Discover the Douro Valley

Highlights

  • Discover Portugal's wild side by canoeing on the dramatic Douro River
  • Spot the majestic golden eagle, the Bonelli eagle & more with an expert bird watching guide
  • Enjoy a guided tour and tasting at one of the most renowned wine estates and producers of port in the country
  • Relax with a gourmet picnic lunch in the dappled sunlight of the vineyards with a stunning river view
From £1017 pp
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What you'll do

Overview

Get off the beaten track, and into the depths of Northern Portugal on a one-of-a-kind, four-day tour of incredible valleys and gorges, majestic wildlife, lush vineyards, and exquisite food and wine.

This four-day tour of the Douro Valley Region of Northern Portugal is a unique opportunity to discover a little-explored part of true, authentic Portugal.

This is a trip for food and wine lovers, nature enthusiasts, and those that simply want to get away from the crowds and see the real side of a country, away from the crowds of tourists in the cities.

You’ll discover native fauna and flora, enjoy the incredible Douro International Nature Park, and explore the Douro Valley Wine Region. Of course, along the way, you’ll be sampling the very best authentic Portuguese cuisine, the finest wines, and staying in stunning accommodation.

During your trip, you’ll be self driving on a pre planned route. Your accommodation and local experiences are arranged for you, you can go at your own pace, meeting up with your local guides along the way and at staying in exclusive accommodation in the Douro Region, such as a country house offering beautiful views over the valley and a wine estate.

Arrival Day & Douro Nature Park

Meet and greet at Porto Airport with a member of our team and self-drive to Miranda do Douro in Douro International Nature Park (ca. 355 km – 3h40).

For the afternoon you can choose one of these two ways to explore the region:

Half-day guided hike. Along the route, you will have the opportunity to observe the native fauna and flora and enjoy the beautiful panoramic views along the walks, soaking in the calm, rustic atmosphere. Half-day guided bike ride which offers the same opportunities.

Lunch included at a local, authentic Portuguese restaurant.

Accommodation: an exclusive countryside house in the Douro Region, offering beautiful views over the valley  BB

Douro Nature Park

On day two you will rise early for a birdwatching experience with an expert guide, properly equipped to explore the region and the park – approx 3 hours.

Species to spot: the golden eagle, the Bonelli eagle, the black stork, the griffin vulture, the blue rock thrush, kites, the azure-winged magpie and many, many more.

Picnic lunch included at the end of the morning activity.

For this afternoon you could enjoy any of the following activities:

Between June and October: guided kayak expedition on Douro River International Park between the arribas (cliffs) – ca. 3h; Between March and June: boat ride in Douro River International Park between the arribas (cliffs) – ca. 2h.

Accommodation: an exclusive countryside house in the Douro Region. BB

Douro Valley & Its Vineyards

Self-drive from Miranda do Douro to Pinhão in the heart of Douro Valley Wine Region (ca. 175 km – 2h15).

Guided tour & tasting at one of the most exquisite wine estates & producers of port and Douro wines in the region.

Afterwards, enjoy a picnic-style (gourmet) lunch among the vineyards as you sit gazing at the river winding by and the vineyards stretching into the distance.

Free afternoon to explore this magnificent region.

Accommodation: a wine estate property in Douro Valley BB

Departure Day

After breakfast self-drive to Porto Airport (c. 130 km – 1h35).

Drop your hire car at the airport in time for your return flight, taking with you amazing memories of the Portuguese countryside, food, wildlife and traditions.

 

What's included

Included

  • Welcome reception by a member of the team
  • 2 nights in an exclusive countryside house in the Douro Region
  • 1 night in an boutique wine estate property in the Duoro Valley
  • Breakfast daily, lunch on day 2 and 3, dinner on day 1
  • Half day guided hike or bike ride in the Duoro National Park
  • 3hours guided bird watching
  • Half day guided tour and tasting at an exclusive wine estate with gourmet picnic lunch included.
  • Personal travel journal developed by the team with all the route and coordinates required for the trip (contacts, names, suggestions, etc)
  • 24 hour local assistance
Your local host

Pedro Urgel

Born and raised in the delightful city of Porto, apart from a two year stint living in Scotland in my younger days, I have lived in Portugal all my life. When I was around 35, myself and a couple of my travelling friends (one of which is my brother), decided to set up our company. We set out scouting Portugal, visiting the places no one visits, meeting people, exploring landscapes discovering all these authentic towns. We know the country like the back of our hands, so when you go on one of our experiences you get an experts insight and learn so much more than you would visiting alone.

Born and raised in the delightful city of Porto, apart from a two year stint living in Scotland in my younger days, I have lived in Portugal all my life. When I was around 35, myself and a couple of my travelling friends (one of which is my brother), decided to set up our company. We set out scouting Portugal, visiting the places no one visits, meeting people, exploring landscapes discovering all these authentic towns. We know the country like the back of our hands, so when you go on one of our experiences you get an experts insight and learn so much more than you would visiting alone.

Location

Before your trip you will need to book a rental car for the four days of your holiday.

On arrival at Porto international Airport you will be met by your host, Pedro, or one of his team and they will give you all the information you need for your amazing adventure in the Duoro valley. You will also collect your hire car from your car hire provider at the airport, and you will drive to your first accommodation.

 

What our travellers are saying...

We are a couple over 70 who has traveled extensively all over the world. For a change we wanted to be free of worrying about transportation and timetables, tickets and places to sleep and eat. Our trip along the Douro was full of surprises and close to nature, just what we enjoy. The only down side was the weather, a bit cool and damp, but the caring of our private guides made us forget this inconvenience. Thanks again!

Lise

Our party of 4 adults had an excellent, reasonably priced 4 day private tour. The company took us to wonderful wineries and historical sights not seen by most tourists.

Marjorie

I had splendid moments among friends and family, unique places, full of culture and natural wonders, the food ... amazing. The staff really spectacular, thank you guys for the magnificent experiences. We will see each other soon.

Vitor

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