Douro Valley Vineyards
Portugal Hiking + Walking Tours
Porto, wine, & stunning scenery on this hiking adventure in Portugal
- Tour Type
- Skill Level
- Length8 days
- Prices from€1099 Rates
- Book This Trip
Overview
Welcome to the best trails for hiking in Portugal and the most stunning! The Douro Valley is considered the most beautiful wine region in the world by many and for good reason.
Designated a UNESCO World Heritage region, the land is laced with endless olive groves, orange fields, vineyards, and river beaches. Wildlife thrives here. Walls of schist support the climbing, with gravity-defying vineyards constructed over the centuries - each stone laid by hand - creating an astonishing and unique landscape.
A highlight during this tour is that on Day 7 you return to Porto by water, enjoying a Douro River cruise.
Lace-up your hiking shoes and get ready for spectacular!
Highlights
- Unesco World Heritage sites
- The oldest wine-producing area in the world
- Astonishing Douro cruise
- Scenic train trip to Pinhão
- Traditional gastronomy and wines from the region
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Itinerary
Day 1: Arrival to Porto
Day 2: Train transfer to Pinhāo
Day 3: Pinhão - Sabrosa, 7 mi. (12 km)
Day 4: Hike from Sabrosa to Alijó, 9 mi. (15 km)
Day 5: Hike from Alijó to Vale de Mendiz, 8 mi. (13 km)
Day 6: Hike from Vale de Mendiz to Pinhão, 7 mi. (11 km)
Day 7: Porto | River Cruise
Day 8: DepartureAll distances are approximate. Due to circumstances beyond control, such as weather conditions or provisions issued by the local authorities, the itinerary may be subject to some changes before and/or during your holiday. For example, along the way, you may find temporary deviations/detours caused by roadwork not reflected in your route book or GPS tracks. In this case, please follow the directions posted locally.
Day 1: Arrival to Porto
A local representative will pick you up at the airport and transfer you to the hotel, provide you with your tour information, and answer any questions you may have regarding your upcoming tour. The transfer time is approximately 30 minutes. If you have some free time on the first day, make sure to explore this eclectic city. May we suggest a riverside walk, a fresh fish dinner, and a visit to the Port wine cellars in Vila Nova de Gaia?Preferred accommodation: Legendary Porto, Porto
Day 2: Train transfer to Pinhāo
Today, you will have some free time to discover Porto before traveling onward. The old town with its granite houses, monuments, and narrow streets are perfect for meandering. Later, you will travel to Pinhão by train (ticket cost not included) on a journey that takes you inland and into the vineyards (approx. 2 hours). The wine clad valley slopes are dramatic and wine culture is everywhere. Your accommodation today is in the heart of the vineyards in a typical Quinta, one kilometer (15 minutes walk) from Pinhão. You can opt to take a taxi to your hotel (approx. €10). Enjoy a complimentary glass of Port on the sun terrace!Preferred accommodation: Quinta de La Rosa, Pinhão
Day 3: Pinhão - Sabrosa, 7 mi. (12 km)
The hilly slopes will be a challenge today both for wine tasting fans and hikers! You can take a break and refresh in the village of Provosende characterized by old manor houses and picturesque schist stone cottages. Continuing on, crossing the plateau on old paths, through vineyards and small villages, the route leads to Sabrosa, home of Ferdinand Magellan, one of the most famous navigators of the 16th century. Your overnight this evening is at a charming wine hotel.Elevation gain: 700 m
Preferred accommodation: Vilarinho São Romão, SabrosaDay 4: Sabrosa - Alijó, 9 mi. (15 km)
Once again, your trek leads through the surrounding vineyards and then descends the slopes to the Pinhão River. The scenery will be a combination of olive trees and vines on terraces that testify to a simple way of life and work. You will pass by the estate known as Quinta da Pedra Alta, a place that has earned international recognition in the viticulture. The small village of Favaios is known for its famous wine (Favaios wine) and its old bakeries, which still use wood ovens and date back to the late 19th century. Be sure to take some time to sample the local specialties. Your overnight this evening is in Alijó, another 4 km from Favaios, in a historic pousada with a contemporary flair.Elevation gain: 600 m
Preferred accommodation: Pousada Palácio, AlijóDay 5: Alijó - Vale de Mendiz, 8 mi. (13 km)
