---
title: Douro Valley Guide | Wine Tourism in Portugal
description: Discover what to do and what to see when visiting the Douro valley.Wine tasting tours, food, and culture in the Douro region.
image: https://blog.winetourismportugal.com/hubfs/NUM_0539_2%20(2)%20(1).jpg
---
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# Ultimate Guide to Visiting the Douro Valley
Posted by: [Rita Saraiva](https://blog.winetourismportugal.com/author/rita-saraiva)
 03-Dec-2021 11:35:46
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When it comes to wine tourism, the [Douro Valley](https://blog.winetourismportugal.com/best-wine-destinations-douro) doesn't need much of an introduction. One of the most ancient wine regions in the world and UNESCO World Heritage Site, Douro's unmatched beauty continues to wonder each and every single new - and returning - visitor. Have a look at our Douro travel tips and make the best out of a visit.
[](https://tours.winetourismportugal.com/luxury-tour-douro-five-days)
## Wine Tastings, a Douro Must-do!
[](https://www.winetourismportugal.com/en/wine-tours/short-breaks/port-wine-cellars-tour-half-day-experience)
Upon arrival, the idyllic beauty of its perfectly aligned terraces welcomes us with a sense of being at home. That's one of the great things about the Douro: it's less touristy and you won't see a crowd anywhere. Just you and the vineyards.
One of the [best things to do in the Douro](https://blog.winetourismportugal.com/top-five-things-to-do-in-douro) is obviously a [wine tasting](https://www.winetourismportugal.com/en/wine-tours/short-breaks/port-wine-cellars-tour-half-day-experience) contemplating those terraces with a glass of some of the best wines in the world in your hands. Most of the wine-producing farms and vineyards have different wine-related activities so that one can choose from more relaxed wine tastings to deeper ones, in the company of the winemaker. Here you will be able to engage in lively conversations about your favorite wines, learn about the production, and, of course, taste some premium Douro wines. Have a look at [the best wineries in the Douro Valley](https://blog.winetourismportugal.com/10-wineries-you-cant-miss-in-douro) to help you plan your trip.
For those really interested in the wine-making process they can take part in more engaging tours like [blending your own wine](https://blog.winetourismportugal.com/amazing-wine-tour-in-douro-make-your-own-wine) or taking a wine course in the Douro.
[](https://cta-redirect.hubspot.com/cta/redirect/491068/a06a8cbc-ac6c-4035-91c4-44d9481c41ed)
## Taste True Traditional Portuguese Gastronomy
[](https://tours.winetourismportugal.com/luxury-tour-douro-five-days)
## [](https://tours.winetourismportugal.com/luxury-tour-douro-five-days)
[](https://tours.winetourismportugal.com/luxury-tour-douro-five-days)
The Douro is one of the best regions in Portugal to taste Portuguese cuisine at its best. There aren't as many good restaurants as there are good wine hotels in the region, so it is advised to follow some recommendations to the [best restaurants and places to eat in the Douro Valley](https://blog.winetourismportugal.com/best-food-experiences-in-the-douro-valley). From traditional restaurants and wine farms serving dishes that stood the test of time, to modern ones presenting the best of traditional Portuguese cuisine with modern twists, without overlooking a great and vast selection of wine.
## Enjoy the Best Douro Views
[%20(1).jpg?width=1000&name=NUM_0539_2%20(2)%20(1).jpg)](https://tours.winetourismportugal.com/luxury-tour-douro-five-days)
Besides wine tours in the vineyards and wine-producing estates, in the Douro, there are multiple viewpoints to observe the meanders of the river. In Pinhão, Tabuaço, and Peso da Régua you can have breathtaking views of the river and its vine-covered slopes. If you prefer to see the slopes from down under, there are different [cruises in the Douro](https://www.winetourismportugal.com/en/catalogue/wine-experiences/wine-cruises/region-3/) that will take you on a luxury sailing boat or yacht, showing you the [best Douro views](https://blog.winetourismportugal.com/best-belvederes-in-the-douro-valley) and sharing the history and curiosities of the region.
## The Douro History and Heritage
[](https://tours.winetourismportugal.com/luxury-tour-douro-five-days)
For those who want to know more about Douro culture, there are a lot of places to visit. The Pinhão train Station is famous for its tiles dedicated to the cultivation of vines and portraying the daily life in the ancient Douro, from the work in the vineyards to the harvesting, wine production, and shipping in the typical Rabelo Boats. On the south bank of Douro, you can visit Lamego, one of the most beautiful cities in Northern Portugal, where you can climb the blue and white tiled flight of steps of Nossa Senhora dos Remédios Shrine.
## Discover Douro by Train
One of the best ways to [travel through the Douro region is by train](https://www.winetourismportugal.com/en/catalogue/wine-tours/half-day-full-day/discover-douro-valley-by-train-full-day-experience/). The train route in the Douro takes you mostly near the river, where you can have great views of the estates and [vineyards in the Douro](https://www.winetourismportugal.com/en/wineries-vineyards). In the summer, there’s a special train track from Régua to Tua, one of the most beautiful train routes in Portugal.
The Douro is one of the best wine regions in the world but its offers on what to do and see go far beyond wine. So whether you're visiting the Douro Valley for the wine or for the view, don't forget to get to know its culture and absorve the true feeling of Douro.
If you are planning on visiting the Douro and want your trip to be perfect, just tell us what your dream tour in the Douro looks like and our team will prepare a totally [customized tour](https://tours.winetourismportugal.com/custom-tour-in-portugal) to meet your preferences.
[](https://cta-redirect.hubspot.com/cta/redirect/491068/e8692a23-c9fc-4f05-9b85-ffee7af1069b)
*Article originally published in 2015*
Topics: [Douro](https://blog.winetourismportugal.com/topic/douro) [Wine Tours](https://blog.winetourismportugal.com/topic/wine-tours) [Travel](https://blog.winetourismportugal.com/topic/travel) [Portugal](https://blog.winetourismportugal.com/topic/portugal)
### Written by: [Rita Saraiva](https://blog.winetourismportugal.com/author/rita-saraiva)
**Travel Enthusiast**
Rita is passionate about travelling, discovering new cultures, their food and wines and to write about it.
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