Portugal’s River of Gold

  • From £5,595
  • |
  • 10 Days
  • |
  • 8 Guided Tours
  • |
  • 2 Countries

Pinhão, Portugal

  • Scenic bridge over river in rural village

Pinhão is surrounded by picture-postcard terraced hillsides that are synonymous with the Douro River Valley. Its slow pace and quiet atmosphere belie the fact that it produces world-renowned port wines; some of the most recognizable names in port production operate wine estates near here. One of the “station towns” along the Douro River, Pinhão boasts a relaxing and scenic promenade along the river, perfect for strolling and drinking in the beauty of vineyard-clad hills. The village’s railway station is decorated with 24 spectacular scenes depicted in azulejos, Portugal’s distinctive blue-and-white tiles.

Régua, Portugal

  • Historic stone cathedral with ornate facade

With its historic place as the western boundary of the demarcated wine region of Portugal, Régua boasts a rich wine-making heritage. Riverside manor houses are occupied by winegrowers; some have draped their terraces with giant lettering so they can be easily identified from the water by passing ships. The country’s famous port was created when 16th-century British merchants added brandy to the local wine to prevent it from souring. Over the centuries, the process of maturing and blending has been perfected, resulting in appealing tawnies, rubies and other varieties.

Shore Excursions

Shore excursions vary by each itinerary and are subject to change.

Rustic Wine Barrel in Vineyard Setting

Favaios Bakery & Lunch at Quinta Avessada

Head to the little village of Favaios and indulge in the baking and winemaking traditions of the Douro Valley.

Included
Rustic Wine Barrel in Vineyard Setting

Favaios Bakery & Lunch at Quinta Avessada

Duration: 6 hours      

Honoring a Rich Tradition of Bread and Wine

Head to the little village of Favaios and indulge in the baking and winemaking traditions of the Douro Valley. Meet your guide for a visit to this charming village, where bakers make bread the traditional way: in an oven heated with wood and old grapevines. At a bakery that pays tribute to the past, watch as the resident baker demonstrates traditional techniques. After enjoying a fresh-from-the-oven sample, visit the local museum of wine and bread to learn about the importance of these industries to this small town. Take time to explore this typical village that has retained its old-world ambience. Continue to Quinta da Avessada, a beautiful century-old wine-growing estate in the heart of the Douro wine region, a UNESCO World Heritage Site. Here, you will meet the dedicated vintners, tour the atmospheric cellars and sample some local varieties of port in the rustic tasting room.

* Moderate - Walking portions may be long and somewhat challenging with occasional step-ups, stairs and inclines. Total time walking or standing normally ranges from 1.5 to 3 hours.
Musicians performing in vineyard setting

Vineyard Harvest

Extend your time at the vineyards of Quinta da Avessada and lend a hand with the harvest.
Musicians performing in vineyard setting

Vineyard Harvest

Duration: 3 hours      

Grape Cutting and Stomping at Quinta da Avessada

Extend your time at the vineyards of Quinta da Avessada and lend a hand with the harvest. Quinta da Avessada is a beautiful, century-old wine-growing estate in the heart of the Douro wine region, a UNESCO World Heritage Site. After lunch and the conclusion of your included tour, you will have an opportunity to spend the afternoon at the estate. Set out on a short walk through the vineyards, where you will receive a bucket and a pair of scissors. Try your hand at cutting grapes from the vine while listening to traditional Douro music. Afterward, head to the room where the lagar, a shallow stone or cement trough where grapes are crushed, and revel in a chance to roll up your pant legs and stomp the grapes by foot. Celebrate your hard work with a glass of wine, before returning to your awaiting ship.

* Moderate - Walking portions may be long and somewhat challenging with occasional step-ups, stairs and inclines. Total time walking or standing normally ranges from 1.5 to 3 hours.
Scenic vineyard terraces overlooking a river valley

Quinta das Carvalhas

Enjoy unparalleled vistas from the slopes of the Douro Valley and sample regional food and wine.
Scenic vineyard terraces overlooking a river valley

Quinta das Carvalhas

Duration: 3 hours      

Vistas Over the Douro Valley and Local Wine and Food

Enjoy unparalleled vistas from the slopes of the Douro Valley and sample regional food and wine. Quinta das Carvalhas lies 1,800 feet above the Douro, and its history dates back to 1756. The jewel of Real Companhia Velha’s crown, Portugal’s leading porto wine producer has been in existence for more than a quarter of a millennium. Begin your visit with a guided tour through the vineyards and learn about their multitude of different grape varieties. The vines here grow at various altitudes along steep slopes and yield unusually rich and complex wines. After you have been introduced to the secrets of port wine making, you will have the opportunity to spend time enjoying the spectacular scenery while you try the Quinta’s fine wines and taste the local sausages and cheese. Return to your ship in the late afternoon.

* Moderate - Walking portions may be long and somewhat challenging with occasional step-ups, stairs and inclines. Total time walking or standing normally ranges from 1.5 to 3 hours.
Shore excursions vary by itinerary and are subject to change.