Traditional Dour Valley Tour: Winery, Cruise, Lunch and Viewpoint - From Porto

About this boat trip in Porto

• Live guideEnglish, Portuguese, Spanish, French
• Duration9 hours
• CancellationPrivate Day Trips Cancellation Policy.
• Pick-upHotel pick-up available
• Activity levelEasy

• Food on board

Timeline: how the party goes

1. Douro Valley - A demarcated wine region.

   The Douro Valley is the world's oldest demarcated wine region, established in 1756 to regulate the production of Port wine. Located in northern Portugal along the Douro River, it is famous for its stunning, stone-terraced vineyards and is recognized as a UNESCO World Heritage site. While historically known for Port, the region also produces high-quality unfortified DOC table wines from native grape varieties.

   Key features of the Douro Valley

   • History and Demarcation:The region's demarcation in 1756 was the first institutional model for a wine region, predating other major appellation systems.
   • Landscape:The iconic landscape consists of steep, schist-based hillsides carved into terraces by human hands, a testament to nearly two thousand years of viticulture.
   • Grape Varieties:Key red grapes include Touriga Nacional, Touriga Franca, Tinta Roriz, and Tinta Barroca, while white grapes like Gouveio, Malvasia Fina, and Viosinho are also important.
   • Wines:The region is the origin of Port wine, a fortified wine known globally. It also produces high-quality still red and white wines under the Douro DOC designation.
   • Wine Production:Production is still carried out by approximately 20,000 small farmers, many with small plots of vines.
   • Tourism:The area is a popular tourist destination, offering wine tastings, scenic views, river cruises, and the chance to witness the grape harvest in the autumn.

2. Historical City of Amarante.

   Amarante is a picturesque riverside city in northern Portugal, renowned for its rich history, Romanesque architecture, and association with the Vinho Verde wine region. Located in the district of Porto, the city sits on the banks of the Tâmega River, offering visitors a blend of cultural landmarks and natural beauty.

   History

   • Ancient roots: The city's history dates back to the Roman period, and it was known as Turdetanos in the 4th century BCE.
   • Medieval rise: Amarante gained prominence in the 12th century with the arrival of the Dominican monk São Gonçalo, its patron saint. He is credited with helping to build a bridge across the Tâmega River, which made Amarante an important pilgrimage destination.
   • Napoleonic battle: The city's stone bridge became the site of a heroic defense in 1809 during the Peninsular War. Portuguese forces held off French invaders for 14 days, a feat of resistance honored by the city's coat of arms.
   • City of Music: In 2017, Amarante was designated a UNESCO Creative City of Music in recognition of its vibrant musical ecosystem.

3. São Gonçalo Church.

   The Church and Monastery of São Gonçalo in Amarante, Portugal, is a 16th-century national monument known for its blend of Renaissance and Baroque architecture and its connection to the patron saint of love and marriage. Key features include a prominent facade, ornate gilded altarpieces, and the tomb of Saint Gonçalo, where a popular legend says touching the statue can lead to finding a spouse within a year. The complex also houses the Amadeo de Souza-Cardoso Museum in one of its cloisters.

   Architectural features

   • Blend of styles: The complex showcases a mix of Renaissance, Mannerist, and Baroque styles.
   • Facade: The facade is noted for its Italian Renaissance-style portal.
   • Gallery: A 30-meter-high arcade gallery with statues of kings who ruled during the monastery's construction is located above the side portal.
   • Bell tower: An 18th-century bell tower adds to the complex's skyline.
   • Interior: Inside, visitors can see a gilded Baroque altar, a finely decorated ceiling in the sacristy, and an impressive organ supported by mythological figures.

   Religious and cultural significance

   • Saint Gonçalo: The church is dedicated to Saint Gonçalo, who is considered the patron saint of love and marriage.
   • Legend of love: A tradition holds that single visitors who touch the statue above the saint's tomb in the chapel will find a spouse within a year.
   • Tomb: The sarcophagus of Saint Gonçalo is located in a small chapel near the altar.

4. Picturesque city of Pinhao.

   Pinhão is a picturesque town in the heart of Portugal's Douro Valley, a UNESCO World Heritage site known for its terraced vineyards and world-renowned port wine. Located on a bend in the Douro River, it serves as a central hub for exploring the region and its rich winemaking tradition.

   Key attractions and experiences

   • : A highlight of the town, the station is decorated with beautiful azulejo tiles that depict traditional scenes of the port wine harvest, production, and transport. Pinhão Train Station
   • Wineries (Quintas): Pinhão is surrounded by prestigious wine estates, known locally as quintas, many of which are within walking distance or a short drive from the town. Visitors can take tours, learn about winemaking, and sample a variety of port and Douro table wines.
   • Douro River cruises: Take a relaxing boat trip on the Douro River, with options ranging from short tours to traditional rabelo boat cruises. This offers a different perspective on the vineyard-covered slopes.

5. 1 hour panoramic river cruise.

   This panoramic Douro River cruise is a popular way to experience the stunning scenery of Portugal's Douro Valley, a UNESCO World Heritage site famous for its terraced vineyards and port wine. Cruises focused on the Porto/Vila Nova de Gaia area to longer, multi-day journeys that explore deeper into the wine region.

What’s included

Good to know before you go

• Dress accordingly.
• Not wheelchair accessible.

Frequently asked questions