
PipaDouro reinforces luxury river services in the Douro
11/03/2025Pipadouro Excellence is reinforcing the Douro’s status as a luxury river wine tourism destination by presenting an exclusive set of premium services for its Vintage Wine Travel programmes. The operator, which won the world award for best innovative wine tourism experience at the People’s Choice Awards by the Great Wine Capitals Global Network, is now betting on highly personalised experiences aboard its vintage yachts.
Among the new features are butler services, babysitting, massages and live music, providing passengers with a journey full of sophistication and comfort. The operator recorded record occupancy for the second year running, with more than 2,064 passengers on board last year, and is committed to diversifying its offers to cater for a demanding clientele.
The Pipadouro Excellence also has an à la carte chef who prepares exclusive menus, a private driver for transport in classic or modern vehicles to the Pinhão pier, a photographer to record special moments, a certified local guide and a wine educator, a professional specialising in wine culture.
Ana Clara Silva, Pipadouro’s Operations Director, stresses that the aim is to offer a unique and personalised experience, taking the Douro to a new level of exclusivity. According to her, the operator’s philosophy is inspired by the best hotels and estates in the region, but with the personalisation and scale of a boutique hotel on the water.
Pipadouro’s fleet includes Friendship I, a 1957 superyacht that served the British Navy, and Pipadouro II, a 1965 Vintage Boat. The programmes on offer range from a day on the Douro to tailor-made options for corporate events, meetings and team building, always with a commitment to providing authentic and memorable experiences.
With the growing demand for luxury tourism and exclusive experiences, Pipadouro Excellence has established itself as a benchmark in river wine tourism in the Douro, offering a distinctive approach where care for every detail guarantees unforgettable moments for its clients.