Portugal Self-guided Walking Tour – Duoro Valley

Tour Dates: Year around with the best weather in May – October

Apart from its legacy, the region is also one of extreme beauty and stunning landscapes, perfect for a hiking adventure! Explore the immense valleys, while walking from village to village and find yourself surrounded by the endless views of the oldest demarcated wine region in the world. It is said that the Douro region is a reflection of its proud people who live a traditional lifestyle, dedicating their time to produce the highest quality of the wine. Place of traditions, culture, and history, it offers the unforgettable opportunity to visit historic places, experience romantic boat trips and delight with the fantastic homemade dinners and authentic wine produced just a few steps away from you!

2023 Price: €1630 Euros pp double occupancy

Single Supplement: €670 Euros High Season (June 27 – October 28): €1,750 Single Supplement: €700 Euros
Price Includes:
  • Transfers Porto airport at the beginning and end of the tour
  • 7 nights lodging with breakfast
  • 1 dinner on Day 2
  • Welcome briefing
  • Digital information book made available before tour start.  (Daily Information, Daily Maps, Restaurant recommendations, etc.
  • Navigation app to download to your phone
  • Luggage transfers
  • Mobil telephone number local cell phone support
  • Day 7 Cruise to Porto with lunch (You bring your own luggage on the cruise.)
Price Does Not Include:

International flights, lunches and dinners other than D 2, tips, Drinks, City taxes

Tour Difficulty

Moderate

  • Distances average 8 – 17 km/day.
  • There are some song ascents and descents over old unpaved tracks through vineyards, cobbled stone surfaces and narrow paved roads.

Tour Highlights

  • Incredible landscapes classified as UNESCO World Heritage sites
  • Scenic train trip to Pinhao
  • Traditional gastronomy and wines from the region
  • Astonishing Duoro cruise while returning to Porto city

Itinerary

While we strive to create the most accurate itinerary possible, the nature of international travel demands that participants remain flexible to any changes. We will do our best to substitute activities and services of equal quality for those listed.

Day 1- Arrival in Porto

After your arrival, our guide will transfer you from the airport to the hotel in Porto. Porto is a charming city, easy to fall in love with, that has something mystical and difficult to describe. For your eyes only! Take the rest of the day off to experience the city, taste the food, reach the sightseeing spots and interact with the lovely people. Your journey begins here!

Day 2 – Hike from  Pinhão  to Casal de Loivos  Hike: 9 km, Elevation gain: 400 meters

Experience a train journey deep inside to the heart of the Douro. The day is reserved for an unforgettable train trip that will take you to Pinhão, deep in the heart of the Douro valley. Once on the train, you will be immersed in the vineyard’s landscapes. You will notice that the valley slopes are monumental, and the authentic wine culture is present everywhere. Once you arrive you will start your first hike along the Pinhão River and finish at Casal de Loivos where you can finally rest and enjoy an aromatic glass of wine. Port wine, of course!

Day 3 – Hike from Casal de Loivos to Alijó  Hike: 16 km, Elevation gain: 400 meters

Museums and wine estates will enrich your day.

In Casal de Loivos, you can find an olive oil museum and learn the traditional production process. However, if you are more into wine tasting, let’s start the hike. The Enoteca da Quinta Avessada and Núcleo Museológico Favaios will help you uncover some knowledge about the wines. Favaios is not only the name of this town but also the beloved beverage it serves, and maybe it will become your favorite wine in this region. Shortly after, you will arrive in Alijó and enjoy the beautiful scenery and excellent opportunities to taste the local wines.

Day 4 – Hike from Alijó to Vilarinho de São Romão Hike: 17 km, Elevation gain: 600 meters

Discover the lovely hometown of Ferdinand Magellan.

The scenery shows olive trees and vines on terraces, transmitting a sensation of the rude life and labor. After crossing Favaios village, you will pass the estate Quinta da Pedra Alta – a place that earned medals in an international wine contest. Then, you will discover little-known historical locations and visit Sabrosa, one of the most emblematic towns in the region. From the small villages to the breathtaking landscapes over the vineyards, you will have many opportunities to admire the fascinating colors of the Douro Valley and take unforgettable photos.

Day 5 – Hike from Vilarinho de São Romão to Pinhão  Hike: 10 km, Elevation gain: 200 meters

Cross through the world that lies behind Douro’s wine.

Time to return to Pinhão and enjoy your last day in the area. The village of Provosende is your next stop and one of the seven Vineyard Villages of Portugal. It offers stunning views and is a perfect moment for photograph lovers! As you cross the plateau, observe superb vineyard sceneries and small villages with old paths. The day will finish with a scenic riverside path beside the Pinhão river and a beautiful sunset over the hills.

Day 6 – Hike Peso da Régua Loop   Hike: 8 km, Elevation gain: 100 meters

Vineyards, vineyards as far as the eye can see.

A transfer will take you to Peso da Régua and what an opportunity to get to know a whole new city. You can decide to wander through the city before starting your day or to cross the river Douro and immerse yourself in vineyards once more. You will feel like one of the locals, sometimes walking alone along the paths and other times facing the traditional homes scattered across the land. No better place to finish your day than Quinta da Pacheca. As big as it is welcoming, it can be a fun place to explore if you are still not ready to finish your day.

Day 7 – River Cruise form Peso da Régua to Porto  Cruise: 6 hours

Enjoy a spectacular river cruise along the Douro river.

One of the benefits of life aboard a river cruise is the sheer sense of relaxation it brings. Pairing this with the unique charm of the Douro gives us the perfect match. So, after a transfer, you will embark on a trip in what is possibly Europe’s most undiscovered river through the stunning Douro valley, dotted with its charming villages, age-old traditions, and wonderful wines. Appetizers and lunch will be served on board! You will arrive at Estiva pier, the perfect place to visit some of Porto’s famous wineries (optional). (Boat cruise available only from May to October and subject to availability.)

Day 8 – Departure – Transfer from Porto Center to Porto Airport

This is it! The adventure has come to an end.

Time goes by incredibly fast when you are having fun. Unfortunately, all good things must come to an end! We hope the memories and experiences we created and shared will stay with you forever. Get ready for your trip back home. Our guide will pick you up at the hotel.