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Porto/Douro Valley

Posted by (Vancouver, BC, Canada) on

Had to re-book my flight due to the volcano, my original itinerary isn’t working so just decided to go to Portugal! Picked up Rick’s book from the library today, I decided to stay 3 nights in Porto and would like to see the Douro Valley.

My question is should I do the Douro Valley as a day trip from Porto or spend a night there? Should I go straight from Lisbon to the Douro Valley and finish in Porto (flight leaves from there)? Also does anyone know any good tour companies? Porto tours the company from Rick’s book looks good, has anyone used them? And how far in advance do you think you need to book?

Also is it worth a stop or night in Coimbra?

Please note I don’t drive so this will all be by train/bus.

Thanks for any help

Posted by
977 posts

The Douro Valley is a must see. We travelled by train from Porto to Pinhao. Left early in the morning, back to Porto early evening. The scenery is spectacular. We had lunch in a fantastic hotel near the station and walked around taking in the amazing views.

Posted by
5 posts

Hey Cora!
Douro Valley is perfect for a day trip. You can relive the early 20th Century pastime of exploring the Douro valley by train.These old trains travel at 30km/hr. Follow the course of the river by travelling along the Linha do Douro. you can also travel along the Linha do Douro in regular trains from Porto, that leave from the city’s old São Bento station. Or you can combine your train ride with the programme of local boat rides. Two great ways to see the river.

Posted by
3262 posts

Hi Cora,

Your trip to Portugal sounds great! We really liked Coimbra--it's a nice smaller city. If it works in your itinerary, I think that one night would be a good amount of time. We were driving--not sure about public transportation to Coimbra.

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