Portugal: Walking & Wine - Premium Adventure

Trip Notes

Click on the button below for detailed Trip Notes containing all the particulars about this trip, including kit lists and practical information.

Note: these can vary by departure; you can check out the specific Trip Notes for your chosen adventure on the dates & prices page.

Days of Premium Adventures

Pace:

Leisurely - (5 km/h)

Terrain:

Manmade paved tracks, tarmac paths and dirt tracks

Day by day breakdown

Day 210.0km/6.2miles

Day 34.0km/2.5miles

Day 47.0km/4.3miles

Day 55.6km/3.5miles

Day 69.5km/5.9miles

People, Places & Planet

We work hard to create trips which improve life for the people and places we visit and look after the planet we explore. Find out more about our sustainable travel ethos and practice here, and find out about the work of the Exodus Travels Foundation here.

Some sustainable travel highlights of this trip include:

People: How this trip helps improve life for local communities.

As much as possible, we use hotels that are locally owned and employ local staff.
Walking tours actively encourage the group to chat with the locals to discover what life is like in this part of Portugal and purchase local produce, gifts and crafts.

Places: How this trip helps protect and conserve local landscapes and nature.

This trip uses established walking routes that have been created with the conservation of local landscapes in mind.
Our philosophy is to show you authentic Portugal in the most sustainable way possible, helping to conserve rural lifestyle and contributing to the overall sustainable development of the area.
We are dedicated to promoting authentic experiences and supporting the enjoyment of Portugal’s natural and cultural heritage while simultaneously encouraging their protection through raising awareness of environmental issues.
We only work with small groups of travellers and promote the maintenance of a social, economic, and environmental system that meets the needs of the current generation, without compromising the resources of future generations. Furthermore, local people (be it from restaurants, accommodations or residents) teach us how to care for and protect these destinations, knowledge that is useful not only in this context but globally.

Planet: How we seek to keep the carbon footprint of this trip low.

When meals are provided, ingredients used are locally sourced wherever possible. When meals are not provided, our local guides will recommend and encourage clients to visit local restaurants and cafés to try specialities from the area.
Walking trips have little detrimental impact on the environment.
We encourage people to bring a reusable water bottle and drink tap water on this trip.
Our partners take active steps to ensure our groups have a minimal environmental impact, such as sticking to established trails, not leaving rubbish behind and not removing any plants. Our operator also aims to minimise environmental damage by using eco engines on vehicles.

Tips for sustainable travel on this trip

Leave no trace: We do all we can to ensure we leave no rubbish behind in the wild and beautiful places we visit; we ask that you do the same.
Plastic waste reduction: Please bring your own reusable water bottle on this trip; filtered water will be provided where tap water is not drinkable.
Take the train: Consider taking the train to this trip. Not only will it significantly reduce the carbon footprint of your holiday vs. flying, it also extends your adventure! Read more about which train journeys we can book, or how to book your own, here.

