Douro Valley Cruise with Lunch
About this activity
Highlights
- Scenic Douro Valley river cruise
- Traditional Portuguese onboard lunch
- Round-trip transportation from Porto
- Breathtaking vineyard landscapes
- Relaxing day amidst nature's beauty
Full description
Included / Excluded
- Round-trip transportation from Porto
- Panoramic river cruise in Douro Valley
- Traditional Portuguese lunch on board
- Wine tasting fees at local vineyards
Itinerary
Pass by: Board on a fun day on this 1 day cruise from Régua, the capital of the Douro Valley, and enjoy the unique scenery and landscape of the wine estates and the river. Our reservation team will give you the exact location when you confirm your booking.
Pass by: It is thought that the town´s name originated from the name of a Roman house that once stood here - the "Villa Reguela". Its great development was, however, only to begin after 1756 with the creation of the Real Companhia Geral da Agricultura das Vinhas do Alto Douro (Royal Company of Vine-Growers from the Alto Douro Region), which set up the world's first ever demarcated region for wine production. Situated on the banks of the River Douro, Peso da Régua played a fundamental role in the production and sale of Port wine, for it was from here that the barrels were transported in the special boats known as barcos rabelos to Vila Nova de Gaia, where the wine was left to age in the local wine lodges. In this region, the vines are grown on terraced slopes leading down to the river, providing visitors with a series of spectacular views, which are best admired from the area's many viewpoints, such as those of São Leonardo at Galafura and Santo António do Loureiro.
The Carrapatelo dam is located on the border of Porto and Viseu district, respectively between the municipalities of Marco de Canaveses and Cinfães. Inaugurated in 1972, it was the first dam to be built on the national section of the Douro River. This is the Douro dam with the highest gap, 35m, which makes the boat passage through its lock an unforgettable experience. It is located at km 65 of the Douro waterway and is the second dam before the mouth of the Douro. Pass by this dam the cruises that make the route Porto and Régua.
The Crestuma-Lever Dam is located in the Porto district, between the parishes of Crestuma and Lever, from which the dam's name derives, and connects the municipalities of Vila Nova de Gaia and Gondomar. It was opened in 1985. This is the Douro dam closest to the mouth where it is 22 kms. It is therefore the first dam that we find when we go up the river by boat and the last when we go down. The lock overcomes a 13.9m height difference of the waters, being the smallest difference in the Douro Dams. In addition to water storage and electricity production, the dam also serves as a pedestrian and road crossing.
Pass by: The Douro Valley could as easily be called the enchanted valley, such is the beauty and magic that its landscapes offer.
Pass by: By the end of the day you will reach Porto. Cross the bridges of Porto until you get to the mouth of the River where it meets the sea and finish the experience with the best views of Porto historical center and the Port Wine Lodges in Gaia. The arrival location can be either the Estiva Quay, or Gaia Quay. Our reservation team will give you the exact location when you confirm your booking.
Meeting point
Start Location
Sao Bento station, Praça de Almeida Garrett, 4000-069 Porto, Portugal
Important information
Know before you book
- The cruise operates in all weather conditions; cancellations due to weather are rare but possible.
- Vegetarian meal options are available upon request; please inform in advance.
- Wine tasting at local vineyards is not included in the cruise package but can be arranged separately.
Know before you go
- Wear comfortable clothing and footwear suitable for a day on the water.
- Bring a camera to capture the stunning landscapes and memorable moments.
- Consider bringing a light jacket or sweater, as temperatures can vary throughout the day.
Cancellation policy
For a full refund, cancel at least 24 hours before the scheduled departure time.
Accessibility
- Stroller Accessible
- Easy Public Transport
- Infant Seats Available
Good to know
- Children must be accompanied by an adult
- The cruise is subject to availability, weather and sailing conditions
- Panoramic cruise
- The cruise requires a minimum number of participants
- No refunds for late passengers
- Departure location will be confirmed after the booking.
Traveler reviews
Brilliant countryside and commentary.
Brilliant countryside and Slimmy was a great host with lots of historical information and anecdotes. Lunch was OK but wine was cheap cleanskins. Highlight was to be winery and tasting but the one chosen was very average. 5 min talk on winery plus questions, 30 second intro on 2 wines and one port (in 2 glasses). No cheese or food between wines. Recommend purely for countryside and commentary by Slimmy and his music playlist.
First time on such a...
First time on such a trip, excellent staff Gabriel and Manuel were stars!! They made the whole trip fun with their unfaltering jokes and tales. It's a long trip by boat, but as soon is you emerge yourself in the beauty of nature surrounding you, time went rather quickly. Small bar on the deck was just perfect, remember to take hats for sunshine. Lunch was great, felt so full !!! And great chilled white wine!!! Over all, beautiful trip!!
A scenic adventure!😁
This was an amazing tour! It is a scenic adventure. The bus ride to the boat was so beautiful! Then the boat was fabulous with outstanding staff. Going through the two locks was a wow experience! Lunch was filling and excellent. So glad we chose this tour!
Generally good and worth the money
The guide basically checked us in, showed us where the boat was, then told us our table number for lunch. Bizarrely, we were then sat at our table for lunch at about 1000h. 5 minutes later we were told we could go outside. The guide should tell us what's going to happen and could have to done this on the bus. She could also have told us about the Portuguese countryside that we were passing through. Not exactly a guide then. The bus trip was along the motorway but scenic. Similarly the river cruise, where information was given via recorded messages. The trip through the lock gates were particularly interesting. Lunch was very good with plenty of local wine. Certainly worth the money.
The best tour I’ve been
It was wonderful to be able to enjoy such a wide variety of wines and great sightseeing. The trip with the friendly guide and fellow travelers left my husband and me with unforgettable memories. Guide Slimmy's singing was also the best. Manuel was also the best driver. I would love to use this service again!