Walking In The Douro Valley

Holiday overview

This Portugal itinerary begins with Porto’s terracotta jumble of medieval laneways, neoclassic merchant houses and charming back-alley restaurants, brought to life with optional port tastings and a stay in an 18th-century palace. You’ll then head for the rolling hills of the Douro Valley by train to embark of a scenic walking tour staying at hand-picked rural accommodation offering the best of local hospitality

Holiday itinerary

Day 1: Fly to Porto

Enjoy complimentary airport lounge access before flying to Portugal’s second city, Porto, you’ll also want to head out and explore Porto itself, taking in the medieval jumble of the UNESCO-listed old town, and tucking into a spectacular gastronomic scene that comprises everything from Michelin-starred restaurants to celebrated port houses and cosy bistros offering the best in Portuguese cuisine.

Stay: Vila Gale Porto Ribeira (Superior)

Days 2-3: Douro Valley

After breakfast leave the buzz of the vity and move to the quiet and amazing Douro Valley. On the morning your host will take you to the train station to embark on your riverside train journey. Before leaving you will receive a full briefing about your self-guided walking in the Douro Valley.

The train from Porto to the small riverside village of Pinhao with its station decorated with painted tile panels depicting Douro wine production, make the short walk to your accommodation, a working winery with stunning views of the Douro River and an outdoor pool to relax in.

Enjoy free time in Pinhao, take a cruise on the Douro River and visit the amazing Quinta de La Rosa

Stay: LBV House Hotel, Pinhao (Superior)

Day 4: Pinhao to Vilarinho de Sao Romao

Explore the western slopes of the Pinhão Valley today as you climb to the hillside villages of São Cristovão do Douro and Provosende. The views of surrounding vineyards more than compensate your efforts. End this journey with a warm welcome and home-cooked meal at a historical country house. If weather permits, take a refreshing dip in the outdoor pool or simply relax in the comfortable guest lounge.

Stay: Casa de Vilarinho (Superior)

Walking distance: 6.58 miles / 10.6 km

Day 5: Circular Walking Trail via Pinhao River

With Vilarinho de São Romão as your base, today’s circular route winds down to the Pinhão River via a couple of small villages and wine estates and along the opposite hillsides, through the vineyards, with varied landscapes and splendid views throughout.

Relax at a riverside picnic spot before making your way uphill to the village of Celeirós where you can stop to taste the wines at Quinta do Portal before returning to your delightful accommodation. Take a taxi up the hill if you’d prefer an easier day.

Stay: Casa de Vilarinho (Superior)

Walking distance: 8.45 miles / 13.6 km

Day 6: Vilarinho de Sao Romao to Alijo

Enjoy views across the valley on your way towards the pretty village of Sabrosa. Follow an ancient road between here and Favaios as you head down through the vineyard terraces to the river. Wend your way uphill again between grape vines and olive groves towards a distinctly different landscape. 

Taste traditional wood oven-baked bread and moscatel wine in Favaios then continue to the small, historical town of Alijó. Settle into your comfortable accommodation for the next two nights. Explore the town or relax by the pool before having dinner at the onsite restaurant or in a nearby restaurant.

Stay: Pousada Barao Forrester (Superior)

Walking distance: 9.94 miles / 16 km

Day 7: Circular Walking Trail via Sao Mamede da Ribatua

Today’s walk is a circular route from Alijó that undulates through an ever-changing patchwork of vineyards and fields towards the ancient village of São Mamede da Ribatua with spectacular views of the surrounding rock-strewn mountains and the glittering lake below. Leave the village via a different route to return to Alijó or take a taxi back for a more relaxing afternoon.

Stay: Pousada Barao Forrester (Superior)

Walking distance: 9.00 miles / 14.5 km (shorter option available returning from Alijo by taxi)

Day 8: Douro Valley to Porto

leave the breath-taking Douro Valley and travel to Porto (by train). Take some time to explore the city’s historical monuments, revitalised areas such as Rua

das Flores and the riverside Ribeira district. If you have time, cross the river and visit at least one of the port wine cellars in Vila Nova de Gaia to see and smell where the barrels of aging wine are stored.

Stay: Vila Gale Ribeira (Superior)

Day 9: Departure

After breakfast, transfer to airport.

Holiday pricing

Includes

• Complimentary UK airport departure lounge access
• Return flights between UK and Porto
• Return private airport transfers
• 8 nights accommodation on a BB basis plus 2 dinners at Casa de Vilarinho
• Return private transfers in Porto between Campanha train station and hotel
• Full briefing before leaving Porto for Douro Valley
• Return train tickets between Porto and Douro
• Provision of packed lunches on days 6, 7, 8 and 9
• 2 winery visits and tastings
• 2 hour cruise on the Douro River
• GPS device with pre-programmed trails
• Road book with detailed route descriptions and elevation profiles
• 24/7 emergency contact number
• Luggage transfers between accommodation

Walking requirements

• Most of the walking is off-road on rugged terrain and tracks, proper walking shoes or boots is a requirement
• There is little shade so adequate weather protection is required
• Walking poles are recommended