Porto & the Douro Valley
8 Days & 7 Nights 4.4 Read 18 reviews- Sauntering through the Ribeira, Porto’s old town and a World UNESCO Heritage Site
- Sitting on your private terrace in the Quinta da Seixada sipping world-famous wine
- Partaking in wine-tasting at local wineries, such as the DouRosa Branco from the Quinta de la Rosa
- Enjoying the mighty Douro River as you slowly make your way downstream on a scenic boat cruise
What To Expect
Trip Style:
Self Guided | Go at your own pace on an independent holiday.
Activity:
Inn to Inn Walking | A classic point to point walking trip, staying in a different location each night
Ideal if you have an interest in:
Wine, Whisky & More..., Luxury & Unique Stays
Grade & Terrain
This tour is suitable for most people that are in good physical condition. The daily distances are not that far, although you should be aware that there are some quite significant elevation gains through the local vineyard terraces in the Douro Valley. However, on some of the days, there is no walking at all to make way for scenic train and boat rides to and from Porto. As this is a self-guided walk you will be responsible for navigation, decision making and safety during your trip.
Navigation
You will be provided with detailed route information to help you find your way. As the local maps in this area are basic you will also be given GPSs and will receive instructions on how to use them.Accommodation Information
Your 7 night, 8 day Porto & the Douro Valley self-guided walk in Portugal includes 7 nights in 4 & 3* hotels and guest houses set on wine estates. All of the hotels have been specifically chosen for their comfort and some also for their great locations with fabulous views over the Douro River and surrounding vineyards. A warm welcome is assured and some have swimming pools or gardens that you may wander through.
Alternative accommodation
During the high season, you might be booked into alternative accommodations which are not listed in the description. Any alternative accommodation will be of the same or better standard as those described.
Single Rooms & Solo Walkers
If you require single rooms within your party we would be happy to accommodate you although there is a single room supplement payable. Solo walkers are also welcome for an additional charge which is unfortunately quite high due to the high cost of the shared transfers not being split.
Meals
7 Breakfasts and 1 lunch on the Douro River Cruise are included. In Porto, you can eat dinner in one of the many restaurants and at the other locales (because they are rural areas) at the hotels. We recommend that you make reservations for dinner, especially at the quintas. We recommend trying the traditional and locally-sourced food, especially the fresh seafood in Porto which is simply delicious. For lunches, you can find local cheeses, meats and breads in local shops or markets, or the hotels may make you a packed lunch on request.
- 7 Nights in 4* & 3* Hotels and Guest Houses
- Transfer on Day 7 from Hotel to Régua (Pre-River Cruise)
- Lunch on Day 7 while on the Douro River Cruise
- The Douro River Cruise
- 7 Breakfasts
- Baggage transfers (apart from on Day 7)
- Transfers at the beginning and end of the tour from the hotels to Porto Airport
- A briefing about the tour upon arrival at your hotel
- Detailed maps, information pack, route information, and loan of a GPS
- Organisational assistance and backup from our area manager in Portugal and our office
- Travel insurance (required)
- Train tickets from Porto to Pinhão and from Pinhão to Porto (around €11 one way)
- Taxi from Porto hotel to train station on Day 2
- Luggage transfers on Day 2
- Taxi from port to hotel on Day 7 (Post-River Cruise)
- Transfer from Pinhao to hotel on Day 2
- 7 Dinners
- 6 Lunches
- Drinks and snacks
- Personal equipment
- Mountain rescue / emergency assistance
- Additional nights before or after the holiday
- Optional Rabelo Boat Trip on Day 6
When To Go
This Porto & the Douro Valley self-guided walking tour is available to start on any day from May to June and from September to October.
Time of Year
As the summer months can be extremely hot, making walking quite uncomfortable the departure dates are limited to spring, autumn and winter months. In the spring there will be lots of wildflowers and in the autumn it is the grape harvest, so it will be a great time to be in this area. Please be aware that in the winter months some of the hotels and hotel restaurants may be closed however there will be options available in the local area and the accommodation you will stay in may not be exactly the same as that in the detailed itinerary however it will be of a similar standard.
Getting to the Start
Porto Airport is the nearest airport and is served by many airlines, such as Easyjet, Ryanair, KLM and British Airways. Porto is also accessible from Lisbon Airport.
From Lisbon Airport take an airport shuttle bus to the Santa Apolonia Train Station and then a train to Porto which takes around two and a half hours. Lisbon is also served by many airlines in the UK and from many other gateways in Europe
All transfers to and from Porto Airport (or to/from train or bus station in Porto)to the first and last hotels are included in the price.
Baggage Transfer
Your bags will be transferred as per your itinerary. We request that you limit your luggage to 20kg per person and one bag per person.Equipment
Please be prepared by packing all necessary items, for example, proper rain gear (jacket and trousers), sun hat and sunscreen. Your information pack has a detailed equipment list which includes standard walking gear such as good walking boots or shoes, warm and waterproof clothes for the cooler months and lightweight clothing for summer, and a day pack.
Travel Insurance
It is a requirement of booking this tour with Macs Adventure that you have suitable travel insurance which covers you for the activity, emergency evacuation and hospital care.
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