Douro Valley Tour
So when it comes to exploring Porto's famous wine country, the Douro Valley, do you rent a car and pick out some wineries? Or do you let a guide dictate your schedule. A car rental may sound appealing at first...the thought of coming and going as you please; visiting specific vineyards of your choice; and making multiple pit stops to really capture those stellar views of the valley.
Realistically, can you navigate the winding roads and narrow side streets that only locals are familiar with? Will your GPS or phone be in service to guide you up and down the hills? Do your preferred vineyards accept private tours? Should you really be drinking at several wineries and expect to drive back to Porto in one piece? Maybe a tour isn't so bad after all.
There's nothing worse than being stuck on a boring tour, especially a tour you paid for. We've all been there before: a dull tour guide elaborates on historical dates and events that you'll never remember. You are surrounded by hundreds of tourists like sardines in a can. And what's worse is you can't completely escape because your tour bus is the only way back into town.
These are all reasons why we book most of the activities, dinner reservations and accommodations ourselves. There's no denying the immense work that goes into planning a getaway, but we wouldn't have it any other way. The most important things to us when we are on vacation are flexibility and the genuine sense of relaxation.
Cooltours, a company based out of Portugal has an excellent Douro Valley tour that includes transportation, lunch, wine tasting at two wineries and a cruise (additional 10€). If staying in central Porto, their minivan picks you up and drops you off right at your hotel or airbnb. Groups are no more than 6 to a vehicle. And for a 10 hour tour (about a quarter of the time is commuting), there was a good balance between activities and downtime.
We were very impressed with our tour guide who was knowledgeable in the wine making process and the history of Porto. She provided just enough interesting facts without overwhelming or overstimulating our group. At the same time, she was personable, down to earth and easy to interact with. Imagine having a professional driver who is capable of maneuvering serpentine paths...a local who can show you those instagramable spots in the Douro Valley...a foodie who will expose you to local Portuguese cuisine and wine...and a friend you can trust to safely drive you back home after a long day of drinking. That is a tour worth paying for.
Information
Price: ~90€/100€ with cruise
Duration: ~ 9-10 hours, including pick up and drop off at hotel/airbnb
Website: https://www.thecooltours.com/
Itinerary:
- Two separate stops to take pictures of the valley
- A visit to Pinhāo train station
- 1st winery with tasting
- Lunch
- 2nd winery with tasting
- Douro Valley cruise