Douro Valley Vineyards
Portugal Hiking + Walking Tours
Porto, wine, & stunning scenery on this hiking adventure in Portugal
- Tour Type
- Skill Level
- Length7–6 days
- Prices from€1275 Rates
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.
On Day 7, you have the option of including a Douro River cruise and extending your stay with extra nights in Porto.
Lace up your hiking shoes and get ready for the 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
Check out all our hiking tours!
You may also like our Douro River boat and bike tour here.
Itinerary
Day 1: Arrival to Porto
Day 2: Train transfer to Pinhāo. Hike from Pinhāo to Casal de Loivos, 6 mi. (9 km)
Day 3: Hike from Pinhão - Sabrosa, 7 mi. (12 km)
Day 4: Hike from Alijó to Vilarinho de Sāo Romāo, 11 mi. (17 km)
Day 5: Hike from Vilarinho de Sāo Romāo to Pinhāo, 7 mi. (10 km)
Day 6: Hike from Peso da Régua to Q.da Pacheca, 5 mi. (8 km)
Day 7: Departure to Porto*All 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: NH Collection Batalha, Porto
Day 2: Train transfer to Pinhāo. Hike from Pinhāo to Casal de Loivos, 6 mi. (9 km)
Take a short 10-minute walk to the Porto train station (take your luggage with you) where you'll catch a train at 09h20 that takes you inland from Porto to Pinhão, deep in the heart of the Douro Valley thick with vineyards (ticket cost not included) (approx. 2.5 hours). On arrival in Pinhāo (11h40), you will drop your luggage off with the transfer company and start your day's hike. The wine-clad valley slopes are dramatic and wine culture is everywhere. Your first hike will take you along the Pinhāo River to your accommodation, a typical Quinta, where you can enjoy a complimentary glass of Port on the sun terrace!Elevation gain: 400 m
Preferred accommodation: Cas de Casal de LoivosDay 3: Hike from Pinhão - Alijó, 10 mi. (16 km)
Learn more about the traditional production of olive oil at the olive oil museum in Casal de Loivos before heading off on your walk. 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, you will pass some large wine estates like Enoteca da Quinta Avessada where you can taste some local wines. You will also pass the Núcleo Museológico Favaios, an interesting museum on the unique products of Favaios, bread and wine. Your route leads Alijó and to your charming overnight hotel.Elevation gain: 400 m
Preferred accommodation: P. Palacete AlijóDay 4: Hike from Alijó to Vilarinho de Sāo Romāo, 11 mi. (17 km)
Go back in time as you walk through a terraced landscape of olive trees and vines, where evidence of time gone by can be experienced You will cross Favaios Village and the award-winning wine estate of Quinta da Pedsa Alta. Then, you will discover little-known historic places and pass through Sabrosa, one of the most emblematic towns in the region. From the small villages to the breathtaking landscapes over the vineyards, you will have many opportunities to admire the fascinating colors of the Douro valley and to take unforgettable photos.Elevation gain: 600 m
Preferred accommodation: Casa das Pipas - Quinta do PortalDay 5: Hike from Vilarinho de Sāo Romāo to Pinhāo, 7 mi. (10 km)
Delight yourself with dramatic landscapes over the Pinhão River! After a traditional and fresh breakfast, it's time to continue exploring the beautiful Douro region. Your first stop will be the quaint town of Provosende - one of the seven Vineyard Villages of Portugal - with some of the best views in Portugal, and Port wine of course. As you cross the plateau, observe superb vineyard sceneries and small villages with old paths. Finish the day walking along the river Pinhão, surrounded by the immensity of the Douro.Elevation gain: 200 m
Accommodation: Quina de La RosaDay 6: Hike from Peso da Régua to Q.da Pacheca, 5 mi. (8 km)
Take a short transfer (40 min) to Peso da Régua - located on the banks of the Douro River - before you take some time to get to know this city. This town played a key role in the production and sale of Port wine, where the wine was barreled and sent via barcos rabelos - special boats that sailed to Vila Nova de Gaia, where the wine would left to age. You will then cross the Douro River and enter and once again walk along rows of vineyards, and past traditional homes. Finish the walk at Quinta da Pacheca, a great place to taste wine and take a wine tour.Elevation gain: 100 m
Preferred accommodation: VG Collection DouroDay 7: Departure
Today, you have the choice of returning to Porto via train from Peso da Régua (price not included) or adding on the river cruise package below.Porto | River Cruise (6 hours): After a short transfer (10 minutes) to Peso da Régua at 09h00, 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 in Porto, there is a wine cellar just across the street and if you would like, you can visit and participate in your last wine tasting. Your package also includes a transfer from Porto Pier to Porto City or Porto Airport at 17h00. This excursion is optional (only available from May to October).
