5-Day Tour in the Douro River
An exclusive boat trip with a curated selection of experiences for you to unveil the magnificent Douro River.
This yacht experience was tailored for you to have the ultimate experience on the most emblematic and renowned wineries and wine-producing estates in Douro Valley – the oldest wine demarcated region in the world. Depart on this experience by diving into the color pallet that the Douro has to offer on a Princess 56 in the Douro Valley, with an experienced skipper and sailor, enjoy the journey upriver is one of the most scenic in the world, with staggering views of the dramatic valley covered in bright green rows of grapevines.
Spectacular scenery, fascinating history, amazing culture, mouthwatering food are only the beginning. So with such a vast array of delights on offer, you will travel at a leisurely pace, giving you plenty of time to soak up the atmosphere. You will have privileged access to the most authentic wineries and wine tastings, meals with property owners, restaurants and other experiences. You will enjoy the delightful tastings that will grant you a full comprehension of the Douro wines and their characteristics and varied flavors. You will also have some absolutely ravishing gastronomic experiences that will show you to the most iconic venues in the Douro, and delight you with a fantastic meal at one of the most renowned restaurants in Portugal. We are here to make your cruise unforgettable.
Day one:
Your journey starts at Freixo Marina. A stylish Princess Yacht will be waiting for you, enjoy a private cruise for a group up to 6 people. During this 5-Day boat tour, we will cruise the Douro River while you relax on the spacious flybridge and deck where you can enjoy the views. As you cruise along the majestic Douro River, the world slips away, replaced by a sense of tranquility and anticipation.
You will pass through the locks, a spectacle in itself.
A delicious lunch will be served on board.
Arrival at Peso da Régua, from there, transferred to the world-renowned Quinta da Pacheca. Here you will get to know its history better as well as the olive oil production processes directly at the Lagares, and the winemaking processes of Quinta da Pacheca’s wines. Stroll the vineyards, breathe Douro Valley’s green nature and join the wine tasting to end this tour in perfection. Dinner will be served where the finest Douro cuisine is paired with impeccable service.
Day two:
Wake up to a new day of discovery at Bomfim 1896 and Quinta de la Rosa.
Cruise the heart of the Douro Valley, the sightseeing is unique, with jaw-dropping views.
Lunch will be served at Bomfim 1896 with Pedro Lemos. The restaurant is inspired by traditional Douro family kitchens, centred around large chimneys and wood-fired ovens. Celebrating this familiar sense of sharing and conviviality, the kitchen is at the heart of the restaurant, offering a direct view of the cooking with distinct aromas of dishes prepared in wood-burning ovens and stoves. Bomfim 1896 with Pedro Lemos reflects the heritage of this region and its cooking, brought together with an exceptional selection of Quinta do Bomfim wines.
At Quinta de la Rosa, a historic estate renowned for its exceptional wines, you’ll embark on a journey through time and taste.
Dinner will be served at Cozinha da Clara Restaurant. With fabulous views over the river, Quinta de la Rosa’s Restaurant was opened in the summer of 2017. Named in honor of Claire Bergqvist, who was famous for her hospitality and generosity.
Day three:
Wake to the gentle rhythm of the Douro River. Departure from Régua to Ventozelo.
You will discover one of the finnest Quintas in the Douro Valley – Quinta de Ventozelo. One of the largest and oldest of the Douro estates, it has passed through different hands down the centuries, each molding and transforming it into what it is today.
Lunch will be served at Cantina de Ventozelo Restaurant. The traditional flavors of Douro and Trás-os-Montes and the Quinta de Ventozelo products will be served. By the terrace, looking at Quinta de Ventozelo and Douro River, food has new flauvor! Housed in the former workers’ dining hall, Cantina de Ventozelo with the help of Chef Miguel Castro e Silva combines traditional recipes with new techniques for a menu inspired by the comfort food that used to nourish farm workers during the olden days and a more refined dinner menu that can be paired with Ventozelo’s own Douro and port wines.
In the afternoon, you will discover Quinta do Crasto. Out of 1,500 wineries nominated around the world for the World’s Best Vineyard, Quinta do Crasto was selected as the #4 top vineyard worldwide. Its origin dates back to the 19th century. You will visit the famous old vineyards, winery, and beautiful warehouse barrels, which matured table wines and premium Port wines and have a Premium wine tasting.
Dinner will be served at Terraçu’s Restaurant. Indulge yourself with the delicacies that the Winery Restaurant has to offer you. The menu appeals to the senses and emotions, in a relaxed and curious way. The proposals are different every day and guests never know the menu, letting themselves be guided by the inspiration of Chef José Pinto.
Day Four:
Lunch will be served at DOC Restaurant. A great restaurant, with modern and creative gastronomy, with Douro flavors. Designed by the architect Miguel Saraiva, in a place of enormous beauty, blending the grandeur of the vineyard-covered mountains and the serenity of the Douro river. The Michelin Starred Chef Rui Paula Team organizes everything in detail, always adding an element of surprise, so as to make the celebration unforgettable.
Enjoy a cultural break in Lamego. The culture, architecture, heritage, historical center justify a visit. The Lamego Castel, within the urban area, Ex-libris of the town, from the top of its walls can be sighted the waters of the rivers Coura, Balsemão and Varosa. The construction of the castle began in the 13Th Century with the goal of protecting the city inhabitants. In the 17th century, a niche in homage to Our Lady Nossa Senhora da Graça was erected. Then, you should visit the Lamego Museum, an astounding collection of ancient art and artifacts, including a fully reconstructed chapel dripping with gold, is displayed within the walls of an 18th century bishop’s palace. Among the many highlights are the set of paintings by one of Portugal’s most renowned painters, Grão Vasco, 16th century Flemish tapestries that depict the Greek legend of Oedipus and colorful 17th Century panels Azulejos (painted tiles) and Lady of Remedies Shrine in Lamego. From one of the central avenues in Lamego, you can climb to the top of the hill up an imposing baroque staircase with 686 steps ending in a shrine built in the rocaille style in the mid-eighteenth century for the worship of Nossa Senhora dos Remédios, although it was not completely finished until 1905. The same Nicolau Nasoni who painted the cathedral ceilings designed some of the baroque works that decorate this monument.
After Lamego, you will have Dinner at Vale Abraão Restaurant. Occupying two generous spaces and a large terrace, the interior dining room boasts a traditional walk-in fireplace and 18th century azulejo tiles, cork ceilings and granite floors. Outside there is a sunny terrace with beautiful vineyard views and fountain. Classic, yet contemporary décor creates an intimate atmosphere with high ceilings and floor-to-ceiling windows.
Day Five:
Wake to the gentle rhythm of the Douro River. Departure from Régua to Porto.
Lunch will be served at Quinta de Santo António. A Glamorous Quinta, with both history and tradition, with a variety of natural resources and world heritage that dazzles the eyes, which combined with an unparalleled gastronomic and wine offer, deserves to be experienced in a rustic setting
Conclude your luxurious escape by contemplating some of the most important attractions of Porto and Gaia. You will see the city from another perspective. With memories of riverside glamour, bespoke service, and unforgettable moments, your Riviera-inspired Portuguese escape leaves a lasting impression.
Check availability of the suggested private tour or get a fully customized itinerary, add extra days, change your experiences or discover different sights, and refine your luxury tour to suit your preferences. Contact one of our expert consultants for your free, no-obligation bespoke vacation plan.
