Plan a chat with us for personalised travel advice Thank you for your interest! The UNESCO-listed Douro valley, in central-northern Portugal, is a highlight of any visit to the country. 8 Portuguese cheeses to taste on your next visit, 7 Portuguese Drinks: From Ginjinha to Port Wine, From Pastel de Nata to Bacalhau: A Food Lovers Guide to Portuguese Cuisine, Local Eats in Porto: 7 Must-Try Restaurants for Traditional Cuisine, Portuguese Artesanato: Guide to Portugals Traditional Handicraft, Portuguese Architecture: 7 Most Incredible Buildings in Portugal. Step away from the perfectly kept vineyards of the region and into the rugged terrain of northern Portugal. Alternatively, your accommodation may host their own full-day tours, so could be worth speaking with them. Tip: If you do decide to take public transport, make sure to stay in one of the main towns like Pinhao or Regua. . Douro Valley description Our three favorite vineyards to visit in the Douro Valley areQuinta da Roda (Pinho), Quinta do Crasto (Sabrosa), and Quinta do Seixo (Valena do Douro). Pocinho is near the very small city of Foz Ca, which is close to Ca Valley Paleolithic Art site. Douro River (Porto) - All You Need to Know BEFORE You Go - Tripadvisor Rgua, which straddles the river and has a lively selection of waterside cafes and bars, is home to the headquarters of the Port Wine Institute. RELATED: Hotel Review: Pestana Palacio do Freixo in Porto, Portugal Where to Stay in the Douro Valley: Quinta Da Corte However, these tours are often busy and have a set itinerary which means youll only see a small part of the region. The heart of the Douro Valley is the great Douro River itself. Quinta Nova de Nossa Senhora do Carmo is a place of extreme classic beauty in the heart of Douro Valley. The Douro Valley (Pinhao) - What to Know BEFORE You Go (2023) On offer is a wine tour where you can taste their wines and learn about the wine production process. The River Douro begins in the northern Portuguese city of Porto and runs 557 miles to the Spanish border. With over 2,000 years of wine production history, there are still many traditional small villages that remain untouched. It will be an unforgettable experience. Driving around the Douro Valley also heightens the experience. Win-win! For those who dont have much time in Porto, a single day trip will allow you a brief, but enjoyable experience of the Douro Valley. The vines are over one hundred years old! Jul 3, 2023, 10:18 AM. Would you like to write for us? In addition to the production of wine, the farmhouse has also been converted into a hotel. Follow our travels daily on Instagram together with 300K others. Unlike the Rhine, Loire, and many of Europe's great rivers, the Douro was never a strategic military location. You are taken to one of the traditional wine estates (Quintas) to learn about the production of wine, as well as enjoy wine tasting! The tour includes a full programme with visits to regional landmarks, themed meals and wine tastings. The vineyards and hills surrounding the Douro River make it the perfect place for hiking! See all Douro tours here. 5 Of The Best Wineries in Douro Valley Portugal You Should Visit From this perspective, this view epitomises the essence of the Douro: the beauty, the dream, the legend and Mans creative genius in transforming the schist of the river banks into arable land. With history dating as far back as 250 years, the property displays conserved structures and the cellars original building still standing since 1764. +351 254 660 600. Other sites, such as Penascosa and Ribeira de Piscos, also have another 78 engravings between the two of them. Youll travel over the flowing Douro River, through the lush hillside, and over the meandering mountains. 6 Best Things to do in Douro Valley Portugal You can take a day tour bus or a Hop-on, hop-off sightseeing bus at Porto. This is considered important to the archaeological pre-historic patrimony, and it has been designated as a UNESCO World Heritage Site. From here, you can see half the Douro. Within the Douro, you'll discover stunning natural scenery, charming villages, and a region rich in history and traditions. Our content is DMCA propected, and it can't be reproduced on other websites without our authorisation. Several companies offer day trips from Porto, where you get to watch and participate in the experience as well as enjoy the fruits of your labor. The Wine House Hotel is a lovely 4-star hotel deep in the Douro Valley. In this modern museum full of information about the history of the region and the port production process, for 6 you get well-curated exhibits, both temporary and permanent, and (unsurprisingly) a port wine tasting at the end. The two options offer a complementary approach. The village contains several schist houses and even a chapel at Picote de Sao Domingo from the Iron Age. The