Leave your Porto hotel in the morning and travel inland to the Douro Valley by air-conditioned minivan. After a journey of roughly 90 minutes, you will arrive in Pinho, the valleys geographical center, where you will stop to soak in your first impression of the valley.
You will then have the first tasting of Douro products, visiting a producer of wines and olive oil, up in the hills that surround Pinho, enjoy this treats while enjoying the views from this estates.
If you have opted to include a boat ride with your tour, you will be dropped off in Pinho for a leisurely 1-hour cruise along the Douro River. Aboard a Rabelo boat, a traditional cargo boat native to this region. Travel up the river and pass by Ronco River tributary from the Douro, before returning back to Pinho.
Alternatively, you can choose to spend time exploring the beautiful village of Pinho independently. A highlight is the Pinho train station, known for its pretty blue-and-white tile murals that depict the scenic Douro landscapes and vineyard workers.
Stop to enjoy a traditional Portuguese lunch with specialties accompanied by local wine.
Continue your tour to one family-run wine estates nestled in the gloriously remote countryside, a setting that offers a glimpse into the way of life in the Douro. Learn about local winemaking as you sample various ports, and then explore the shop for treats to take home with you.
After a full day experiencing the Douro Valley, relax on the drive back to your Porto hotel, arriving in the early evening.
