10 Unique Douro Valley Tours + A Guide To This Scenic Region
LOOKING TO VISIT PORTUGAL’S MOST FAMOUS WINE REGION?
You’re in luck, as we are covering everything you need to know about the Douro Valley, plus the best 10 Douro Valley tours that can take you there. The Douro Valley is a breathtakingly beautiful region of Portugal known for its rolling hills, vineyards, and historic villages.
Don’t have time to read the whole article?
One of the best Douro Valley tours is this Small-Group Tour with Wine Tasting Douro Valley & Lunch, with over 2,000 5-star ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ ratings.
With its rich cultural heritage and stunning natural scenery, the Douro Valley is a must-visit destination for anyone interested in history, wine, and adventure.
3 Best Douro Valley Tours
Wine Tasting Douro Valley & Lunch
→ small-group tour (max 8 people)
→ visit two traditional wine estates
Douro Valley Private Day Trip
→ wine and snacks at a family-run vineyard
→ private + fully customizable
Where is Douro Valley?
The Douro Valley region is located in the northern part of Portugal and is situated in the Douro River valley. It spans approximately 600 km (373 miles along the Douro River and covers an area of approximately 34,000 hectares. The valley is known for its terraced vineyards, historic villages, and stunning natural beauty, making it a popular tourist destination.
map of douro valley portugal
Below is a Portugal Douro valley map. Fun fact, the Douro river flows from Duruelo de la Sierra in northern Spain all the way to Porto in Portugal. This Douro Valley map also highlights some of the best Douro Valley wineries you can visit on your trip to the region.
The Portugal Douro Valley is approximately a two-hour drive from Porto, the second-largest city in Portugal. Its unique combination of cultural heritage, wine production, and breathtaking scenery make it a truly special place to visit.
Now are you ready to get to the best Douro Valley tours? Let’s get to it.
10 Best Douro Valley Tours
Thinking about taking a tour of Douro Valley from Porto? Touring the Douro Valley on a small-group tour is one of the best ways to see the region, especially if you don’t have a car. Ready to explore the region and sample some Douro Valley Portugal wine? Let’s go.
1. Small-Group Tour with Wine Tasting Douro Valley & Lunch
⭐️ Rating: 5 out of 5 Stars | ⏰ Tour time: 10 hours | 🍷 Check rates and availability
Embark on a small-group wine-filled journey through the vineyard-clad hills of the Douro Valley, a UNESCO World Heritage-listed region known for its port wine production.
With an expert tour guide by your side, savor the flavors of the region with a traditional lunch in the scenic village of Pinhão, and visit two esteemed wine estates for a taste of award-winning local wine varieties.
We loved that the tour took us to smaller, family-owned wineries instead of the larger, more crowded spots. Would recommend this trip,
—KATHLEEN (READ MORE REVIEWS)
For an added touch of luxury, upgrade your full-day tour from Porto with a sightseeing boat cruise on the Douro River, taking in breathtaking views of the valley.
One of the best Douro Valley tours, this small-group tour, limited to just eight people, offers a personalized and intimate experience, perfect for wine enthusiasts and those seeking an experience in the best vineyards Douro Valley has to offer.
Douro Valley Tours
2. Expert wine guide: all day, Boat, Lunch, and Tastings in the Douro Valley
⭐️ Rating: 5 out of 5 Stars | ⏰ Tour time: 8 hours | ⛵️ Check rates and availability
Embark on an unforgettable journey through Portugal’s picturesque Douro Valley on this Douro Valley – Expert Wine Guide All Day, Boat, Lunch and Tastings tour. A local wine expert will lead the way, so you can skip the maps and guidebooks.
Had a fantastic tour. Pedro and Joao went out of their way to make us feel Comfortable. Excellent experience. Highly recommended.
—Maria (READ MORE REVIEWS)
You’ll sail past lush vineyards on a tranquil river cruise, soak up the charm of Peso da Regua and Pinhão, and indulge in a mouthwatering local lunch.
Wine tastings at two renowned vineyards and an off-the-beaten-path olive oil tasting in a charming village add an extra touch of authenticity. All you need to do is sit back, relax, and let the Douro Valley charm you.
