Exploring the Douro Valley, Portugal

While the Douro region is famous for producing some top ports, there are also some good red wines and amazing food along the river.

Instead of booking an organized boat tour from the coastal port of Porto, take the train to the town of Pocinho. It’s a breathtakingly scenic ride through mountainous terrain, and drops you in some of the best areas for exploring local vineyards.

Hire a car to get around easily and stop off for tasting sessions when you please. Alternatively, take a break from the wine and marvel at the elaborate terraces on which the vines grow, climbing steeply away from the Douro itself.

Make sure to visit Quinta do Seixo, where you can tour the huge winery owned by the Sandeman company for around €6 per head. Just across the river lies the village of Pinhao, a great spot to try some of the local food — washed down with more wine, of course.

Assuming you’ve come in by train and car, take the time to go on a riverboat trip from either Regua or Pinhao. There are plenty of options available, but the restored, 1950s launches run by Pipadouro are among the best. You can even stay overnight on the larger boat if you fancy spending some more time on the water.

You don’t have to enjoy wine to appreciate the beauty of the Douro Valley, but it certainly helps. Add a few days in the city of Porto to a long weekend in the valley, and you’ve got yourself a great five-day trip.