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Mateus Palace - In the Footsteps of Douro Wine History




Overview
The Mateus Palace - In the Footsteps of Wine History tour transports you from Porto to one of Portugal's most refined and historic sites—the Casa de Mateus Foundation. Your journey commences with a guided exploration of the manor. Within, you will discover a museum brimming with family heirlooms, antique furnishings, artworks, and captivating narratives. The adjacent chapel provides a serene spiritual ambiance. Stroll through the impeccably designed gardens. Additionally, you will gain insights into Nicolau Nasoni, the Italian architect who played a pivotal role in introducing Baroque architecture to Portugal. His impact is evident in the manor’s distinctive design and exquisite details. Ultimately, the visit concludes with a wine tasting in the estate’s ancient wine cellar. You will sample three varieties of Douro DOP wines, learning about the winemaking process in this region while savoring the unique flavors of northern Portugal.
Highlights
- Join us for a tour that merges the rich heritage of Casa de Mateus with the genuine flavors of Douro wines
- Travel from Porto to witness the exquisite Casa de Mateus Foundation
- Explore the breathtaking Baroque manor house, characterized by its elegant design and historical allure
- Wander through the impeccably maintained gardens, brimming with beauty and tranquility
- Uncover the creations of Nicolau Nasoni, the Italian architect who disseminated the Baroque style in Porto
- Participate in a guided tour offered in Portuguese, English, and French for an enlightening experience
- Visit a centuries-old cellar, where the region's winemaking legacy is upheld Savor three premium DOP Douro wines at a historic cellar, honoring the region's winemaking tradition
Itinerary
Depart from Porto and journey into the heart of the Douro to discover the elegance and heritage of the Casa de Mateus Foundation — one of the finest examples of Baroque architecture in Portugal.
Your guided visit explores the magnificent manor house, where the museum reveals the history of the noble family and its lasting cultural influence. Stroll through the meticulously designed gardens and admire the imposing chapel, all set within an estate that reflects centuries of refinement and artistic legacy.
The experience then immerses you in the wine culture of the renowned Douro Valley. Visit a centuries-old winery and enjoy a tasting of three DOP Douro wines, discovering the traditions, terroir and craftsmanship that define this prestigious wine region.
Next, continue to Peso da Régua, the capital of the Douro, for a traditional lunch at a historic estate once home to the legendary Antónia Adelaide Ferreira, affectionately known as “Ferreirinha.” A visit to her iconic winery follows, including three exclusive Port wine tastings that celebrate the timeless excellence and heritage of the Douro Valley.
This full-day experience perfectly combines Baroque splendour, cultural discovery and world-class wine — an unforgettable journey through one of Portugal’s most celebrated regions.
What's Included
- Immerse yourself in the elegance and legacy of the Casa de Mateus Foundation
- Discover Nicolau Nasoni work, Italian architect and decorator who spread Barroque style in Porto
- Wine tasting of 3 Douro DOP wines
- Lunch at a historic estate in Régua with a visit to the historic wine cellar of D. Antónia Ferreira
- Port wine tasting - 10, 20 and 30 years
- Transport from Porto to Casa de Mateus (and back)
Schedule
- Start Time: 08:15am
- Duration: 6 Hours.
- Meeting Point: Largo da Igreja da Lapa 1, 4050-069 Porto, Portugal
Redemption Info
- You may present your mobile or printed voucher at the meeting point: Largo da Igreja da Lapa 1, 4050-069 Porto, Portugal.
- In the event of a lost voucher or ticket, the company shall not be responsible for any refunds.
- The ticket or voucher remains valid for the travel date you select.
Know Before You Go
Tour Validity:
- Remember that your vouchers will remain valid for the specific date that you selected during the booking process.
Important Info:
- Tours operate in all weather, rain or shine. Refunds due to weather will not be granted unless the service is suspended as a result of weather.
- Guests are encouraged to wear comfortable footwear and attire on their travel day.
- It is recommended to bring sunscreen and a hat for protection against the heat.
- Children must always be accompanied by an adult.
- Children aged 12 years and under, and those shorter than 135 cm, must be secured in an approved child restraint system that is suitable for their size and weight (including seats with or without back support).
- For children between the ages of 4 and 12 years, please reach out to us at +351 967 659 257 (available from 10:00 to 19:00), so we can provide the most appropriate solution for your situation. For children under 3 years of age, it is the responsibility of the customer to supply an appropriate child seat.
Cancellation Policy
- To get the full refund, you must cancel your booking at least 48 hours before the activity/tour start time.
- If you cancel your booking less than 48 hours before the activity tour start time, you will not get any refund.
- Modifications/ changes are allowed at least 48 hours before the activity/ tour start time.
- You must contact us through email. The activity/tour's local start time determines the cut-off times.
Disclaimer
- The tour operator/ service provider reserves the right to alter, close, or cancel shows, attractions, entertainments, restaurants, shops, or ancillary facilities without prior notice due to city events or force majeure.
Frequently Asked Questions
For groups of 8 or more, please submit a group inquiry at booking@activity-crest.com. While discounted rates are not available for all tours, selected tours may qualify for special group pricing. Standard tours & activities are eligible for group discounts; however, attractions, passes, combo tickets, and related products are excluded.
Hop On Hop Off Bus Tours:
Due to the operational nature of hop-on hop-off bus tours and fluctuating daily demand, we cannot guarantee that all members of a group will be accommodated on the same bus at the same time. Seat availability varies by stop and service demand, and groups may be required to split across multiple buses and/or wait for subsequent departures.
All group members must redeem their vouchers together initially. Once redeemed, individual tickets will be issued, allowing travellers the flexibility to explore independently thereafter. The requirement to remain together applies only during the voucher redemption process when tickets are booked under a single reservation.
As we are unable to guarantee that larger groups can travel together as one unit, bookings will be divided into smaller groups of approximately 5-7 passengers per ticket allocation, depending on the overall group size.
Customer Reviews
"I booked the bus mainly to save time, but the experience offered more than convenience. Seeing the city's character change from one neighbourhood to another was fascinating."
"Usually, travelling between attractions feels like wasted time. Here, the views along the way were interesting enough that we enjoyed the journey as much as the destinations."
"Travelling with family was easier when we had a straightforward way to move between areas. Everyone enjoyed the scenery, and we could choose stops together as we went."
"We completed the route without getting off initially and enjoyed seeing the city from beginning to end. It helped us choose which places deserved a closer visit."
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