Douro Valley Private Wine Tour

Upon your arrival at the airport, a sleek chauffeured Mercedes will be poised to receive you. Without delay, you’ll be whisked away to the heart of wine country! It is about a 2-hour drive to the Douro Valley from Porto, one of the most stunning wine regions in the world. Your welcome lunch is at the charming Quinta do Noval, perched high above the village of Pinhão.

When you arrive at Quinta do Noval, you will be welcomed with a refreshing Port Tonic served under the shade of the beautiful Cedar tree, accompanied by the estate’s grown almonds, lightly toasted to perfection. Next, your host will passionately share Quinta do Noval’s most audacious moments in history, including declaring vintage in 1931 and their renowned “Nacional Vintage,” which produces minimal quantities of unique port wine from a small plot of ungrafted vines in the heart of the Quinta (which were incredible, untouched by phylloxera).

Finally, your delicious home-cooked lunch will likely include a selection of local cheeses and slow-roasted veal with fresh vegetables from the garden, followed by creamy chocolate mousse, served with Cedro do Noval, Quinta do Noval DOC and finishing with Vintage Quinta do Noval – welcome to the Douro Valley!

After lunch, it’s a scenic 10-minute drive down the hill to Quinta do Bomfim; this historic Quinta is owned by the Symington family, who has been here for five generations. You will enjoy a wine-tasting aperitif in the vines before concluding your visit with a tasting under the wisteria overlooking the river.

It is then just a 2-minute drive to the Vintage House Hotel, your darling riverside abode for the next two nights. Settle in and enjoy your exclusive surroundings. Dinner this evening could be on site, or you can check out nearby restaurant Cozinha de Clara at Quinta de la Rosa.

You will board your private luxury yacht this morning from the dock just outside your hotel. You will initially head upriver towards Tua, where the cliffs look all the more dramatic from the water. Then, you can sit back, relax, and watch the magical scenery go by as you sip on a glass of perfectly chilled wine. Your cruise ends in Folgosa at the spectacular semi-circular boat dock, which doubles up as the outdoor dining terrace to Rui Paula’s DOC restaurant.

A tantalizing lunch awaits traditional Portuguese cuisine with an artistic flair. On a tasting menu specially prepared for you, you will find such delicacies might include egg cooked at low temperature with Portuguese sausage “Alheira,” Lobster and seafood rice, Maronesa sirloin veal with amaranth and cauliflower purée and Orange creme brulée with orange blossom ice cream, or chocolate and coffee pie with hazelnut and crispy caramel.

After lunch, your driver will transfer you back to your hotel. Then, you can make the most of some free time to enjoy the pool and gardens and stroll to the Pinhão train station to see the fabulous original tiled walls.

This morning, you are in for a fantastic, unique experience, spending time in the winery, kitchen, and home of the delightful Coelho family at Quinta de Tourais. Start with a tour of the boutique winery, now in the hands of the 4th generation of this family business; however, it was only relatively recently, in 1999, that they started bottling their brand. From 20 hectares home to over 30 varieties, Fernando meticulously selects the best fruit, producing, on average, 15.000 bottles. Next, taste the incredible tawny port straight from the barrel.

Then, on to the herb garden to collect fresh herbs used to wrap local artisan cheeses before baking them; while this delicious aperitif is in the oven, Liliana will talk you through the preparations of the rest of the dishes. This is a fun and relaxed way to learn more about the local cuisine and enjoy the fruits of your labor accompanied by the Tourais finest: Muria, Furia, and Tourónio.

Then, a 2-minute drive to neighboring Quinta da Pacheca. One of the Douros oldest Quintas. Enjoy a tour of the winery and grounds, and peek at their latest experience, “Sleeping a barrel,” 10 luxury suites so you can “eat, drink and sleep wine.” Next, in the garden overlooking the vines, for a private tasting of dry Pacheca wines and their outstanding ports.

Your chauffeur will transfer you a few more miles to the beautiful Six Senses resort. This luxurious hotel is a real treat; the grounds surround the entirely renovated 19th-century Manor house – ideal for relaxing and unwinding.

