Private tours to the Douro Valley understandably cost more than small group tours, so they’re not the right choice for everyone. Having explored the Douro Valley independently, on small group tours and on a private tour, I’d say the extra cost is justified if you value flexibility, exclusive winery visitsRead More →
If you only have one day to explore the Douro Valley, you’ve essentially got three choices: join a small group tour, book a private tour or organise the day yourself. I’ve explored the Douro Valley all three ways over several visits and each has its advantages. The journey from Porto takesRead More →
Lamego is one of the most interesting towns in Portugal’s Douro Valley, known for its monumental baroque staircase, historic centre, sparkling wine and cultural attractions. I often recommend it to people who want a break from vineyard visits and river cruises without losing the character and atmosphere of the Douro.Read More →
Last updated March 2026 Trying to decide where to stay in the Douro Valley? Choosing the right base here makes a big difference to your experience, especially given how spread out the region is. My insider guide will help you with your choice. The breathtakingly beautiful Douro wine region hasRead More →
The Douro Valley is one of Portugal’s most beautiful wine regions, and one I return to regularly, both for its UNESCO World Heritage landscapes and to help travellers plan their time there wisely. Despite its popularity, it’s also one of the most misunderstood destinations when it comes to planning aRead More →
I love the fact that my work includes developing walking holidays with a Portuguese tour operator. I get to go on amazing hikes in the Portuguese countryside and write the descriptions and route instructions for their clients. And blog about the experience! One of their latest self-guided hiking tours coversRead More →
The southern side of the Douro Valley gets far less attention than the north, which makes it perfect for an off-the-beaten-track walking holiday. I had the privilege of experiencing this 1-week, self-guided hiking vacation in the Douro wine region while working on the written descriptions and route instructions that theRead More →
Much of the Douro Valley’s tourism is currently centred between Lamego and Pinhão but the wine-producing activity extends way beyond the Douro River, to the town of São João da Pesqueira and beyond. The small town in the hills to the south of the river, after which this Douro sub-districtRead More →
I get lots of enquiries from people who are interested in hiking in the Douro Valley. After all, it’s a stunning part of Portugal with its ever-changing mosaic of terraced vineyards, olive groves and small villages. When the weather is not at its extremes, exploring this region on foot canRead More →
