Porto Bay Hotel Teatro, Porto
This 4-star hotel is located in the theatre district of Porto, just 200m from the São Bento station. You will stay here on Day 1 and Day 8.
Novelist Jose Sarfamago, Nobel Prize in literature winner, called the Douro Valley the eighth wonder of the world and it has certainly become one of the world’s best known wine regions, declared way back in 1756 for the fortified wine known as Port, but increasingly known for its DOC wines also. UNESCO designated the valley World Heritage Status in 2001, lending it additional cred to a region that was already deserving. Start your trip in vibrant Porto, filled with stunning 18th and 19th-century buildings, excellent bars and restaurants, a walkable center with cobbled streets and a laid-back vibe. Then on to Pinhão located on the Douro River where you’ll walk riverside paths, and vineyard trails through this beautiful region. Enjoy delicious wines and be welcomed by warm, friendly people.
Portugal Douro Valley Hiking 9 Days
Porto
Porto, Portugal
Day 1
Pinhão
Pinhão, Portugal
Day 2
Pinhão
Pinhão, Portugal
Day 3
Vilarinho de Sao Romao
Vilarinho de São Romão, Portugal
Day 4
Alijó
Alijó, Portugal
Day 5
Alijó
Alijó, Portugal
Day 6
Pinhão
Pinhão, Portugal
Day 7
Porto
Pinhão, Portugal
Day 8
Trip Inclusions
What’s Included
- 8 nights hotels
- All breakfasts and 2 dinners
- Luggage transfers
- Comprehensive Tour Details with detailed pre-trip information
- GPS routes & maps
- Orientation with our Area Manager
- Area manager available on call throughout the tour
- Access to Loyalty Program and other exclusive benefits
Particulars
Departure Dates
| Start any date from March 15 to November 15 |
|---|
Total Days
9 days / 8 nights with 7 days of walking
Arrive/Depart
Porto / Porto
Activity Level
Moderate
Terrain
Mixed
Cost
Classic Accommodation: US $2,900
Single Supplement: US $740
Luxe Accommodation: US $3,430
Single Supplement: US $860
Please note: Final itinerary is subject to revision; any changes made are done so in an attempt to provide the best possible trip given route conditions and available services. Due to the nature of our business and exchange rates, prices are subject to change. All prices quoted are U.S. dollars but we gladly accept payment in Canadian dollars also. If you have any questions before making your reservation, please contact us.
Additional information
| Destination | Portugal |
|---|---|
| Level | Moderate |
1
Day 1
Porto
Welcome to Porto! If you have arrived by train, take a moment to take in the São Bento station, with its Beaux-Arts interior decorated with azulejos, the exquisite blue & white tiles for which Portugal is famous. At 2pm, a local guide will take you to visit the sites of Porto including, the twin-towered cathedral, Sé do Porto. The plaza on which the cathedral sits leads to a perfect view over picturesque, red-roofed houses that slope down to the river. Pop into the Centro Português de Fotografia, with its interesting exhibitions and an impressive collection of cameras. Delve into wine shops specializing in port from small producers. Have dinner at José Avillez’s newest restaurant, Cantino do Avillez.
2
Day 2
Porto to Pinhão
We recommend the morning train from the main Porto Campanha station or the beautiful Porto São Bento station to Pinhão. Check into your hotel and enjoy lunch at an atmospheric restaurant nearby. Take a short walk through vineyards around Pinhão. Stop and visit the Quinta do Bonfim farm and winery to taste a fantastic port wine. There are several excellent options for dinner in Pinhão. Bon Appetit.
Walk distance: 3.5km; 95m
3
Day 3
Pinhão to Vilarinho de São Romão
Start your walk today along a quiet path along the Douro River. The trail climbs up and before long you’ll have a tremendous view back over Pinhão. In Provesende, stop and visit this charming village filled with old palaces and manor houses (and a bakery that bakes bread in old clay ovens). On the luxe trip, stay at the Casa das Pipas, with its award-winning winery and fabulous restaurant.
