The Best 7 Days in the Douro Valley

Discover Portugal’s Douro Valley in Style: A Yacht & Wine

Imagine waking up on a private yacht, the sun kissing the serene waters of the Douro River as you drift through lush vineyards and golden valleys. Welcome to the ultimate wine lover’s dream - seven days of pure bliss in Portugal’s Douro Valley, where luxury, adventure, and world-class wine collide in the most delicious way possible.

Here’s what your week could look like. Spoiler alert: You won’t want to leave!

Your magical views in the Ribeira Porto

Day 1: All Aboard the Wine Yacht Express!

Forget the boring airport shuffle. After you touch down at Porto International Airport (or your hotel pickup), a deluxe vehicle whisks you away to Marina do Freixo, where your floating palace - private yacht - awaits. Wave goodbye to traffic jams and hello to your private breakfast as you sail towards Régua.

First stop: Crestuma-Lever Dam, where the sluice rises 14 meters - talk about making waves! Then, it’s time for lunch at Olivetto, where Chef Davide Couto serves up traditional Douro flavors with a side of flair. Think Mediterranean cuisine but with that extra Portuguese magic sprinkled on top. Afterward, explore Régua and cap the day with dinner at Castas & Pratos - where the passion for Douro wine flows as freely as the conversation.

By the time you head back to your yacht for the night, you’ll feel like royalty on the river.

Yacht in Ribeira

Day 2: Wine, Views, and More Wine

Good morning, Régua! Kick off the day with breakfast on board as you set sail towards Pinhão, soaking in the stunning views of terraced vineyards. Once you reach Ferrão, it’s time to step ashore for a lunch experience at Terraçu’s Restaurant that’s as unpredictable as it is delicious. No set menu here - just pure, chef-inspired magic every single day.

Next up: Quinta Nova de Nossa Senhora do Carmo Winery House, one of the nine must-see wineries in the world. After a deep dive into their winemaking process (and tasting the goods, of course), you’ll burn off those extra calories with a certified walking trail through the vineyards. Yes, you can even pick fresh fruit as you wander. Talk about farm-to-table!

The day wraps up with dinner at Cozinha da Clara, where the views are as mouthwatering as the food. Don’t be surprised if you start planning your move to Portugal by dessert.

Douro Valley

Day 3: Cruise, Culture, and a Jeep Adventure

Day three greets you with another delightful breakfast on board as you cruise towards Pocinho. But this isn’t just any boat ride - get ready for the dramatic Valeira Dam and Ferradosa stop. After docking at Pocinho, you’ll head to Quinta da Ervamoira for lunch at one of the most magical places in the region. Think art, history, and wine, all rolled into one delicious package.

Post-lunch, buckle up for a private jeep tour through the Côa Valley Archaeological Park. The Paleolithic rock art is the star here, with engravings that date back to, well, the very dawn of humanity. Your all-terrain adventure takes you through almond and olive fields, ending at Casa do Rio Foz Côa Wine Hotel. This secluded gem is where you’ll rest your head tonight, after a cozy, garden-fresh dinner that’s as local as it gets.

Côa Valley

Day 4: Wine Tasting and Michelin-Worthy Meals

After a restful night at Casa do Rio, your chauffeur will whisk you back to your yacht for another day of river cruising. First up: lunch at Quinta do Portal, where Chef Milton Ferreira’s culinary creations are as vibrant as the Douro landscape. Afterward, explore the winery with a private tour and tasting that deepens into the region's history.

Dinner tonight? Oh, just the award-winning Rabelo at The Vintage House Hotel. It’s a culinary pilgrimage for any serious foodie, blending regional dishes with Douro wines in perfect flavor harmony.

As you return to your yacht for another night on the river, you’ll dream of tomorrow’s adventures (and possibly that last glass of wine).

Quinta do Portal

Day 5: Gourmet Delights and Five-Star Luxury

Breakfast on board? Check. Then it’s off to Régua for lunch at Quinta da Pacheca, where gourmet meets tradition. The restaurant’s reputation for excellence is well-earned, with dishes that beautifully complement the estate’s award-winning wines.

In the afternoon, you’ll take a private tour of the winery, diving into its fascinating history before ending with a spectacular wine tasting.

The day ends with a drop-off at the luxurious Six Senses Douro Valley Hotel. Here, you’ll indulge in a 10-course meal prepared by the hotel’s chef right before your eyes. This is more than just dinner; it’s a culinary show that celebrates the flavors of the Douro in the most unforgettable way possible.

Six Senses Douro Valley Hotel

Day 6: The Grand Finale

After breakfast on board, your yacht sets sail back to Porto. But the culinary adventure isn’t over yet - lunch at Palato D’Ouro awaits, where traditional Douro flavors meet modern cuisine. Think rich, hearty dishes paired with breathtaking river views.

As you return to Porto, your final dinner is at the incredible Vinum Restaurant. Nestled within Graham’s Port Lodge, the restaurant offers panoramic views over Porto and Gaia, while the food showcases the very best of Northern Portugal’s produce. And of course, it’s all paired with some of the finest Ports in the world. Cheers to that!

Vinum Restaurant

Day 7: Farewell, Douro - Until Next Time!

Your last breakfast on board will be bittersweet, as it’s time to say goodbye to your floating home. Whether you’re heading back to Porto International Airport or extending your stay in Portugal, one thing’s for sure: You’ll be taking a lifetime of memories (and maybe a few bottles of wine) with you.

This tour is not just about seeing the Douro Valley - it’s about living it, tasting it, and sailing through it in the most luxurious way possible. Every detail from the private yacht to the Michelin-star-worthy meals is designed to make you feel like a VIP in the heart of Portugal’s wine country.

Ribeira District & Douro Valley

So, what are you waiting for? Join us at Wine Tourism in Portugal and let’s make your Douro Valley dream a reality. The wine, the views, and the adventure are calling - are you ready to answer?

Cheers to your next unforgettable journey! 🍷