Douro Valley: Open Water Swimming Tour

The Douro Valley in northern Portugal offers adventurous swimmers a chance to explore its picturesque vineyards from a unique vantage point – the open waters. This 10-hour tour promises an exhilarating experience, taking participants on a scenic journey from Porto to the charming town of Pinhão. Whether you’re a seasoned swimmer or a beginner, the tour caters to various skill levels, ensuring a safe and memorable aquatic adventure amidst the stunning Douro landscape.

Good To Know

• The Douro Valley Open Water Swimming Tour provides a unique opportunity to swim through the picturesque vineyards of the Douro region.
• The tour includes a scenic 50-minute train ride, a regional lunch with traditional Portuguese cuisine and estate wines, and a relaxing boat ride back to Pinhão.
• The tour duration is 10 hours, with hotel pickup and drop-off, and free cancellation up to 24 hours in advance.
• The water temperature is a comfortable 23°C, and the distance is adjusted to each swimmer’s ability level.
• Comprehensive package includes personal accident insurance, experienced local guide, complimentary swim gear, and photos/videos of the experience.

You can check availability for your dates here:

Tour Overview

The Douro Valley Open Water Swimming Tour offers a unique opportunity to explore the stunning vineyards and landscapes of Portugal’s renowned wine region.

Priced from $201.73 per person, the tour lasts 10 hours and includes free cancellation up to 24 hours in advance. Participants are picked up from their hotel at 8am and embark on a 1.5-hour journey to Pinhão, followed by a scenic 50-minute train ride.

The highlight is swimming through the vineyards in 23°C water, with the distance adjusted to the swimmer’s level. A regional lunch and return by boat and train completes the memorable experience.

Itinerary

The day begins with hotel pickup at 8am, followed by a 1.5-hour journey from Porto to the charming town of Pinhão.

After arriving, guests embark on a 50-minute scenic train ride recognized as one of the world’s most beautiful.

The highlight is swimming through the vineyards, with the distance adjusted to each swimmer’s level.

Swim through the vineyards, with the distance tailored to each swimmer’s ability, for an unforgettable experience.

Following the swim, guests enjoy a regional lunch featuring traditional Portuguese fare and estate wines.

The tour concludes with a return by boat and train to Pinhão, ending at the hotel in Porto.

Highlights

Swimmers can enjoy the stunning natural beauty of the Douro Valley, gliding through the crystal-clear waters at a comfortable 23°C. The experience offers breathtaking views of the region’s famous vineyards, recognized as one of the world’s most beautiful train journeys.

| Highlight | Description |

| — | — |

| Swim through Vineyards | Enjoy a unique swimming experience amidst the picturesque vineyards |

| Scenic Train Ride | Ride the 50-minute train route considered one of the world’s most beautiful |

| Regional Cuisine | Savor a delicious lunch featuring traditional Portuguese dishes and estate wines |

| Boat Return | End the tour with a relaxing boat ride back to Pinhão |

| Photograph Memorabilia | Capture the highlights with photos and videos provided |

Inclusions

This tour offers a comprehensive package, providing personal accident insurance, an experienced local guide fluent in multiple languages, and complimentary swim gear like a buoy and cap.

Guests will receive:

• Photos and videos of the experience

• Hotel pickup and drop-off

• A delicious regional lunch with traditional Portuguese food and estate wines

The inclusions ensure swimmers can fully enjoy the stunning Douro Valley scenery without the hassle of coordinating additional logistics.

A worry-free adventure awaits those seeking an unforgettable open water swimming experience.

More Great Tours Nearby

Important Information

Although non-swimmers may accompany swimmers, they cannot actively participate in the swimming portion of the tour. Swimmers traveling alone are not permitted on this experience. Recommended items for participants include:

| Item | Recommendation |

| ————— | ————– |

| Swimwear | Highly suggested |

| Towel | Optional |

| Water bottle | Recommended |

| Sunscreen | Strongly advised|

This open water swimming tour through the Douro Valley vineyards is an immersive experience best suited for confident swimmers. Safety precautions are in place to ensure an enjoyable and secure journey for all.

Arriving at the Douro Valley

Around 8:00 AM, guests are picked up from their hotel in Porto for the 1.5-hour journey to the quaint town of Pinhão, located in the heart of the Douro Valley.

Upon arrival, they embark on a 50-minute scenic train ride, renowned as one of the world’s most beautiful. The train winds through the lush vineyards and rolling hills, offering stunning vistas.

Once in Pinhão, guests gather their swim gear and prepare for the main event – open water swimming amidst the picturesque Douro Valley landscape.

With the tour guide’s expertise, the stage is set for an unforgettable aquatic adventure.

Swimming Through the Vineyards

Once your arrive at the riverbanks, they don custom-fitted swim buoys and enter the Douro River’s refreshing 23°C waters.

The experienced guide leads the group through the vineyards, adjusting the distance to each swimmer’s skill level. They marvel at the stunning landscape as they glide past rows of lush grapes and historic wine estates.

The soothing current carries them along, allowing swimmers to enjoy the tranquil experience.

After their swim, guests gather for a regional lunch featuring traditional Portuguese dishes and estate wines, capping off an unforgettable adventure in the heart of the Douro Valley.

Enjoying the Local Cuisine and Returning to Porto

After their rejuvenating swim, guests gather for a regional lunch that showcases the flavors of traditional Portuguese cuisine.

The meal features:

• Fresh, locally-sourced ingredients

• A selection of estate-bottled wines

• Authentic Portuguese dishes like bacalhau (salted cod) or caldo verde (kale soup)

As they savor the flavors, guests take in the stunning views of the Douro Valley.

The relaxing lunch is followed by a return journey by boat and train, bringing the day’s adventure to a close back in Porto.

Frequently Asked Questions

What Is the Minimum/Maximum Group Size for the Tour?

The tour does not provide any information on the minimum or maximum group size. It is likely that group sizes can vary, but details are not specified in the provided tour overview.

Are Life Jackets Provided or Should Participants Bring Their Own?

Life jackets are provided as part of the tour’s inclusions. Participants don’t need to bring their own personal floatation devices – they’ll be outfitted with everything they need for the open water swimming experience.

Are There Any Age Restrictions or Requirements for the Swimming Portion?

There are no stated age restrictions for the swimming portion. Participants must be able to swim the distance, which can be adjusted based on their skill level. Non-swimmers can join but cannot enter the water.

Can Participants Bring Their Own Food and Drinks for the Tour?

Participants cannot bring their own food and drinks. The tour includes a regional lunch with traditional Portuguese cuisine and estate wines. All food and drinks are provided as part of the tour experience.

Is There a Minimum Swimming Ability Required to Participate?

The tour requires a basic swimming ability, as the distance swam is adjusted to the swimmer’s level. Non-swimmers can accompany swimmers but cannot participate in the swimming portion of the tour.

The Sum Up

The Douro Valley Open Water Swimming Tour offers an exhilarating 10-hour experience for confident swimmers. Priced at $201.73 per person, the tour features a scenic journey from Porto to Pinhão, where participants can enjoy a unique swimming adventure in 23°C waters amidst stunning vineyards. With a picturesque train ride, delicious regional lunch, and memorable photos and videos included, it’s a perfect outing for those seeking an unforgettable open water swimming experience.

You can check availability for your dates here: