Porto to Amarante and Douro Valley: Guided full-day tour

Pastel charm, riverfront strolls, and pastries with legend - Amarante is elegance wrapped in stone and sweetness.

With pastel facades, wooden balconies, and the calm shimmer of the Tamega River, Amarante is pure northern Portuguese romance. Begin at the Ponte de Sao Goncalo, then explore the riverside promenade and the Igreja de Sao Goncalo, where azulejo-lined chapels and love legends await. A short walk brings you to the Museu Amadeo de Souza-Cardoso, a striking space showcasing Portugal’s modernist soul. End with a sweet stop for Bolos de Sao Goncalo or papos de anjo, best enjoyed with a view of the water or from Calcada Eduardo Teixeira Pinto, where the light hits just right.

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.

Explore Pinhao, a charming village famed for its winemaking and glistening riverfront views.

Wrapped in the Douro Valley’s marvelous slopes, Pinhao is a postcard-perfect village where azulejos will entrance you and the air smells of sun-warmed grapes. Begin your 90-minute visit at the Pinhao Railway Station, where hand-painted tiles depict the region’s winemaking heritage. Stroll the riverfront, watching boats drift by on the golden Douro. Head to Quinta do Bomfim for a short vineyard walk and a tasting of regional wines. If time allows, wander a stretch of the Caminho do Divino Espírito Santo for panoramic views. Before leaving, savor a bite of Alheira sausage or a hearty feijoada at a local cafe.