Travel Tips
A Bespoke River Cruise Experience in Douro Valley
08.09.2022
Experience the charm and relaxation afforded by a fantastic luxury river cruise in the Douro Valley, and discover the magnificent countryside, breathtaking river, and unique landscaping. Moreover, this bespoke cruise will take you through the heart of some of the most beautiful places in the Douro Valley. Furthermore, enjoy bucolic scenery and unique wineries that are famous for their vast history and tradition. This is “slow living” at its very best and most luxurious.
The Accommodation
The Vintage House Hotel
Located in an old 18th-century wine estate, this fantastic luxury hotel overlooks the vineyards and the Douro Valley, which the guests will appreciate during the stay's spectacular views. Furthermore, it has an outdoor swimming pool with a panoramic view of the river, spacious rooms with furnished balconies, a tennis court, and an on-site store with wine tasting rooms. Plus, the guests can relax in a lounge chair next to the pool and some leisure activities nearby include hiking and boat trips.
The Estates
Quinta Nova
Quinta Nova has an incredible 120 hectares, 85 of which are planted with vines. The beautiful 18th-century manor house is nowadays a wine hotel and besides this, the estate has also a baroque-style chapel dating from 1795, a 17th-century chapel by the river, orchards, a watermill, and a stunning 1764 winery. Here you will enjoy an exclusive guided tour through the vines and their historical winey, as well, as a unique tasting of five delicious wines Quinta Nova wines.
Quinta das Carvalhas
Quinta das Carvalhas is a property of immense beauty and grandiosity whose oldest written reference date back to 1759, although its expansion to the current 600 acres had happened more recently through the acquisition and subsequent land consolidation of several adjoining properties. It is, since 1950, owned by Real Companhia Velha - producer of Porto and Douro wines, founded in 1756 by a Royal Charter of King José I, King of Portugal - being the oldest Portuguese company. Moreover, in this incredible estate, you will visit the vineyards accompanied by the estate's Agricultural engineer, in which, you will learn exciting aspects of the estate and its wines. And of course, enjoy tasting the top wines of Quinta das Carvalhas paired with incredible cheeses and other delicacies.
Quinta do Seixo
Quinta do Seixo is breathtaking throughout the year, in a constant change of color and light. A magnificent landscape, shaped by man in shale terraces, a surprising contrast with the brightness of the Douro river and the view of the picturesque village of Pinhão nearby. The vineyard, with over 100 years, is a true heritage of many traditional Douro grape varieties that still resist the hardest conditions and temperatures, producing unique and top-quality wines. Being this said, while in his estate you will have a private guided tour through all of the Quinta and have an extended tasting of five Porto or Douro wines, including the much-awarded Sandeman Vau Vintage.
Quinta do Vallado
Quinta do Vallado consists of two buildings with different settings that combine tradition and modernity, a compound that was built and designed inspired by the Douro wine environment. The historic building of the Quinta - was built in 1733 and recently restored and the new building, built-in 2012 and designed by the Architect Francisco Vieira de Campos used mainly schist in this work. The 70 ha. (172 ac.) of the Quinta do Vallado vineyards are mostly based on the slopes of schist soil, facing south and west, allowing an optimal maturation of the grapes, and profiting from the Mediterranean climate. With 50 ha. (123 ac.) of vines aged between 11 and 18 years and 20 ha. (49 ac.) of the best vines with more than 80 years. Here you will also have a private guided visit with wine tasting, mainly in red and Port.
Quinta do Bomfim
Quinta do Bomfim is owned by the Symington family who has worked here for five generations. The famous estate is composed of a winery, a beautiful old wine cellar, and a vineyard. The family-made ports and wines may be tasted on the terrace with wonderful views of the Douro River and surrounding vineyards. Waiting for you in this spectacular estate is a private guided visit and a wine tasting composed by Dow’s LBV Dow’s 10-Year-Old Tawny Dow’s 1985 Vintage Port.
The Restaurants
While savoring all these amazing wine experiences, through the tour you will also enjoy the unique Portuguese gastronomy of the Douro region. One of the most memorable experiences of this tour is the unique Chef’s Table experience at Six Senses Restaurant. In this experience, you will enjoy a ten courses meal that is prepared and hosted by the Chef, right before your eyes. Follow the process and complete the experience with selected and marvelous wines, that will be perfectly paired with the served dishes. You will also experience incredible dishes from restaurants such as Rabelo Restaurant, Doc Restaurant owned by the awarded Michelin Chef Rui Paula, Quinta de La Rosa Restaurant, and Castas & Pratos.
Exclusive Boat Experiences
Enjoy an incredible 5-day luxury tour where we will show you the very best of Douro. Every detail is carefully selected so you have the utmost experience, enjoy the UNESCO sights and surprise your palate with combinations of gastronomic traditional flavors and embodied Douro wines. A 4-hour private cruise in a Vintage Boat is included for you to experience the relaxing and peaceful atmosphere. This is the tour for you to get to know the plentiful aromas of varied wineries in the region and the singularity of the Douro Valley.
By booking your tour in Portugal with us you will have flexibility in the future, plus an acquired "Clean and Safe" seal. Through these unique times, we are available to plan, reschedule, and move your trip around your needs, as always. Suppose your new dates may no longer work with your initial travel plan. In that case, a dedicated consultant will be available to tailor and reschedule your tour in Portugal according to your needs and preferences, and to assure you that you will have the best and most memorable experiences.