Deep Douro and Central Portugal: Wines, Nature, and Historic Villages in 7 Days

Transfer from Porto

After being picked up at your hotel or airport in Porto in a premium electric vehicle, the trip begins with a visit to Quinta de Covela, one of the most renowned organic wine estates in the Douro region.

Visit and tasting in a boutique organic wineery

The experience includes a guided tour of the vineyard and winery, as well as a wine tasting with commentary by the producer, who will explain all the details of how Douro wines are made. The tasting will be accompanied by a selection of the region's finest cheeses and sausages.

Lunch suggestion at Michelin-starred restaurant

Lunch is recommended at the 16 Legoas restaurant, where Michelin-starred chef Vítor Matos offers a taste of the essence of the Douro, with a menu inspired by the vibrant flavors of the region.

Boutique Hotel Quinta do Vallado

In the afternoon, check in at the Boutique Hotel da Quinta do Vallado, a hotel that combines modernity and tradition, with luxury rooms set in an historic 18th-century farmhouse.

Viewpoint São Leonardo Galafura

After a refreshing rest, set off for the extraordinary viewpoint of São Leonardo de Galafura, where the evening light reveals the breathtaking beauty of the Douro River. For dinner, we suggest a regional “farm-to-table” restaurant that emphasizes local ingredients and a warm family atmosphere

Adorigo Viewpoint and solar-powered boat trip

The morning begins with the incredible views from the Adorigo viewpoint, followed by a peaceful boat trip on the Douro, departing from the beautiful village of Pinhão aboard a solar-powered vessel. A sustainable and relaxing way to enjoy the unique landscape of terraced vineyards that define the river.

Suggestion of local recipes restaurant

Lunch is recommended at Cozinha da Clara, which honors Douro recipes with a delicate and contemporary touch.

Visit and tasting of Family-run wine estate

In the afternoon, visit Quinta da Fonte do Milho, a family-run wine tourism project located in Provesende, one of the most picturesque wine-growing villages in the Douro. Here, enjoy personalized tastings of the estate's award-winning wines and olive oils while admiring the stunning scenery.

Bio olive oil farm with light dinner

The day ends at Lagar da Sancha in Sabrosa, where you will connect directly with centuries-old olive trees and taste artisanal olive oils. A light dinner here is included before returning to the hotel.

Guided tour Wine Museum

The third day begins with a guided tour of the São João da Pesqueira Wine Museum, a modern and interactive space that pays tribute to the history of Port Wine and its producers. Here, you will be symbolically presented with a Port of Honor. Lunch at a local restaurant features the best and freshest regional products, offering an authentic taste of the traditional Douro.

Viewpoint Salvador do Mundo

In the early afternoon, travel to the Sanctuary of São Salvador do Mundo, a privileged spot to contemplate the grandeur of the Douro. This sanctuary, consisting of nine chapels, is a landmark in the region, offering visitors spectacular panoramic views and memories that will last a lifetime.

Traditional Charming Accomodation Casa do Rio

Check in at Casa do Rio Quinta do Vallado Country House, a charming accommodation nestled between the vineyards and the Douro River. Wine Tasting At this magnificent estate, you can visit the winery and enjoy an exclusive wine tasting. SPA Experience The spa, with panoramic views, prepares body and mind for an intimate dinner featuring the estate’s finest

Visit Archaeological Park

Early in the morning, visit one of the highlights of this route and one of the most remarkable destinations in Portugal: the extraordinary Côa Valley Archaeological Park, the largest open-air exhibition of Paleolithic art in the world.Listed as a UNESCO World Heritage Site since 1998, the valley features over a thousand examples of rock art, mostly engravings and some paintings. Archaeologists will guide you through the main area of the park, explaining its global significance. Lunch is recommended at the park’s restaurant, overlooking the Côa cliffs.

