Wine, Food, and Romance: The Perfect 9 Day Porto & Douro Valley Itinerary for Couples
If you’re looking for a romantic European getaway, there’s no doubt that Porto and Douro Valley should be on your list. From the rolling hills covered in grapevines along the Douro River to the charming cityscape and food scene of Porto, there’s no shortage of amazing experiences for couples.
Food and wine lovers, this trip is for you! Our 9 day itinerary covers all the must-eats, must-drinks, and must-dos in the region while still allowing time for spontaneity. One of my favorite things to do on any trip is to wander a new town or city without a plan or agenda! Some of the best memories are made when you stumble into the lesser known nooks of a city.
If you follow this itinerary, I have no doubt that you’ll fall so in love with this northern region of Portugal that you’ll never want to leave.
Check out our Romantic 9 Day Porto & Douro Valley Itinerary below!
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Know Before You Go
What’s so special about Porto and Douro Valley?
Porto is the only place in the world where Port, a sweet fortified wine typically enjoyed after a meal, can be produced. If you and your partner love wine, especially Port wine, this is a perfect destination for you. In addition, the Douro Valley wine country envelopes the Douro River for a breathtaking landscape of vineyards, hills, and freshwater, which creates a truly romantic setting for a couples getaway.
What’s the best time of year to visit Porto and Douro Valley?
While Porto and Douro Valley can be a year-round destination, the best time to visit is in the spring or early summer. This is the time of year when the sun will be shining in Douro Valley but you likely won’t experience scorching temperatures. Porto will be comfortably warm and you’ll probably see a mix of sun and clouds throughout your stay.
Why is this itinerary nine days?
First, it’s perfect if you want to take a week off and include the weekends on both sides. Second, and more importantly, it’s the ideal amount of time to spend in the Porto/Douro region! This itinerary is the perfect mix of romance, food, wine, and cultural exploration! Plus, you’ll still have time to rest and relax – this trip has it all!
Itinerary
Day 1: Douro Valley – Quinta da Pacheca
You made it! Start the trip off strong by beginning with a memorable experience. After landing at the Porto airport, head straight into the Douro Valley to check into your wine barrel hotel room at Quinta da Pacheca. This vineyard is one of the most prestigious Port producers in the region, and in my opinion, one of the most beautiful properties. The wine barrel hotel rooms, exceptional service, and delicious food make the hotel just as much a part of the destination as the vineyard itself.
Spend your first evening relaxing at the hotel, enjoying the room, and maybe even devouring your first sips of Port. If you arrive in time for dinner, be sure to make a reservation at the hotel restaurant.
Day 2: Douro Valley – Quinta da Pacheca
Breakfast will be delivered to the wine barrel for you in the morning. Set the mood by bringing your meal (and your coffee) outside to enjoy while overlooking the grapevines. Is there a more romantic way to start off the first full day of your trip?!
The rest of your day should be spent enjoying Quinta da Pacheca! It’s one of the best Port producers in Douro Valley. Don’t miss the winery tour and tasting (be sure to try the 30 Year Tawny and White Port). You should also spend some time soaking up the sun next to the pool and have lunch at the fabulous hotel restaurant. Plus, take full advantage of your spectacular room!
Day 3: Lunch at Six Senses, Transfer to Pinhão
Enjoy another romantic breakfast in your barrel at Quinta da Pacheca before checking out. Then, take a 10 minute car ride to the Six Senses hotel, where you’ll be having lunch at one of the finest restaurants in Douro Valley (reservation required). Indulge in the most decadent dishes and delicious Port wines while taking a peek at the open kitchen from your table. This will be a romantic lunch and a meal you’ll continue to look back on. Our favorite dish by far was the mushroom appetizer!
After lunch, head over to The Vintage House Hotel in Pinhão, where you’ll be staying for the next two nights. This is a historical, charming little hotel in one of the most happening towns in Douro Valley. After you check-in, head over to the tasting room at Quinta do Bomfim (aka Dow’s) just a few steps away and taste some of the most spectacular Port wines while overlooking the Douro River.
