How to spend a perfect day in Douro

Despite the region's rising popularity, it's quite easy to get off the beaten track in Douro. From sampling the famous fortified wines, to exploring the vineyards, and relaxing on a cruise along the Douro River, we deliver an unusual look at the region's sweetest thrills for a perfect day in Douro. 

As someone said, do the same but better.

Just a couple of hours away from Porto - the nearest big city - the Douro Valley has a spirit of its own. Known for its outstanding wine culture and breath-taking landscapes, which have earned it a UNESCO World Heritage listing, it has become one of the most exciting places to visit in Portugal.

And like every great destination, you'll never run out of things to do. Either on a 5-day experience or 7-day luxury tour, we'll make sure you won't leave any stone unturned. You'll have the opportunity to stay at the best hotels, visit the most emblematic wineries and restaurants in the area, while crossing some things off your bucket list on the way.

Start with a morning walk in the vineyards

Wine estates, vineyards and Port are part of Douro wine region's story. A winery visit and Port tasting are easily two of the best things to do in Douro - and often the main reason for visiting. 

Upon arrival in Pinhão, in the heart of the Alto Douro Wine Region, you'll get close and personal with the picturesque landscape from a very unique viewpoint with a guided tour through the vineyards at Quinta das Carvalhas. This is the biggest vineyard in the Douro Region, situated on a privileged position overlooking the river. On this one-on-one tour, guided by the in-house agriculturalist, you'll have a genuinely unique experience walking around the vineyards side by side with someone who knows them by heart, ending with a tasting of four wines and a cheese platter.

Here hikers can also enjoy beautiful trails at Quinta Nova Luxury Winery House. On-site are some of the region's top walking trails – the longest of which is two and a half hours - which explore the ridgetop's gorgeous vineyards and lead to even better viewpoints than those from the road. 

When you’re traveling through one of Europe’s premier wine regions, how could the perfect day in Douro not include a crisp glass of wine? The Exclusive Tasting includes four barrel-aged table wines and one Vintage Port.

Take note: If you want to delve deeper into the local culture, traditions, and history, you might want to consider getting a private driver. A private driver will allow you to quickly move around - especially in a mainly rural, sparsely populated area, where roads are difficult to navigate - and leave yourself free to take in the beautiful scenery and fully enjoy the wine tasting.

In the kitchen

Located near Port wine town and cruise centre of Peso da Régua, Quinta da Pacheca was one of the first properties to bottle wine under its own label. You can take a vineyard tour here, enjoy a tasting, or - best yet - have a cooking class where you'll learn traditional techniques while preparing your very own meal. Chef Carlos Pires serves regional cuisine with dishes such as Oven-Roasted Octopus or Cornbread Crusted Cod, all naturally paired with Quinta da Pacheca wines.  

Slightly further upstream, is Rui Paula's DOC. Built over the river at Folgosa, this creative and sophisticated spot lives up to the expectations surrounding the Michelin starred-Chef, with a colorful menu rooted in both tradition and modernity, smartly paired with a comprehensive wine list. It's no wonder it took the 15th place in TripAdvisor Traveler's Choice Awards for best restaurant in the world.

Take in the sights from the river

With full bellies, the next point of call is the dazzling Douro River. Catch the boat from the Folgosa Pier - just outside DOC Restaurant. Relax on board of a private sailing boat while cruising upriver and enjoy the vineyards and terraces leading down to the river. 

River cruises can last from two hours to one or more days, with or without meals, and are a delightful way to enjoy the landscape. Whether you want to sit back and enjoy a sunset sail ride, an on-board picnic or dinner catered by DOC Restaurant itself, there are options for all. 

You may also enjoy a full-day tour with stopovers at a couple wineries along the way for wine tasting and lunch, or maybe a night's stay. These cruises will cater to all tastes and ensure that you experience the very best of this wonderful region.

At the chef's table

Back on high ground, spend your final hours of the day at the gorgeous Six Senses Douro Valley. Perched on a mountain among the surrounding vines, the first European property of the Six Senses Group combines elegance with the region's traditional heritage. 

The hotel’s Vale Abraão Restaurant offers a range of dining options, including a chef’s table where you can enjoy an impressive ten-course meal - generously portioned and beautifully plated - as well as wine pairings. Nicely installed in the chef’s table, you will be able to accompany all the cooking of the tasted dishes under the attentive guidance of the restaurant staff. Everything is presented beautifully and a lot of the products come directly from the organic garden. 

For an alternative Michelin-worthy dinner head to Quinta do Portal, located a 20-minute drive from Pinhão. Beautifully isolated in the middle of their own vineyards, it belongs to a century-old winemaking family, who has been here for hundreds of years. The estate houses an excellent restaurant, led by young and talented Chef Milton Ferreira, who uses locally-grown ingredients splendidly paired with in-house wines in a creative way.

No one knows better than you what you want. But our staff has the experience and knowledge to show what is available and what is possible. 

By booking with us, you'll work with one dedicated consultant, who will not only take the time to listen to your requests, but also discuss different options with you. All of this coupled with a knowledge of the country means you'll get the best out of the time you have to spend on your next tour in Portugal.