Things to do in Amarante

Explore the stunning beauty of the Douro Valley on a tour to 2 wine estates. Make a quick stop at the town of Amarante and taste regional wines at both wine estates. Sit down to a delicious lunch before sailing through the lush landscapes of the Douro Valley on a river cruise. Begin your tour in Porto and learn about the region's history and wine while driving to the Douro valley. Stop for a coffee break in the historic town of Amarante and admire the town's Church and Convent of São Gonçalo, or purchase some of the pastries at one of the iconic pastry shops. Continue to a wine estate in Sabrosa. Enjoy a guided tour of a family-owned wine estate. Learn about and try 3 of the estate's wines during a guided tasting. Savor a lunch paired with red and white Douro wines while overlooking the vineyards. After lunch, drive to Pinhão, with a photo stop at São Cristovão viewpoint. Take in panoramic views of the Douro valley. See where the Pinhão river joins with the waters of the Douro River before embarking on a cruise at Pinhão.  In the afternoon, take a guided tour of a famous wine estate (Quinta da Roeda – Croft/Taylor’s group or Quinta São Luiz – Kopke/Burmester group). Uncover the history of the vineyard and the secrets if the wine-making processes. Taste 3 of their fine wines before returning to Porto by one of the world's most scenic roads, the N222.

Gain some insight into the Douro Valley's history and landscapes. Take a guided tour of the city of Amarante, known as the city of love, sweets, and art. Be amazed by the breathtaking view from one of the most beautiful viewpoints of the entire Douro region, the viewpoint of São Leonardo da Galafura. The Douro Valley is the oldest demarcated wine region in the world. It is also classified as a World Heritage Site. There are many other things to discover in the valley, including its rich culture, history, cuisine, and traditions. This region is known for its unique landscape, where the river is beautifully flanked by green mountains on both sides, forming an interesting V shape. These mountains not only flank the river but also serve a very important purpose: they are the soil where the vineyards are cultivated in terraces, making this view even more fantastic. For lunch, experience a 3-course traditional Douro meal (comprised of an appetizer, the main course, and a dessert) paired with local Douro wines. After lunch, enjoy a 1-hour panoramic river cruise from Pinhão, and fall in love with all the landscape and vineyards that surround you. Then is time for a visit with a local guide to a renowned winery (Quinta da Roêda, Taylor’s/Croft brands or Quinta São Luiz, Kopke/Calém brands), where you will learn about the production process of the famous Port wine and also enjoy a tasting of 3 different wines produced at the winery. After a day in good company, head back to Porto.

Take a trip by bus along the Douro River to discover charming riverside towns and landscapes on this full-day bus tour from Porto. Enjoy picturesque views of the famous river that flows between mountains, experience local traditions and food, and visit the birthplace of one of the world’s most beloved drinks, Port. Stop at the town of Amarante on the bank of the river, and see the historic Monastery of Saint Gonçalo, which dates back to the 16th century. Enjoy a tasting of some of the region’s finest Port before we continue to the Pinhão parish on the rolling hills of the Alijó area. Take in more spectacular views of the hillside vineyards and the lush valleys. Explore more of this UNESCO World Heritage site and see historic Roman settlements before we return to Porto in the evening.

A perfect trip for wine lovers, don't miss this day trip through the region that gave us Port wine. Leave Porto and head for your first stop in your Douro Valley tour, the town of Amarante. With its traditional streets and buildings made from local granite, here you can explore unique sites and noteworthy monuments, such as the Convent and Church of São Gonçalo, and a beautiful and imposing bridge. If you prefer, you can also visit the municipal Amadeo de Souza-Cardoso Museum. Continue your trip through the city of Régua on your way to Pinhao, stopping at a viewing point in Mesão Frio. In Régua, admire the beautiful stained glass windows of Casa do Douro that illustrate the history of how barrels of wine were first transported in Rabelo boats down the Douro River. In Pinhão, see the city's famous train station, built in 1879, as well as the Douro Museum where you'll become familiar with the whole history of Port wine. Pinhão features a scenic landscape of rivers, valleys, vineyards, and houses climbing up the slopes.   You will walk along the river, passing through the train station with its typical tiles and then head to a farm for a Port wine tasting - the perfect way to finish off this Port adventure.