This day is the official end of your tour but of course, extra nights are always available and highly recommended. Transfer from your hotel to Porto Airport (approx. 30 minutes).
If you opt for the self-guided hiking tour, you can add extra days/nights at any accommodation during the tour.
You can view all of our bike tours in Europe or look at our featured bike trips, specials, and news.
Map
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 6 nights
- Breakfasts
- Dinner on Day 2, 5 & 6 (excluding beverages) - set hotel menu
- Dinner on day 4 (excluding beverages) - hotel menu
- Transfer Day 1: Porto Airport (OPO) to hotel
- 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
- 24-hour support contact number
- Support vehicle
- Lunches or picnics
- Dinners
- Entrances to any excursions mentioned
- Tour guide
- Support vehicle (up to 8 people)
- Lunches or picnics
- Dinners
- Entrances to any excursions mentioned
Supported Tour Also Includes
Guided Tour Also Includes
What’s Not Included
- Departure transfer on Day 7
- Remaining meals not mentioned as included
- All beverages with included lunches or dinners
- Departure package (transfers to pier and Porto, Douro river cruise, lunch)
- Train ticket from Porto to Pinhão on Day 2 (approx. €15 per person)
- City taxes (in some locations €0-3 per person per night)(payabe locally)
- Gratuities
- Travel Insurance
Dates & Pricing
Dates & Pricing
2024
Daily arrivals possible
Low season: January 4 up to & including February 24 & October 29 up to & including December 15, 2024
Mid season: February 25 up to & including March 24, 2024
High season: April 1 up to & including July 26, 2024
Peak season: March 25 up to & including March 31 & July 27 up to & including October 28, 2024Self-guided
Twin/double Single room supplement Solo traveler suppl. Low season $ 2154 £ 1096 $ 1,951 € 1275 Ft 516253 kr 198065 ₪ 5388 ¥ 203851 Mex$ 28799 NZ$ 2331 kr 15524 zł 5566 S$ 1869 kr 14869 CHF 1213 $ 1,433 $ 760 £ 387 $ 688 € 450 Ft 182207 kr 69905 ₪ 1902 ¥ 71948 Mex$ 10164 NZ$ 823 kr 5479 zł 1964 S$ 660 kr 5248 CHF 428 $ 506 $ 507 £ 258 $ 459 € 300 Ft 121471 kr 46603 ₪ 1268 ¥ 47965 Mex$ 6776 NZ$ 548 kr 3653 zł 1310 S$ 440 kr 3499 CHF 286 $ 337 Mid season $ 2323 £ 1182 $ 2,104 € 1375 Ft 556743 kr 213599 ₪ 5811 ¥ 219840 Mex$ 31058 NZ$ 2513 kr 16741 zł 6003 S$ 2016 kr 16035 CHF 1309 $ 1,546 $ 828 £ 421 $ 750 € 490 Ft 198403 kr 76119 ₪ 2071 ¥ 78343 Mex$ 11068 NZ$ 896 kr 5966 zł 2139 S$ 718 kr 5714 CHF 466 $ 551 $ 507 £ 258 $ 459 € 300 Ft 121471 kr 46603 ₪ 1268 ¥ 47965 Mex$ 6776 NZ$ 548 kr 3653 zł 1310 S$ 440 kr 3499 CHF 286 $ 337 High season $ 2492 £ 1268 $ 2,257 € 1475 Ft 597234 kr 229134 ₪ 6233 ¥ 235828 Mex$ 33317 NZ$ 2696 kr 17959 zł 6439 S$ 2162 kr 17201 CHF 1404 $ 1,658 $ 980 £ 498 $ 887 € 580 Ft 234845 kr 90100 ₪ 2451 ¥ 92732 Mex$ 13101 NZ$ 1060 