Portugal

To get a full refund, cancellation must be no less than 8 days before the local start time of the experience.

If traveler cancels their booking from 7 to 0 days before the local start time of the experience, no refund is provided.

Experience the Douro Valley by both river and hillside in this exclusive experience that blends scenic cruising, regional drinks, and vineyard heritage. You’ll begin aboard a silent, solar-powered boat, gliding past the terraced slopes that define the valley’s identity. Midway, you’ll step ashore and board a restored vintage Bedford van—the kind once used by local farmers—for a short climb into the hills.

Your destination is a working estate known not only for wine, but also for small-batch gin and culinary ingredients sourced directly from the land. Once there, you’ll explore the vineyards, taste Port Tonic and estate-distilled gin, and visit a small museum tracing the evolution of the property—from early viticulture to diversified production.

After a picnic lunch among the vines, you’ll drive towards a viewpoint over the hills, then finish at a local olive oil and wine producer for an artisanal tasting and insight into traditional production methods. 

Unlike most river trips, this experience takes you directly to the heart of the Douro’s terraced landscape in a silent, solar-powered boat that docks at the foot of a working vineyard. From there, you’ll climb aboard a vintage Bedford van for a short but scenic ride up to a historic quinta. Known for both wine and small-batch gin production, the estate sources more than half its ingredients on-site — from fish caught in the Douro to wild herbs gathered on surrounding hillsides.

You’ll be welcomed with regionally inspired drinks like Port Tonic and estate-distilled gin, then explore a museum tracing the estate’s history. The picnic, enjoyed among vineyard rows, offers a rare chance to pause and reflect, just before your last visit to a viewpoint amid the hills and a small olive oil producer where you can learn firsthand the artisanal olive oil production process—from harvesting the olives to the final extraction, wrapping up with a tasting.

Your hosts meet you anywhere in the Douro region — hotel or train station (Pinhão/Régua) — and welcome you aboard a fully electric vintage VW Kombi. Carefully restored and designed for quiet, low-impact travel, the Kombi sets the tone for a slower, more immersive day.

You’ll drive past scenic roads surrounded by vineyards, before heading towards Pinhão to begin your boat journey.

The private transport ensures comfort and a relaxed start to the day’s experience.

Begin your cultural day in Douro with a pick-up at your hotel or train station.

Kombi Pick-Up in Douro

Glide silently along the Douro River aboard a solar-powered boat, passing terraced vineyards and historic wine estates.

Many river trips are noisy and often crowded—this one is private and free of emissions offering a quiet setting ideal for photos and reflection.

Enjoy a sustainable boat ride along the UNESCO-listed riverbanks of the Douro Valley.

Solar Boat Ride

Arriving by boat, you'll dock alongside the vineyards, then ride a vintage Bedford van up to a historic estate for a Port tonic welcome drink and a taste of locally-distilled gin, before continuing your guided visit through the property’s museum which traces the evolution of the estate’s practices — from centuries-old viticulture to a more sustainable, diversified approach to land stewardship

The estate sources over 50% of its ingredients onsite. You’ll try gin infused with local herbs, see sustainable production in action, and learn how a former wine estate evolved into a more diversified producer.

Disembark at the doors of a Douro estate for a guided tour including Port tonic and gin tastings.

Estate Tour & Tastings

After the estate visit, you’ll take a quick detour to one of the Douro’s most celebrated viewpoints, offering cinematic views of the river and terraced hills below.

Labeled as one of the world’s best views, the viewpoint pays tribute to the valley’s natural features and the manmade sculpted terraces.

Enjoy panoramic views of the Douro Valley from one of its most popular lookouts.

Viewpoint Stop

Visit a small, family-run olive oil and wine producer in Casal de Loivos to explore the traditional harvesting and cold-pressing process. Then finish with a tasting of homemade olive oil and Douro wines.

You’ll meet the producers in person and follow their daily routine, gaining firsthand insight into a regional craft that’s often overshadowed by wine.

Discover the art of artisanal olive oil production and indulge in an olive oil tasting experience.

Olive Oil Tasting 

Your hosts will drive you back to your accommodation or train station in the Douro region.

The drop-off reflects the same thoughtfulness as the rest of the day—unhurried, scenic, and personal. 

Return to your hotel or the train station through the valley’s golden afternoon light.

Drop-Off

Tuck into a picnic-style lunch made up of regional dishes, served under the trees or between vine terraces, prepared using ingredients grown nearby or foraged on the estate. On extremely hot days, the meal may be served on the restaurant terrace.

You’ll dine where the ingredients are grown in a private setting overlooking the valley.

 Enjoy a seasonal lunch among the vines paired with Douro wines.

Picnic Lunch

Day Trip in Douro Valley: river cruise, vintage van ride, wine & gin tastings, picnic in the estate.

The per person price of this experience assumes a minimum number of participants to cover base costs and logistics. The supplemental fee enables us to maintain quality and exclusivity for your smaller than minimum group

To The Botanical Quinta & Back

Private pick-up and drop-off in the Douro region, solar-powered boat ride along the Douro River, Bedford van transfer into the vineyards, vineyard walk and estate museum visit, tastings of Port Tonic and estate-distilled gin, picnic lunch among the vines, viewpoint tour and a visit to a small olive oil producer.

Comfortable walking shoes for uneven vineyard terrain, weather-appropriate layers (river breezes can be cool), sun protection: hat, sunglasses, sunscreen, a camera or smartphone.

Carlos and Paulo can pick you up at your hotel in the Douro or one of the train stations (Pinhão/Régua). After booking, chat with them to arrange a meeting point.

Carlos de Oliveira and Paulo Baptista — experts in Douro’s landscapes and sustainable hospitality — lead the journey alongside estate hosts who share generational knowledge. Their combined insight ensures seamless logistics and meaningful connections with both the river and the land. This experience reflects their shared values: slow travel, deep context, and genuine appreciation for local culture.