Day Excursion to Douro Valley: Wine Tasting & River Cruise, Porto

4.9 (41 reviews)
Experience the essence of Douro Valley with wine tasting, a traditional lunch, and a scenic river cruise.
Show all photos
A
Alyssa F.
Jul 29, 2024
Our guide was great, the views are incredible. He even arranged a private vineyard tour for us.
Mark
Mark D.
May 26, 2024
An incredible day. A smooth and enjoyable drive from Porto with a friendly and enjoyable guide. The boat ride was nice but not incredible as the... Read more
Anthea
Anthea B.
May 16, 2024
This was one of my favorite days. Our guide modified the trip by excluding the river cruise and it was the right call.
A
Andy P.
May 14, 2024
Because of the weather Nelson offered to take us to a Port winery vs doing the open River Cruise and we were glad we did. It... Read more
P
Pamela D.
Dec 05, 2023
One of our family’s favorite outings. Loved the river cruise and wine tasting with lunch in a private vineyard with the owner. Our host Rafael was... Read more
Previous Next
See all reviews arrow_downward

Overview

Embark on a remarkable journey through the picturesque Douro Valley, where you will explore traditional wineries, savor a delicious lunch at a renowned quinta (a country estate) and unwind on a scenic river cruise. This full-day excursion offers an unforgettable experience of the stunning landscapes and rich history of this famous wine region.

Your day begins with your private driver and expert guide whisking you away into the mountains and valleys of the Douro Valley wine region. Here, you will visit traditional wineries and learn about the intricate wine-making process and the history of the region. Indulge in a wine tasting as you soak in the breathtaking scenery of the rolling hills and vineyards.

Next up, you will enjoy a traditional lunch at one of the valley's famous quintas (not included). Savor the mouth-watering local cuisine and wines as you immerse yourself in the authentic atmosphere of this idyllic setting. Your expert guide will happily share stories and insights into the local culture and history throughout your meal. Please kindly note that the cost of the lunch is not included. 

After lunch, it's time to board a riverboat for an hour-long cruise down the tranquil Douro River. Relax as you admire the stunning views of the valley and the lush hills along the riverbanks. This unforgettable river cruise offers a unique perspective on the picturesque landscape and provides a perfect opportunity for some fantastic photos.

As your day comes to an end, your guide will bring you back to Porto, where you can spend the evening at leisure in the city's lively Ribeira Area. This Douro Valley excursion is truly a day to remember, offering an incredible blend of culture, history, scenery, and of course, fantastic wines.

Highlights

  • Included pick up and drop off from your hotel
  • Explore the stunning Douro Valley wine region with an expert guide
  • Taste a variety of local wines at a traditional winery
  • Cruise down the tranquil Douro River, admiring picturesque landscapes (small group)
  • Optional delicious homecooked meal at a local estate

Know before you go

Duration
7 hours
Recommended for
All ages
Group
Private

What's included

  • Transportation from and to Porto
  • Pick up and drop off at your accommodation
  • Wine tasting at local estate
  • Shares River cruise on Rabelo boat
OPTIONAL UPGRADES:
- Wine Tasting at two estates
- Local lunch
- Private riverboat

Like what you see?

Chat with our local specialists and let us help you customize your trip with experiences like this.

Get started

Traveler photos
See all photos
Travelers often mention

Summarized by AI based on kimkim traveler reviews

Wine Tastings

The wine tastings were frequently mentioned as a highlight of the trip. Visitors enjoyed the quality of the wines, the knowledge shared about the wine-making process, and the opportunity to buy their favorites. (17 mentions)

Mark
“Wineries and tastings were terrific and we ended up buying a few bottles of our favourites.”  — Mark D.
Joanne
“The wine tasting and river cruise were both fantastic experiences.”  — Joanne R.
B
“The wine tasting at Quinta da Pacheca was a charming experience, which we thoroughly enjoyed.”  — Brigette B.
Lunch Experiences

The lunch experiences, particularly at vineyards, were highly praised. Visitors enjoyed home-cooked meals, traditional Portuguese food, and the opportunity to dine with vineyard owners. (15 mentions)

J
“really hooked us up with such a special, delicious lunch/wine tasting experience at a local quinta”  — Jessica S.
B
“One of the highlights of our tour was our lunch at Toca da Raposa, a quaint, family-owned restaurant that featured an excellent menu and wine selection.”  — Brigette B.
P
“Rui made the trip extra special with stops at Port tasting and lunch at locations off the tourist trail that were amazing”  — Patrick M.
Excellent Guides

