Douro Valley in Portugal

Visit the Douro Valley, the world’s oldest demarcated wine region in northern Portugal. Picture-postcard villages with expansive heritage quintas or heritage houses punctuate the mountainous countryside while winding roads hug the terraced hillslopes and rabelo boats cruise the Douro River. Operating between Régua and Tua via Pinhão every Saturday in summer, a historical steam train inspires fantastic journeys with traditional entertainment and local treats. Douro Valley’s fine ports and vintages are best paired with regional favorites at rustic-chic restaurants. Apart from wine tastings and vineyard tours, winters add olive harvest experiences. As hiking and biking trails lead to panoramic picnic spots, the calmer tributaries offer kayaking and canoeing excursions. Museums aside, Douro Valley has the medieval Castle of Numão and the Vale de Coa Archaeological Park with prehistoric rock art. Lamego houses the impressive Sanctuary of Our Lady of Remedies, and the Baroque-style Chapel of São Pedro de Balsemão considered to be Portugal’s oldest church. The Douro International Natural Park beckons with dramatic canyon landscapes.