kr 7062 zł 2532 S$ 850 kr 6764 CHF 552 $ 652 $ 507 £ 258 $ 459 € 300 Ft 121471 kr 46603 ₪ 1268 ¥ 47965 Mex$ 6776 NZ$ 548 kr 3653 zł 1310 S$ 440 kr 3499 CHF 286 $ 337 Peak season $ 2661 £ 1354 $ 2,410 € 1575 Ft 637724 kr 244668 ₪ 6656 ¥ 251817 Mex$ 35576 NZ$ 2879 kr 19176 zł 6876 S$ 2309 kr 18368 CHF 1499 $ 1,770 $ 1014 £ 516 $ 918 € 600 Ft 242943 kr 93207 ₪ 2536 ¥ 95930 Mex$ 13553 NZ$ 1097 kr 7305 zł 2619 S$ 880 kr 6997 CHF 571 $ 674 $ 507 £ 258 $ 459 € 300 Ft 121471 kr 46603 ₪ 1268 ¥ 47965 Mex$ 6776 NZ$ 548 kr 3653 zł 1310 S$ 440 kr 3499 CHF 286 $ 337 Single room - single traveler booked with a group
Solo traveler - single traveler traveling aloneSupported
Requires a minimum of 6 participants Pricing on request Guided
Requires a minimum of 6 participants Pricing on request * Please do not hesitate to ask if an existing group is forming on any given date; when possible, you can join with others.
Extra Options
Preloaded Garmin Oregon Device: $ 84 £ 43 $ 76 € 50 Ft 20245 kr 7767 ₪ 211 ¥ 7994 Mex$ 1129 NZ$ 91 kr 609 zł 218 S$ 73 kr 583 CHF 48 $ 56 Extra nights in Porto: on request
If booking self-guided, extra nights within tour itinerary: on request
Optional departure package (on Day 7) (min. 2 pax): $ 228 £ 116 $ 207 € 135 Ft 54662 kr 20972 ₪ 571 ¥ 21584 Mex$ 3049 NZ$ 247 kr 1644 zł 589 S$ 198 kr 1574 CHF 128 $ 152 Optional departure package (on Day 7) (solo traveler): $ 304 £ 155 $ 275 € 180 Ft 72883 kr 27962 ₪ 761 ¥ 28779 Mex$ 4066 NZ$ 329 kr 2192 zł 786 S$ 264 kr 2099 CHF 171 $ 202Please Note
- Rates are per person, based on double occupancy
- Tour prices are based on the fuel costs at time prices are set, often months or years in advance. In rare cases, additional fees may apply for fuel cost increases.
- 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
An arrival airport transfer from Porto Airport is 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.
On Day 7, one can opt for the departure package which will take you back to Porto and end around 17h00 (see under recommended) or there is an optional train from Peso da Régua to Porto (price not included).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.
Recommended
We recommend booking extra nights in Porto before or after your tour! In addition, you can book the optional departure package on Day 7. This includes a transfer from your hotel to Peso da Régua pier (09h00), a cruise along the Douro River back to Porto (with lunch included), and a return transfer to Porto Airport or Porto City at around 17h00.
Please note: The cruise is usually unavailable on Saturdays and not available from Nov-Mar.Remarks
No luggage transfer on Day 2 & Day 7. Customers take their luggage on the train and cruise respectively.
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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