Mid-Morning: Casa de Tormes & Scenic Walk (15 min drive from the villa)
Visit Casa de Tormes, the former home of novelist Eça de Queirós, set on a hill with beautiful valley views. After a quick look through the museum, take the Tormes walking trail, a gentle loop through vineyards and stone paths, perfect for easing into the Douro pace. Time: Museum 30-60 min • Walk 45–90 min
Lunch: Quinta de S. Bernardo (20 min drive from Casa de Tormes)
A 20 minute drive brings you to Quinta de S. Bernardo, known for fresh, seasonal dishes and a stunning riverside terrace. A relaxed, elegant spot for a long lunch and a glass of rosé. Tip: Reserve ahead.
Afternoon: Wine Tasting at Quinta de Covela (20 min drive from Quinta de S. Bernardo)
Head to Quinta de Covela, a biodynamic estate overlooking dramatic river bends. Enjoy a guided tour and tasting of their expressive whites and rosés, especially the local Avesso grape. Time: 1–1.5 hours. Tip: Reserve ahead
Evening: Dinner at the Villa (15 min drive from Quinta de Covela)
Return to Casa Belo Horizonte to unwind enjoying the sunset from the back baloney overlooking the valley. Cook an easy and delicious dinner from one of the villas meal kits.
Day 1:
An Introduction to the Douro Valley
Mid-Morning: Catch the 10:50am train from the Mosterio train station to Pinhao, arrive into Pinhao at 11:50am Tip: Have euros on hand for the train ticket. The fare is approximately €7 each way.
Lunch at Quinta de La Rosa 12:30pm
From the train station, walk or take a quick taxi to Quinta de La Rosa. Enjoy lunch at either Tim’s Terrace or Clara’s. Perched just above the river, Quinta de La Rosa combines charm, history, and exceptional views. Tip: Reserve ahead.
Afternoon: Visit Quinta das Carvalhas — Guided Tour & Tasting or take one of the many boat trips along the Douro
Quinta das Carvalhas is one of the oldest and most emblematic quintas in the Douro, famous for its steep, sculpted terraces and breathtaking panoramic viewpoints. A guided tour offers insight into the estate’s history and viticulture, followed by a tasting of refined red and white wines. Tip: Reserve ahead
Visit Quinta do Bomfim
After your tour at Carvalhas, walk over to Quinta do Bomfim. Owned by the Symington family, the estate features elegant tastings, shaded terraces overlooking the river, and a small exhibit on the history of winemaking in the Douro. Expect refined Ports and beautifully balanced Douro reds. Relax here as long as you like, or pick up a hiking map and explore the area on your own.
Late Afternoon: Train Back to Mosteirô: Catch the late-afternoon train from Pinhão back to Mosteirô.
Dinner at A Casa Restaurante
Located next to Casa Belo Horizonte, A Casa is casual, homey, and centered on comforting traditional dishes rather than fine dining. It’s ideal for a relaxed evening after a full day of exploring—local, unfussy, and authentically Portuguese.
Day 2:
A Stunning Train Ride to Pinhão & Three Iconic Douro Quintas
Day 3:
A Day on the Water
Mid-Morning: Drive Down to the Douro River — 10 minutes
Begin your day with a short, scenic drive to the river. Make your first stop at Bar Cais Porto Antigo, a local riverside café ideal for a morning coffee or a glass of wine while you soak in the views. Right next door, Kayak Oliveira rents kayaks and paddleboards if you’d like to spend some time out on the water—perfect for an active start to the day.
Lunch at the Café by Parque de Lazer de Pias
Drive another 10 minutes to Parque de Lazer de Pias, a stunning section of the Bestança River known for its waterfalls and crystal-clear natural swimming pools. A small café sits above the water, making it an ideal spot for a simple lunch before or after a refreshing swim. Expect cool water, lush surroundings, and plenty of places to relax by the river.
