12 days · September
Twelve days along the Douro
Porto to the Spanish border and back, slowly, by road and river. Written for two people who like to start late and end up somewhere with a view.
Arrive, and do nothing much
Drop the bags in Ribeira, walk down to the river, and let the first evening be about a glass of white port and the bridge lighting up. No plan tonight on purpose.
The city on foot
Livraria Lello early before the queues, then Bolhão market, then whatever café has the best light. A long lunch, then the Serralves gardens if your feet hold out.
A slow boat, then the terraces
Rabelo down to Quinta do Tedo, tasting at eleven, lunch on the terrace. Wear something you can walk the vines in.
- 09:30Rabelo boat down to Quinta do Tedo
Meet at the quay — bring a hat.
- 11:00Tasting on the terrace
Three ports and the whole valley below.
- 13:00Long lunch in Pinhão
Book the table by the water.
The village most people drive past
A morning in the granite village — the old bakery, the manor houses, coffee in the square where nothing is in a hurry. This is the day people remember.
- 10:00The old bakery
Ask for the almond thing.
- 11:30Wander the manor houses
- 13:00Coffee in the square
Where nothing is in a hurry.
The route, day by day · tap a dot