Douro Valley: Wine, Vineyards & River Escape

Day By Day Itinerary

1. Day 1Arrive in Porto & Drive to the Douro Valley

   

   Welcome to Portugal! Let’s explore together: pick up your car rental on arrival and get ready for adventure. 

   * Want to maximize your time in paradise? Consider pre-booking an early check-in during the booking process. This way, you can hit the ground running and start exploring sooner! Don't hesitate to contact our booking agents if you have any questions or need assistance setting this up.

   The drive from Porto Airport to Vila Galé Douro Vineyards takes approximately 1 hour and 30 minutes. Upon arrival, relax and take in the stunning views of the Douro River while enjoying the hotel's amenities, such as the outdoor pool or a refreshing drink at the bar.

2. Day 2Private Yacht Tour with Tapas & Port Wine (Included)

   

   Experience the Douro like never before on a Private Boat tour, complete with a Port wine tasting on board. Cruise through the wildest sections of the river, taking in breathtaking views of the Douro terroirs and rugged landscapes from the comfort of a private yacht.

   Savor local delicacies and sip on Port wine, Champagne, and tapas as you sail through the valley, making your journey even more unforgettable.

   Includes:

   • Private Yacht Tour, Port Wine, Champagne, and Tapas

   Slots Available:

   • 11 AM - 12 PM
   • 3 PM - 4 PM
   • 4:30 PM - 5:30 PM

   Meeting point: Rua António Manuel Saraiva 30, 5085-037, Pinhão (a short 17-minute drive from your hotel).

3. Day 3Harmonized Lunch with 5 Wines Tasting at Quinta do Crasto (Included)

   

   Experience the Douro Valley’s finest flavors with a harmonized lunch of traditional cuisine, perfectly paired with a selection of Crasto wines. Begin with appetizers served alongside Crasto Douro White or Crasto Douro Rosé, followed by a starter paired with Crasto Douro Red. For the main course, enjoy Crasto Superior Red and Quinta do Crasto Reserva Old Vines, and finish with desserts complemented by Quinta do Crasto Late Bottled Vintage Porto. Each wine features the latest release from the estate.

   Upon arrival at the estate, enjoy a guided tour of the facilities, with expert commentary on the winemaking process.

   The main course, served buffet-style, will be the same for all guests. Please select your choice from the menu options below and inform us 48 hours in advance. After this period, we reserve the right to choose the dish.

   Lunch may be held in various locations, including the terrace, dining room, or rustic room, subject to availability and order of arrival.

   This service is available daily and lasts approximately 3 hours. The arrival time must be confirmed in advance, with a 15-minute tolerance for delays. After this time, we cannot guarantee the full experience.

   Menu:

   • Assorted Appetizers
   • Cold Starter or Soup
   • Main Course (choose one option below):
     • Creamy cod with shrimp
     • Grilled cod with roasted potatoes
     • Roasted octopus
     • Traditional duck rice with salad
     • Tender pork loin with port wine reduction
     • Traditional pork and beans stew
     • Roasted pork loin with chestnuts
     • Roast beef with rice and potatoes
     • Roasted kid with potatoes
   • Desserts:
     • Fruit
     • Traditional Portuguese Sweet
     • Portuguese Cheese Selection
     • Coffee or Tea

   Please inform us in advance of any food restrictions or allergies. Alcohol service is restricted to guests who are not visibly intoxicated. The menu must be the same for the entire group. This experience may be enhanced with additional wines from the wine supplement, subject to availability.

   Meeting point: Quinta do Crasto, 5060-063, Douro (a 48-minute drive from your hotel).

4. Day 4Douro Valley

   

   Suggestion for the Day: Douro Villages

   Dedicate this day to visiting some of the region’s quaint villages. Here are some villages worth exploring:

   • Peso da Régua: A key town in the Douro Valley, it’s known for its riverside beauty and as the gateway to many famous quintas.
   • Pinhão: Surrounded by stunning vineyards, this village is renowned for its picturesque train station decorated with traditional azulejos (tiles).
   • Lamego: A historic town with elegant architecture and the impressive Sanctuary of Nossa Senhora dos Remédios.
   • Mesão Frio: One of the oldest towns in the region, offering breathtaking viewpoints and historic charm.
   • Favaios: Famous for its traditional Moscatel wine and welcoming atmosphere.

   This combination of wineries and villages offers the perfect balance of culture, history, and flavor, making your day in the Douro Valley a memorable journey through Portugal’s wine country.

5. Day 5Douro Valley

   

   Suggestion for the day: Vineyards Hiking or Biking

   If you're feeling active, today is a great day to go for a hike or bike ride through the vineyards. There are many hiking trails to choose from, ranging from easy to challenging. We recommend the following:

   • Casal de Loivos (7 km / 4.3 miles)
   • São Salvador do Mundo (8 km / 5 miles)
   • Covas do Douro (10 km / 6.2 miles)

   Take the afternoon to enjoy your hotel's amenities, enjoy a picnic in the middle in the middle of the vineyards (many hotels in the Douro are used to preparing a picnic basket so that clients can take to the vineyards), or have dinner at a local vineyard restaurant.

6. Day 6Douro Valley

   

   Suggestion for the day: Cultural Exploration

   Today, immerse yourself in the rich cultural heritage of the Douro Valley with a day of history, gastronomy, and local traditions.

   • Visit the Douro Museum: Learn about the history and culture of the Douro region at the Douro Museum in Peso da Régua. It offers insights into the winemaking traditions and the valley’s development.
   • Traditional Cooking Classes: Join a cooking class to learn how to prepare traditional Portuguese dishes like "bacalhau" (salted codfish) or "francesinha," paired with local wines.
7. Day 7Douro Valley

   

   Suggestion for the day: Explore Vila Real

   Vila Real is a charming town where history, culture, and stunning natural landscapes blend seamlessly, offering visitors a peaceful retreat in northern Portugal.

   Highlights:

   • Visit the stunning Mateus Palace and its gardens, located just a short drive from the Douro Valley. It’s a beautiful example of baroque architecture and a great place for a walk
   • São Pedro Church
   • Nossa Senhora dos Remédios Chapel
   • Vila Real's Historic Center
   • Vila Real’s Local Market
   • Natural Park of Alvão
   • Cimbres Bridge
8. Day 8Return Flight Home

   

   One last stop: returning your rental car.

   Thank you for choosing us to be your travel companions on this adventure! It's been a pleasure assisting you in creating unforgettable memories. We wish you happy travels and until next time!