The Douro Valley is home to the River Douro, the third largest river in the Iberian Peninsula, which runs for eight hundred and ninety seven kilometers from the Spanish town of Duruelo de la Sierra to Porto, Portugal's second city. Also operating in Porto, local company Helitours offers 20, 30, and 45-minute trips around the Douro that take in some of the best parts of the region. Several companies offer day trips from Porto, where you get to watch and participate in the experience as well as enjoy the fruits of your labor. In Peso da Régua, the Douro Museum will provide a different perspective on the region and wine growing. It is the main water thoroughfare by which traditional Rabelo boats used to transport fortified Port wine downriver to be stored, matured, and sold. This city also attracts tourists with its tucked away and rural setting. For something a little less strenuous, not to mention unusual, see if you can participate in the traditional "grape stomp" instead. Hans Georg Roth / Corbis Documentary / Getty Images. With spectacular scenery, jaw-dropping train rides, boat, kayak, and hiking trips, and plenty of great architecture, it’s an area that justifies far more than the day, or two most visitors allocate to it. 4 - São Salvador do MundoA sacred and mythical place a few kilometres from São João da Pesqueira, on the south bank, São Salvador do Mundo is a destination for pilgrimages, mainly by women, according to local tradition. On this bank, there are two mandatory detours: the EN222-4 which goes down to Quinta do Vesúvio, and the EN324, which takes you to the imposing Castle of Numão. None will leave you indifferent.Following a route between the viewpoints that offer the best vistas, you need to cross the river from north to south and back again. The best grapes are crushed by foot in a large vat, rather than being put through machines, and after a rigorous sterilization process, you can help out. If you’re spending the night there, a tour may be included in the price, but almost all also offer tours to day visitors for a small fee. The two options offer a complementary approach. Driving routes are also available (buy a map from the park office), or if you’ve got more time and energy, check out some of the many hiking trails. The Douro Valley could as easily be called the enchanted valley, such is the beauty and magic that its landscapes offer.Departing from Porto, where the river flows into the sea and where the Douro wines (table wines and Port wine), produced on its hillsides, also end up, there are various ways to get to know this cultural landscape, listed as a World Heritage Site: by road, by train, on a cruise boat and even by helicopter. Complete with drinks and onboard musicians, it’s an experience well worth having if you’re there at the right time. Be sure to wear a hat and apply plenty of sunscreen during the warmer months, and take some water with you, since you’ll be sure to work up a sweat with all that paddling! Here you will get to know this wine a little better, taking the opportunity – how could you do otherwise? 17 °C/12°C. If group tours aren’t your thing, but you’d still like to get out on the water, consider renting a kayak instead. The day started at 8am with pickup at our accommodation. Before arriving in Pocinho, you can make a detour on the south ban… If you’re spending time in Peso de Régua, especially on a hot or rainy day, it’s well worth checking out the Museu do Douro. The tour can include lunch in a, This region can also be visited along the, See your selected contents and create your own Plan or Brochure, Enter your e-mail address and you will receive a message from Visitportugal. 3 - Casal de LoivosThis is a true balcony overlooking Pinhão and the valley with the river at the bottom meandering along an ‘S’ around the village. The tour includes a full programme with visits to regional landmarks, themed meals and wine tastings. On Saturday afternoons in summer, a historic steam train runs between Régua and Tua. The UNESCO-listed Douro valley, in central-northern Portugal, is a highlight of any visit to the country. A few tour companies include a vineyard tour as part of their day trips, but be sure to confirm the details if this is something you want to do. If you take the IP2 from Vila Flor to Torre de Moncorvo, you can carry on to Barca de Alva on the EN220 and the EN221, past Freixo de Espada à Cinta. We booked a day trip from Porto to the Douro Valley with CMTour. And you can still see the old rabelo boats on the river, the vessels that carried the wine from the quintas where it is produced to the mouth of river, before the various dams that made the river navigable were built.In Peso da Régua, the Douro Museum will provide a different perspective on the region and wine growing.