by the force of the sails and are amazed by the scenarios that the Douro has to offer.

Why book now your 2020 or 2021 tour? Because by booking all your tours with us you will have flexibility in the future, plus an acquired "Clean and Safe" seal. Through these unique times, we are available to plan, reschedule, and move your trip around your needs, as always. If your new dates may no longer work with your initial travel plan, a dedicated consultant will be available to tailor and reschedule your time in Portugal according to your needs and preferences, and to assure you that you will have the best and most memorable experiences.