right-hand side of the train has the best views of the river and vineyards for most of the trip. Dozens of statues, fountains, and other large decorative elements are found on the staircase and terraces along the way. There are six recognized Wine Valles in the Douro Valley, known as Aldeias Vinhateiras do Douro. With over 85,000 ha of natural beauty, Parque Natural do Douro Internacional is one the best places to visit in Douro Valley. All our tips: favourite to do's, restaurants, hikes, secret spots & more in Google Maps! In late October, the valley turns golden with the arrival of autumn and its absolutely perfect for photography enthusiasts who visit the many stunning viewpoints in the Douro Valley. Many also include traditional Portuguese lunches. It is a 226 km long road. First, the river carved the deep valleys out of the land and then Man transformed the schist mountains into soil and walls and planted the vines, green in summer, flame-coloured in autumn. Moving to Portugal, a Guide to Visas, Documents and Regulations, 6 Amazing Places To Go Kayaking In Portugal. Within Spain, it flows through the middle of the autonomous community of Castile and Len, with the basin spanning through the northern half of the Meseta Central. By car through the Upper Douro Wine Region, A Tourist Guide to World Heritage Sites II - in the North of Portugal, Terms of Use and Personal Data Processing, visit some of the wine producing quintas which provide wine tourism activities, spend the night at a wine hotel in Porto or the Douro Valley, go on an environmental river cruise near Miranda do Douro, visit the wine growing villages of Barcos, Favaios, Provesende, Ucanha, Salzedas and Treves. It was from the fruits of the land and Mans labour that this unique wine and landscape were made. This Portugese region is also a beautiful destination to visit. This space is dedicated to representing and preserving the Douro Valley wine region. Likely to Sell Out. Also read: Best Places to visit in Portugal It is known for its amazing hillside vineyards that border the deep valley created by the Douro river. 91 reviews. Receive travel discounts, tips and behind the scenes stories. The "Alto Douro" or High Douro has been growing wine grapes for over 2,000 years since when occupied by the Romans. There are loads of hiking trails that snake their way around the valley for awesome views that can only be seen on foot. A Travel Guide to the Douro Valley, Portugal | TravelAge West Twisting roads snake their way up between vineyards and mountains to panoramic viewpoints across Portugal and Spain. per adult (price varies by group size) LIKELY TO SELL OUT*. The wine was taken downriver in flat-bottom boats called rabelos, to be stored in barrels in cellars in Vila Nova de Gaia, just across the river from Porto. In the 1960s and 1970s, dams with locks were built along the river, allowing river traffic into the upper regions in Spain and along the border. Another classic Douro Valley thing to do is join a boat cruise down the Douro River. The sturdiness and expertise of the boatmen made it possible to navigate the river and carry the great wine barrels. Take a boat tour through the Douro River, 4. Top Tip: Are you looking for a place to stay in Douro Valley? The Quinta also has very advanced winemaking technology that is perfectly integrated with the landscape. In 2000, the family also acquired the Quinta da Cabreira, a property with 150 hectares, and six years later, also bought Quinta do Querindelo to keep up with demand. Tributaries here are small, merging into the Douro along the canyons; the most important are Ca, Tua, Sabor, Corgo, Tavora, Paiva, Tmega, and Sousa. Explore the Parque Natural do Douro Internacional, Climb up to the Santurio de Nossa Senhora dos Remdios, Take in the Regions History at the Museu do Douro. You should also visit the Trevoes Museum which celebrates the local culture and displayed the household and agricultural objects used. For all the latest tips for visitors to Portugal, be sure tosubscribe to our free newsletter. If its not already on your travel wish list, then our go-to guide will compel you to experience the beauty and magic of the Douro Valley. and in Italy Dora, etc. You can start these tours from Porto or book one yourself at one of the many wineries. What is Portugal in Winter Really Like? Navigation was challenging and risky, therabeloboat being the only vessel capable of crossing the natural obstacles. Take the famous train route from Porto to Regua. Or you can depart from somewhere else, like Rgua, and combine boat and train. Imagine wandering through the picturesque vineyards of Portugal with views of the meandering Douro River below. You will find quiet towns and villages, vineyards hugging the bends, castles from the time of the Reconquest and other places worthy of a stop to look far into the horizon. or get an answer from the Salt in our Hair Travel Community Follow unpaved roads and footpaths as you . 