On this tour, you will visit four locations in the Douro Valley. First stop is Amarante. Stroll through the historic center, walk through the old streets, see the typical houses and the history that the city counts, with the river and the bridge. For those who like to appreciate the ancient architecture, in Amarante, mainly in the historical center, there are numerous examples of the Romanesque and still many buildings of the Middle Ages along S. Gonçalo bridge. Enjoy some of the most touristic points of the city such as the Church and Convent of São Gonçalo and the Amadeo de Souza-Cardoso Museum. Next stop is Vila Real where the masterpiece will be the Palace of Mateus, known for the Mateus Rose wine, a baroque mansion from the 18th century, considered to be one of the most elegant mansions in Europe and is attributed to the Italian architect Nicolau Nasoni. The palace is surrounded by a fantasist garden, with some formations and line of hedges, carved statues and a harmonious walk of cypresses. You will then head to the Pinhao Train Station, one of the most beautiful places in the Douro region. The station was built in the nineteenth century, its tiles representing the landscape and the life of the people in this region, with images of Port wine production from the harvest, the peculiar tread of the grapes with the feet, and the transport of wine in rabelos boats. You will then visit a local winery where you will be shown the different aspects of winemaking and also taste some of the best wines in the world.

Day 1: Lisbon Spend a full day exploring Portugal's charming capital city. Take a guided walking tour and become acquainted with one of Europe's most fascinating cities. With your informative guide, see and learn about some of this city's most famous historical landmarks. Return to your hotel in Lisbon and stay overnight (not included).   Day 2: Sintra, Cascais, and Estoril On the second day, visit Sintra, the Portuguese Aristocracy paradise and discover the charm of its narrow alleys and the typical shops. Visit a local pastry shop where the famous sweets Queijadas de Sintra and Travesseiros de Sintra will be waiting for you. Then, customize your tour and choose from the many palaces to visit in the area, including Quinta da Regaleira and Moorish Castle Palaçio da Pena. Later, visit the geological formation of Cabo da Roca, also known as "The Snout of the Rock" or "Promontory of the Moon," and marvel at the unimaginable beauty of the area. Next, it's time to explore Cascais, an ancient fisherman village turned beautiful and cosmopolitan beach resort. Return to your hotel in Lisbon and stay overnight (not included). Day 3: Lisbon, Fatima, Coimbra, and Oporto On the third day, escape the bustle of Lisbon and head out to Fatima, where you'll visit three places of interest and attend a mass (optional). Then, make your way to Coimbra and start the tour of the city at the oldest University in Europe. See the highlights including the Joanine library, built in the XVIII century on the grounds of the former prison of the University and marvel at one of the most beautiful libraries in the world, Then, transfer to your hotel in Oporto and stay overnight (not included). Day 4: Oporto and Gaia Start your day tour of Oporto at the central Avenida dos Aliados, a famous spot for celebrations and events. Admire the imposing Oporto Municipal Council building. Walk around the city center and past the Lello Bookstore with its renowned staircase, known for its link to the Harry Potter series. Then visit Gaia, a hub of the port wine industry where the wine is being aged in hundreds of different cellars. Visit a local winery, where you will be shown the various aspects of winemaking and also taste some of the best wines in the world. At the end of your day, return to your hotel in Oporto and stay overnight (not included) Day 5: Douro Valley Check-out at your hotel in Oporto and take your luggage with you as you will be taken to the airport in Lisbon or Oporto at the end of the day (if desired). The day starts with a visit to Amarante in the Douro Valley, where you can see numerous examples of the Romanesque and medieval buildings. Then, stroll along the S. Gonçalo bridge and enjoy some of the most popular sites of the city, including the Church and Convent of São Gonçalo and the Amadeo de Souza-Cardoso Museum. Next, head over to the market where you see vendors selling the delicious S. Gonçalo sweets, always a source of curiosity and great laughter due to their phallic appearance.