Douro Valley Tours
3. City Escape: Douro Valley Private Day Trip
⭐️ Rating: 5 out of 5 Stars | ⏰ Tour time: 8 hours | ⛵️ Check rates and availability
Escape the city and immerse yourself in the rolling hills and vineyards of the Douro Valley on a private day trip from Porto. Admire the breathtaking scenery from two different perspectives, traveling in an air-conditioned vehicle and taking a relaxing boat ride on the Douro River.
With the undivided attention of your guide and the freedom to tailor your itinerary, you’ll have the perfect day to explore the valley at your own pace.
Views are spectacular, we learned about wine in the region, and had an excellent day. It is light walking and the boat tour was magnificent.
—HOWARD (READ MORE REVIEWS)
Pass by the Miradouro de Sao Leonardo de Galafura on your way to the valley. Sit back and relax during a one-hour boat ride on the Douro River and enjoy lunch at a local restaurant. The last stop of the tour is to visit the Quinta do Infantado, a family-run winery founded in 1816 in the Cima Corgo sub-region of the Douro.
With a private day trip, you’ll have the opportunity to experience the beauty of the Douro Valley in a personalized and intimate way.
Douro Valley Tours
4. Douro Valley Private Tour with Sommelier
⭐️ Rating: 5 out of 5 Stars | ⏰ Tour time: 9-10 hours | 🍷 Check rates and availability
Get ready for a wine-tasting adventure like no other with your own private sommelier in the Douro Valley. On this exclusive private tour, you’ll visit premium wineries, savor delicious wines, and learn the secrets behind the making of world-class ports.
This was, without question, and absolute FIRST CLASS experience. I am so happy to have chosen this route to see the Douro.
—ADAM (READ MORE REVIEWS)
Do you have a favorite farm or Quinta? Great. This tour can be tailored to your choices. The sommelier will provide maps and information to make the day even more interesting.
From the stunning landscape at Miradouro de Sao Leonardo de Galafura to the modern winemaking techniques at Quinta do Bomfim, this Porto Douro valley tour is the ultimate way to experience the best of the Douro.
Douro Valley Tours
5. Wine Tour in Douro Valley: Visit Three Vineyards + Lunch
⭐️ Rating: 5 out of 5 Stars | ⏰ Tour time: 9 hours | 🍷 Check rates and availability
Indulge in the finest that Portugal has to offer on this full-day tour of the Douro Valley. Visit local vineyards and taste world-class wines while taking in the stunning views of the Douro’s terraced vineyards. You’ll also learn about the wine production process from the winemakers and deepen your understanding of the region’s rich heritage.
A highlight of the tour is a traditional lunch in the charming village of Pinhão, where you can savor regional specialties and get a taste of the local culture. Of course, no tour of the Douro Valley would be complete without tasting the region’s famous port wines.
This experience was AMAZING! This was definitely an experience to remember, the tours, wine and boozy lunch was superb.
—PHOEBE (READ MORE REVIEWS)
This is one of the best winery tours in Douro Valley. It offers a unique and immersive experience, allowing you to indulge in the beauty of the Douro Valley and sample some of Portugal’s finest wines.
The best wine tour Douro Valley offers to discover the rich history and cultural heritage of one of Portugal’s most famous wine regions.
Douro Valley Tours
6. Douro Valley Tour with Visit to two Vineyards And River Cruise
⭐️ Rating: 5 out of 5 Stars | ⏰ Tour time: 9 hours | 🍷 Check rates and availability
Experience the best of Portugal’s Douro Valley with this Douro Valley Tour. This journey, starting with a handy hotel pickup, includes cruising the Douro River and wine tasting at a family-owned winery.
The wine tasting and lunch were both very enjoyable and the boat trip finished off the tour perfectly. Worth every penny.
—ANGELA (READ MORE REVIEWS)
You won’t just ride in any vehicle but travel comfortably in a minivan, allowing you to take in the breathtaking views. The tour also includes a four-course meal paired perfectly with local wines.
