We are open today until 6:30 pm. Call 020 7664 2268
Porto, Portugal

Porto & the Douro Valley

An epicurean's haven

Tailor-made holidays to Porto & the Douro Valley

Introduction

With even its name predicated on its rich trading past, Porto’s merchants have seen the vineyard delights of the picturesque Douro Valley attract everything from Moorish palaces to Baroque grandeur. Our tailor-made self-drives and river cruises take in the best of this spellbinding region. Speak to our specialists to start planning your perfect Portugal holiday.

A rich history in Porto

As the country’s second city, Porto has a charm all of its own. Centuries of a hands-off approach to town planning have resulted in a maze of historic alleyways that twist among a tumble of terracotta rooftops. They lead down, past grand squares, to the glittering good looks of its waterfront, where riverside cafés look out to that great architectural marvel – the Gustave Eiffel-inspired Dom Luís I Bridge. Its double decker construction brings railway passengers, motorists and pedestrians alike to Gaia, a district on the city’s southern banks where centuries-old merchant houses still host port tasting sessions.

But, it’s on the northern side that you’ll find Porto’s centrepieces. Highlights include the golden Baroque glam of the Igreja de São Francisco, the neoclassical severity of the city’s cathedral and the 17th century blue-and-white tiles of the Igreja da Misericórdia, depicting grand, classical artwork.


Porto's Old Town, Portugal

Portugal's Douro Valley

The same river that flows through Porto carved the Douro Valley – a route mapped by scenic railway journeys, drives and cruises. And, as you swap city bustle for World Heritage verdure, you’ll be greeted by row upon row of rolling hills. It’s all host to nearly three millennia of winemaking heritage, found across vineyards carved right into the region’s green undulations.


The Douro Valley

This spectacular scenery is punctuated by an equally appealing human history. Culinary traditions still thrive among backcountry villages and banquets laid out in 300-year-old aristocratic houses while medieval fortifications line rivers and perch atop cragged escarpments.


 

Read more

Special offers in Porto & the Douro Valley

Douro river at Porto, Portugal

Enticing Douro on AmaDouro

8-day luxury river cruise from £3,175 pp incl. flights

Special
cruise offer

Free flights from the UK on selected dates
Book by: 31 March 2024

Join AmaWaterways to explore the pretty towns and rambling vineyards of Portugal's Douro River Valley, with a host of included excursions bringing to life the beauty and history of the world’s oldest demarcated wine region.

Portugal's Douro River Valley aboard MS Estrela, APT Travelmarvel

Douro Discovery with APT Travelmarvel

8-day river cruise from £1,895 pp incl. flights

Special
cruise offer

Save up to 35%
Book by: 31 March 2024

Explore the rich history and world-leading wines of northern Portugal and Spain on this superb-value APT Travelmarvel cruise, sailing aboard their brand-new river ship, MS Estrela, along the picturesque Douro River.

Top itineraries in Porto & the Douro Valley

Traditional boats on the Douro River, Porto

Porto & the Douro Valley

5-day tailor-made break from £1,240 pp incl. flights

The perfect introduction to Portugal, this short break combines the historic charm of Porto and the rolling viticulture of the Douro Valley with stays in some of the region's finest hotels.

Pinhao

Porto & Douro Valley in Style

6-day tailor-made self-drive from £1,350 pp incl. flights

Stay at the luxurious Yeatman Hotel overlooking Porto and the Douro River, then hit the scenic roads into the Douro Valley for three nights surrounded by the vineyards of Portugal's preeminent wine-making region.

Porto, Douro River, Portugal

Porto, Lisbon and the Algarve

9-day tailor-made self-drive from £2,035 pp incl. flights

With included car hire and stays in luxurious accommodation this is your chance to combine Portugal's two greatest cities, Porto and Lisbon, with five days relaxing on the beaches of the Algarve.

Old Town, Porto, Portugal

Historic Porto and Madeira

8-day tailor-made holiday from £1,090 pp incl. flights

Famous for its friendly people, wonderful local flora, and year-round mild climate, Madeira must be one of the most beautiful islands in Europe. It makes a perfect pairing with Portugal's second city, Porto. Overlooking the mouth of the Douro River, UNESCO-listed Porto has a rich and varied history.

See all itinerary ideas

Top places to stay in Porto & the Douro Valley

Infinity Pool, The Yeatman, Porto

The Yeatman, Porto

4-night luxury holiday from £1,115 pp incl. flights & transfers

Between private balcony views of the city and a Michelin-starred restaurant, it’s not difficult to see why the Yeatman is an exalted member of the Relais and Châteaux collection of luxury hotels.

Pestana Palacio do Freixo

Pestana Palacio do Freixo, Porto

Grand & elegant hotel

Boasting Leading Hotels of the World status, Pestana Palácio do Freixo offers unmatched luxury on the tranquil outskirts of Portugal's beguiling world Heritage Site city of Porto

Quinta da Pacheca

Quinta da Pacheca Wine House Hotel, Douro Valley

Guide price from £510 pp incl. flights

Blending the old-world charm of a beautifully restored historic manor house with the modern innovations of its 'wine barrel' accommodation, this Douro River wine hotel offers an immersive world-class wine experience like no other.

Six Senses Douro Valley

Six Senses Douro Valley

Contemporary hotel

This is the first European Six Senses resort – the brand is celebrated for their luxury hotels in Asia. They’ve brought the same sophisticated style to the Douro, renovating an impressive old manor house into a superb retreat.

See all places to stay

When to go to Porto & the Douro Valley

Average temperature (℃)
Average rainfall (mm)
  • 30
  • 20
  • 10
  • 0
  • 200
  • 150
  • 100
  • 50
  • 0

Jan

Feb

Mar

Apr

May

Jun

Jul

Aug

Sep

Oct

Nov

Dec

Max temp Min temp Rainfall

Porto & the Douro Valley articles

Madeira, Portugal

10 driving holidays in Spain & Portugal

From wild coastlines and beach curves to mountain peaks and rolling countryside, the charms of the Iberian Peninsula are seemingly endless. To help point you in the right direction our destination experts have put together the following self-drive routes that showcase the best of it all.

Best Food and Wine in the World

The best food and wine holidays in the world

From nectorial white wines to ambrosial game meats, we have hand-picked our favourite food and wine holidays around the world, including highlights from South Africa, Chile and France.

Meet our Porto & the Douro Valley experts

Speak to a tailor-made specialist on 020 7664 2268

Meet the team

Why book with Wexas Travel?

At Wexas, we specialise in bespoke travel experiences. Our itineraries are just samples of what we can arrange, and can be changed depending on your precise needs, finances and ideas by our experienced destination specialists.

Contact one of our consultants on 020 7664 2268 to discuss how we can tailor your holiday.

Learn why Wexas is the leader in creating luxury holidays. What is tailor-made travel?

Expert advice & support

Visit us in our London office

Let our travel specialists curate the perfect holiday:

  • Inspirational ideas based on experience
  • Established for over 50 years
  • Tailor a holiday to your precise requirements
  • Personalised quotes and documentation

Every step of the way

Every step of the way

Our services are with you from start to finish:

  • Dedicated personal consultants
  • Free airport lounges on qualifying bookings
  • Care and guidance pre, post and during holiday
  • Full financial security: ABTA & ATOL protected