Several reviews highlighted the quality and friendliness of the guides such as Joao, Nelson, Gustavo, Rui, and Mauricio. They were praised for their knowledge, personable nature, and efforts to make the day special. (13 mentions)

C
“Rui is super knowledgeable and definitely a recommended guide.”  — christy h.
Linda
“Our guide was very fun, engaging, and helpful.”  — Linda C.
B
“Our day started with meeting our incredible tour guide, Nelson, who guided us on our day excursion to Douro Valley.”  — Brigette B.
River Cruise

The river cruise received mixed reviews. Some found it peaceful and beautiful, while others felt it was underwhelming or too short, with some even opting to skip it in favor of more wine tastings. (10 mentions)

Joanne
“The wine tasting and river cruise were both fantastic experiences.”  — Joanne R.
Raj
“The river cruise was beautiful - very peaceful.”  — Raj K.
D
“The River tour was very interesting and felt very privileged to be able to see the wonders of the area.”  — Deanna H.

Traveler reviews

41 total ratings, 32 with reviews
4.9
Feature ratings
Quality of Experience
4.9
Guides, Drivers and Staff
4.9
Transport
4.9
A
Alyssa F.
Mundelein, IL | Reviewed on Jul 29, 2024
Our guide was great, the views are incredible. He even arranged a private vineyard tour for us. Read more

Our guide was great, the views are incredible. He even arranged a private vineyard tour for us.

Tips for future travelers

How far the drive was from the hotel

Quality of Experience
Guides, Drivers and Staff
D
Dennis S.
Canada | Reviewed on Jun 08, 2024
We expected we were going to vineyards for wine tastings not port tastings since we did this in Porto The cruise was a
little disappointing as well as i didn't realize we were doing a circle instead of going from one stop to another Read more

We expected we were going to vineyards for wine tastings not port tastings since we did this in Porto The cruise was a
little disappointing as well as i didn't realize we were doing a circle instead of going from one stop to another

Tips for future travelers

If we knew how many vineyards and the names of the vineyard we were visiting as well as how many tastings we were having we would not have gone but made arrangements for our own tour.

Quality of Experience
Guides, Drivers and Staff
The driver and guide compensated for what was a poorly described tour
Transport
Mark
Mark D.
Canada | Reviewed on May 26, 2024
An incredible day. A smooth and enjoyable drive from Porto with a friendly and enjoyable guide. The boat ride was nice but not incredible as the hour length only allowed for a short trip around the bend. Wineries and tastings were terrific and we ended up buying a few bottles of our favourites. We had not booked a lunch in advance and guide Joao made us a reservation at Aneto which was the perfect stop and lunch spot for us. Read more

An incredible day. A smooth and enjoyable drive from Porto with a friendly and enjoyable guide. The boat ride was nice but not incredible as the hour length only allowed for a short trip around the bend. Wineries and tastings were terrific and we ended up buying a few bottles of our favourites. We had not booked a lunch in advance and guide Joao made us a reservation at Aneto which was the perfect stop and lunch spot for us.

Tips for future travelers

Boat ride would have been more enjoyable if longer timeframe to see more of the river and properties.

Quality of Experience
Guides, Drivers and Staff
Transport
Ran into traffic with 10 km left in drive but otherwise smooth and pleasurable ride.
Anthea
Anthea B.
Chicago, IL | Reviewed on May 16, 2024
This was one of my favorite days. Our guide modified the trip by excluding the river cruise and it was the right call. Read more

This was one of my favorite days. Our guide modified the trip by excluding the river cruise and it was the right call.

Quality of Experience
The visit to the winery and the wonderful meal
Guides, Drivers and Staff
Transport
A
Andy P.
Milton, GA | Reviewed on May 14, 2024
Because of the weather Nelson offered to take us to a Port winery vs doing the open River Cruise and we were glad we did. It was a lovely location and the port was excellent. The private tour of the family winery we went to was wonderful, really got to see and learned about how they produced their wines. Topped off with a private traditional lunch they made just for us. A lovely day Read more

Because of the weather Nelson offered to take us to a Port winery vs doing the open River Cruise and we were glad we did. It was a lovely location and the port was excellent. The private tour of the family winery we went to was wonderful, really got to see and learned about how they produced their wines. Topped off with a private traditional lunch they made just for us. A lovely day

Quality of Experience
Guides, Drivers and Staff
Nelson was great, really enjoyed talking with him
Transport
Nice relaxing ride
P
Pamela D.
Ashburn, VA | Reviewed on Dec 05, 2023
One of our family’s favorite outings. Loved the river cruise and wine tasting with lunch in a private vineyard with the owner. Our host Rafael was wondeful and our driver Fernando was friendly and informative. Also, he went out of his way to make our outing special by stopping along the way to show us scenic overlooks, a dam, and a special port tonic wine tasting on the way home. Highly recommend this excursion. We can’t wait to get the wine we ordered while at the vineyard!! Read more