Sample a range of delicious wines, meet master winemakers, and truly get a feel for the heart of the Douro Valley. The convenient hotel drop-off wraps up a day filled with amazing memories. One of the best wine tours in Douro Valley, it is a wine lover’s dream come true.
Douro Valley Tours
7. Douro Valley Tour: Wine Tasting, Lunch & River Cruise
⭐️ Rating: 5 out of 5 Stars | ⏰ Tour time: 9 hours | ⛵️ Check rates and availability
Discover the charm of Portugal’s countryside on this Full-Day Douro Valley Porto Tour. Say goodbye to planning stress, as transport, sightseeing, and tastings are all neatly arranged.
Guests can take in the Douro Valley’s scenic landscapes, stopping for a delicious local lunch in the picturesque village of Pinhão.
Fabulous day trip to the Douro Valley. Gorgeous scenery, informative and a whole lot of fun.
—CLAUDIA (READ MORE REVIEWS)
The tour isn’t complete without a captivating river cruise, providing an unforgettable panoramic view of the valley. The included tastings of locally-produced wine and olive oil not only delight the senses but also offer a deeper understanding of Douro’s rich cultural heritage.
This Douro Valley tours is more than just a day’s getaway; it’s an immersive plunge into the heart of the Douro Valley, leaving guests with lasting impressions and memories of Portugal’s amazing wine country.
Douro Valley Tours
8. Douro Valley 4WD Tour with Wine Tasting and Picnic
⭐️ Rating: 4.9 out of 5 Stars | ⏰ Tour time: 4 hours | 🍷 Check rates and availability
Embark on an off-the-beaten-path adventure through the famed Douro Valley wine region with a full-day 4WD tour from Porto.
With pick-up at your hotel, you’ll travel to the town of Régua and explore the beautiful wine region by rugged 4WD vehicle, venturing off-road to escape the usual tourist crowds.
Wind your way through the steep mountains that rise from the banks of the River Douro, and see the breathtaking vineyards that produce some of Portugal’s finest DOC-classified wines. Stop for a picnic lunch and take in the stunning views, then continue to a local Quinta to sample the famous fortified port wines of the region.
My friends and I had an incredible time off-roading with these two, learning about the area, and sampling port wine.
—ADAM (READ MORE REVIEWS)
You’ll then make your way back to Porto, accompanied by more breathtaking views of the UNESCO World Heritage vineyards, and leave with a newfound appreciation for the beauty and diversity of the Douro Valley.
Get off the beaten path and taste the finest wines on this unforgettable Douro Valley wine tour from Porto.
9. From Porto: Régua and Douro Valley Scenic Cruise
⭐️ Rating: 4.2 out of 5 Stars | ⏰ Tour time: 10 hours | 🚃 Check rates and availability
Embark on a unique and scenic journey through the Douro Valley, combining a train ride and a river cruise for the ultimate Douro Valley wineries Portugal experience.
Depart from Porto and travel to Régua, the wine capital of the Northern Region, by train. Marvel at the stunning vineyards that produce wines from one of Europe’s first demarcated wine lands. Then, enjoy a peaceful cruise down the Douro River, taking in the scenic landscapes and terraced vineyards along the way.
Lunch was delicious and plentiful. The wine was plentiful. It was a good value.
—MARCUS (READ MORE REVIEWS)
Savor a delicious lunch onboard and admire the beauty of the valley as you glide gently past it. Continue to experience the serenity of the Douro River as you make your way back to Porto, crossing the Carrapatelo Dam and the Crestuma-Lever.
With a combination of train and boat, this full-day tour offers the best of both worlds and is the perfect way to discover the Douro Valley
Douro Valley Tours
10. Pinhão: 4 Hour Douro Valley Kayak Rental
⭐️ Rating: 4.5 out of 5 Stars | ⏰ Tour time: 4 hours | 🛶 Check rates and availability
Unwind and escape the hustle and bustle of everyday life with a self-guided kayaking adventure in the Douro Valley.
