From Porto: Tastings At 2 Wineries, Chefs Lunch & Boat Tour

Exploring the Douro Valley from Porto offers a delightful opportunity to take in the region’s renowned winemaking heritage. This full-day tour promises a seamless blend of scenic river cruising, exclusive winery visits, and a tantalizing farm-to-table dining experience. Visitors can anticipate uncovering the secrets behind the valley’s acclaimed D.O.C. wines and vintage ports, all while savoring the breathtaking landscapes that have captivated travelers for centuries. But the true highlight lies in the unexpected discoveries that await those who embark on this journey, leaving them eager to uncover more about this enchanting corner of Portugal.

Key Points

Full-day tour from Porto exploring the Douro Valley wine region, including a boat cruise, visits to two family-run wineries, wine and port tastings, and a traditional farm-to-table lunch.
1-hour boat cruise along the Douro River with sommelier-led commentary, offering stunning views of the terraced vineyards.
Visits to two small, family-owned wineries providing an intimate glimpse into local winemaking traditions and opportunities to meet the passionate winemakers.
Extensive tasting journey sampling up to 11 different wines and ports, including D.O.C. dry wines, vintage ports, and the region’s Douro firewater.
Multi-course traditional farm-to-table lunch featuring locally-sourced ingredients and time-honored recipes, including artisanal cheese, charcuterie, roasted lamb, and the famous Tarte de Amêndoa.

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Tour Overview

This full-day tour offers visitors the opportunity to discover the best of the Douro Valley, a renowned wine region, on a day trip from Porto.

Over the course of 9.5 hours, guests can expect to embark on a boat cruise, visit two small family-run wineries, and indulge in 11 wine tastings.

The experience also includes a traditional farm-to-table lunch at a Douro Valley winery and an olive oil tasting.

Highlights include witnessing the opening of a Vintage Port wine bottle with fire by a certified sommelier and enjoying Douro snacks and drinks during the boat cruise.

Transportation, guides, and photos are all included, making this a comprehensive and immersive exploration of the Douro Valley.

Activities and Highlights

Guests embark on a 1-hour boat cruise through the picturesque Douro Valley, where they can enjoy Douro snacks and drinks while taking in the stunning scenery.

At two small, family-run wineries, they’ll discover the region’s D.O.C. dry wines, Port wines, and Douro firewater. A certified sommelier will even demonstrate the dramatic art of opening a Vintage Port wine bottle with fire.

For lunch, they’ll savor a traditional farm-to-table meal at a Douro Valley winery.

And to cap off the experience, they’ll enjoy an olive oil tasting, learning about the nuances and complexity of this local delicacy.

Douro Valley Boat Cruise

The 1-hour Douro Valley boat cruise allows travelers to soak in the picturesque scenery while enjoying local Douro snacks and drinks.

Gliding along the serene river, passengers will marvel at the terraced vineyards cascading down the steep slopes.

A certified sommelier will provide insights into the centuries-old winemaking traditions of the region.

During the leisurely cruise, visitors can savor a variety of Douro specialties, from flavorful local snacks to the renowned Port wines.

It’s a chance to take in the natural beauty and rich cultural heritage of the Douro Valley in a relaxed and immersive way.

The boat tour complements the other activities, offering a well-rounded experience of this stunning UNESCO-listed wine region.

Family-Run Winery Visits

After the serene Douro Valley boat cruise, the tour moves on to exploring two small, family-owned wineries in the region.

Here, guests get an intimate glimpse into the local wine culture, meeting the passionate winemakers behind the acclaimed D.O.C. dry wines and Port wines.

They’ll learn about the centuries-old traditions and techniques used to craft these world-class vintages.

The visit includes 11 wine tastings, allowing travelers to savor the unique flavors of the Douro.

Guests also enjoy an olive oil tasting, exploring another cherished local product.

Throughout the winery experiences, the knowledgeable guides provide insights, ensuring visitors come away with a deeper appreciation for the Douro’s rich winemaking heritage.

Wine and Port Tastings

At the heart of this immersive Douro Valley experience are the opportunities to savor a diverse array of acclaimed wines and ports. Travelers embark on an extensive tasting journey, sampling up to 11 different vintages, including D.O.C. dry wines, vintage ports, and the region’s signature Douro firewater.

Led by expert wine guides, guests will witness the dramatic opening of a vintage port bottle using fire, a mesmerizing tradition that exemplifies the region’s rich winemaking heritage.

Whether sipping on a bold red or savoring the complexity of a rare port, these tastings offer an unparalleled opportunity to deepen one’s appreciation for the Douro Valley’s world-class libations.

Traditional Farm-to-Table Lunch

Along With the extensive wine and port tastings, the tour also includes a traditional farm-to-table lunch at one of the Douro Valley wineries, offering guests an authentic culinary experience. The meal features locally-sourced ingredients and is prepared by skilled chefs using time-honored recipes. Guests can expect a multi-course meal showcasing the region’s rich agricultural heritage. The table below outlines the lunch menu:

Course	Description
Appetizer	Artisanal cheese and charcuterie platter
First Course	Hearty vegetable and bean soup
Main Course	Roasted lamb with seasonal vegetables
Dessert	Douro Valley’s famous Tarte de Amêndoa (almond tart)
Beverage	Local Douro red wine or Port

Olive Oil Tasting

Though the wine tastings are the highlight of the tour, the olive oil tasting provides a unique opportunity to sample the high-quality olive oils produced in the Douro Valley.

Guests learn about the region’s olive oil making traditions and the distinct flavors of the local varieties. They then get to taste the different olive oils and appreciate the complexity of each one.

From fruity and peppery to mild and buttery, the olive oils offer a delightful contrast to the robust Douro wines. The tasting allows visitors to expand their palates and gain a deeper understanding of the culinary treasures of the Douro Valley beyond just the renowned Port and table wines.

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Tour Inclusions and Exclusions

The tour package includes a comprehensive set of activities and amenities to enhance the overall experience for guests. Transportation by air-conditioned van, guided boat cruise with snacks and drinks, winery visits and wine tastings, a farm-to-table lunch, and olive oil tastings are all part of the inclusive offerings.

Plus, the tour provides wine guides, unlimited bottled water, and the opportunity to have photos taken throughout the day.

However, the tour excludes additional meals and drinks, tips, and isn’t suitable for children under 12 years or wheelchair users. This ensures the tour is tailored to the needs of the target audience and provides a seamless, enjoyable experience for all participants.

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