My wife and I are planning a trip to Porto next fall; we would like to use Porto as a base, spending 4-5 nights there; During that time period we would like to take the train to the Douro Valley and visit a port winery; we would return to Porto that evening; Is this possible with the train. Also what day trips are advisable from Porto with train or bus?
We could rent a car, but I prefer public transportation.
Posted by
Folsom
2707 posts
Hi neighbor! This is a commercial site but this and others you can easily find can help you. https://www.tasteporto.com/day-trips-from-porto/ For the Douro Valley consider a tour and taste the many wines other than port. Check out Viator which lists several. For actual port tasting Gaia is across the river (you can actually walk across the bridge ((designed by Gustaf Eiffell)), take a trolley or Uber) and there are dozens of port cellars-all the big names and some you may not recognize. Tastings and tours are abundant. Taylor-Fladgate has a marvelous restaurant with a view. Have fun!
Posted by
Carmel, CA, USA
2455 posts
Douglas, I took a great day-long tour called “Tras-os-Montes and Alto Douro Valley” to a less-traveled rural area, which included several diverse stops at wineries and estates. Not cheap, but a special experience. I found it through Viator. It seems to be the only tour to this particular, off-the-beaten-track area.
Posted by
winston salem, nc, usa
1078 posts
Highly recommend the tasteporto.com website-have used them on two of their food tours of Porto and they are "plugged in" to the best companies that do day trips to the Douro valley. They are happy to help even if you don't need their services.
Posted by
OP
fair oaks calif
7 posts
Thank you Alan, Larry and Jerry; appreciate your taking the time to respond. We will take a day tour to the Douro, which would be more efficient and cover more areas than a solo train trip. Later we will take separate train trips to Braga and Guimaraes (not both on same day) We previously have visited Lisbon and San Miguel in the Azores. Best wishes