Douro Valley

So beautiful it is a UNESCO World Heritage site, the Douro Valley should never be overlooked as a holiday destination. Cruising up the river is, by all means, the best way to take in the terraced vineyards of the region. Once you have reached the wonderfully peaceful heart of the Douro, there are some great places to really switch off at. Visiting local vineyards is a must, and if you are fortunate enough to be staying in Autumn, joining in with the harvest is a unique way to get involved and say you helped produce the wine of that season.

The region’s sprinkling of historic towns and rustic villages are also wonderful to wander around, while the rugged mountains to east are home to the Côa Valley’s prehistoric rock art and some great hikes. Other popular activities in the area include challenging mountain biking, laid back river cruises and bird watching.

The whole region is undoubtedly most famous for its port, a sweet brandy fortified wine that must originate in this valley to be considered the genuine article. Winery touring and tasting is the main order of the day, with a wonderful array of traditional and boutique growers to discover. We can arrange lunch with the owners or a visit to the factory where the grapes are pressed and wine produced.