Visit The Douro Valley with a multilingual guide. See a World Heritage site, and visit one of the oldest wine-producing regions in the world. Traverse unique landscapes and try delicious wine, olive oils, and a local lunch. Meet your guide in Porto, then travel by van to the Douro Valley. First, ample the amazing treats from the valley: almonds, its traditional bread, and its delicious honey, all paired with Douro's red, white, and rosé wines. Then, head to the Pinhão train station, where you can see the history of Douro's wine industry in the typical blue and white Portuguese tiles. Visit the Olive Oil Museum, or go for an optional boat tour for an additional price. Next, visit a family-owned winery with access to an exclusive lunch menu paired with white, red, and Port wines. After lunch, try a Port wine tasting of several different vintages. Finally, visit Amarante for a treat before heading back to Porto and concluding your tour.

Experience a fantastic 8-day tour of Portugal’s beautiful cities, and enjoy a week full of exciting and interesting activities. Day 1 (Wednesday): Arrival in Lisbon Transfer from the airport to your hotel in Lisbon. You have the rest of the day to spend as you wish, for example you can use this day to enjoy a stroll through the city. Overnight stay with breakfast at a 3 or 4-star hotel. Day 2 (Thursday): Lisbon Explore Lisbon on a scenic drive through the old town to Alfama, the oldest district of the city. Afterwards you will visit the Jerónimos Monastery, home to one of the most beautiful cloisters in the world. You will then continue on to Belém Tower and the Monument to the Discoveries before heading back to the hotel. Overnight stay with breakfast at a 3 or 4-star hotel. Day 3 (Friday): Lisbon – Coimbra Leave the capital city and drive to the picturesque village of Óbidos, where you can enjoy a relaxing stroll. Afterwards you will head to the traditional fishing village of Nazaré, where you will visit the famous Monastery of Batalha. Continue on to Fátima, the largest place of pilgrimage in Portugal which attracts 4 to 6 million pilgrims every year. From there you can take a trip to the traditional university city of Coimbra. Overnight stay with breakfast at a 3 or 4-star hotel. Day 4 (Saturday): Coimbra – Porto Enjoy a tour of the Baroque library and St. Michael’s Chapel of the oldest university in Portugal, which was founded in 1291. Afterwards you will drive to Porto, the second largest city in the country. Here you can enjoy an extensive panoramic tour of the city to the cathedral. You will then visit the old stock exchange of Porto – the Palácio da Bolsa – before sampling local wine at a famous port winery. Overnight stay with breakfast at a 3 or 4-star hotel. Day 5 (Sunday): Porto – Vila Real Today you will leave the capital of the north and head to the green province of Minho, where you will explore the region of Vinho Verde (green wine). Visit the old town of Braga, which is also known as the Rome of Portugal. You will then head to the sanctuary of Bom Jesus do Monte with a monumental stairway. Afterwards you will drive to the city of Guimarães, the cradle of Portugal. Explore the old town and the Palace of the Dukes of Braganza. You will then drive through Amarante to Vila Real. Overnight stay with breakfast at a 3 or 4-star hotel. Day 6 (Monday): Vila Real – Guarda After breakfast you will drive to the station of Vila Real. Travel by train through the Port wine region, and along the Corgo River to Régua. Enjoy a fantastic trip to Lamego, known for Presunto (dry-cured ham), where you can take a break. Continue on through Viseu to the city of Guarda at 1,000 meters above sea level. Overnight stay with breakfast at a 3 or 4-star hotel. Day 7 (Tuesday): Guarda – Lisbon Today you will head through the mountainous areas of Portugal to the city of Castelo Branco. Explore the gardens of the Bishop’s Palace before heading towards the city of Tomar. There you will visit the Templar Castle before driving back to Lisbon. Overnight stay with breakfast at a 3 or 4-star hotel. Day 8 (Wednesday): Depart Lisbon Transfer to the airport in Lisbon.