On a hill overlooking Alijó, there is an iron settlement from the 1st century and the perfect place to begin the day's hike. Passing through Favaios and its vineyards once again, you the walk some old train tracks that cross the farmland, arriving at a wonderful viewpoint that overlooks the wine terraces, the Pinhão River, and the smattering of villages snug in the valleys. You overnight in Vale Mendiz overlooking the river.Elevation gain: 200 m
Accommodation: Quinta do SilvalDay 6: Vale de Mendiz - Pinhão, 7 mi. (11 km)
A short hike today will lead along the Douro River and beyond, heading southeast and then west through curving vineyards that shift from green to brown. Once back in Pinhão, you overnight at a working vineyard and winery on the banks of the Douro River.Elevation gain: 300 m
Preferred accommodation: Quinta de la RosaDay 7: Porto | River Cruise
The best is saved for last; a fitting end to your trek through wine country! After a short transfer (40 minutes) to Peso da Régua, you board a boat for a river cruise back to the magical city of Porto. You will gain a different perspective on life in this wine region. Appetizers and lunch will be served on board while you enjoy the view! Upon arrival at Vila Nova de Gaia pier, there is a wine cellar just across the street and if you would like, you can visit and participate in your last wine tasting. This excursion is optional. Your accommodations are within walking distance from the pier.Preferred accommodation: Legendary Porto
Day 8: Departure
All good things come to an end! This day is the official end of your tour but of course, extra nights are always available. Transfer from your hotel to Porto Airport (approx. 1 hour 30 minutes)If you opt for the self-guided hiking tour, you can add extra days/nights at any accommodation during the tour.
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Accommodation
On this tour, you will be accommodated in superior accommodations, consisting of rural tourism or classic/charming 4-star hotels. These establishments have been chosen for their unique atmosphere and superior level of service. Please see each day’s description for the name of the hotel that is generally booked for this tour based on availability. If a hotel is fully booked on any given day, a hotel of an equal standard will be booked.
Inclusions
What’s Included
All Tour Types Include:
- Accommodations for 7 nights
- Breakfasts
- Transfer Day 1: Porto Airport (OPO) to hotel
- Transfer Day 8: Hotel to Porto Airport (OPO)
- Luggage transfer
- Transfers during the tour
- Welcome briefing in English
- Route information & tour packet (maps, daily descriptions)
- Entrances to any excursions mentioned
- GPS tracks (to download to your own device/phone)
- Liability & personal accident insurance
- Mobile telephone for emergencies (free to call our local tour operator 24h/day)
- Dinner on Day 3
- Support vehicle (up to 8 people)
- Lunches or picnics
- Dinners
- Tour guide
- Support vehicle (up to 8 people)
- Lunches or picnics
- Dinners
Self-Guided Tour Also Includes
Supported Tour Also Includes
Guided Tour Also Includes
What’s Not Included
- Remaining meals not mentioned as included
- All beverages with included lunches or dinners
- Train ticket from Porto to Pinhão on Day 2 (approx. €15 per person)
- Optional taxi transfer on Day 2 (approx. €15 per person)
- Gratuities
- Travel Insurance
Dates & Pricing
Dates & Pricing
Daily arrivals possible
Low season: January 1 up to & including March 28 / November 1 up to & including December 23, 2021
High season: March 29 up to & including October 31, 2021Self-guided
Twin/double Single room Solo traveler suppl. Low season $ 1768 £ 997 $ 1,736 € 1099 NZ$ 1900 kr 11317 $ 1,364 $ 2330 £ 1313 $ 2,287 € 1448 NZ$ 2503 kr 14910 $ 1,797 $ 127 £ 72 $ 125 € 79 NZ$ 137 kr 813 $ 98 High season $ 2009 £ 1133 $ 1,973 € 1249 NZ$ 2159 kr 12861 $ 1,550 $ 2700 £ 1522 $ 2,650 € 1678 NZ$ 2900 kr 17279 $ 2,082 $ 127 £ 72 $ 125 € 79 NZ$ 137 kr 813 $ 98 Single room - single traveler booked with a group
Solo traveler - single traveler traveling aloneSupported
Twin/double Single room Requires a minimum of 6 participants Low season $ 2444 £ 1377 $ 2,399 € 1519 NZ$ 2626 kr 15641 $ 1,885 $ 3005 £ 1694 $ 2,950 € 1868 NZ$ 3229 kr 19235 $ 2,318 High season $ 2685 £ 1513 $ 2,636 € 1669 NZ$ 2885 kr 17186 $ 2,071 $ 3375 £ 1903 $ 3,314 € 2098 NZ$ 3626 kr 21603 $ 2,604 Guided
Twin/double Single room Requires a minimum of 6 participants Low season $ 2846 £ 1604 $ 2,794 € 1769 NZ$ 3058 kr 18216 $ 2,195 $ 3408 £ 1921 $ 3,345 € 2118 NZ$ 3661 kr 21809 $ 2,629 High season $ 3087 £ 1740 $ 3,031 € 1919 NZ$ 3317 kr 19760 $ 2,382 $ 3778 £ 2129 $ 3,709 € 2348 NZ$ 4059 kr 24178 $ 2,914 * Supported or guided tours: Please do not hesitate to ask if there is an existing group forming on any given date.