12 reasons to visit the Douro Valley You can still ride from So Bento station to Porcino, swapping onto a Douro line train at Rgua, five times per day. Re: Douro Valley Private tour from Porto. Insider travel tips and guides. Set in northern Portugal alongside the Douro river, the Douro Valley region is roughly 120 kilometres / 75 miles from the largest city in the north, Porto. To experience the best of the park in a day, take a river cruise through it from the International Biology Station in Miranda do Douro, where youre likely to see many of the 170+ bird species found there, including peregrine falcons, eagles, vultures, and more. The tour can include lunch in a, This region can also be visited along the, See your selected contents and create your own Plan or Brochure, Enter your e-mail address and you will receive a message from Visitportugal. You'll pass by the beautiful Parque Natural das Serras de Aire e Candeeiros, where you can take a stroll through the forest or stop for photos if you have time. For a luxurious and romantic lunch out with wine, you can reserve their picnic package on the shaded terrace, overlooking the vineyards and Douro river. Where is the Douro Valley? As an Amazon Associate I earn from qualifying purchases. Douro is a Portuguese wine region centered on the Douro River in the Trs-os-Montes e Alto Douro region. The UNESCO listed Douro Valley is located in the north of Portugal, just one and a half hours from Porto, which is considered the main gateway to the Douro Region. Prices for cruises start from approx 70. You are free: to share - to copy, distribute and transmit the work; to remix - to adapt the work; If youre short on time and long on money, theres no better way to see the Douro Valley than by taking a helicopter tour above it. 1 - So Leonardo da GalafuraThe So Leonardo da Galafura viewpoint is close to Rgua. If you visit during the harvest in September, you can actually participate in the harvest itself: a unique experience in Portugal. If you take the IP2 from Vila Flor to Torre de Moncorvo, you can carry on to Barca de Alva on the EN220 and the EN221, past Freixo de Espada Cinta. In the past, impassable canyons formed a barrier against marauding armies. Hills fall steeply to the water's edge and the region becomes more and more sparsely populated as it travels inland from the coast. The Douro River originates in Spain and flows west in the north of Portugal until it reaches the ocean in Porto. The Douro can also be discovered from the air, on a trip that leaves from Porto, initially flying over the historic centre of the city and the six bridges that link it to the south bank. You can take a road trip, a scenic train, or a boat cruise to the Douro Valley. Vessels with a maximum length of 83 metres (272ft) and width of 11.4 metres (37ft) can pass through the five locks. from. This meant not only did we get to experience some quality port and wine makers, but we were also off the typical tourist track; visiting local businesses without a throng of other . One of the tours weve done before and we recommend is Douro Valley Tour: Wine Tasting, Cruise & Lunch in Vineyard. The Douro region is famed for its terraced vineyards, with the grapes grown here used to produce Port wine. How to Get to the Douro Valley - Best Routes & Travel Advice These reaches of the Douro have a microclimate[specify] allowing for cultivation of olives, almonds, and especially grapes, which are important for making port. This 4th generation family farm is outside the humble Parado do Bpo and provides spectacular views of the flowing valley. However, the roads best part has to be between the two towns Peso de Regua and Pinhao. This site uses cookies. Quinta da Roda in the village of Pinho is the oldest quinta still active today and is the producer of Croft Port, one of the most distinguished Port wine houses. The Horseshoe Bend Hike: What You Need to Know, 12 Best Ski Resorts in California For You to Hit The Slopes. See options Full view All photos (1,046) The Douro Valley 5 578 reviews #1 of 12 things to do in Pinhao Scenic Walking Areas Valleys Visit website Call Write a review About Suggested duration 1-2 hours Suggest edits to improve what we show. [8], A folk-etymological derivation suggests that the name comes from the Portuguese or Spanish for "golden".