Douro Valley & Vineyards Walking Holiday

On arrival at Porto Airport, a private transfer (included) will take you to your hotel, where your Walk Pack will be waiting. If you have free time in Porto, you may wish to explore the city. The riverside Ribeira district is colourful and lively, with lots of bars and restaurants amid characterful buildings. Enjoy the sunset from the top level of the Dom Luís I Bridge over the majestic Douro River or visit the world-famous port cellars in Villa Nova de Gaia, such as Sandeman.
Accommodation: 4* Hotel, Porto (B&B) 

Today you travel to the heart of the Douro Valley and you can choose between taking the train (approx. 2.5 hours, not included) or spending most of the day on a river cruise all the way from Porto.
If travelling by train, a private taxi picks you up at your hotel and takes you to the station. Enjoy the river views all the way to the small riverside village of Pinhão, where the train station is decorated with painted tile panels depicting Douro wine production.  Should you choose to travel by boat (see optional extras), as well as the views, you’ll have the experience of going through two locks that are a feat of engineering, which has transformed the Douro River and enabled boats to travel safely between Porto and the wine region.
Accommodation: 3* Hotel, Pinhão (B&B plus packed lunch)

11km, 4 – 6 hours walking, 633m ascent / 138m descent
Explore the western slopes of the Pinhão Valley today as you climb to the hillside villages of São Cristovão do Douro and Provesende. The views of surrounding vineyards more than compensate for your efforts. Your day will end with a warm welcome and home-cooked meal at a charming country hotel. If weather permits, take a refreshing dip in the outdoor pool, or simply relax in the comfortable guest lounge.
Accommodation: Casa Rural, Provesende (Half Board plus packed lunch)

12.7 km, 4 – 6 hours walking, 318m ascent/descent
This circular route encompasses the highest part of the Douro wine region, offering plenty of opportunities for stunning views in between swathes of pine forest. The vistas vary from the small villages and towns scattered around the surrounding hills, such as Sabrosa, Provesende, and Vilarinho de São Romão, to the terraced slopes of the Pinhão and Douro valleys and the farms and wine estates. You’ll have the opportunity to explore authentic villages filled with examples of traditional architecture and observe small-scale agricultural practices in the neighbouring plots of land.
Accommodation: Casa Rural, Provesende (Half Board plus packed lunch) 

16 km, 5 – 7 hours walking, 625m ascent / 570m descent
Enjoy views across the valley on your way towards the sun-kissed village of Sabrosa. You’ll follow an ancient road to Favaios, as you wind your way through vineyard terraces to the river. On the ascent, the landscape yields to grapevines and olive groves, offering a fresh and charming environment. 
In Favaios, taste traditional wood-oven baked bread and moscatel wine at the Bread and Wine Museum before continuing to Alijó, a town that proudly displays its prehistoric past. This is your base for the next two nights, and it has much to offer, including ruins from a Roman settlement and a lush climate that supports an exciting range of flora and fauna. Explore the town or relax by the pool before having dinner onsite or in a nearby restaurant.
Accommodation: 4* Hotel, Alijó (B&B plus packed lunch) 

15 km, 5 – 7 hours walking, 369m ascent / descent
Today you’ll travel a circular route from Alijó that undulates through a vibrant patchwork of vineyards and fields towards the ancient village of São Mamede de Ribatua. At the top you’ll find spectacular views of the surrounding rock-strewn mountains and the glittering lake below. Return to Alijó via a different path, or take a taxi back for a more relaxing afternoon in the village.
Accommodation: 4* Hotel, Alijo (B&B plus packed lunch)

14 km, 4 – 6 hours walking, 220m ascent / 400m descent
Today is spent walking through the Douro valley’s heritage-protected vineyards, a route that offers lots of opportunity to call in at wine estates for tours and tasting sessions. As you reach the ridge at the top of the eastern slopes of the Pinhão Valley, you’ll be able to look back at the terraced hills and villages you explored earlier in the week. The path to your overnight base – a 17th-century country house – enjoys magnificent views of the Douro river.
Accommodation: Casa Casal De Loivos (B&B)

6 km, 2 – 3 hours walking, 59m ascent / 391m descent
Today’s short, glorious walk down to Pinhão leaves ample time for a final winery tour and tasting session. Consider having lunch in the village or a picnic in the vineyards, before taking the train or river cruise back to Porto (not included) for your night in a stylish modern hotel in the heart of the city. In Porto, you can explore the city’s historical monuments and revitalised areas, such as Rua das Flores and the riverside Ribeira district. If you have time, cross the river and visit Vila Nova de Gaia, to experience the sights and smells of the port cellars there. 

Alternatively, if flight schedules require, you can shorten this trip by one night and head straight back to Porto Airport from Pinhão (£95 pp reduction) by booking a private taxi transfer (2hrs). This costs £245 per taxi (2-3 people), £335 per taxi (4-7 people). Equally of course, you can add extra nights in Porto at the end if you want more time to explore this vibrant city.

Accommodation: 4* Hotel, Porto (B&B)

Independent onward travel, or we can organise extra nights in Porto to extend your stay.