My husband and I will be in Porto the first of October and are looking for a small group tour (8 or less) from Porto to Douro Valley for a day trip. We are interested in local flavors and tour guides, not big tour groups. Looking to have a one hour or so river ride on a rabelo, possibly, with maybe 2 wineries and outdoor lunch at Quinta or somewhere to enjoy the scenery of the valley. Any recommendations are greatly appreciated. We are not looking for a party atmosphere for young people. We are near retirement age and active physically. Would like to feel that we are savoring true Portugal hospitality.
Posted by
Virginia
87 posts
I just put this on your other thread but I am going to copy it here, since it might be useful for others searching in the future.
We had a car in the Duoro Valley so I can't comment on tours but if you can't find one that suits you I have another option. You could take the train to Pinhao. It is a small town but plenty of what you want. (We stayed there overnight). Wine tasting and lunch at Quinta de la Rosa (walking distance from the train/town). They do nice red and white table wines in addition to very nice Ports (especially their Ruby). We had one lunch and two dinners with them and it was the best food we had in Portugal. (Book ahead!) The other direction out of town is Quinta do Bomfim (also walkable) for a more traditional Port tasting- it is Symington so it is one of the large operations. (I think there may be other smaller vineyards nearby depending on how much walking you want to do- remember the land gets steep very fast). There are rabelo boat tours from the center of town that will take you further upstream for a great view of the beautiful vineyards.
If you are looking at tours from Porto, you might also look for ones from Regua or Pinhao, taking the train to meet up. It might give you more options (?)
Posted by
Bergen County, New Jersey, USA
44 posts
Hello westlaketraveler! I am planning to visit Douro Valley from Porto in October. My hotel in Porto is recommending Living Tours for a day tour of Douro Valley. I have not booked any tour yet.
Check out these websites:
https://www.winetourism.com/book-a-local-wine-guide/living-tours-guides/wine-tour-in-douro-valley-2-wineries-tastings-river-cruise-and-lunch-/
Living Tours might be a bigger group.
https://www.viator.com/tours/Porto/Douro-Day-Tour-From-Porto/d26879-26008P4
The second day tour is advertised as a small group of 8.
Happy travels!