One of our family’s favorite outings. Loved the river cruise and wine tasting with lunch in a private vineyard with the owner. Our host Rafael was wondeful and our driver Fernando was friendly and informative. Also, he went out of his way to make our outing special by stopping along the way to show us scenic overlooks, a dam, and a special port tonic wine tasting on the way home. Highly recommend this excursion. We can’t wait to get the wine we ordered while at the vineyard!!

Quality of Experience
Guides, Drivers and Staff
Transport
Experienced and friendly driver.
S
Sharon L.
Central Falls, RI | Reviewed on Oct 30, 2023
Gustavo was an excellent guide. We loved the views of the Vineyards from up above. He was patience when we wanted to stop for pictures. Again, would us chime again Read more

Gustavo was an excellent guide. We loved the views of the Vineyards from up above. He was patience when we wanted to stop for pictures. Again, would us chime again

Quality of Experience
Guides, Drivers and Staff
Transport
Joanne
Joanne R.
Springfield, PA | Reviewed on Oct 19, 2023
This was definitely a trip highlight. Our tour guide was one of the best. The wine tasting and river cruise were both fantastic experiences. This day was truly unforgettable. Read more

This was definitely a trip highlight. Our tour guide was one of the best. The wine tasting and river cruise were both fantastic experiences. This day was truly unforgettable.

Quality of Experience
Guides, Drivers and Staff
Transport
Dee
Dee C.
Phoenixville, PA | Reviewed on Oct 08, 2023
Mauricio was our driver/guide in Duro Valley and the Duro Valley was awesome. We spent the day together and we didn't want the day to end. Mauricio was wonderful in every way and we learned so much about the wine region. We had a private luncheon and wine tasting in Cambres/Douro Valley with Manuela - owner/hostess and her son Antonio at their vineyard. - Quinta de Tourais. winery. She served the meal in her dining room and it was charming and delicious (five star meal) .
It was the highlight... Read more

Mauricio was our driver/guide in Duro Valley and the Duro Valley was awesome. We spent the day together and we didn't want the day to end. Mauricio was wonderful in every way and we learned so much about the wine region. We had a private luncheon and wine tasting in Cambres/Douro Valley with Manuela - owner/hostess and her son Antonio at their vineyard. - Quinta de Tourais. winery. She served the meal in her dining room and it was charming and delicious (five star meal) .
It was the highlight of our trip!
We've been back home several days and we're missing Portugal. It's a lovely country and the people are genuine and warm.

Tips for future travelers

We had a private luncheon and wine tasting hosted by the owner of the Quinta de Tourais winery. It was the highlight of our trip. It was perfection in every way. While we can't say enough for our exceptional, private experience with Manuela and her son, Antonio, some tourists may want to visit the larger wineries. The food was truly exceptional enhanced by delicious wines with every course and really lovely people.

Quality of Experience
Simply a marvelous day in every way.
Guides, Drivers and Staff
Mauricio was a phenom. It was a 7 hour day including the private wine tasting and 5 star meal at Quintas de Tourais and boat tour on the Douro River. Mauricio maintained interesting dialog and added relevant references to literature, nature, ect. throughout. I would look forward to spending the day with him again. One of our favorite pictures is Mauricio on the river boat holding up a wine glass filled with water from the Douro River. The water is sparkling clear.
Transport
The car was a high end model, new, clean and super comfortable.
Stephanie
Stephanie N.
Huntington Beach, CA | Reviewed on Oct 02, 2023
The farm to table lunch at the winery is excellent. We really had the best food wine experience. The host is amazing and the food is so delicious. Read more

The farm to table lunch at the winery is excellent. We really had the best food wine experience. The host is amazing and the food is so delicious.

Quality of Experience
Guides, Drivers and Staff
Transport
Fernando is very knowledgeable and friendly. He really great and our conversation help us learned more about wine and the Douro valley region

Like what you see?

Chat with our local specialists and let us help you customize your trip with experiences like this.

Get started

Itineraries with Day Excursion to Douro Valley: Wine Tasting & River Cruise

Previous Next

Porto Experiences

Show more Porto experiences
Previous Next

Portugal Experiences

Show more Portugal experiences
Previous Next

Best of Porto

Best of Porto
Previous Next

Trip Planning Essentials

Previous Next