Touring in the Douro

Ready to enjoy the landscapes of the Douro river, holding a glass of portwine to taste?

portwine touring.

From porto to the Pocinho. A magnificent & breathtaking train ride through the douro valley

Gateway to the Douro Valley

Leaving Porto, your next stop is the town of Regua, a major hub for Port wine production. Here, the Douro river widens and the landscape shifts from urban to rustic. You will want to visit the Douro Museum, which brilliantly traces the history of the region's wine production. Take the chance to sample some of the region's finest at the various wine estates sprinkled across the town.

Train Tickets and Schedule

Tickets for this unforgettable journey are available online or at the São Bento railway station in Porto. The ticket, priced at €40 for a day tour, includes the round-trip train ride and entry to select wineries and museums. The Port wine tour train departs from São Bento station at 9:25 AM every day except Sunday, providing ample time to enjoy Porto's morning charm before your departure. After a two-hour ride filled with mesmerizing views, you arrive at Regua around 11:30 AM, ready to start your exploration.

Pinhão: The Heart of Port Wine Country

After departing from Regua, the train snakes its way to Pinhão, arguably the most picturesque town in the Douro Valley. The Pinhão railway station itself is a work of art, adorned with azulejos (hand-painted tiles) depicting scenes from the vineyards. Spend your afternoon visiting quintas (wine estates), where you can stroll through the vineyards, learn about the winemaking process, and sample exquisite Ports. The train pulls into Pinhão at approximately 12:15 PM.

Tua: A Port Wine Oasis

The train continues to Tua, an enchanting small town nestled in the mountains. The highlight here is undoubtedly the old Tua railway station, a reminder of bygone times. After exploring Tua, rest and refuel at one of the town's riverside restaurants, offering local cuisines paired with the region's finest Ports. The train arrives at Tua around 1:05 PM.

Pocinho: The End of the Line

The final stop is Pocinho, a quiet town that offers captivating panoramic views of the Douro Valley. It's the perfect location to reflect on the day's journey and enjoy one last glass of Port before the sun sets. You'll arrive at Pocinho around 2:45 PM. The train back to Porto departs at 4:37 PM, giving you plenty of time to soak up the last of the Douro Valley before returning to the city's lights.

Amarante

Enjoy the city of Amarante - Portugal

When you visit Porto and will discover the Douro Valley, don’t forget to stop at the lovely city of Amarnte

Nestled in the northern hills of Portugal, the town of Amarante feels like stepping into a timeless postcard. The Tâmega River, winding gently through the heart of the town, reflects the pastel hues of the buildings that hug its banks, creating an ever-changing canvas of light and color. It's a place where history and nature intertwine, offering serenity to all who visit.

As I approached the iconic São Gonçalo Bridge, I was struck by its stoic elegance. The stone arches, standing tall since the 18th century, bore the weight of both time and tales—reminders of battles fought and lives changed. The bridge connects not just the two halves of the town but also the rich layers of its history, leading you from cobblestone streets to open vistas of the river.

The Tâmega River, calm and glass-like, seemed alive with reflections. The gentle ripples caught the image of the bridge’s arches, the overhanging trees, and the church of São Gonçalo—a sanctuary perched proudly by the water’s edge. Every step across the bridge brought a new perspective, the interplay of light and shadow constantly shifting on the water's surface. It was as though the town and its river shared a secret conversation, one whispered only to those who paused to listen.

On one side of the bridge, the church bells chimed, their sound mingling with the soft murmur of the river. On the other, a small market buzzed with life. Locals sold everything from freshly baked pão de ló to handmade crafts, the rich aroma of roasted chestnuts mingling with the crisp autumn air. I stopped to try a glass of vinho verde, a light, sparkling wine that perfectly matched the liveliness of the town.

Walking along the riverbank, I found a bench beneath an ancient plane tree. From there, I watched the world unfold—a fisherman casting his line, children skipping stones, and an artist sketching the scene. The late afternoon sun dipped lower, casting a golden glow over Amarante. The reflections on the water turned fiery orange and soft pink, mirroring the sky above. It felt as though the town itself was breathing, alive with stories of its past and present.

As night fell, the lamps along the bridge flickered to life, their glow dancing on the river. The town grew quieter, and the reflections deepened into shades of mystery and romance. It was then that I truly felt the magic of Amarante—a place where the soul of Portugal lingers in every stone, every ripple, and every reflection on the water.

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