Peter Harrison

Porto and the Douro Valley

Trams, Trains, Port & Wine!

Tour Overview

Step aboard for a unique cultural journey through Porto and the stunning Douro Valley, where historic trams, scenic railways, and world-renowned wine landscapes await.

Whether you choose to travel entirely by train through France and Spain, or fly fully or part of the way, for a more relaxed pace, this holiday offers the perfect blend of history, culture, and breathtaking scenery.
In Porto, ride the city’s iconic vintage trams, winding through the charming Ribeira district, past azulejo-tiled buildings, and along the scenic waterfront. Explore the historic São Bento station, famous for its stunning blue and white tilework, and visit iconic landmarks like the Clerigos Tower and Livraria Lello, one of the world’s most beautiful bookshops. By evening, dine by the river, sampling fresh seafood and enjoying a glass of the city’s famous port wine.
From Porto, board the historic Douro Valley train, a scenic railway journey that follows the meandering Douro River, passing through rolling vineyards and UNESCO-listed landscapes. Stop off at traditional villages and family-run wineries to taste the region’s finest wines or simply sit back and enjoy the breathtaking views as the train winds through one of Europe’s most beautiful wine valleys.
With the option to travel entirely by rail or combine train travel with a flight for a more leisurely experience, this tour allows you to slow down and fully immerse yourself in the culture and beauty of northern Portugal. From Porto’s vibrant streets to the tranquil vineyards of the Douro, this is a holiday that can be tailored to you own pace of travel.

Travel Tips

Best time of the year to visit is late Spring (May/June) or early Autumn (September) when there are fewer tourists in the city but the weather is still glorious.
It is possible to travel by train to Portugal, however, it can be more convenient and less time consuming to fly.
13th-14th June is the Festas dos Santos Populares where Porto takes on a carnival atmosphere.
To escape the busy city you could visit the Foz district on the Atlantic coast for a day. Get there onboard one of Porto’s historic trams and walk along the promenade alongside the 1930’s neo classical pergola.
Pack comfortable footwear – Porto’s hills and uneven pavements will give your legs a workout.
Enjoy a tour of ‘Museu do Carro Electrico’ Porto’s tram museum.
Take a guided tour of the city ending with a visit to the Cockburn Port Cellar for a guided tour with port tasting.
Buy an Andante travel card and enjoy unlimited use of the metro, buses and some regional trains to get around the city.
Take the Douro Historic Train to Regua aboard carriages hauled by steam engine. Here you dip into past and also experience the beauty of the Douro Valley (UNESCO World Heritage Site).
Be sure to sample the much loved Francesinha (thick bread stuffed with ham, Portuguese sausage, steak and cheese, then topped with a spicy sauce) and the pastel di nata (egg custard tarts).