Day trip Douro Valley

We will begin one of the most beautiful tours in Portugal with a visit to Amarante, a small town where the splendor of its history will capture the imagination. The Tamega River, a tributary of the Douro River, runs through the town and gives it a special attraction. You can admire Amarante’s medieval European landscapes where the crystal waters of its river mirror the lush vegetation of the two margins crossed by a large arched granite medieval bridge. We will visit the Church of Saint Goncalo, built in the 16th century, where the Saint lived and is buried.

Here, we arrive at the vineyards of the high Douro Valley. This is the oldest demarcated wine region in the world. Peso da Regua is the world’s capital of winery. It was from here that the “Rabelos”, (name given to the boats that transported the Porto wine barrels), sailed to the docks of Gaia, so the wine could be matured in the wine cellars, before being sold worldwide. Nowadays it is major stop for Douro River cruises that visit the upper Douro Valley and it is also a UNESCO world heritage site.

In the heart of the upper Douro Valley and after crossing dazzling landscapes of hillsides embellished with terraced vineyards where the Douro River flows with abundant beauty, we reach the charming town of Pinhao, bathed by the waters of this river. Located in this region, we can find many vineyards and wine estates which produce the famous Douro wines. We will also stop and visit the local railway station which is famous for its decorative tiles depicting the wine making process and production. We will have lunch here (optional) in one of the many typical local restaurants.

If you so wish, we can visit one of the local wineries (recommended) where you can observe all of the preparation and wine making process of Porto wine and you will also have the opportunity to taste the different varieties of Porto (White, Ruby, Tawny and Vintage).