Walk Distance: 9.3km; 600m
4
Day 4
Vilarinho de São Romão Loop
With a 2nd night here, you’ll descend a trail to the village of Celeiros and then cross a river before climbing again to the village of Vilarinho de Sao Romao. Stop and taste at the Quinta Bucheiro winery that has been in the same family for over 150 years. There is a museum here dedicated to Joaquim Pereira, the “Douro savior” who was living in the house and researching a solution to the phylloxera crisis. Late afternoon, return to the comforts of your inn.
Walk Distance: 14.5km; 530m
5
Day 5
Vilarinho de São Romão to Alijó
Today’s a slightly longer day so you’ll want to get an early start (if you wish to shorten, we can offer a transfer to Sabrosa, where you can see the home of Solar de Fernão de Magalhães, the house where Magalhaes, the first man who circumnavigated the Earth was born). You’ll make it to Favailos by lunch and there are several options. You’ll want to visit the wine and bread museum here and visit the bakery of Manuela Barriguda, a woman in her 70’s who has been a baker her entire life and makes what some call ‘the best bread in the world’. Taste it fresh out of the oven! Arrive to Alijó and the luxurious Pousada Palacete. Tonight dine at Cepa Torta, chef Rui Paula’s first restaurant.
Walk Distance: 13km; 500m or 18.4km; 700m
6
Day 6
Alijó loop
Walk south to São Mamede de Ribatua. From here you can continue on a loop walk that has some road as part of the route or do an out and back on trail. Spend time in Alijó or relax at the Pousada.
Walk Distance: up to 17km; 425m
7
Day 7
Alijó to Pinhão
To complete the circumnavigation, walk back to Pinhão on a mostly level and downhill track. As on most days, you’ll have winery stops and on this day, an olive oil farm and museum; the olive oil produced in the Douro is recognized as some of the best in the world. Take some time in Casal de Loivos, a small wine village on your way to Pinhão.
Walking distance: 16.4km; 350m
8
Day 8
Pinhão to Porto
From Pinhão walk another loop trail back up to Casal de Loivos, or take a river cruise on one of the rabelo boats to enjoy the Douro region in a relaxed way – you’ve earned it! Take an afternoon train back to Porto for one last night in this beautiful city.
Walking distance: 7km; 350m
9
Day 9
Departure Day
Depart from Porto by train or plane and continue for onward travel.
Classic
LBV Hotel, Pinhão
Set on a hillside overlooking the Douro River, this polished hotel is up a steep hill. There are just 9 guest rooms, a swimming pool with panoramic valley views, plus a hot tub, sauna and bar. You will stay here on Day 2 and Day 7.
Casa de Vilarinho, Vilarinho de Sao Romao
This casual manor house was built in the 17th century and has just 6 guest rooms, lounge, dining room and a swimming pool.
Forrester Essence Douro Hotel, Alijó
This pousada is the only one in the Douro region and is just 5 minutes walk from Alijó center and has an outdoor swimming pool and a refined restaurant.
Luxe
Pousada do Porto, Porto
On a pedestrianized street lined with restaurants and shops, this upscale hotel in an 18th-century stone building is a 4-minute walk from both Porto Cathedral and São Bento railway station. Other amenities include a relaxed bar serving snacks, plus an indoor pool, and lovely courtyard. You will stay here on Day 1 and Day 8.
Vintage House Hotel, Pinhão
Set on an old wine estate, the plush rooms overlook the Douro River. An elegant restaurant with vaulted ceilings, and cozy bar with a fireplace offers wine and port-tasting sessions. Outside are palm-dotted grounds, a pool, and terraces laid out with inviting places to sit and take in the view. You will stay here on Day 2 and Day 7.
The Manor House, Celeiros
Located on the Quinta do Portal property, this renown family has been making fine port wines, fortified muscatel wine and olive oil and now welcome guests in this 12- guest room inn.
Forrester Essence Douro Hotel, Alijó
This pousada is the only one in the Douro region and is just 5 minutes walk from Alijó center and has an outdoor swimming pool and a refined restaurant.
Tour Reviews
“What a beautiful part of the world! Loved the wine tasting and boat tour. Stunning and beautiful walks. Just perfect.”
“I loved the hiking with friends, great accommodations, food; Douro Valley is just so beautiful!”
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