Walk guided tour in Douro Natural Park

The afternoon is dedicated to the Douro International Natural Park, with a half-day tour through landscapes of great ecological value and unspoiled beauty.

Guided tour in historic village of Ciudad Rodrigo

On the way back, there will be a brief stop in the historic village of Ciudad Rodrigo, which preserves traces of medieval times. A simple but authentic dinner at a local restaurant is suggested to end the day perfectly.

Guided tour in the historic Village of Marialva

After checking out of Casa do Rio, continue to another jewel of national heritage: the Historic Village of Marialva. With its austere walls and medieval ruins, Marialva transports visitors to a time of frontier life and resilience. Among cobbled streets and stone houses, this village invites contemplation.

Guided tour in the historic village of Linhares da Beira

After a regional lunch nearby, showcasing the authentic flavors of Beira Interior, continue to Linhares da Beira, another historic village with a granite character. On a guided tour, explore the magnificent castle overlooking the Serra da Estrela, churches, and the pillory. Along the way, see Manueline houses and old manor houses, reflecting centuries of stately architecture.

Palace Hotel Parador Casa da Insua

At the end of the afternoon, check in at the majestic Parador Casa da Ínsua, a five-star hotel housed in a former 18th-century palace, surrounded by romantic gardens and vineyards. You will have time to rest or visit the palace and its historic gardens before ending the day with a refined regional dinner featuring local products.

Guided tour of historic Gardens Santar Vila Jardim

Begin the day with a visit to one of the most elegant and surprising landscaping projects in Portugal: Santar Vila Jardim. This historic village has reinvented itself as an open-air museum, where palaces, manor houses, and stately homes are connected by meticulously maintained gardens. The guided tour takes travelers along flower-lined paths and secluded spots for contemplation.

Suggestion lunch at Michelin-starred restaurant

Lunch reaches the pinnacle of gastronomic sophistication at the Michelin-starred Mesa de Lemos restaurant. Here, Chef Diogo Rocha offers cuisine inspired by the region, combining absolute respect for the ingredients, most grown on the property, with deeply sophisticated and elegant creativity.

Visit and wine tasting

In the afternoon, visit Quinta da Taboadella, an emblematic winery representing the new generation of Dão producers. Set in a landscape of rare beauty, this estate combines history, contemporary architecture, and oenological innovation. The guided tour includes a commented wine tasting, allowing you to experience the elegance and minerality that define Dão wines.

Local products tasting

Returning to Parador Casa da Ínsua, enjoy a tasting of the estate’s own products: Dão wines, artisan cheeses, and traditional jams. The evening concludes with a light and comforting dinner at one of the region’s fine restaurants.

Solar powered boat tour

On the last day of this unforgettable trip, head toward the coast, to the Aveiro region, known as the “Portuguese Venice.” The first stop is the city of Aveiro itself, for a tranquil ride along the Ria de Aveiro aboard a solar-powered boat. Sailing through the urban canals, salt pans, and repurposed old warehouses is a poetic and sustainable way to bid farewell to the region.

Suggestion lunch at Michelin-starred restaurant

Lunch is recommended at Salpoente, housed in an old salt warehouse on the edge of the estuary. Distinguished by the Michelin Guide, the restaurant offers contemporary cuisine rooted in tradition, with a special focus on coastal fish and marine flavors reinterpreted with elegance.

Vista Alegre ceramics museum

The afternoon concludes with a dive into the art and history of Portuguese ceramics at the Vista Alegre Museum, located in the heart of the iconic factory. Here, you can learn about the process of creating the fine porcelain that has been decorating the world's most demanding tables for over two centuries.

Return to Porto

With your senses enriched and your soul fulfilled, return in comfort to the airport or your hotel in Porto, marking the end of this unforgettable 7-day journey through the Douro and Central Portugal. Note: If any of the accommodations mentioned in the itinerary are unavailable, an alternative of the same quality and refinement will be provided, in keeping with the standards of Immersive Journeys.