Paddle onto the sparkling waters of Pinhão and the Douro Valley, surrounded by historic vineyards and rolling hillsides. Soak up the peaceful atmosphere as you paddle, and enjoy the freedom to stop and take in the sights at your leisure. Listen to the sounds of birds tweeting and water flowing, and feel the stresses of everyday life melt away.
Very nice experience: from Pinhão you can either kayak on the Douro or on a narrower tributary. We (family with teenagers) combined both.
—DIRK (READ MORE REVIEWS)
This is the perfect tour for anyone looking to leisurely explore the Douro Valley in a uniquely adventurous way.
⚠️ Note that you will pick up your kayak and equipment from Magnifico Douro Pier in Pinhão, where you’ll receive recommendations and directions from local staff.
What is the Douro Valley Know For?
The Douro Valley is one of the world’s oldest wine-producing regions, with more than 2,000 years of winemaking history dating back to the 18th century. It is also a UNESCO World Heritage Site.
The Douro Valley is best known for its production of port wine, which is made from grapes grown in the region’s vineyards. In fact, it is the only place in the world that can legally produce port wine, thanks to the Marquês de Pombal, who demarcated the region in 1756.
What is Port Wine?
Port wine is a fortified wine produced using a specific winemaking technique, which involves adding brandy to the wine before it has finished fermenting. This gives port wine its distinctive rich, sweet flavor and high alcohol content (around 20% ABV). The popularity of port wine can be attributed to its unique taste and versatility, as it can be enjoyed on its own or as an accompaniment to dessert.
In addition to port wine, the region is also known for producing other Douro Valley Portugal wine, including white, red, and sparkling wine. Visitors to the Douro Valley can explore the local vineyards, sample the wines, and learn about the region’s unique winemaking heritage.
⭐️ 🍷Want to learn more about port wine or just Portuguese wine in general? Read about it: The Wines Of Portugal: An Introduction To Portuguese Wine.
But, the Douro Valley is not just famous for its wine. It is also known for its stunning natural beauty, rich cultural heritage, and unique history, making it a great destination for anyone (wine-lover or not) interested in exploring the best of northern Portugal.
Douro Valley Tours
How To Get To The Douro Valley & Getting Around
The Douro Valley is located in northern Portugal and is easily accessible from Porto, which is the nearest city. The best way to get there is by car as it offers the most flexibility for exploring the region. Renting a car is a good option if you want to have the freedom to visit different villages and vineyards at your own pace.
🚗 If you’d like to explore the Douro Valley, why not rent a car? It is the easiest way to get around and explore the region. We recommend using a comparison website like Rentalcars or Discovercars to see what’s available and compare prices between rental companies.
However, if you don’t have a car, you can take a train from Porto to the town of Régua, which is the main hub of the valley. From there, you can take a bus or hire a taxi to reach your final destination.
Alternatively, you can take one of the many Douro valley tours from Porto or take a boat trip along the Douro River, which offers a unique perspective of the valley. There is even a Douro valley tour from Porto that is a joint train and Douro Valley boat tour where you’ll take a scenic train ride before hopping on a cruise down the Douro River to Porto.
There is also a historic Douro Valley train that runs between June and October. This steam locomotive and the 5 historical carriages run between Régua and Tua and allow visitors to take a unique journey into the past.
Douro Valley Tours
What is the Best Time To Visit?
The best time to visit the Douro Valley depends on your personal preferences and the activities you plan to do during your visit.
If you are interested in outdoor activities and nature exploration, the best time to visit is from late spring to early autumn, when the Douro Valley weather is warm and sunny, and the vineyards are in full bloom. During this time, visitors can enjoy scenic hikes, river cruises, and a Douro Valley wine tasting in the valley’s beautiful surroundings.
For those interested in wine production and harvest season, the best time to visit is from late August to early October, when the grapes are harvested, and the wineries are busy with production. During this time, visitors can witness the winemaking process, learn about wine-making in general, and sample some of the local wines.
If you are looking for a more peaceful and quiet experience, the best time to visit is from late autumn to early spring, when the crowds are smaller and the pace of life is slower. But the weather Douro valley has can be cold in the wintertime.