Afternoon: Parque de Lazer do Ribeiro Sampaio
Continue your adventure with a visit to Parque de Lazer do Ribeiro Sampaio, another beautiful natural area perfect for gentle hikes, discovering hidden waterfalls, and enjoying the region’s rich flora and fauna. It’s a peaceful and scenic way to spend your afternoon immersed in nature.
On the Way Home: Carrapatelo Lock
On your return to Casa Belo Horizonte, stop at the Carrapatelo Lock, the tallest lock in Europe. If timing is right, you may even watch boats or river cruises rise dramatically through the massive chamber—a truly impressive sight.
Dinner at Tasquinha do Fumo
Tasquinha do Fumo is a beloved local spot offering traditional Portuguese comfort food, friendly service, and a relaxed, welcoming atmosphere. Perfect for an unfussy, satisfying meal after a day of exploring. Tip: Call to make a reservation.
Day 4:
Day trip to Porto by Train
Morning: Train to Porto → São Bento Station, approx. 1 hour 30 minutes each way
Take the morning train (from either Mosterio or Marco de Canaveses) into Porto and arrive at São Bento, famous for its beautiful blue-and-white tile murals.
Walk to Clérigos & Livraria Lello
Stroll up to the Clérigos Tower area and explore the surrounding streets. Optional: Visit Livraria Lello, one of the world’s most beautiful bookstores (book tickets ahead).
Lunch in the Historic Center
Walk toward Rua das Flores or down to the Ribeira riverfront for a relaxed lunch with plenty of cafés and great views.
Afternoon: Ribeira & Dom Luís I Bridge
Explore the Ribeira waterfront, then cross the Dom Luís I Bridge for incredible views of the city. Optional: Enjoy a quick Port tasting in Vila Nova de Gaia (Calém, Kopke, or Graham’s).
Late Afternoon Stroll, Visit the famous Bolhão Market
Dinner in Porto, Enjoy dinner at one of Porto’s wonderful restaurants. A curated list of recommendations is provided at the villa.
Return to the Villa, After dinner, take the train back to Casa Belo Horizonte.
Day 5:
Roman Times
Morning: Tongobriga
Drive 15–20 minutes to Tongobriga, one of the region’s most fascinating Roman sites. Wander through the remains of bathhouses, the forum, and ancient residential streets while enjoying wide views over the surrounding hills. Time: 1–1.5 hours
Lunch: Tongobriga Restaurante
Just beside the ruins, Tongobriga Restaurante offers a warm, welcoming place to pause. Enjoy grilled fish, meats, and regional specialties, all paired with local wines — a perfect complement to the historic setting.
Afternoon Option - Hike or Visit Tongobriga Wines
Take a gentle countryside walk around the archaeological area or visit a nearby church or bridge along the Romanesque Route to continue exploring the region’s early history.
Return to the Villa, Head back to Casa Belo Horizonte for a relaxed afternoon.
Dinner at Elmo Restaurante
Just a 10-minute drive away, Elmo Restaurante offers modern Portuguese cuisine in a stylish, welcoming setting. Expect fresh fish, quality meats, and beautifully prepared dishes with great local wines. It’s an excellent and beautiful option for dinner close to the villa, highly recommend. Tip: Reserve ahead
Day 6:
Amarante: Pastries, History & Riverside Wanderings
Mid-Morning drive to Amarante, Drive about 45 minutes to the riverside town of Amarante.
Start your day in Amarante with a coffee and a traditional pastry at Confeitaria da Ponte, the city’s most iconic riverside bakery. It’s the perfect spot to try local favorites like papos de anjo or foguetes while enjoying views of the historic São Gonçalo Bridge.
Then stroll across the beautiful São Gonçalo Bridge and explore the charming historic center with its cafés, boutiques, and cobbled streets. Step inside the São Gonçalo Church, known for its ornate interior and lovely river views.
Lunch:
Choose a relaxed lunch in the old town or along the river, Amarante has several welcoming restaurants with terraces overlooking the Tâmega.
