The highest 7 days in Porto & Douro Valley

Ribeira, Porto, Portugal

Day 1: Welcome to Wine Country!

You step off the plane, and boom! Your English-speaking chauffeur is ready to whisk you away in style. Sit back in your deluxe vehicle as Portugal welcomes you with open arms (and vineyards). Cue a scenic two-hour drive that’ll make you want to pinch yourself. Yes, this is real; that is the Douro Valley in all its glory.

Now, for the fun part – choosing your hotel. Are you feeling fancy? Go for Six Senses Douro Valley (Category A), where luxury practically oozes from the walls. Or, if you’re in the mood for cozy sophistication, Vintage House Pinhão (Category B) will be your jam. Either way, you’re about to level up your accommodation game.

Once you’ve settled in, prepare for a culinary experience like no other at Six Senses Restaurant. Picture this: a 10-course meal (yes, 10!) that’s a food and wine love letter to the region, served right before you. Watching a master chef create magic at an open cooking station is pure foodie heaven. This isn’t just dinner; it’s a journey.

Six Senses Douro Valley

Day 2: Wine, Workshops & Wonders

After waking up to a view that’ll make your Instagram followers jealous, your chauffeur will wait to take you to Quinta da Pacheca. This place is more than just a vineyard – it’s a piece of history, dating back to 1738. Here, you’ll get a guided tour of the vineyards and cellar, plus a tasting of Douro and Port wines. Are you feeling fancy yet?

But wait, there’s more! You’ll roll up your sleeves and join a Traditional Cuisine Workshop. Imagine cooking alongside a top chef, learning to whip up Portuguese classics. And the best part? You get to eat what you make. It’s a win-win for your taste buds.

Next up, a trip to Quinta do Vallado, where cutting-edge tech meets gorgeous architecture. Get ready to deepen your wine knowledge with another tasting session, and then take a well-deserved cultural break in Lamego. This charming town is your gateway to Portuguese history, art, and culture, from historic treasures to golden chapels.

Quinta do Vallado

Day 3: Renowned Quintas & Lunch with a View

Day 3 is all about top-tier quintas and unforgettable views. First stop: Quinta do Crasto, one of the world’s top vineyards (we’re talking #15 worldwide). Lunch is a traditional feast with jaw-dropping views of the Douro from their famous swimming pool area. The food here? It’s like a family recipe collection that’s been elevated to Michelin-star levels. Prepare to be wowed.

Next, it’s off to Quinta Nova Luxury Winery House, a winery so iconic that it’s been listed as one of the “9 must-see wineries in the world.” A deep dive into the 250-year-old wine production process ends with – you guessed it – more wine tasting. By now, you’ll be a certified expert in sipping your way through the Douro Valley.

Quinta do Crasto

Day 4: Cruising & Culinary Delights

Start your day with a visit to the crown jewel of Douro, Quinta das Carvalhas, where you’ll stroll through vineyards and Mediterranean forests with a local expert. Sip top wines paired with cheese and Port, all while soaking in the natural beauty of the region.

For lunch, brace yourself for DOC Restaurant, led by Michelin-starred Chef Rui Paula. Think modern cuisine infused with Douro flavors, served against a backdrop of vineyard-covered mountains and serene rivers. It’s the perfect prelude to your next adventure – a private Douro River Cruise. Feel like an explorer as you sail the waters aboard the Libertu’s, soaking in the majestic landscapes that make this region so special.

By evening, you’ll arrive in Porto, where another delightful hotel awaits. Whether you choose the opulent The Yeatman (Category A) or the charming PortoBay Flores (Category B), your stay will be the perfect ending to a day filled with unforgettable moments.

Quinta das Carvalhas

Day 5: Exploring Porto’s Hidden Gems

Ah, Porto – where every street corner seems like it was designed for a postcard. After a leisurely breakfast, take a stroll over the famous Luiz I Bridge or wander through Rua das Flores. When hunger strikes, head to Real by Casa da Calçada for a lunch that perfectly balances tradition and creativity.

Next, meet your private guide for a tour of Porto’s highlights. Clérigos Tower, Lello Bookstore, and São Bento Railway Station – these are just a few of the gems you’ll explore. Porto is a treasure trove of culture, art, and history, and with your guide leading the way, you’ll experience the best of it. From the grandeur of the Palácio da Bolsa to the intricate beauty of the Church of Saint Francis, this city will captivate your heart.

Real by Casa da Calçada

Day 6: Port Wine Connoisseur

Ready to become a true Port wine expert? Today’s the day! You’ll start at Graham’s Port Lodge, where you’ll get an insider’s look at the aging process of their legendary Port wines. Yes, you’ll be tasting, and yes, it’ll be amazing.

Lunch is at Vinum, where you’ll savor dishes that celebrate the flavors of the Douro, Trás-os-Montes, and beyond. Think of it as a culinary trip through Portugal without ever leaving your table. And just when you thought your day couldn’t get any better, you’ll visit Cockburn’s Cellar, home to the largest collection of oak barrels and wooden vats in the area. This is where some of the world’s best Ports are aged to perfection. Sip, savor, repeat.

Cockburn’s Cellar

Day 7: Farewell, for Now

All good things must come to an end, but not before one last delicious breakfast. After checking out, your chauffeur will whisk you off to Porto International Airport. But don’t worry – you’ll leave with unforgettable memories, a newfound appreciation for Portuguese wine and culture, and maybe even a few extra bottles of your favorite Douro wine tucked away in your luggage.

Graham’s Port Lodge

Let’s see what type of traveler you are

Mostly A’s: The Gourmet Wine Traveler

You’re all about fine wine, delicious food, and luxury experiences. Your ideal Douro Valley adventure includes Michelin-star restaurants, private wine tastings, and relaxing in the most luxurious hotels. Get ready to indulge!

Mostly B’s: The Cultural Explorer

You’re passionate about history and culture, and the Douro Valley is the perfect place to immerse yourself in both. From exploring the historic town of Lamego to wandering through Porto’s famous landmarks, your journey will be filled with rich cultural experiences.

Mostly C’s: The Scenic Wanderer

You love the great outdoors and can’t get enough of the beautiful views. Your Douro Valley adventure is all about scenic river cruises, vineyard tours with panoramic views, and jeep tours through stunning landscapes. Nature lovers, rejoice!

Mostly D’s: The Hands-On Adventurer

You love to roll up your sleeves and dive into new experiences. Whether it’s cooking traditional Portuguese dishes, learning the secrets of winemaking, or embarking on a jeep tour through archaeological sites, your Douro Valley adventure will be packed with interactive, unforgettable moments.

The Majestic Douro Valley

Your Locations for the Tour: Check ✅

So, ready to make this incredible journey a reality? Let Wine Tourism in Portugal be your guide to the Douro Valley – a place where wine, history, and beauty come together to create an experience you’ll never forget. Cheers to that!