Average temperatures are around 10°C (50°F) during the day and can drop below freezing at night. However, in the winter season, visitors can enjoy everything that the region offers at a more relaxed pace. Be forewarned that this is low season, so many wineries, hotels, and tourism businesses may be closed for the season.
Douro Valley Tours
Best Towns And Villages To Visit In The Douro Valley
The Douro Valley stretches over 600 km (373 miles) and is home to many small, charming, quaint towns. However, many of the main towns are quite close to one another. Pinhão, for example, is just 30 minutes from Peso de Régua. The two most popular towns to visit include:
Pinhão
📍 Where to stay: The Homeboat Company Pinhão-Douro 👉 a Houseboat on the River.
This charming village is famous for its picturesque setting along the banks of the Douro River and its traditional wine lodges. Pinhão is also home to the iconic Pinhão Train Station, famous for its blue-and-white ceramic tiles depicting scenes from the Douro Valley wine region.
If you have the time, take a moment to bask in the breathtaking vista from the nearby Casal de Loivos Miradouro viewpoint. The BBC has recognized it as one of the world’s most spectacular viewpoints in the world.
Peso de Régua
📍 Where to stay: Quinta do Vallado Wine Hotel 👉 A design hotel surrounded by a vineyard.
Also known as Régua, this bustling town is a hub for the Douro Valley’s wine production. It was from here that the barrels were transported in the special boats known as barcos rabelos to Vila Nova de Gaia, where the port wine was left to age in the local wine lodges.
The town is a great starting point for exploring the region. Régua is also home to a number of restaurants, bars, and cafes, making it a great place to relax and enjoy a meal after a day of exploring.
🍷 ⭐️ For a more comprehensive list of Douro Valley hotels, read our article: Where to Stay in the Douro Valley.
Other towns we recommend visiting include
- Provensende: 13km from Pinhão, a picturesque town with a history dating back to the Iron Age.
- Barcos: A medieval village, home to a historic town and sites like Nossa Senhora de Sabroso Chapel, the Roda dos Expostos, and the gorgeous town hall.
- Trevões: Dating back to the middle ages, this town offers stunning views. Some sites include the Igreja Matriz de Santa Marinha de Trevões and the Museu do Trevões.
- Lamengo: a historic town famous for its stunning baroque-style cathedral and the Nossa Senhora dos Remédios Sanctuary. It is also known for its 600-step staircase.
- Favaois: A charming village on a plateau in the Douro Valley, known for its delicious homemade bread and sweet Moscatel wine.
- Sabrosa: the birthplace of Ferdinand Magellan, the first man to circumnavigate the world.
- Vila Real: home of the famous Mateus Rosé wine.
Have we convinced you to embark on one of the many Douro Valley river cruises? Ready to learn about the best Douro Valley tours that you can take while visiting the region? Let’s get started.
Douro Valley Tours
Douro Valley: Frequently Asked Questions
Is Douro Valley Worth Visiting?
Yes — The Douro Valley is definitely worth visiting. With its rolling hills, vineyards, and stunning scenery, it’s one of the most picturesque regions in Portugal.
Yes, The Douro River winds through the valley, surrounded by charming villages and historic wine estates. The region is famous for its port wine production and offers a unique cultural experience with its rich history and heritage.
Douro Valley Tours
What Are Some Of The Best Wineries In Douro Valley?
There are so many different wineries in the region that it is almost impossible to list them all. Many of the vineyards and wineries also host guests on their property.
Some of the more popular vineyards and wineries in Douro Valley, Portugal, include:
- Quinta da Gricha – Vineyard Residence.
- Quinta de la Rosa – Family-owned, working winery.
- Quinta do Crasto.
- Quinta do Tedo – Organic wine tasting.
- Quinta da Pacheca – The Wine House Hotel da Quinta da Pacheca.
- Quinta Nova Nossa Senhora do Carmo.
- Quinta do Vallado.
- Douro Valley Six Senses.
- Quinta do Crasto – Gorgeous views of the valley.
Douro Valley Tours
What Is The Prettiest Town In Douro Valley?
