Samodaes to Vila Real and Mateus Palace: Private day trip
Private ride with a local driver
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About your trip
Travel from Samodães with a private driver to the noble streets of Vila Real and the tranquil beauty of Mateus Palace, where gardens bloom and history breathes in stone and still water. This round trip pairs cultural richness with vineyard views, offering a perfect blend of aristocratic heritage and Douro Valley charm.
Dedicate 90 minutes to Vila Real, visiting São Pedro Church and local shops at your own pace. Then, a 10-minute drive leads to Mateus Palace for another 90 minutes exploring the manicured grounds and tasting Mateus rosé (optionally) at your leisure. Your professional driver orchestrates a compact 4–5 hour escape from Samodães, managing all the navigation and logistics to ensure a seamless and comfortable journey.
What to expect
Your day trip begins wherever you are
Meet our professional driver right where you prefer in Samodaes whenever suits you best. No time wasted getting to the pickup point, grab your bag and start your trip right away.Discover more with local expertise
Your driver’s local insights will set the tone for your day trip. A hidden café here, a must-try restaurant there; insider tips you’ll love sharing later. This isn’t a guided tour but your ride will be rich with stories and discoveries along the way. And throughout the day, your driver will be available for you as needed, ready to assist, happy to help, making your trip stress-free.Explore at your own pace
Perfect for any private group
Whether you're traveling solo, as a family with kids, or as a large group, this service is tailored for your comfort and flexibility. It's the ideal option especially if you have limited time or a busy schedule.Good to know
- Two-way private car transfer
- Air-conditioned vehicle
- Personalized pickup and drop-off
- Professional English-speaking driver
- Complimentary bottled water
- Free cancellation 24 hours before departure
- Entry/Admission tickets to paid attractions Vila Real, Mateus Palace, St. Anthony's viewpoint, and Terraced Vineyards of the Douro Valley should be purchased separately unless specified otherwise
- Meals, snacks, and gratuity are not included
Your trip at a glance
Your trip at a glance




Granite elegance and lilac gardens meet mountain air and noble flavors in timeless Vila Real.
Cradled between mountains and vineyards, Vila Real whispers of nobility and nature in perfect balance. Begin your visit in the Centro Historico, where granite manors and wrought-iron balconies speak of centuries past, and bakeries tempt with local sweets. Then stroll to the Igreja de Sao Domingos and onward to the UTAD Botanical Garden, where native plants bloom beside mountain views. End at the nearby Mateus Palace & Gardens, or take in sweeping panoramas from Miradouro da Vila Velha or Meia Laranja. Before you go, try local ham, goat cheese, and a glass of Douro wine — it’s Vila Real on a plate.




A palace of still waters, sculpted gardens, and noble silence — where time slows in elegance.
With its Baroque facade reflected in tranquil ponds, Mateus Palace is one of Portugal’s most iconic estates. Walk through carved ceilings, antique furniture, and a breathtaking library, while outside, sculpted hedges, rose gardens, and lemon trees scent the air. The experience is both regal and deeply serene.










