Porto and the Douro Valley
Historic city charm, exceptional wines and the tranquillity of the Douro Valley
From city streets to vineyard retreats
This five-day journey combines the architectural character and culinary energy of Porto with the slower pleasures of the Douro Valley. Beginning at The Yeatman in Vila Nova de Gaia and continuing to Six Senses Douro Valley, it brings together historic neighbourhoods, Port wine, scenic river landscapes, private vineyard visits and time to settle into one of Portugal’s most restorative countryside retreats.
- Duration
- 4 nights / 5 days
- Best time to visit
- Spring to early summer and September to October
- Route
- Porto → Vila Nova de Gaia → Douro Valley → Pinhão → Porto
- Accommodation
- The Yeatman and Six Senses Douro Valley
- Included
- Private city tour, Port wine tasting, vineyard visits and a private Douro River experience
- Price
- Rates from €5,000 per couple
Highlights
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Porto, perfectly paced
Explore Porto's historic centre with a private guide, from the tiled splendour of São Bento Station to the colourful Ribeira waterfront. Across the river in Vila Nova de Gaia, discover the traditions of Port wine through private cellar visits and tastings, before returning to The Yeatman for exceptional dining and panoramic city views.
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Among the vines
Journey east into the Douro Valley, where terraced vineyards rise above the winding river. Visit historic quintas for private tastings and regional cuisine, explore the landscape aboard a private boat and discover the winemaking traditions that have shaped this UNESCO-listed region for generations.
A slower rhythm
Settle into Six Senses Douro Valley, a beautifully restored manor house surrounded by vineyards and gardens. Unwind with restorative spa treatments, seasonal dining and private wine experiences, or simply enjoy the tranquillity of the countryside, where the pace of the journey becomes entirely your own.
The week, day by day
Arrive in Porto
Arrive into Porto and transfer privately to Vila Nova de Gaia. Check in to The Yeatman, allowing time to settle into the hotel and enjoy its panoramic setting above the Douro. Spend the afternoon at leisure, perhaps with a treatment at the Wine Spa or a first tasting in the hotel’s wine cellar. In the evening, dine at The Yeatman Gastronomic Restaurant, where contemporary Portuguese cuisine is paired with wines from across the country. The restaurant is open for dinner from Tuesday to Saturday, so the dining arrangement should be planned around the day of arrival.
Porto’s historic centre and Port wine
Begin with a privately guided exploration of Porto’s historic centre, taking in São Bento Station, the Sé district, Igreja de São Francisco and the riverside lanes of Ribeira. Continue across the Dom Luís I Bridge for views back towards the city and the Douro. In the afternoon, return to Vila Nova de Gaia for a private visit and tasting at one of the historic Port wine lodges. This offers a deeper understanding of the region’s fortified wines, from the ageing process in the Gaia cellars to the distinctive styles produced by the Douro’s leading estates. The evening is left open for dinner at one of our favourite restaurants in Porto or at The Yeatman’s more relaxed Orangerie restaurant.
Porto to the Douro Valley
Leave Porto by private vehicle and travel into the Douro Valley, following the changing landscape from the Atlantic city towards the vineyard-covered hillsides of the Corgo and Douro. The route can be shaped around a visit to a carefully selected quinta for a private tour, tasting and regional lunch. Continue to Six Senses Douro Valley and check in to the restored manor house overlooking the terraced vineyards and river. Spend the remainder of the afternoon enjoying the gardens, swimming pools or spa before dinner at the resort. Six Senses offers a particularly strong sense of place through its seasonal cuisine, local wines and vineyard setting.
The Douro by river and vineyard
Today is dedicated to the landscapes and wines of the Douro. Begin with a private boat excursion from Pinhão, travelling along the river between the terraced hillsides and historic wine estates. A private cruise allows the pace to remain unhurried, with time for photographs, a locally prepared lunch or a stop at a riverside quinta. Six Senses also arranges exclusive boat experiences, including morning and sunset options. Continue with a privately guided visit to one or two of the valley’s most characterful producers, balancing a larger historic estate with a smaller, more personal quinta where appropriate. Depending on the season, the day could include a vineyard walk, a winemaking experience or grape-stomping during the harvest months of September and October. Return to Six Senses for a restorative spa treatment, a wine tasting with the resort’s sommelier or an evening at leisure overlooking the valley. The hotel’s spa includes indoor and outdoor pools, vitality facilities and treatments inspired by the local landscape and grape-growing traditions.
Douro Valley and departure
Enjoy a final slow morning at Six Senses Douro Valley, with time for breakfast, a short walk through the gardens or one last swim. Those departing later may wish to visit the nearby town of Lamego, including the monumental staircase of Nossa Senhora dos Remédios, or take a scenic route through the surrounding vineyards. Continue by private transfer to Porto Airport or onwards to the next destination.
What defines this stay
Historic Porto
Colourful riverside streets, architectural treasures and privately guided discoveries.
The Yeatman
Panoramic city views, exceptional gastronomy and refined luxury above the Douro.
Port wine
Private cellar visits and tastings in the historic lodges of Vila Nova de Gaia.
The Douro Valley
Terraced vineyards, historic wine estates and spectacular river landscapes.
Life on the river
A private boat journey through the heart of Portugal's celebrated wine region.
Six Senses Douro Valley
Restorative spa experiences, seasonal dining and peaceful vineyard surroundings.
Make this stay your own
All itineraries are 100% customisable to your liking. Get in touch to speak with one of our travel advisors.