Douro Valley Walk

5 days (Porto)

Destinations visited: Portugal, Porto, World

Grading:

moderate

Grading Definitions

Discovery & Cruising

These are our least demanding trips. These journeys of discovery and cruises involve little or no extended activity and are suitable for people with a basic level of fitness and good health. The itinerary may take place in remote areas (with basic facilities) and may involve long travel days on various types of transport. Sightseeing may be conducted on foot and all participants should be capable of carrying their own luggage from vehicle to hotel rooms. These adventures do not go above 2500m and rarely involve camping.
Suggested preparation: Once or twice a week, we recommend you walk on undulating terrain for an hour, for at least 2 -3 months prior to departure.

Adventure Touring

Suggested preparation: Two or three times a week, we recommend you walk on undulating terrain for an hour or more, for at least 3 months prior to departure.

Introductory

These trips involve trekking or walking, cycling, rafting or sea kayaking for up to five or six hours a day at a slow but steady pace and should never be misinterpreted to mean they are easy trips. These trips do not spend time at altitudes above 4000m and are usually a week in duration. You will need a reasonable level of fitness and good health.
Suggested preparation: 30 minutes of aerobic type exercise, (either cycling or jogging) three times a week for three months leading up to your trek. For trekking, hill walking with a daypack in variable weather conditions is also recommended. For a cycling adventure, road cycling twice a week for three months prior to departure is recommended.

Introductory to Moderate

These trips involve a combination of what is described in our INTRODUCTORY and MODERATE levels. The emphasis is on introductory activity with several moderate stages

Moderate

These adventures involve trekking, cycling, rafting or sea kayaking for up to 6 or 7 hours a day at a steady pace. These trips may spend successive days at altitudes not generally exceeding 5,500m and are usually between 10 and 15 days in duration. You will need a good level of fitness and be in good health.
Suggested preparation: 45 minutes of aerobic type exercise, three to five times a week for the three months leading up to your trek. Hill walking with a pack in variable weather conditions or road cycling is also recommended depending upon the activity you plan to undertake.

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Explore Portugal's port wine region on foot

The Douro River flows through often steep channels for around 200km from the Spanish border in the east across the north of Portugal to the coastal city of Porto. The valley is home to the first demarcated wine region in the world, established in 1756 when the Port industry developed. Famous port wine estates or 'Quintas' such as Taylors, Warre and many others can be found in the steeply terraced hills which typify the region. The Douro Valley is surprisingly unspoilt with endearing historical towns, breathtaking mountain scenery and people that are so welcoming you will never want to leave. Staying in a beautifully restored Manor house, the balance of impressive scenery and the rich cultural heritage of the region provide a unique and stunning walking holiday and the opportunity to experience one of the great rail journeys of Europe from Porto to Pinhão.

Highlights

Ascending the centuries old paths of the unspoilt Douro Valley
Visiting the Quintas for port wine tasting
Experiencing the timelessness of the river landscape
Staying at a restored manor house with all modern comforts plus an old world atmosphere

Itinerary

Day 1 Arrive Pinhão

Travel by train (ticket not included) from Porto to Pinhão in the Douro valley then transfer to the tiny village of Vilharinho de S. Romão in the heart of the port producing area. Overnight manor house.

Day 2 Walk through the vineyards and ridges of the Pinhão valley (4-5hrs, 16km)

A circular vineyard walk down in the Pinhão valley, walking first to the village of Celeirós and then down to cross the river, to walk along the other side of the valley. To return you cross the river again before climbing back to Celeirós,

Day 3 Walk through the vineyards and ridges of the Pinhão valley (4-5hrs, 12km)

A walk from the Manor climbing up with wonderful views to the Vilalela which has a breath-taking panorama over the Douro valley. You then drop down to the village of Fermentoes and then back to the Manor.

Day 4 Walk past the famous Quintas (3-4hrs, 10km)

Today you walk from the manor through to the village of Provosende & then it is downhill all the way to Pinhao on your way you will pass by many famous Quintas. There is a chance to explore Pinhao before a taxi will take you back to the Manor.

Day 5 Trip concludes

Departure after breakfast to take the train back to Porto.

Additional Information

Inclusions

4 breakfasts, 4 dinners with wine and port* - Continental breakfasts are served and usually consist of breads, jams, cheese, occasionally eggs and meats, coffee, tea and juices. Dinner will consist of 3 courses which include regional specialties
4 nights accommodation in a manor house in rooms with private facilities on a twinshare basis according to chosen hotel category
Transfer to and from walks where stated (note that the train journey from Porto to Pinhão and return is not included, allow EUR 25)
Walking notes and map
Note: high season is from April to September and a supplement applies. *Please also note that lunch is no longer included, instead wine and port are provided complimentary at dinner

Summary

MANOR HOUSE

Trip Main Activities

SELF GUIDED WALK

Group Size Min

Group Size Max

Accommodation Summary

Equipment Required

Wet weather gear, sunscreen, walking boots and sun hat. A comprehensive gear list is provided in the pre-departure information provided on booking.

What You Carry

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USD$890

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