Itinerary

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Mesão Frio

Porto

Fly to Porto; transfer to Hotel Douro Scala in the Douro Valley.
Fly to Porto, a UNESCO World Heritage Site, renowned for its landscape and historical architecture. Those on the group flight will be transferred from the airport to Hotel Douro Scala in the Douro Valley (approx. 1.5 hours' drive). Full joining instructions will be provided prior to departure.
The first trip briefing with our expert guide will take place in the evening, along with a welcome dinner.
Premium accommodation: Hotel Douro Scala (5*)
Meals included: Dinner
Day 1
Start at Hotel Douro Scala in Mesão Frio.
We begin our Portuguese adventure in the verdant Douro Valley, birthplace of the world-renowned Port wines. Land-only clients may join the group transfer from Porto airport to Hotel Douro Scala that departs at 3pm (transfer takes approx. 1.5 hours). If you are planning to join this transfer, please contact us prior to departure to request it.
The first trip briefing with our expert guide will take place in the evening, along with a welcome dinner.
Premium accommodation: Hotel Douro Scala (5*)
Meals included: Dinner
Day 2
Walk along the Corgo River; visit Baroque-era Casa de Mateus
This morning we take a private transfer of approx. 40 minutes to the start of today's walk in Povoação, driving along the beautiful roads on the north slope of the Douro Valley and its tributaries. The Corgo walking trail is located in the heart of the Douro wine region and here we will walk along terraced vineyards with unique views of the Corgo River. In the afternoon, we transfer to Vila Real (approx. 20 minutes) to visit Casa de Mateus, a palace set in beautiful gardens that is considered to be one of the finest examples of Baroque architecture in Portugal. After the visit we transfer back to the hotel (approx. 50 minutes).
Premium accommodation: Hotel Douro Scala (5*)
Meals included: Breakfast
Day 3
Short walk around Quinta do Tedo winery followed by wine tasting; visit Douro Museum
We start the day with a short transfer (30 minutes) to Quinta de Tedo, an 18th century winery in the centre of the Douro region. We will have a guided tour of the grounds, following a walking trail that offers beautiful views of the Douro and Tedo Rivers, vineyards and olive groves and offers plenty of opportunities for bird watching. After lunch and an included wine tasting at the winery, we take a 20-minute transfer to the town of Regua, where we visit the Douro Museum to learn about the history, culture and identity of the UNESCO World Heritage Douro wine region. In the afternoon we transfer back to our hotel (approx. 20 minutes).
Premium accommodation: Hotel Douro Scala (5*)
Meals included: Breakfast Lunch
Day 4
Maronesa walking trail; transfer to Mondim de Basto
After breakfast we transfer to the region of Mondim de Basto (approx. 1 hour). On our way, we’ll pass through the Alvão Natural Park, a protected area of land that offers majestic landscapes. This region, set on the mountain of Alvão, marks the transition from the coastal and humid regions to the dry and hot regions of Trás-os-Montes.
We start our walk in Bobal, one of the four villages we’ll pass through today. We’ll find a countryside that reflects the carefully maintained balance in which man and nature coexist. For this balance to be preserved, the Maronesa cow is of the utmost importance. A Portuguese native breed from this region, there are still genes from the ancestral Auroque in its genetics. The fields are cultivated for subsistence farming, with seeds passed down from generation to generation.
After lunch we transfer to our hotel (approx. 30 minutes) and there is free time to enjoy the hotel's amenities or explore nearby, before a group dinner.
Premium accommodation: Água Hotels Mondim de Basto (4*)
Meals included: Breakfast Dinner
Day 5
Walk in the green wine region of Mondim de Basto and taste organically produced vinho verde at Quinta das Escomoeiras
Our walk today takes us to the surroundings of Mondim de Basto in the green wine (vinho verde) region, along the banks of the Cabril River. Here, we are welcomed with uninterrupted views of the forested mountains, side by side with the fertile lands and vineyards of the Terras de Basto region. We finish our walk at the medieval bridge of Vilar Viando, which is still used by pilgrims walking the Camino de Santiago.
We will then go to Quinta das Escomoeiras to sample their wines and appreciate the organic vinho verde. In the afternoon on our way back to the hotel, we visit one of northern Portugal's main shrines to the Virgin Mary: the Senhora da Graça, also known as Chapel of Monte Farinha. The chapel is perched in front of a granite mountain range almost 1000m high.
Premium accommodation: Água Hotels Mondim de Basto (4*)
Meals included: Breakfast Lunch
Day 6
Walk via the Levada de Vilarinho; free afternoon.
This morning, we transfer by minibus (approx. 20 minutes) to the village of Vilarinho to start our walk along the Levada de Vilarinho, a waterway dating back to the 13th century. These rural constructions were indispensable for the irrigation of the fields of the Terras de Basto region due to water scarcity in the past. After 1.5 miles/2.4 km, we leave the rebuilt waterway and meet the old levada as it enters a forest of oaks and pines, with a stream running alongside.
The afternoon is free to enjoy the hotel amenities and surroundings.
Premium accommodation: Água Hotels Mondim de Basto (4*)
Meals included: Breakfast
Day 7
Transfer to Porto; visit the historic town and the famous Port wine cellars for wine tasting; optional boat tour.
In the morning we return to the vibrant city of Porto (approx. 1 hour 15 mins). After a guided visit of the historic centre and Port wine cellars (wine tasting included), the rest of the day is free for further individual sightseeing or optional activities, such as a boat ride along the Douro River. Enjoy a farewell dinner with the group.
Premium accommodation: Neya Hotel (4*) or Vila Galé Porto Ribeira (4*)
Meals included: Breakfast Dinner
Fly to London.
Transfer to the airport and fly to London.
Meals included: Breakfast
Day 8
End Porto.
Our trip ends in Porto in the morning of day 8.
Meals included: Breakfast

Trip Notes

Click on the button below for detailed Trip Notes containing all the particulars about this trip, including kit lists and practical information.

Note: these can vary by departure; you can check out the specific Trip Notes for your chosen adventure on the dates & prices page.

Wine tasting in the Douro Valley

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Douro Valley vineyard

Douro Valley vineyards

Essential Info

Visas

Portugal

No visa required for British passport holders.

For further Brexit travel advice please visit https://www.abta.com/tips-and-advice/brexit-advice-for-travellers

Vaccinations

Portugal

There are no specific health risks.

Eating and Drinking

All breakfasts, 2 lunches, 3 dinners and 3 wine tastings are included.