Day 4: Douro River Boat Ride, Croft Tasting Room
Breakfast at The Vintage House Hotel. The breakfast patio is beautiful, covered in flower petals, and has a direct view of the Eiffel Bridge (yup, the architect also designed the Eiffel Tower!).
Today’s main activity will be taking a boat ride down the Douro River – you can even stop at a winery or two for a tasting! To be completely honest, finding a great boat operator in this region can be tricky. With our Trip Guidance and Bespoke Itinerary packages I can make suggestions for fantastic providers so you can make the most of your trip.
When you return to Pinhão, have lunch in town. Then, head over to Croft for a vineyard tour and Port tasting.
Day 5: Transfer to Porto
Enjoy another lovely breakfast on the petal-covered patio at The Vintage House. After checkout, head over to the Pinhão Railway Station to catch a train to Porto. The station is very conveniently located – only a 2-minute walk from the hotel! Be sure to ask the front desk for the train schedule at least the day before, and arrive a bit early to purchase your tickets.
When you board the train, try to snag a window seat on the left-hand side of the car to experience a spectacular view of mountains, vineyards, and the Douro River.
You’ll arrive in Porto about two to two and a half hours later. Check into the Torel Avantgarde, a gorgeous 5-star boutique hotel with views overlooking Gaia and the Douro River. Spend a little extra to book a room with a view – it’s worth it!
Lastly, I recommend making dinner reservations at Cantina 32, a beautiful restaurant with a trendy atmosphere and delicious contemporary fare right in the heart of Porto. The breaded quail eggs with bacon are a must-try.
Day 6: Porto Walking Tour + Dinner at a 2 Michelin Star Restaurant
Whenever we’re in a new city, we love to start out with a walking tour to learn the area and get ideas for things to do during the remainder of our stay. We booked this walking tour on Airbnb and highly recommend it! Our guide, Carlota, was so knowledgeable and after just a few hours we felt like we really knew the city.
Take the rest of your afternoon to explore Porto!
For dinner, make a reservation well in advance at The Yeatman Gastronomic Restaurant, a romantic 2 Michelin Star experience. Be sure to arrive a few minutes early to take photos with the sunset in front of Porto and the Douro River.
The restaurant regularly updates its menu, but our favorite dishes were the oysters with jalapeños and green apple, the Algarve prawns, and the coconut dessert.
To be fully transparent, dinner was pricey and came in at around $1,200 for the two of us. Because we’re foodies and were celebrating our wedding anniversary, it was 100% worth it to us. If this isn’t in your price range, there are so many other amazing restaurants in Porto to choose from. Work with me to help pick something spectacular in your price range!
Day 7: Explore Porto
This is your free day to explore Porto to your heart’s desire! As I said before, many of my favorite travel memories are created through spontaneity. Your only goal for the day is to enjoy your time together.
If you’re looking for great local fare to wander towards, check out Brasão Aliados for the famous Porto Francesinha or Conga for the tasty Bifana sandwich.
Day 8: Pastel de Nata Cooking Class + Graham’s Port Lodge
What’s more romantic for your last full day in Portugal than a cooking class to learn how to make the country’s most famous dessert? We booked this cooking class on Airbnb Experiences and can’t recommend it enough! Joana is a fabulous instructor who will welcome you into her home and teach you how to make her grandmother’s secret Pastel de Nata recipe. Prices are incredibly reasonable, and if it’s romance you’re after, I recommend splurging on a private class.
Next, head over to your final Port tasting at Graham’s Port Lodge (you must make a reservation in advance). As Port lovers, we booked the Vintage Room tasting and it was fantastic. Plus, it was so interesting to learn about the role Porto and Gaia play in Port production.
Day 9: Adeus, Portugal!
Savor your final moments in Portugal. If time allows, take a final walk through the city and head over to the Majestic Café for a coffee before heading to the airport.
Work with me
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Destination Selection
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Bespoke Itineraries
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