[9][10]. No matter which mode of transport you choose, each guarantees an equally impressive and picturesque journey that will amaze you. Language links are at the top of the page across from the title. We stayed at Quinta do Monte Travesso, where we did a wine tour and camped overnight. The Douro Valley: Everything You Wanted to Know For Your Visit. It is located close to the border of Spain. Unannounced releases of water from upstream Spanish dams occasionally causes navigation issues in these locks. We use cookies to ensure that we give you the best experience on our website. ct intro final Im interested in doing one that includes lunch, a river tour, and grape stomping (date of travel: 10/6-7). The tour can include lunch in a quinta in the Douro and accommodates up to 6 passengers. It runs from Porto all the way across to the border of Spain, and is the oldest wine region in the world! The village features views of the vineyards going downhill and the mountains above. The museum is open from 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. during summer, closing half an hour earlier in winter. We are your number one source for everything Portuguese. Despite its small size, this park is a must-see if you are in the region. Douro Valley Small-Group Tour with Wine Tasting, Lunch and Optional Cruise, Welsh father in coma after stabbing in Albufeira, Portuguese need 11.4 years of wages to afford buying a house, Portugal Golden Visa: The Ultimate Guide to Portugals Golden Visa 2023, 7 Best Wine Tastings and Wine Tours in Portugal, Where to stay in Tomar, Portugal: 4 Best Hotels in Tomar. Tip: Depending on how far you want to travel, consider staying in the charming town of Vila Nova de Foz Ca. When you purchase something through our links we earn a small fee. Admire the exhibition hall, with the most notable work, Douro: Matter and Spirit, holding centre stage. If you've walked the streets of Portugal, it's hard to have missed the traditional handicrafts and local artisans that make up the culture of Portugal is filled with picturesque villages that provide a glimpse into the country's fascinating culture and history. Douro Valley Hotel and Spa in Portugal | Six Senses Take a look at our top picks for boat tours in the Douro River. The wine tasting here lasts around 90 minutes where you get to taste 5 of their wines, visit the port wine cellars, and more for 29 per person. Hey Rebecca, it could be worth contacting the tour group youre interested in and seeing if theyll pick you up en route. Connect with nature at A Congida Beach See one beach and you've seen them all, right? The rewilding scheme visited by Phoebe Smith is creating a wildlife corridor along the Ca River valley, linking it with the Douro valley (pictured). There are few settlements along the line between Pinho and Rgua. Allow far more time than you think youll need. The Douro Valley is a wine region located in the heart of inland Portugal and it is the oldest demarcated wine region of the world dating back to 1756! On the north bank, as you begin the journey in Peso da Rgua, after crossing the plateaux that protect the Douro Valley, you will arrive in Alij. Once a fast flowing river of rapids and narrow ravines it has been tamed over the past 25 years by the construction of 8 dams along its length giving it, in most places, a . So while admiring the scenery, also keep an eye on the sky. Fortified port wine has been made there since the 17th century, and dozens of producers offer tasting experiences of one sort or another. Not only because of all those corners and steep drop-offs but also to stop at all the miradouros (viewpoints) that dot hilltops and vantage points along the way. With spectacular scenery, jaw-dropping train rides, boat, kayak, and hiking trips, and plenty of great architecture, its an area that justifies far more than the day, or two most visitors allocate to it. [11], It is the third-longest river in the Iberian Peninsula after the Tagus and Ebro. Read: How to travel Portugal by Campervan. Something else? The Linha do Douro is one of Europe's great rail journeys, connecting Porto with the towns of Rio Tinto, Ermesinde, Valongo, Paredes, Penafiel, Livracao, Marco de Canaveses, Pinho, Rgua, Tua and Pocinho. If so the Celtic root could be *dubro- (in that family of languages the final vowel sound often changes with context, as in Latin).[6]. Located on the right bank of the Douro Valley is Quinta do Crasto with origins that date back to the early 17th century. You can then tour the winery, learning its history before ending with a delicious tasting of its best wines. 440. Its a beautiful ride, especially between Rgua and Porcino, where the line follows the river as it clings onto the side of the steep Douro gorge. Read: The ultimate city trip to Porto, Portugal. This church on top of the mountain is an architectural masterpiece, drawing inspiration from Baroque and Rococo styles. However, again, you wont have the same flexibility as you would if you rent your own car. Douro Valley Wine Tasting Tour, Lunch, River Cruise Option 2023 - Viator By continuing to browse the site, you are agreeing to our use of cookies. The best grapes are crushed by foot in a large vat, rather than being put through machines, and after a rigorous sterilization process, you can help out.