Romantic Douro & Porto Tour

Today you are booked for a guided visit to a fantastic Port Wine Lodge which is one of the oldest of the founding Port houses and was established over three centuries ago in 1692! For many, it is the archetypal Port house and its wines the quintessential Ports. It is dedicated entirely to the production of Port wine and in particular to its finest styles. The history of the firm is in many ways the history of the Port trade itself. Since its foundation the company has remained independent. Now, well into its fourth century, it has thrived and prospered, establishing itself as one of the world’s most respected historic wine houses. This has been achieved through the perseverance, pioneering spirit and continuity of purpose of successive generations of family involvement. You will enjoy a private guided tour of this Port Wine Lodge concluding with a delightful tasting of some of their best ports.

You will then head to the Gaia riverfront, the meeting point for traders and fishermen since medieval times; it was here they crossed the river to sell the products from the Upper Douro. Your next visit will include another fantastic Port Wine Lodge tour, that combines tradition and modernity. The building dates back to the 18th century and was restored in 1881 with the expansion of the Port wine trade. After your tour, you will discover some of their delicious Port Wines followed by a delicious lunch accompanied by river views overlooking Porto. After lunch, why not take a stroll over the Dom Luis Bridge, an unmistakable icon of Porto? Otherwise you could discover more of the old town. We have many suggestions for further sightseeing for this afternoon; found in your Romantic Douro Valley Tour Personal Travel Journal.

Tour in a nutshell: Tours & tastings at 2 prestigious Port wine lodges. Lunch with wines. Overnight Porto.

This morning a representative of our car hire company will be waiting at your hotel with a luxury vehicle with automatic transmission and GPS. You will then depart for Pinhao in the heart of the Douro Valley, considered one the most spectacular wine regions of the world. This Portuguese wine region has terraced vineyards descending the sloping hills to meet the river below. Your Douro Valley hotel is a charming 5* property dating back to the XVIII century when it was a Port winery. This afternoon we have arranged for you to join a small group Rabelo boat cruise along the Douro River, a great opportunity for you to see the beauty of the area and the many wineries dotted along the river. Rabelo boats were traditionally used to carry the wine down the river from the Douro Valley to the lodges in Porto, where they then aged. If you prefer a romantic cruise just for you, then we can arrange for you to have a privately skippered cruise instead.

On your return to the dock, you may like to take a stroll beside the river or visit the iconic train station, just behind your hotel. Pinhao station is considered one of the most symbolic locations along the Douro River. The picture-postcard train station has 25 blue glazed tile panels covering the main building, representing the local landscapes and habits; predominantly of wine making. For dinner, why not treat yourself to a romantic meal on the terrace of the incredible Rui Paula? This restaurant overlooks the vineyard covered hillside and the Douro’s riverside villages. We would be happy to make a reservation for you at Rui Paula, and if you don’t want to drive, your hotel will happily call you a taxi, as would the restaurant for your return.

Tour in a nutshell: Rental car delivery. Rabelo boat cruise. Overnight in a 5* hotel in the Douro Valley wine region.