Visitor Information

Getting There

Oporto's is the closest international airport to the Douro (www.ana.pt ); it is served by several major European airlines. From there, the roughly 80-mile drive to Peso da Régua takes about two hours.

Alternatively, one can take a seven-hour cruise down Douro River with Douro Azul (351-223-402-500; www.douroazul.pt ; from 57 euros each way depending on the season, or $83.79 at $1.47 to the euro), or a two-and-a-half-hour train ride to Peso da Régua's historic station (351-213-185-990, www.cp.pt ; from about 8 euros one way).

Where to stay

The new Aquapura near Peso da Régua (351-254-660-600; www.aquapurahotels.com ) has 50 bedrooms of which 9 are suites, 21 villas and 3 restaurants. Rooms start at 300 euros.

Opened last June, Quinta da Romaneira (Cotas; 351-254-732-432; www.maisonsdesreves.com ) is an ultra-luxurious resort on a beautiful old wine estate near Pinhão. Rates are 1,000 euros for a couple sharing a room and is all-inclusive.

Casa do Visconde de Chanceleiros (351-254-730-190; www.chanceleiros.com ) is a quaint, 10-room bed-and-breakfast. Rooms start at 120 euros.

Until the Romaneira came along, the Vintage House Hotel (351-254-730-230; www.csvintagehouse.com ) was the area's most prestigious hotel. It has 37 elegant rooms, and several suites, starting at 125 euros in the low season.