Douro Valley In Style

Arrive in Porto, where you’ll be met and transferred to your 5-star hotel. Located in the historic centre of the city on the pedestrianised Rua das Flores, it's a great base from which to explore Porto. We recommend a sunset drink on one of the city's many rooftop bars, and a leisurely post-dinner stroll on the winding streets of the old quarters of Ribeira, Miragaia and Massarelos.

After a quick private transfer to the quay, you'll board the boat for your day cruise to Peso da Régua. Along the way you'll see thousands of vine-lined terraces and small settlements perched on the hillsides, whilst crossing 14 locks and descending over 35m at various dams. It's a spectacular way to travel to the Douro Valley, and a lunch with local wine will be served onboard. A short transfer will then take you to your hotel, located on the south bank of the Douro River. To kickstart your time in the Douro Valley, there'll be a visit to the wine cellars for a wine tasting session on arrival. Dinner is also included at the hotel's restaurant this evening, which has amazing views over the vineyards.

From Peso da Régua, a short transfer will take you to Valdigem. From here, walk through several villages where tourists seldom venture. Life meanders slowly here and there'll be opportunities to stop at local cafés along the way. In the surrounding rugged hillsides, locals cultivate grapes, olive trees and cherry and apple trees. The fruit trees will be in blossom in early spring, and the wild flowers will also be on display. After walking through more untouched hillsides, vineyards, olive groves and orchards, stopping off to enjoy your included packed lunch, you'll finish the walk at Quinta do Outono wine estate, where a wine tasting session at the cellars will take place. A private 20 minute transfer will take you back to your hotel in Peso da Régua.

Total ascent/descent: +380m/-144m

Today you'll walk to the 18th-century wine estate of Quinta do Tedo. This family-owned and certified-organic winery is surrounded by UNESCO World Heritage terraced vineyards, climbing high above the Douro and Tedo rivers. After a 20 minute private transfer to Vila Seca, make your way downhill to the village of Marmelal and then downwards again towards the Douro River. Finish with a wine tasting session at Quinta do Tedo.

Total ascent/descent: +109m/-535m

Today's walk starts at the Quinta de Ventozelo. Just before you start your descent, you'll be greeted with views over the Quinta das Carvalhas wine estate. The walk takes you through the village and into the vineyards and countryside. Here you'll find the landscape of smaller wine producers, and so the patterns of the grape rows are more varied as you walk towards the next village. This may be the perfect spot to enjoy your packed lunch before you gradually start walking uphill through a wine estate for some extra special views, before zigzagging your way back down through grape vines towards the Vintage House Hotel, your accommodation in Pinhão. This 19th-century winery has a tranquil riverside setting and is surrounded by terraced vineyards on hillsides. Its central location means you're a short walk from the town's restaurants, cafés, bars and wineries. Dinner is included at the hotel's restaurant this evening, so that you can enjoy the traditional and regional flavours from local producers across the Douro region. You can dine under the vaulted ceilings or on the alfresco terrace.

Total ascent/descent: +70m/-315m

Today is all about the views from the north side of the Douro River, with a mostly downhill walk. A private 15 minute transfer will take you to the start point, a small village high in the hills with views of Pinhão Valley. Gradually descend with non-stop spectacular views of the Douro Valley to your left before you round the hillside. The views will be with you all the way down to the river as you walk through the vineyards of Quinta da Roeda and Quinta do Bomfim, making your back to Pinhão. A packed lunch is once again included for you to enjoy as and where you wish. The walk finishes at Quinta Bomfim, where your final wine tasting session takes place. It's an original winery and lodge dating from 1896, owned by the Symington family who have worked here for five generations, and now famous for its legendary Vintage Ports. It's conveniently located close to your hotel, so you'll have the afternoon free to either explore Pinhão or relax by the hotel's swimming pool.

Total ascent/descent: +59m/-390m

After four days of walking, it's time to return to Porto with free time to expore the city. The city's renowned for its vast port export, which is evident from the terracotta roofed storage warehouses on the banks of the Douro. Discover botanical gardens and over 1500 UNESCO-listed monuments, off-set by striking modern architecture and edgy street art. A gastronomic paradise, Porto is home to Michelin-starred restaurants and a myriad of Michelin Guide-listed restaurants.

A private transfer back to Porto Airport is included.