Hi!
Is a day passing through the Douro Valley (coming from Coimbra and going to Porto) is enough? If we leave early (7:30 am) we could be in the valley around 10:00am. Ideally, we'd like to be in Porto around 7:30pm.
Posted by
Denver, CO USA
411 posts
Posted by
7661 posts
We did the ultimate for the Douro Valley, a 7 day river cruise that was wonderful. Suggest you plan on spending a lot more time there.
Posted by
Rhode Island, USA
472 posts
I think it is enough. I would leave Coimbra and head towards Pinhao by way of IP3 and 24. Once you get in the area of Pinhao, you can take a winery tour. Then start towards Porto. Essentially, you are backtracking on the "Drive the Douro" section in the Porto chapter in the Portugal book. A must stop is the Sao Goncalo church and adjoining museum in the town of Amarente. With a GPS, you know how long the distances will take to ensure an on-time arrival in Porto.
If anyone is prone to car sickness, I would bring some non-drowsy Dramamine. There are many of "twists and turns" on the route from Pinhao to Porto. If you will be there in July, expect it to be sunny and HOT. It is a full day exploring by car, so pace yourself! And get lunch before 2pm if you can, as many restaurants are notorious for being closed between 2pm and 6pm. Luckily we found a snack-bar in Pinhao that had sandwiches, behind the LBV 79 Restaurant along the river.