Douro river valley
Explore the golden landscapes around the winding river
Wine and port
Taste the region's most famous export
Boat cruises
Sail downriver and admire the views on a boat trip
Scenic hiking
Spend days exploring the region's stunning hiking trails
Discover Portugal's port wine region
The Douro River winds its way from the north of Spain, along the Portuguese border and eastward to Porto where it meets the sea. Roughly midway on its course across Portugal, a stretch of its waters is flanked by a dramatic valley covered in bright green rows of grape vines. This is the Alto Douro, where wine has been produced for some 2000 years. Becoming the first wine growing region in the world to be formally demarcated in 1756, it is now a UNESCO World Heritage protected landscape.
It is most famous for its port, a sweet brandy fortified wine that must originate in this valley to be considered the genuine article. Naturally, your luxury Douro Valley experience wouldn’t be complete without a tasting or two. There are a wonderful array of traditional and boutique growers to discover on tours and tastings, where you’ll get a first-hand look into the process of growing and making the famous drink.
There are also some incredible vineyard stays in the area, putting you right at the heart of the action. Our favourites include Six Senses Douro Valley, part of Jacada’s Positive Impact Collection and perfectly situated for indulging in the region’s splendid grape harvest.
For Douro Valley family travel, the region’s sprinkling of historic towns and rustic villages are also wonderful to wander around, while the rugged mountains to east are home to the Côa Valley’s prehistoric rock art and some great hikes. Other popular activities in the area include challenging mountain biking, laid back river cruises and bird watching.
Highlights
Discover the history and processes behind 2,000 years of wine growing pedigree in the region
Explore the beauty of UNESCO World Heritage protected landscapes around golden vineyards and the Douro river on some fantastic hikes
Indulge in tours and tastings as you learn about local wines and port at boutique and traditional wineries
Luxury accommodation in Portugal
Why book with Jacada?
Personalised design
We’ll plan your trip around your specific interests, tastes and preferences, providing helpful tips and honest advice based on first-hand knowledge of the destination.
Authentic experiences
Our expert guides and brilliant travel concierges are hand-picked to provide a genuine experience, bringing your destination to life with care and passion.
Responsible travel
Our luxury trips are designed with responsible travel principles that prioritise travel experiences that are both good for you and good for the planet.
Trip Inspiration
Explore more of Portugal
Alentejo
Alentejo is a vast region of cork plantation, wheat fields, vineyards and clusters of historic hilltop towns.
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Algarve
Striking rock formations extend skywards from azure waters as the sun warms the sandy coastline. The southernmost part of Portugal, Algarve is most known for these Mediterranean beaches, quaint coves, fishing villages and luxurious hotels and eateries.
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The Azores
The Azores, an enchanting archipelago located in the Atlantic Ocean, is a hidden gem of natural beauty and cultural diversity. Comprised of nine volcanic islands, the Azores belongs to Portugal and holds a distinct identity that sets it apart from the mainland.
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Lisbon
Europe’s second oldest capital, Lisbon is an effortlessly elegant city, full of old-world charm. Lisbon has plenty to offer, with a plethora of museums and galleries as well as beautiful buildings covered in iconic azelujo tiles.
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Porto
Built on a steep riverbank, a jumble of colourful medieval houses hug the calm waters of the Douro River where wooden boats bob on the surface and people spill out of its cafes and bars, more often than not with a glass of the wine that gave the city its name.
Discover moreSintra
The Sintra municipality is one of the most picturesque and charming regions in Portugal, peppered with hilltop towns, pine forests, rolling hills and majestic historic architecture.
Discover moreMeet your Europe team
When to visit
To experience the grape harvest, the best time to visit the Douro Valley is in October. Not only will you get to watch the harvest in full swing – and sample its bountiful produce, you’ll also get to witness the region’s picturesque hills cloaked in a tapestry of rich orange, red and golden hues.
You can expect temperatures between 13°C–22°C (55°F–71°F), and generally pleasant weather during this time.
Wine harvest
October
Summer
June–August
Winter
December–February
Plan your trip to Douro Valley
Whatever you want from your adventure in Douro Valley, our team of expert travel designers are ready to help.
Behind the scenes in Portugal
Through the Positive Impact Collection, we celebrate the truly remarkable properties that make a meaningful difference in the world. Six Senses Douro Valley, a 19th-century manor, provides an unrivalled welcome into the Douro Valley, the world’s oldest demarcated wine region. Join us as we journey behind the scenes and explore the deep-rooted traditions of wine that have shaped this land for generations.
Plan with peace of mind
When you book a trip in today’s world there’s a lot to think about. But with the right advice and expert planning, you can do it with confidence.
If you book to travel with us but your plans are impacted by circumstances you can’t control, we’ll change your reservation or cancel your booking for a full credit towards future travel.