Porto and the Douro Valley are known for their excellent wines and the delicious regional cuisine which makes use of the natural resources found here. All meals have strong links with the land and sea, often prepared following old traditional recipes. Local specialities include caldo verde, a cabbage soup that originated here thanks to the fertile green fields. Portugal also prides itself on having some of the best fish in the world, and in this region a lot of the fish comes from the Douro River. The Douro region is also well-known for an endless number of meat dishes, including the famous roasted goat with rice and potatoes, wild boar stew, posta mirandes (veal steak) and cozido à portuguesa (boiled meat, sausages and cabbage). The francesinha is also not to be missed - a multi-layered sandwich comprising cheese, ham, steak and sausage, topped with a fried egg and coated in a spicy tomato sauce. Delicious!

Although meat and fish dishes are typically the focal point of Portuguese cuisine, vegetarian and vegan options have become more widely available in recent years, particularly in cosmopolitan cities such as Lisbon and Porto. Please let us know of any dietary requirements in advance so that we can best accommodate your request.

The Douro Valley, birthplace of Port, is one of the oldest and most beautiful historic world wine regions. Wine has been made here for 2000 years. Considering the importance of the Alto Douro Wine Region, in 2001 UNESCO recognised this site as World Heritage. Port wine is a fortified wine produced under particular and unique conditions. It is still produced in the traditional way, during which the fermentation process is stopped by adding spirits distilled from wine, and the blending of wines and aging still play a vital role. Port wines can be red, white or rosé and during the trip there will be plenty of opportunities to try the different varieties. Vinho verde is also an excellent wine produced in this area. Naturally light and fresh, it is fruity, easy to drink, great as an aperitif or served with light meals.

Weather

Is this trip for you?

Grade: 1 (Leisurely) Each day, we walk for 2 to 5 hours (excluding the sightseeing or free afternoons). The terrain and type of path will vary from manmade paved tracks and tarmac to dirt roads. The walks are easy and taken at a leisurely pace, although some short ascents and descents should be expected. Please be aware that the Douro region can also be very warm, often reaching 30 degrees in the summer months between June and September. Walking hours stated in the itinerary are given as approximations only. Timings stated include lunch and photo stops and will vary depending on the pace of the group. Some of the drives, although short, follow winding mountain roads.

You may find our Fitness Training Guide a useful reference: http://www.exodus.co.uk/assets/pdf/Exodus_WT_Fitness_Training_Guide.pdf

Following a review of all our trips we have categorised this trip as generally not suitable for persons of reduced mobility. However if you are a regular traveller on such trips, please contact customer services to discuss the trip and your personal condition.

Call for general departures:

1 844 227 9087

Call for private group trips:

1 844 227 9087

Trip Notes

Click on the button below for detailed Trip Notes containing all the particulars about this trip, including kit lists and practical information.

Note: these can vary by departure; you can check out the specific Trip Notes for your chosen adventure on the dates & prices page.

Accommodation

Premium Hotels

Accommodation on your Portugal: Walking and Wine - Premium Adventure has been selected for its style, location and excellent service. We have chosen unique properties that give a sense of the region's history and culture, while offering the ultimate comfort and hospitality.

Douro Scala Hotel (5*), Douro Valley, 3 nights

Panoramic views of the world-famous Douro Valley and vineyards
15th century main building with original features, with modern and elegant rooms
Facilities include indoor and outdoor pools, Turkish bath and a billiards room

Água Hotels Mondim de Basto (4*), 3 nights

Água Hotels Mondim de Basto

Contemporary feel throughout the hotel
Outdoor infinity pool, indoor pool and extensive spa facilities
Excellent views of the surrounding mountains and River Tâmega

Porto hotel - dependent on your departure date, you will stay at one of the following two hotels.

Neya Hotel (4*), Porto, 1 night

Located on the banks of the Douro River
A converted convent - many original features preserved during its restoration
The hotel's Skybar provides views for miles over the city and river

Vila Galé Porto Ribeira (4*), Porto, 1 night

Also located on the banks of the Douro River
Offers a health club with indoor swimming pool
Décor throughout the hotel pays homage to Portuguese art and painting
Paper-free hotel

Bookings within 30 days are subject to availability and may incur a supplement of approximately £160 per person (based on a twin share).

Call for general departures:

1 844 227 9087

Call for private group trips:

1 844 227 9087

Trip Notes

Click on the button below for detailed Trip Notes containing all the particulars about this trip, including kit lists and practical information.

Note: these can vary by departure; you can check out the specific Trip Notes for your chosen adventure on the dates & prices page.

Experts

Contact a member of staff who has done this trip

Expert Leader - Lina Ferreira

Expert Leader

Expert Leader - Ana Carla Moura Parente da Costa

Expert Leader

See all experts

Call for general departures:

1 844 227 9087

Call for private group trips:

1 844 227 9087

Trip Notes

Click on the button below for detailed Trip Notes containing all the particulars about this trip, including kit lists and practical information.

Note: these can vary by departure; you can check out the specific Trip Notes for your chosen adventure on the dates & prices page.