The Perfect Journey from Porto to Douro Valley

The Douro Valley
The Douro Valley | Marina Watson Peláez/© Culture Trip
Nina Santos

The Douro Valley in Portugal is a great destination for a day trip from Porto that guarantees many amazing memories, authentic Portuguese culture, ands views of a stunning green countryside. Not only can visitors learn about the wine-making process while strolling vineyard grounds, they can also taste a few regional wines. Here are our suggestions for how to spend a perfect 24 hours in the Douro Valley.

Starting at the train station

Porto is home to one of the more beautiful train stations in Portugal with its azulejo-covered Estação de São Bento. Departing from this historical and artistic landmark is a unique way to begin your trip. Of course, renting a car and driving is also a good idea, and booking a boat tour through the Douro River will be especially memorable.

São Bento train station
Train journey from Porto to Régua
Man helps his wife off the train at Mosteró train station
Douro Valley
Douro Valley

Tasting the valley’s wine

The Douro Valley is the oldest demarcated wine region in Europe, partly divided by the Douro Valley and the rolling green hills but further divided through human interaction. Due to its long history of wine-making reaching as far back as 2,000 years ago, the region was eventually classified a UNESCO World Heritage Site.

The most popular wine produced in the Douro Valley since the 1700s has been (and continues to be) Port, but there are other delicious brands that also call the Douro Valley “home,” especially the Mateus rosé and other fortified red blends.

Douro from a window
Reflections of Douro Valley

The where and the why

While a 24-hour trip isn’t very long, it’s enough time to get a feel for the Douro region. Travelers have an option of taking either a guided tour or a self-guided tour, and while both can be enjoyable, the former usually ensures a well-rounded experience including an overview of the region’s history.

Book a night at a Quinta (a wine estate) for the best possible accommodation. Not only are they usually decorated in the traditional Portuguese style, they also offer on-site access to locally-produced wines and close proximity to towns, villages, and local restaurants. Two very beautiful estates are the Quinta do Vallado in Régua and the Quinta de la Rosa in Pinhão but you can also choose from a popular winery or vineyard hotel.

Street vendor at Régua train station selling sweets
View outside the Régua train station

If your visit coincides with the wine harvest season (September and early October), sign up as a volunteer in the picking and production process. Otherwise, spend your day touring the region’s vineyards, learning about the wines produced, and (of course) tasting different varieties. Spending the perfect 24 hours in the Douro Valley is as simple as strolling the stunning landscape, talking to the locals, eating good food, and drinking excellent wine. Also, check out the Douro Museum in Régua.

Quinta Do Vallado
Quinta Do Vallado
Workers arranging bottles in Quinta Do Vallado
Wine cellar at Quinta Do Vallado
Tour guide at Quinta Do Vallado
Quinta Do Vallado workers taking a break
Quinta Do Vallado
Quinta Do Vallado

Did you know – Culture Trip now does bookable, small-group trips? Pick from authentic, immersive Epic Trips, compact and action-packed Mini Trips and sparkling, expansive Sailing Trips.

Since you are here, we would like to share our vision for the future of travel - and the direction Culture Trip is moving in.

Culture Trip launched in 2011 with a simple yet passionate mission: to inspire people to go beyond their boundaries and experience what makes a place, its people and its culture special and meaningful — and this is still in our DNA today. We are proud that, for more than a decade, millions like you have trusted our award-winning recommendations by people who deeply understand what makes certain places and communities so special.

Increasingly we believe the world needs more meaningful, real-life connections between curious travellers keen to explore the world in a more responsible way. That is why we have intensively curated a collection of premium small-group trips as an invitation to meet and connect with new, like-minded people for once-in-a-lifetime experiences in three categories: Culture Trips, Rail Trips and Private Trips. Our Trips are suitable for both solo travelers, couples and friends who want to explore the world together.

Culture Trips are deeply immersive 5 to 16 days itineraries, that combine authentic local experiences, exciting activities and 4-5* accommodation to look forward to at the end of each day. Our Rail Trips are our most planet-friendly itineraries that invite you to take the scenic route, relax whilst getting under the skin of a destination. Our Private Trips are fully tailored itineraries, curated by our Travel Experts specifically for you, your friends or your family.

We know that many of you worry about the environmental impact of travel and are looking for ways of expanding horizons in ways that do minimal harm - and may even bring benefits. We are committed to go as far as possible in curating our trips with care for the planet. That is why all of our trips are flightless in destination, fully carbon offset - and we have ambitious plans to be net zero in the very near future.

Culture Trip Spring Sale

Save up to $1,100 on our unique small-group trips! Limited spots.

X
close-ad
Edit article