Northern Portugal Wine Tour: Douro Valley & Vinho Verde

This package includes 7 nights across three destinations in Portugal: 2 nights in Ponte de Lima (Viana do Castelo), 3 nights in the Douro Valley wine country, and 2 nights in Porto's riverfront district. All flights, three Vila Galé hotels, a rental car, and two wine experiences are included in the package price.

Two wine experiences are included at no extra charge. On Day 2, you attend a private tasting at Paço do Curutelo in Viana do Castelo, covering five wines across two regions, from crisp Vinho Verdes to a 20-year-old Tawny Port. On Day 4, you visit Quinta do Val Moreira in the Douro Valley for a guided cellar tour, three wine tastings paired with regional snacks, and a panoramic boat cruise along the Douro River.

A small or compact manual car is included for the full 7 nights of your trip. You pick it up at Porto Airport on arrival day and return it there on departure day. If you prefer an automatic or a larger vehicle, upgrades are available during the booking process on the Portugal Getaways website or on request, as paid add-ons and subject to availability. It's worth requesting early, as automatic cars in Portugal tend to go fast.

Breakfast is included at all three Vila Galé hotels, in Ponte de Lima, the Douro Valley, and Porto. No other meals are included. Your two wine experiences also come with regional snacks paired with tastings. 

Yes, the package can be customized, though additional costs apply for any changes or extras. You can add checked luggage, select seats, or upgrade your cabin class on the flight side, subject to availability. You can also extend your stay, add extra nights in Porto, the Douro Valley, or Ponte de Lima, or include additional tours and experiences beyond the two wine visits already included. Your Portugal Getaways expert can put together a custom quote based on what you need.

The package includes three Vila Galé hotels, all well-regarded 4-star properties. You stay at Vila Galé Collection Ponte de Lima Vineyards in Viana do Castelo, Vila Galé Douro Vineyards in the Douro Valley (with terrace views over the terraced vineyards), and Vila Galé Porto Ribeira, located directly on the famous Ribeira waterfront in Porto. All three properties are well-positioned for exploring each destination.

City tourist taxes are not included. They are set by local Portuguese authorities and must be paid directly at each hotel during your stay. Parking fees and road tolls are also not included in the package and are your responsibility as the driver. Parking costs in Porto can vary, but budget a few euros per day in most areas. Toll roads in Northern Portugal are common and can be paid for by card. 

Yes. Portugal consistently ranks among the safest countries in the world for travelers, and driving in Northern Portugal is manageable for North Americans. Roads are well-maintained, signage is clear, and most GPS apps work perfectly. You will be driving on the right side of the road, same as in the U.S. and Canada. The distances between Ponte de Lima, the Douro Valley, and Porto are short, with the longest drive being about 1 hour and 45 minutes.

A valid passport is all you need to enter Portugal as a U.S. or Canadian citizen for stays of up to 90 days. No visa is required. As for driving, Portugal accepts U.S. and Canadian driver's licenses, so an International Driving Permit is not mandatory, though it can be a useful backup. Please note that it is each traveler's responsibility to ensure they hold all required travel documentation before departure.

Parking is free at both Vila Galé Collection Ponte de Lima Vineyards and Vila Galé Douro Vineyards, subject to availability. At Vila Galé Porto Ribeira, garage parking is available on request but comes at an additional cost, which is typical for a hotel in Porto's city center. 

Yes, tolls are common on Portuguese highways. Most toll roads in Portugal are electronic and can be paid at dedicated lanes by credit card, or through a Via Verde transponder that your rental car company may offer as an add-on. Tolls and any related fees are not included in the package price and remain your responsibility as the traveler.

The best time to visit Northern Portugal is from May through October. Spring (March to May) offers mild weather, green landscapes, and lower prices, with some rain possible. Summer is sunny and warm but crowded and expensive, and the Douro Valley gets very hot in July and August. Fall is the sweet spot for wine lovers, with grape harvest in September and October, golden vineyards, and pleasant temperatures. Winter is the quietest and cheapest season, but expect frequent rain and fewer experiences open in the valley.

During office hours, you can reach the Portugal Getaways team through the regular contact channels for any questions or assistance. For emergencies outside office hours, an emergency contact number is provided in your trip documents before departure. You are never left without a way to get help when it matters most.