Porto & the Douro Valley

This self-guided walking tour begins in the city of Porto, set on the Atlantic Ocean at the mouth of the Douro River. Explore its old quarter, the Ribeira, and its maze of narrow cobbled streets and beautiful plazas. On arrival at Porto Airport, you will be transferred to your hotel (duration: 30min). Depending on your time of arrival, you may wish to begin exploring today and have dinner in one of the many quayside restaurants.

Today you will take a scenic train ride (duration: 2h30, payable locally) to the Douro Valley, a World UNESCO Heritage Site. You have the flexibility to decide when to leave Porto as you may wish to explore more of this amazing city this morning. When you're ready, simply make your way to Sao Bento Railway Station and board the train. Be sure to check the timetable in advance, tickets can be purchased at the train station before you depart or online.

Your memorable train journey from Porto to the Douro Valley is a remarkable feat of engineering as there are 26 tunnels to go through and 30 bridges to cross. Pass through areas of outstanding natural beauty; vineyard-covered hillsides that stretch down to the banks of the Douro River.

Upon arrival in Pinhão train station, you can take a taxi (duration: 10min, payable locally) to your accommodation.

From the doorstep of your accommodation in Pinhao, you'll begin your walk to Vilarinho São Romão, absorbing the spectacular scenery of the Alto Douro Wine Region. This is a land of traditions and there is much evidence to suggest that wine production has been a livelihood here for more than two thousand years. It is the first wine region in the world that was demarcated and the harvest here is still as traditional as it used to be and still done by hand and foot (with the squashing of the grapes!)

As you walk up and over the hilly slopes you will pass through the village of Provosende, where you may rest and admire its old manor houses. You'll pass a small tavern or “tacsa” that has an interesting exhibition regarding the local wine production. Crossing the plateau, pass by more traditional wineries and villages before arriving at Vilarinho São Romão.

Elevation: +562m/+279ft

Please note that if the accommodation in Vilarinho de São Romão is unavailable, we will arrange accommodation in Provosende instead. This will shorten today’s walk by 2.8 km (1.7 miles), with the difference being covered on tomorrow’s stage.

After a traditional breakfast, it's time to continue exploring the beautiful Douro region. Enjoy incredible views across the valley on your way towards the pretty village of Sabrosa, believed to be the birthplace of Fernão de Magalhães (Ferdinand Magellan), the great fifteenth-century Portuguese navigator and the first man to complete a circumnavigate voyage over the world - the ultimate proof that the earth was round.

Continue down the slopes to meet the river Pinhão, where an old bridge, dating from Roman times, awaits you. Then, you will reach the small village of Favaios. Taste its traditional wood oven-baked bread and its famous wine, the “favaios” and then, continue to the small historic town of Alijó. The highlight is the excellent regional gastronomy and the excellent wine from the region, especially the famous Moscatel de Favaios.

Elevation: +700m/+2,297ft

You can also opt for a shorter walk today (12km/7.5mi) after a short transfer to Sabrosa (duration: 10min). It has less elevation, with 500m/1,640ft ascent.

After walking back into Favaios and perhaps buying bread in a local bakery for a picnic lunch, you pass an iron settlement from the 1st century BC. It is worth paying a small fee to partake in some wine-tasting at Quinta de Avessada. This Quinta has been producing wine for at least a century and has an interactive museum that you may look around. This type of museum is the first of its kind in the country and is full of innovative activities that will surprise its visitors.

Following this visit and after walking through farmland, you will reach a wonderful view point where you can see hamlets perched on outcrops over the river and within the vineyards as you reach you final destination, Casal de Loivos.

Elevation: +250m/+820ft

This morning you will walk from Casal de Loivos back to Pinhão (along a different route) with stunning views over the Douro River and beyond to the south, east and west. The scenery of vineyards and mountains carved out by rivers is indeed special and it is no wonder that this area has been designated a World UNESCO Heritage Site.

A scenic transfer (duration: 45min) will take you from Pinhão to Regua, where you will stay for the evening.

Elevation: +176m/+511ft

This morning you will board your river boat for a peaceful all-day cruise down the Douro River, back to Porto. See the thousands of tiers of vine-lined terraces and the many small towns and settlements perched on the sloping hillsides. On a clear day this scenery is reflected in the waters of the river as you sail along. Many of these villages have retained their medieval simplicity with tiny communities clustered around historic churches, monasteries and castles. Cross 14 locks and descend over 35m at the various dams on this incredible journey. You will also enjoy lunch on board which includes local wine.

Later this afternoon you'll arrive in Porto, as this city is renowned for its world-class cuisine, perhaps you can seek out a great restaurant as a treat on your last night.

*The River Cruise is only available from April to October. If you travel outside these months, you will be transferred to Porto by car, stopping off for a visit to the Casa Mateus museum, an old manor from the 17th century with beautiful gardens.

The tour finishes after breakfast and an included transfer will take you back to Porto Airport for your journey home.