Douro Valley Private Tour (All Inclusive) Port Tasting and Lunch

We went for our two year anniversary so I wanted a private tour to be special. We were very concerned as when we got picked up from Porto it was heavily raining we would have a miserable time and when we passed the bridge towards the Duoro valley it was the most beautiful sunny day. Our tour guide Monica was amazing so funny and kind and told us all about the areas we were visiting, the vineyard and even had lunch with us. We came from the tour feeling like we met family with her and it was just the most wonderful and memorable time and tour. I always look back at this trip with fond memories which sparked me to write this review.

We had the most wonderful private tour with Sofia into the Douro valley!! We loved the fact that we could customise our day and Sofia gave us several options to choose from so that we could put together an experience that felt very personal to us. On the day of the tour we were greeted by perfect winter sunshine, and picked up from our hotel by Sofia in a brand new car, which was a great start and made the whole day a comfortable ride! Before we left Sofia talked through the day ahead and made sure that we were happy with everything. Then we headed for the Douro Valley through the most beautiful landscape, which was made even more magical by this amazing low level cloud, which draped over the hills like a huge cotton wool blanket! Our first stop was the Quinta Seara d'Ordens where we did a wine and port tasting. Our host must have done it hundreds of times, but he made it both informative and entertaining! We then took a look around the vineyard and the cellar where the port was aging in rows of barrels and huge vats. Before you leave you can purchase any of the wines or port that you tasted and get them shipped to you at home. Needless to say, we took that opportunity, as they were fabulous! Next we headed to Provesende, a tiny village of only 200 inhabitants. It was a very typical and quaint Portuguese village with a church, a couple of cafes and a 5 a side football pitch! Our lunch spot was Casa Típica Papas Zaide, which Sofia told us was now run by the daughter of the original owner. We were expecting a light lunch but we got a rustic banquet of cold cheeses and meat, olives, bread and olive oil, followed by a cod (bacalhau) and vegetable pastry (which was amazing), roasted pork shank and chicken, and to finish an array of local desserts and cakes. Everything was delicious, and all of this was washed down with some excellent white and red wine. Our last stop of the day was the town of Pinhao. It was only a 20 minute journey, but we took the opportunity to stop on a couple of occasions to marvel at the most wonderful landscape you can imagine and take reams of photos. It truly was a feast for the eyes! In Pinhao we took one of the traditional Portuguese boats and headed up the Douro river for a leisurely cruise, accompanied - of course - by a complimentary glass of port and more beautiful vistas. After an hour or so cruising on the river we came back to the dock just as the waning sun was starting to dip over the horizon, it was a magical end to a magical day. We had one last treat before heading home, a journey down one of the most beautiful roads we've ever travelled, that snaked its way for miles back and forth alongside the banks of the Douro, as if it never wanted to leave this stupendous river! But leave we must, connecting to the main A4 road for our final leg back to Porto. It was one of those days that we will remember forever. Our huge thanks must go to Sofia who made it so memorable. She was such an amazing guide, who made you feel like you were travelling with an old friend who was showing you proudly around her home country. Her knowledge and history of the area was second to none, and she knew just when to talk or when to be silent, to allow you to just enjoy the scenes that you were passing. So if you are wondering which tour to take, choose this one! And if you want the best guide, then ask for Sofia, she was fantastic!! We certainly hope to come back again soon and take another trip with her!

Pascal was our guide. He met us at our hotel in Porto and took us on a full day trip of the Douro Valley. We able to completely customize our schedule to include types of wineries and experiences that we were most interested in. This was the exact type of trip my family was looking for - private and focused on quality wines. At each stop, we had a wine tasting accompanied with some type of local food. Each stop had its own local flavor and guide who were personable, entertaining, and educative on wines. Pascal was very knowledgeable and friendly. We’d highly recommend this trip.