The prettiest town in Douro Valley is subjective. However, many consider the town of Pinhão to be the most picturesque.
It is situated along the Douro River and is surrounded by vineyards, making it a popular spot for wine tasting and scenic views. The town also boasts a historic train station with iconic blue and white tile work, adding to its charm.
Douro Valley Tours
What Is The Douro Valley Famous For?
The Douro Valley is famous for its production of port wine, which is made from grapes grown along the terraced hillsides of the valley.
It is also known for its beautiful scenery and historic vineyards, which have been designated as a UNESCO World Heritage Site.
Douro Valley Tours
Is It Better To Stay In Porto Or Douro Valley?
Why not visit both? Porto offers a vibrant city atmosphere with a rich cultural heritage, delicious cuisine, and bustling nightlife.
On the other hand, the Douro Valley offers a peaceful escape, surrounded by rolling hills and vineyards, where you can fully immerse yourself in the region’s wine culture. Visiting both Porto and Douro Valley is 100% possible and recommended.
Douro Valley Tours
How Many Days Should I Spend In Douro Valley?
Spending 3-4 days in the Douro Valley is ideal to experience everything that the region has to offer, including its wine, food, and scenic beauty.
This allows time to explore multiple villages, go on wine tours, and take a scenic boat ride along the Douro River. However, you can adjust your stay based on your interests and pace of travel.
Douro Valley Tours
How To Get To Douro Valley From Porto?
The quickest and most convenient way to get from Porto to Douro Valley is by car, which takes approximately 1 hour and 15 minutes.
However, you can also take a bus from Porto’s Campo 24 de Agosto station, which takes approximately 2 hours and 15 minutes.
Alternatively, you go from Porto to Douro valley by train from Porto’s São Bento station to Régua, which takes approximately 2 hours and 30 minutes. There are also several tour operators offering day trips or private tours from Porto to Douro Valley.
Douro Valley Tours
Do You Need A Car In Douro Valley Portugal?
If you want to explore the region freely and at your own pace, renting a car is recommended. However, if you plan on staying in one town and only visiting nearby vineyards, a car may not be necessary. There are also organized tours and public transportation options available.
Final Thoughts: Douro Valley Tours
The Douro Valley in Portugal is a beautiful and unique destination perfect for those looking to escape the hustle and bustle of the city.
Still, Don’t Know Which Tour To Book?
I recommend this Small-Group Tour with Wine Tasting Douro Valley & Lunch, with over 2,000 5-star ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ ratings.
Whether you prefer to explore the valley on a scenic river cruise, a train journey through the historic wine regions, a Porto to Douro valley train, or a guided tour through the vineyards, there is something for everyone. With so many amazing experiences to be had, the Douro Valley is the perfect place to create lasting memories and immerse yourself in the rich culture and natural beauty of Northern Portugal.
So why wait? Book your Douro Valley tour today and start exploring this breathtaking region for yourself!
![Your Perfect Day Trip To Porto From Lisbon [2024]](https://nowinportugal.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/04/A-Lisbon-to-Porto-Day-Trip.jpg)
Dear Yvonne,
My wife and I plan to be in Porto (off of a cruise ship on Sunday, September 17). This was a very helpful article as I have identified a tour to the Douro Valley as my #1 choice of things to do there. My problem is that most of your recommendations are 9 or 10 hour trips. Unfortunately, our ship arrives at 9:00 am and departs at 7:00 pm, so even if I could find a tour that would pick us up at our ship, at 9:30 am, I would have to be back by (?) 6:00 pm. Any thoughts?
Have you thought of a private tour? Although it might be a little more expensive, you’ll be able to customize it to match your needs.
Hi, reading your article now. We are actually staying in the Douro Valley for 3 days so would like to book a small group tour one of those days, looks like most of the 9 hour tours leave from Porto though, would you recommend we even book a tour or just go on our own to wineries – we will have a rental car, and will be going to Porto for a day during one of those 3 days we are staying in the area.
If you already have a rental car, then I wouldn’t recommend a tour. Instead drive around to the main villages, and go to the wineries yourself.