8 Days & 7 Nights

4.7

Porto & the Douro Valley

Explore the Ribeira, Porto’s old town and a World UNESCO Heritage Site
Take the train from Porto to Pinhão, renowned for its outstanding views
Follow trails through vineyards and traditional white-washed villages
Enjoy wine-tasting at renowned local wineries in the Douro region
End your journey on a scenic Douro River boat cruise from Regua to Porto

From the World UNESCO Heritage Site of the Ribeira, Porto’s old town, to the green and gold geometric landscapes of the Douro River Valley, this area of northern Portugal offers a unique sensory experience, where the pace of life has been unchanged for centuries. Follow trails through this timeless terrain, visit local wineries that are over a century old and encounter traditional white-washed villages that cling to the hillsides. Enjoy the captivating landscapes of wine terraces with a train journey from Porto to Pinhão, and during a boat cruise along the Douro River. A visit to Portugal isn't complete without experiencing rural accommodations within the grounds of the vineyards, where a traditional warm Portuguese welcome awaits.

From $2,035.00

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Itinerary

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Day 1 Arrive Porto

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.

Overnight Porto

Accommodations

A sample of our typical carefully chosen accommodation in this location. Where you stay will vary depending on availability, but will be a similar standard.

NH Porto Jardim | 4 Star | Hotel

This new hotel in Porto is located right in the heart of many of the cities main attractions. Relax in your modern hotel room, with a wonderful included buffet breakfast.

Day 2 Discover Old Porto, train ride to Pinhão

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.

Overnight Pinhão

Accommodations

A sample of our typical carefully chosen accommodation in this location. Where you stay will vary depending on availability, but will be a similar standard.

LBV House Hotel | 3 Star | Hotel

The modern LBV House Hotel is in the centre of the Alto Douro wine region, enjoying a panoramic view over the Douro River.

The LBV House Hotel’s rooms are all modernly decorated and feature balconies overlooking the river or the slopes. All air-conditioned rooms and suites include a mini-bar, cable TV, and a private bathroom.

Day 3 Walk from Pinhão to Vilarinho São Romão 7 miles / 11 km

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: +700m/+2,297ft

Overnight Quinta do Portal

Accommodations

A sample of our typical carefully chosen accommodation in this location. Where you stay will vary depending on availability, but will be a similar standard.

The Manor House Celeirós

Located on the Quinta do Portal vineyard in the wine-producing Douro Valley, the original olive press house, this family-run vineyard is a producer of some of the finest Douro wines, Port Wines, fortified Moscatel wines and olive oil. Indulging in the food and wine at this fabulous award-winning quinta is an experience in itself.

Day 4 Walk from Vilarinho São Romão to Alijó 10.5 miles / 17 km

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.

Overnight Alijó

Accommodations

A sample of our typical carefully chosen accommodation in this location. Where you stay will vary depending on availability, but will be a similar standard.

Palacete Barao de Forrester | 4 Star | Hotel

Located in the village of Alijó, this restored historical building is surrounded by the large estate of one of the area’s famous Port wine houses. The hotel is named after Joseph James Forrester, an English wine merchant who was one of the great names in Port wine history. Enjoy the outdoor swimming pool and the onsite garden, sun terrace, bar and restaurant, serving local dishes and wines from around the region. Guests can tour the local vineyards, which produce the famous Port wines.

Day 5 Walk from Alijó to Casal de Loivos 9 miles / 14 km

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

Overnight Casal de Loivos

Accommodations

A sample of our typical carefully chosen accommodation in this location. Where you stay will vary depending on availability, but will be a similar standard.

Casa de Casal de Loivos | Hotel

A palatial residence from the 17th century, with 6 rooms, a big balcony and with a very unique view of the Douro river. Enjoy the panoramic pool (for guests’ exclusive use), a very welcoming living room with a fireplace, TV and various game tables. Wi-Fi is also available.

Day 6 Walk from Casal de Loivos to Pinhão; transfer to Regua 5.5 miles / 9 km

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

Overnight Peso da Regua

Accommodations

A sample of our typical carefully chosen accommodation in this location. Where you stay will vary depending on availability, but will be a similar standard.

