GETTING THERE & AROUND

TAP flies direct from London to Porto. British Airways, EasyJet, Ryanair and Wizz Air also fly direct from several regional British airports. ba.com easyjet.com ryanair.com wizzair.com Average flight time: 2h20m.

Pinhão, Régua and Vesuvio can be reached from Porto by train. To explore elsewhere, hire a car or book with a local operator, such as Luxury Douro Tours or Living Tours, which can arrange transport from the major valley hubs. For active experiences, including guided walks on the Corgo Line, try Detours. luxurydourotours.com livingtours.com detours.pt

WHEN TO GO

Spring and autumn are best, when daily temperatures range from about 20C to 25C. During the latter, grape harvests add to the viticultural buzz and some vineyards hold harvest events.

PLACES MENTIONED

Wine & Soul. wineandsoul.com

Quinta do Vesuvio (by appointment only). quintadovesuvio.com

Magnífico Douro. magnificodouro.pt Quinta da Roêda. croftport.com

Quinta do Bomfim. symington.com Casa Lapão. casalapao.pt

Papas Zaide. Lgo da Praça 1, Provesende Quinta da Aveleda. aveleda.com Quinta D’Azinheira. T: +351 910 923 434

WHERE TO STAY

The Vintage House, Pinhao. From £151, B&B. vintagehousehotel.com

Quinta da Pacheca, Régua. From £112, room only. quintadapacheca.com Quinta Nova, Covas do Douro. From £176, B&B. quintanova.com

MORE INFO

Visit Portugal. visitportugal.com Associação de Turismo do Porte e Norte. portocvb.com

HOW TO DO IT

Kirker has three nights in Pinhão at The Vintage House Hotel, B&B, from £598 per person, including return flights to Porto and car hire. kirkerholidays.com