Douro Valley Private Wine Tasting, Cruise & Mateus Palace Tour (from Porto) - FULL DAY

See the best of the Douro Valley on a private guided tour. Travel in the comfort of a luxury Mercedes to visit the famous Mateus Palace, visit wineries, experience a gourmet winery lunch, enjoy the option of sailing the Douro River on a traditional Rabelo boat, and drive one of the ‘most beautiful roads in the world’.

Tried and tested by the Winerist team we have chosen this tour as an excellent introduction to everything the Douro Valley has to offer. If you only have a day to spend in the Douro and you would like to see it with the comfort of your own private vehicle and guide for the day, we highly recommend this tour.  

Your Private Douro Valley Tour Itinerary

8.30 am: Your friendly guide will meet you at your hotel or pick-up point of your choice in Porto. Our recommended start time is 8.30 am but it can be adapted to your preferences. (Pick-ups are from within Porto, however, other locations can be accommodated but may be subject to an additional fee upon request).

Set off in your air-conditioned luxury Mercedes and enjoy the views as you are driven towards the Douro Valley and your first destination of the day, the splendid Mateus Palace.

Mateus Palace: Enjoy a guided tour of this important emblem of Northern Portugal's history. Built in the first half of the 18th century, in 1910 it was classified as a National Monument. Your tour will include the ornate manor house and the beautiful gardens and you will learn fascinating stories about its history as you go. You will recognise the palace as that which is depicted on the labels of the famous Mateus rosé wine. 

Winery visit and lunch: After your visit to the Mateus Palace your guide will take you onwards to visit a renowned winery set amongst the beautiful terraces of the Douro Valley. Explore the cellars and learn about the history of the winery and all about its winemaking processes. A traditional lunch will be served with specialities of the estate, paired with its highly regarded wines.  

Picturesque drive: After lunch, you will be driven along the famous N222 road, known as ‘one of the most beautiful roads in the world’!

Rabelo cruise or 2nd winery visit: In the afternoon you will have a choice of taking a relaxing river cruise or exploring a 2nd winery in the Douro Valley.

Rabelo cruise: Arriving in Pinhão you will embark on a traditional Rabelo boat for a relaxing cruise along the river. These boats were used to transport the Port wine from the Valley to the wine cellars in Porto. This is an opportunity to sit back and soak up the spectacular scenery as you sail along the historical Douro River. 

Winery visit: Enjoy another gorgeous Douro Valley estate, admiring the beautiful setting and tasting the wines that are explained, often by the winemakers themselves!

6.00 pm: After experiencing an amazing day in the Douro Valley, your guide will drive you back to the centre of Porto to your preferred drop-off location.

If you would like to spend a day in the Douro Valley as part of a small group tour please click here >

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Please note: No wine tasting or other beverages are offered on the cruise.