The most exciting destinations for excursions from Porto are the Douro Valley and the various towns and estates situated in that area. A UNESCO World Heritage Site since 2001, the Douro Valley was the first wine-producing area in the world to be demarcated. This happened in 1756, and ever since it has been the only region in the world with the right to produce port wine. The valley covers some 250,000 hectares, and 40-50,000 of them are cultivated for wine production. Many of the quintas (estates) in the area offer wine tasting and are interesting agro-tourism destinations – here visitors can learn about wine production and even help out with the harvest of the wine grapes. The valley is beautiful, with steep hillsides full of green rows of vines rising up from the riverside. It can be reached either by a river cruise, by train (sometimes steam train) or by car. As some attractions are located off the beaten track and wine tasting is part of the appeal of the region, it may be wise to consider hiring a guide with a car. ANE Tours (tel: 229 942 667; website: www.anetours.pt) and Mr Manuel Silva (tel: 963 002 715) offer guided bespoke tours for individuals or small groups.

One of the cities in the region, Lamego, has a magnificent baroque outdoor staircase with 686 steps up the hill to the impressive Sanctuary of Nossa Senhora dos Remédios. The city's cathedral is also of interest. Amarante, a small town between Porto and the Douro Valley, is also worth visiting. It is located on the river Tâmega and is full of 17th century mansions with colourful wooden balconies overlooking the narrow streets. The restaurants have terraces above the river and great views of the old Roman bridge, which leads to the impressive 16th-century São Gonçalo Monastery.