Douro Valley Vineyards

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: Departure

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: 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, Sabrosa

Day 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, Alijó

Day 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 Silval

Day 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 Rosa

Day 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.

You can view all of our bike tours in Europe or look at our featured bike trips, specials, and news. 

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.