Casa Herédio (our favorite: delicious, affordable, beautiful setting)
Largo do Paço (Michelin-starred, elegant)
Taberna Memorias (great lunch spot)
Afternoon Options:
Spa: Unwind at AmarantePure Termas & Spa, a standalone wellness center offering affordable treatments, thermal areas, and a peaceful riverside setting.
or
Culture & Walks: Visit the Amadeo de Souza-Cardoso Museum for modern art, then enjoy a scenic walk along the riverfront promenade.
Dinner Quintinha da Oliveira, Located between Amarante and Casa Belo Horizonte, Quintinha da Oliveira is a delightful restaurant with lovely food and staff.
Option 1: Spa Day in the Douro
Treat yourself to a slow, restorative day at one of the nearby spas. Tip: Reserve ahead
Douro Royal Valley Hotel & Spa, a serene riverside spa offering massages, thermal circuits, a heated indoor pool, sauna, and quiet relaxation areas.
Douro Palace Hotel & Spa, set on a hillside with sweeping valley views, this spa features a tranquil thermal circuit and calming treatment rooms.
Quinta de S. Bernardo, A boutique, farm-style retreat with a small but lovely wellness offering—ideal for a peaceful massage followed by a relaxed lunch overlooking the vineyards.
Option 2: A Long Walk to Lunch at Quinta Lavandeira
For gentle movement and fresh air, take a scenic countryside walk toward Lavandeira. Enjoy a leisurely lunch at Elmo Restaurante, known for its modern Portuguese dishes and warm, inviting atmosphere. Afterward, stroll back to the villa or arrange a short taxi ride home. Tip: Reserve ahead
Option 3: A Quiet Day at Home
Sometimes the best “day of rest” is simply staying at Casa Belo Horizonte.
Spend the day reading on the terrace, cooking a slow meal, lingering over breakfast, or watching the light shift across the Douro hills. Play a board game, ping pong, or croquet, or open a bottle of local wine and fully unwind.
Day 7:
Day of Rest
Day 8:
Peso da Régua & the Heart of Port Wine Country
Mid-Morning train from Mosterio to Peso da Régua (30–35 mins)
Head east along the Douro to Peso da Régua, the historic center of the Port wine trade.
Visit: Museu do Douro (Port Museum), start your day at the Museu do Douro, housed in a restored 18th-century warehouse. Inside, learn about the history of Port wine, the terraced vineyards, the people who shaped the valley, and the evolution of wine production. Time needed: 45–60 minutes
Lunch in Régua
Régua offers several good places for lunch:
Castas e Pratos – One of the top restaurants in the region; modern Portuguese cuisine in a converted railway warehouse. Stylish atmosphere and excellent wine list.
Aneto & Table – Contemporary dishes with local ingredients; warm, relaxed vibe.
Afternoon: Visit a Nearby Quinta
Several iconic quintas surround Régua, each offering tastings and tours. Excellent choices include:
• Quinta do Vallado (5 mins from Régua), One of the region’s oldest estates, known for structured reds and elegant whites. The winery combines tradition with modern architecture and offers excellent tastings.
• Quinta da Pacheca (10 mins from Régua), Famous for its beautiful grounds and barrel-shaped hotel suites. Offers Port and table wine tastings, vineyard walks, and a very approachable introduction to Douro wines.
• Quinta de Marrocos (10 mins from Régua), A smaller, family-owned quinta with a warm, intimate feel and authentic tour experience.
• Quinta do Tedo (15–20 mins from Régua), Organic estate at the confluence of the Douro and Tedo rivers, known for high-quality Ports and olive oils. Lovely views and excellent tastings. Time needed: 1–1.5 hours per quinta
Return to the Villa via the Douro train line
Dinner in Regua or head back to Casa Belo Horizonte for a quiet evening, perhaps opening a bottle from your tasting.