It is thought that the town´s name originated from the name of a Roman house that once stood here - the "Villa Reguela". Its great development was, however, only to begin after 1756 with the creation of the Real Companhia Geral da Agricultura das Vinhas do Alto Douro (Royal Company of Vine-Growers from the Alto Douro Region), which set up the world's first ever demarcated region for wine production. Situated on the banks of the River Douro, Peso da Régua played a fundamental role in the production and sale of Port wine, for it was from here that the barrels were transported in the special boats known as barcos rabelos to Vila Nova de Gaia, where the wine was left to age in the local wine lodges. In this region, the vines are grown on terraced slopes leading down to the river, providing visitors with a series of spectacular views, which are best admired from the area's many viewpoints, such as those of São Leonardo at Galafura and Santo António do Loureiro.

The Carrapatelo dam is located on the border of Porto and Viseu district, respectively between the municipalities of Marco de Canaveses and Cinfães. Inaugurated in 1972, it was the first dam to be built on the national section of the Douro River. This is the Douro dam with the highest gap, 35m, which makes the boat passage through its lock an unforgettable experience. It is located at km 65 of the Douro waterway and is the second dam before the mouth of the Douro. Pass by this dam the cruises that make the route Porto and Régua.

The Crestuma-Lever Dam is located in the Porto district, between the parishes of Crestuma and Lever, from which the dam's name derives, and connects the municipalities of Vila Nova de Gaia and Gondomar. It was opened in 1985. This is the Douro dam closest to the mouth where it is 22 kms. It is therefore the first dam that we find when we go up the river by boat and the last when we go down. The lock overcomes a 13.9m height difference of the waters, being the smallest difference in the Douro Dams. In addition to water storage and electricity production, the dam also serves as a pedestrian and road crossing.

The Douro Valley could as easily be called the enchanted valley, such is the beauty and magic that its landscapes offer.

By the end of the day you will reach Porto. Cross the bridges of Porto until you get to the mouth of the River where it meets the sea and finish the experience with the best views of Porto historical centre and the Port Wine Lodges in Gaia. The arrival location can be either the Estiva Quay, or Gaia Quay. Our reservation team will give you the exact location when you confirm your booking.