Nestled in the heart of Portugal's most famous wine region, Pinhão is one of the most charming and picturesque villages in the Douro Valley, surrounded by steep terraced vineyards and rolling hills. Approximately 120 km (75 miles) from Porto, Pinhão can be reached by car, train or boat. In addition to being home to several prestigious vineyards, it is known for its beautiful historic train station adorned with 24 azulejo tile panels that depict traditional scenes of vineyard life and the Port wine trade. Pinhão is also a popular departure point for Douro River cruises which offer a relaxing and scenic way to admire the valley’s stunning landscapes from the water.
Pinhão, like much of the Douro Valley, has a history that dates back thousands of years, but it became particularly significant in the 18th century with the rise of Port wine production. Once the Douro became the world's first-ever demarcated wine region, Pinhão and the surrounding villages soon developed into key centres for wine cultivation. Today, Pinhão remains a small but historically rich village, one of the most popular destinations for Douro Valley wine tourism.
Visitors to Porto who wish to explore more of this gorgeous corner of Portugal should head north to experience the Douro Valley, one of the oldest and most scenic wine regions in the world. Winding along the Douro River, the region is characterized by its steep slopes and distinctive terraced vineyards, carved into the schist mountainsides. On our fascinating private full-day excursion, you’ll have the chance to immerse yourself in the delights of the Douro with an experienced driver guide visiting two of its prestigious wineries, enjoying an authentic local lunch and embarking on a relaxing river cruise from the picturesque town of Pinhão.
On this private full-day excursion, you will:
Journey into the heart of the Douro Valley on this exhilarating private full-day excursion to one of the world’s most impressive wine regions. Your tour will begin directly from your hotel in Porto, where your private driver-guide will pick you up and set the stage for a day rich in history, culture, and viticulture. As you leave the city behind, the landscape will soon transform into rolling vineyards, dramatic hills, and the winding Douro River. As you soak up these incredible views, your guide can share further insights into the particular history, geography and folklore of the region and how this has influenced wine production across the centuries. You will venture deeper into the Douro, where you will visit two exceptional wineries, each offering a distinct perspective on winemaking. At the first estate, a sleek, modern winery, you’ll discover how contemporary techniques are shaping the future of DOC Douro wines and have a chance to taste some of the most innovative blends on the market.
You will also enjoy an authentic Portuguese gastronomy with a relaxed, al fresco lunch where the rich regional flavours of the Douro take centre stage. After your meal, you will make your way to the picturesque village of Pinhão to enjoy a serene 45-minute cruise along the Douro River, floating past the characteristic terraced vineyards that have produced world-class wines for hundreds of years. For the second winery visit, you’ll explore a traditional, family-run Quinta, stepping back in time to experience age-old winemaking traditions, from hand-harvested vines to granite lagares used for foot-treading grapes. You’ll also have the opportunity to indulge in an expertly guided tasting of Port wine, Douro’s most famous export, savouring the unique characteristics of each vintage.
Once it is time to return to Porto, your guide will take you on a scenic, winding drive back to your hotel, allowing you to soak in the beauty of the valley one last time. This immersive experience provides an in-depth look at the history, culture, and flavours of the Douro, leaving you with a deep appreciation for Portugal’s most celebrated wine region.
The Douro Valley is undoubtedly a must-visit destination for wine lovers, but it also boasts a fascinating history spanning over 2000 years, along with incredible scenery, both of which have had a profound impact on its world-class wine production. Our private full-day driving excursion offers an in-depth exploration of the region, with visits to Amarante and Pinhão, 2 of the most beautiful and significant towns in the Douro, combined with a winery tour and tasting, an all-inclusive lunch and a delightful Douro River boat cruise. All the while, you’ll be accompanied by a knowledgeable and passionate local guide who shares a wealth of intriguing insights tailored to your interests.
On this private, full-day trip, you will:
Embark on a private journey into the heart of the Douro Valley, where breathtaking landscapes, deep history, and world-class wines come together in perfect harmony. Your day will begin with a seamless hotel pick-up in Porto, where your expert driver-guide will lead you on a scenic drive through the rolling hills and terraced vineyards of northern Portugal. Your first stop is the charming town of Amarante, a place steeped in history and known for its picturesque setting along the Tâmega River and beautiful architecture, with a striking stone bridge dating back to the 17th Century. You will wander its quaint streets and visit the magnificent São Gonçalo Church and Convent where your guide can point out the Baroque and Renaissance details and share the story of São Gonçalo, the town’s revered and somewhat unconventional patron saint. From here, you’ll continue into the heart of the Douro, pausing at a famous panoramic viewpoint to take in one of the most iconic landscapes in Portugal, a breathtaking patchwork of vineyards tumbling down to the winding river below.
You will then take a delectable detour to get acquainted with the gastronomy of the Douro as your guide takes you to enjoy authentic Portuguese cuisine. You'll eat at a traditional rural restaurant, getting the chance to sample the flavours that have defined the region for generations. After lunch, the journey continues along the legendary N222 road, often hailed as one of the most beautiful drives in the world. Your next destination will be Pinhão, the gorgeous riverside village at the heart of Douro’s wine country. Your guide will lead you on a walk around town and take you inside the historic Pinhão train station, where stunning azulejo tiles depict the region’s centuries-old winemaking traditions.
You will then set sail on a relaxing 45-minute boat cruise, drifting past the distinctive hillsides dotted with vines and historic estates (known as Quintas), while your guide explains how generations of wine merchants used this same route to transport barrels of Port downriver. Last but certainly not least, your journey culminates with a visit to a renowned Douro Valley winery, where you’ll discover the secrets behind the region’s exceptional wines, including the world-famous Port, which comes from grapes exclusively sourced from the Douro Valley. A guided tasting of three exquisite vintages rounds out your day before a comfortable drive back to Porto.
This carefully curated experience is designed for discerning travellers seeking a deeper understanding of the Douro and what makes its history, scenery, culture and wine so special.
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