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. 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 to the Douro Valley, a World UNESCO Heritage Site. The train journey takes around 2 and a half hours. However you have the flexibility to decide when to leave Porto as you may wish to explore more of this amazing city this morning. Marvel at the 14th century ramparts and the Sé Cathedral which dates from the 12th and 13th centuries.

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 take a taxi (payable locally) to your guest house.

From the doorstep of your accommodation in Pinhao to Sabrosa, you will be able to absorb 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. Come across 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 in Sabrosa. This is the home of one of the most important world navigators, Ferdinand Magellan.

Ascent: 800m

Begin today’s walk by following a trail through  vineyards down to the River Pinhão where you cross an old bridge. Also surrounded by olive groves, you will then pass through Favaios village where the bakeries still use their wood ovens dating from the late 19th century. After discovering Favaios you may then pay a visit to the Quinta do Portal, a vineyard that has won medals in international wine contests.

Make your way to Alijó and to the Pousada Palacete de Alijó, tonights accommodation.

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. The Vale Mendiz, your final destination for today, is one such hamlet set over the River Pinhão and you will be wholeheartedly welcomed at the Casa Casal de Loivos.

This morning you will walk from Vale Mendiz 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.

This afternoon you may like to relax at your accommodation and make use of the swimming pool. Alternatively you may choose to take a scenic boat trip along the River Douro to Rabelo where you can take in more of this fascinating scenery.

This morning a short transfer will take you from Pinhão to Regua where 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 arrive back into Porto and make your way to the hotel. 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.

*Please note the River Cruise is only available from April through to October. If you are travelling 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.