Extra Options
Preloaded Garmin Oregon Device: $ 121 £ 68 $ 118 € 75 NZ$ 130 kr 772 $ 93 Extra nights, Porto: on request
Please Note
- Rates are based on double occupancy
- Information to read before you book
- We recommend purchasing trip insurance
- Please see our FAQ
Extra Info
Skill Level — Moderate
Your route follows paths through vineyards, cobbled stone surfaces, and narrow paved roads. Daily distances are 11 - 15 km with long ascents and descents. Please view the day to day itinerary for exact mileage and elevation information.
Airport Info
The closest and most convenient international airport to your tour start in Porto is Porto Airport (OPO).
Local Travel
Airport transfers from and to Porto Airport are included in your tour price. Please note that transfers are provided for up to four people. A supplement may apply for groups larger than four. If you decide to fly to Lisbon, the Lisbon Portela Airport (LIS) is located 7 km from the city center. You can take a taxi or train to the city. Lisbon Airport is now connected directly to Lisbon center (Saldahna) by underground metro. If you are continuing onward from the airport to Porto, you can take the airport metro to Orient station and from there, a direct train to Porto.
Climate
Portugal has a mild Mediterranean climate with over 300 days of sun per year! The summer season is six months long, lasting from May to October. Though this tour is offered year-round, the best time for your walking tour would be March through October. The spring months of April/May or the Autumn months of September/October generally provide the best weather for walking. Portugal is often quite hot and very humid in the summer months. It’s also important to note that because Portugal sits on the Atlantic coast, the weather can change rapidly and you will need to take rain gear regardless of what time of year you choose to walk. If walking in the late fall and winter months, please pack accordingly. Do check local conditions prior to your arrival. Below you will find monthly weather averages for the region.
Day of Rest
For self-guided hiking, you may book an extra night within your tour itinerary on any given night. Day 7 for both guided and self-guided participants entails no walking but instead, you will spend the day cruising the river back into the main city and admiring the surroundings of the river bank!
Important to know
Documents
Before you travel, please check the passport and visa requirements of the country/countries you plan to visit. It is your responsibility to ensure that you have proper identification. For US citizens, the U.S. Passports & International Travel website is a good source of information. The Country Information tab provides details about passport validity, blank passport pages required, etc. It is important to research before you travel as airlines will not permit boarding if you do not have the required valid documents.
*Important note: Please check on the European Travel Information and Authorization System (ETIAS) status as once implemented, this will be required to visit any of the 26 Schengen-member countries for tourism, business, medical, or transit. This is an additional check on security rather than a visa.
Extra Stay
If hiking self-guided, you can add extra days/nights at any accommodation during the tour. For guided hikers joining a pre-existing group, this may not be possible. If you have an exclusive group, just ask! Of course, extra nights before or after your tour in Porto are always possible and recommended!
Tour Operator
This tour is run by Portugal Nature Trails.
We value the strong relationship we have with our local partners and the services we provide.
We are not a broker.
We do not inflate tour prices.
We are simply travelers helping travelers.Would you like to learn more About Us? How about What Makes Us Different than other companies?
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