Original Douro Hotel | Hotel

Imagine a century-old house, a few meters from the banks of the River Douro, side by side with an old and picturesque train station. A place that breathes history and where different generations meet, giving rise to a project with an eye on the future… Welcome to the Original Douro Hotel! This charming friendly hotel has an old tavern where wines, sausages, regional bread or jams, not to mention the good wines of the Douro are all served up in an intimate atmosphere.

Day 7 River Douro Cruise back to Porto

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.

Overnight Porto

Accommodations

A sample of our typical carefully chosen accommodation in this location. Where you stay will vary depending on availability, but will be a similar standard.

Porto River Infante

Centrally located in Porto, offering great restaurants within walking distance.

Day 8 Onward Travel

THIS TRIP'S CARBON SCORE

This trip has a carbon score of 18kg per person per night, meaning it’s one of our best trips! For comparison, a carbon count of 18kg is equivalent to 1 8-oz steak. Here at Macs, we pride ourselves on being a responsible travel company and continue to adopt, develop and innovate ways to positively impact the environment. Find out more information about how we've carbon counted our trips.

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Other Information

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Is it for me?

A really great aspect of this tour is that it combines spectacular walks through the timeless landscapes of the Douro Valley, including plenty of opportunities for tasting world-famous wines, with a legendary train journey and a wonderfully scenic boat cruise along the Douro River/Casa de Mateus Visit. The majority of the accommodations are in traditional guest houses set within the vineyards.

Tour Type:

Slower Adventures | Where walking and cycling meet easy-going exploring, our Slower Adventures are the perfect combination. Most days are filled with picturesque journeys with some free time to dive into the destination and experience the people, local food and culture as you go.

Activity:

Inn to Inn Walking | Walk from place-to-place changing accommodations each night. Generally staying in B&Bs, inns, and guesthouses.

This trip is suitable for:

Solo Travellers

The minimum age for this tour is: 12 Years

Ideal if you have an interest in:

Foodie

Wine

Activity Level & Terrain

This holiday is graded moderate and is best suited to those in good physical condition. The landscape is gently undulating, with some notable ascents and descents as you pass through the vineyard terraces. In the summer months, high temperatures can make the walking more demanding and may slow your pace.

Most of the route follows dirt tracks, with occasional stretches on quiet, paved roads. Many trails run along farm tracks at the edges of ancient vineyards. These paths can be uneven due to farm vehicles or muddy after rain, but they add to the authentic rural character and rich agricultural heritage of this unique region.

Experience & Fitness

This route is suitable for most regular walkers of average fitness. You should train by walking some daily walks of similar daily distances to your planned itinerary.

Accommodation & Meals Navigation What's Included

Included

7 Nights in 4* & 3* Hotels and Guest Houses
7 Breakfasts
Lunch while on the Douro River Cruise (Day 7)
1 Dinner (Day 5)
Baggage transfers
The Douro River Cruise
A welcome briefing upon arrival
Transfer from Pinhão to Peso da Régua (Day 6)
Transfers to and from Porto Airport (Day 1 and Day 8)
Detailed trip info and mapped tracks, via the Macs App
24/7 emergency support while on your trip

Excluded

Travel insurance (high recommended)
Train tickets between Porto and Pinhão (estimated price: EUR15 one way)
Taxi from the Porto hotel to the train station (Day 2) if not walking
Luggage transfers on Days 2 and 7
Taxi from the port to the hotel (after the river cruise on Day 7) if not walking
Transfer from Pinhao to hotel (Day 2)
Dinners & lunches not mentioned in the itinerary
Drinks and snacks
Personal equipment

Extras

Additional nights before or after the holiday

When to go Travel & Transfers Info & FAQ

General Information

The distances and ascent/descents are approximations of the recommended routes. Please note that for this tour, some ascents and descents can be more than what is stated on the itinerary, and is dependent on where your guesthouse is located.

Please be prepared by packing all necessary items. Our pre-departure Trip Info 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, a day pack, sun hat, and sunscreen.

Equipment

Our pre-departure information pack has detailed advice and a packing list on what to bring. This includes walking gear, hiking boots, rain gear, day pack and other specifics.

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.