Six Senses is renowned for its emphasis on spa and wellness, and the Douro Valley resort exemplifies this commitment. You can select from a diverse range of therapies, including the Spa Herbal Therapy sauna, Hydrotherapy, Chromotherapy, Aqua Sound Therapy, and the invigorating Salty Bubble Pool. If you feel more holistic, try a Hatha yoga session, guided meditation, and breathing exercises, all complemented by signature massages and energy treatments.

After pampering in the spa’s tranquil treatments, give yourself a moment to get ready for an evening of culinary exploration at the hotel’s interactive open kitchen. The chef will craft a tasting menu inspired by the season, using ingredients freshly harvested from the hotel’s organic garden. Each dish is meticulously prepared using a wood-fired oven and the renowned Josper grill. If you’re in the mood for a more romantic setting, consider dining on the ‘Terrace.’ This picturesque courtyard, adorned with tables encircling a fountain, provides an idyllic backdrop for an intimate al fresco dinner by candlelight.

Today is a complete wine-tasting immersion in the Douro Valley at two captivating Quintas. Begin with a morning vineyard tour of Quinta Nova, where the first thing that strikes you are the breathtaking views. Then, after a visit to the estate, you will be further blown away by their exquisite multi-award winning wines from Grainha Branco, their perfectly structured Reserva White to Mirabilis Grand Reserva Red from old vines.

It is a 15-minute scenic drive along the valley to the magnificent Quinta do Crasto. This dynamic family-run estate has been in the Roquette family for over a century, but the Crasto history dates back considerably. Since the mid-1990s, they have focused on Douro DOC wines and Port and have received some notable press due to their success.

Your visit here concludes on the terrace with the most sensational view, where you will be served a private home-cooked lunch with assorted Portuguese Petiscos (appetizers), roast Pork Loin with Chestnuts, homemade dessert, and artisan cheese selection- all paired with five estate wines including Quinta do Crasto Touriga Nacional, Quinta do Crasto Reserva Old Vines, Crasto Superior Red, Quinta do Crasto Vinha Maria Teresa; and dessert LBV Port.

Then, in the late afternoon, you will return to your luxury abode for a free evening to dine on-site at the Quinta bar and lounge and make the most of the splendid spa.

As you bid adieu to the Douro’s serene beauty, today marks your return to the bustling city of Porto. After a hearty breakfast, your chauffeur will drive you back to Porto, so sit back and relax, taking in the beautiful scenery. Upon reaching your hotel, take a moment to settle in and rejuvenate. As the afternoon beckons, we have a list of lunch spots for you to consider. Remember to keep it light and delightful, paving the way for the gastronomic journey awaiting you at Yeatman tonight.

After lunch, a local guide well-versed in Porto’s history and stories will greet you for a personalized walking tour of Porto. Marvel at the captivating Arab room inside the Stock Exchange, get lost in the enchanting Lello bookshop and admire the city’s many churches adorned with iconic blue and white tiles. Having immersed yourself in Porto’s rich history and vibrant culture, it’s time to partake in its famed port wines. We’ve arranged an exclusive early evening tasting session at the esteemed Taylor’s as a special treat. This makes for a fascinating visit, with such an interesting history, and their iconic ports never fail to impress. You will sample various Tawny of 10, 20, 30, and 40 years, a select Single Harvest, and Vintage Port.

As the sun sets over the city, you’ll find yourself heading back to the Yeatman. Here, a grand farewell dinner has been meticulously curated just for you; this is a real treat: unbeatable views across the river to colorful Porto combined with enticing 2 Michelin-starred cuisine by Chef Ricardo Costa perfectly paired with choice wines. A superb way to end your wine tasting in the Douro Valley & Porto!

After savoring a leisurely breakfast, it’s time to embark on the next leg of your journey. Your dedicated driver will be awaiting your convenience, ready to transport you seamlessly to Porto airport in time for your onward flight. As we bid farewell, we reflect on the splendid memories forged in the Douro Valley. It’s been our pleasure to guide you through this enchanting region, and we eagerly anticipate your return. Safe travels, and until next time!