Itinerary Expand allMesao Frio to 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 Mesao Frio (approx. 1.5 hrs drive), making a quick stop in Porto city centre to pick up any group members who may already be in the city. Full joining instructions will be provided prior to departure, but the transfer usually leaves Porto city centre between 4pm and 5pm and will reach the start hotel before dinner. Day 1 Start Hotel Douro Scala in Mesao Frio.Our group flight usually arrives in Porto in the early afternoon. A single group transfer from Porto city centre (Hotel Cristal) to the start hotel will be provided for flight inclusive and land only clients. Full joining instructions will be provided prior to departure, but the transfer usually leaves Porto city centre between 4pm and 5pm and will reach the start hotel before dinner. If you are planning to join this transfer, please contact us prior to departure to request it. Day 2 Walk along the Corgo river; visit Baroque Casa de Mateus This morning we transfer (approx. 40 mins) from the hotel to the start of today's walk in Povoação, driving through the beautiful roads along the north slope of the Douro Valley and its side tributaries. The Corgo walking trail is located on the heart of the Douro wine region and here we will be walking most of the time along terraced vineyards with unique views of the Corgo river. In the afternoon we transfer to Vila Real (20 mins) to visit Casa de Mateus, a palace set in beautiful gardens considered to be one of the finest examples of baroque architecture in Portugal. After the visit we transfer back to the hotel (approx. 50 mins). Meals included: Breakfast Day 3 Short walk around Quinta do Tedo winery followed by wine tasting; visit Douro museumWe start the day with a short transfer (30 mins) to Quinta de Tedo, a winery from the 18th century in the heart 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 plenty of opportunities for bird watching. After lunch and an included wine tasting at the winery we 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. Meals included: Breakfast Day 4 Nature walk in the Cabrum Valley; transfer to Mondim de BastoAfter breakfast, we transfer to Ovadas (approx. 1 hour) for our walk in the Cabrum Valley. This region, set on the mountain of Montemuro, marks the transition from the coastal temperate and humid regions to the dry and hot regions of Tras-os-Montes. We discover the landscape of terraces, stone-built walls and villages that have retained the beauty of their rural location. In the afternoon we transfer to Mondim de Basto (approx. 1h50), on our way we cross the Alvao Natural Park, a protected area that offers a haven to endangered bird species. We’ll stop to visit one of the villages within the park's boundaries, an opportunity to see a truly traditional way of life. We stay overnight at a 4-star hotel offering an infinity pool and wonderful views. Meals included: Breakfast Dinner Day 5 Walk in the green wine region of Mondim de Bastos and taste organically produced “Vinho Verde” at Quinta das EscomoeirasOur walk today takes us to the surroundings of Mondim de Basto in the green wine region, along the banks of Cabril river. Here we are welcomed with uninterrupted views of the forested mountains, side by side with the lands worked for the daily food and the vineyards of the Terras de Basto region. We finish our walk in the medieval bridge of Vilar Viando, which is still used by the pilgrims walking the Camino to Santiago de Compostela. We will then go to Quinta das Escomoeira where we will do the wine tasting, to appreciate the organic 'Vinho Verde' or green wine. In the afternoon on our way back to the hotel we visit one of the main shrines to the Virgin Mary found in northern Portugal: the Senhora da Graca, also known as Chapel of Monte Farinha. The chapel is perched in front of granite mountain range at almost 1000m high. Meals included: Breakfast Day 6 Walk by the famous Levada do Piscaredo aqueduct to the centre of Mondim de Basto village; visit the Senhora da Graca shrine.This morning transfer by minivan (10mins) to Levada do Piscaredo, a waterway dating back to the 13th Century where we will start our walk. These rural constructions were indispensable for the irrigation of the fields of the Terras de Basto region, due to water scarcity in the past. We follow the waterway to the center of Mondim de Basto village. The afternoon is free to enjoy the hotel amenities or the hotel surroundings. Meals included: Breakfast Day 7 Transfer to Porto; visit the historic town and the famous Porto wine cellars for wine tasting; optional boat tour and overnight in Porto.In the morning we travel back to the vibrant of Porto. 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; overnight at a Hotel in Porto. Meals included: Breakfast 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
PortugalNo visa required for British passport holders.For further Brexit travel advice please visit https://www.abta.com/tips-and-advice/brexit-advice-for-travellers
Premium Hotels We spend the first three nights at 5-star luxury Douro Scala Hotel, offering stunning views of the world-famous Douro valley and vineyards. It has a spa with a heated indoor pool, private treatment rooms, and a hot tub.In Mondim we stay three nights the 4-star Mondim Agua Hotel, a contemporary hotel with an infinity pool and stunning views.Our final night is spent in Porto at the 4-star Vila Gale or Hotel Cristal, depending on your departure date. Hotel Vila Gale offers a health club with an indoor swimming pool and the spacious rooms are air-conditioned and feature a bright décor. Hotel Cristal Porto is a new 4-star hotel in a central location in Porto. Rooms are equipped with air-conditioning, mini-bar, a flat-screen TV and a safety deposit box. A garden gives guests the tranquility away from the hustle and bustle of the city.
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Reviewed June 2019 Susan Joe Custom trip women, wine and walking This was my first solo trip across the “pond” with a custom trip arranged and set up by agent Sue Flemming. I had heard good things about how she looked after her clients and she did not disappoint. She was on this trip and ensured that we got where we had to without losing track of anyone and ensured that we had a good time. The two guides, Rita Caetano and Lina Ferreira were superb. For such a young gal, Rita went above and beyond to make the trip safe, enjoyable and with good humour. Lina was absolutely an excellent guide as well and so knowledgeable about the area, flora and fauna and if she didn’t have the exact answer, she would look it up and tell us as soon as she knew the answer.What was the most inspirational moment of your trip? I don’t know if I would call it inspirational but certainly, the most memorable moment was at the start of one day of walking . On one day,we started by walking through a small village where I had an encounter with a local lady. She pointed to a tree full of cherries, then pulled off a large branch (and a small one )and handed it to me and encouraged me to eat the cherries. I don’t think I will ever forget that moment. The cherries were delicious,by the way. Another was this beautiful organic winery that we went to which had spectacular organic food and wine. I tasted the best gluten free bread ever at this winery. The scenery was so spectacular that I felt like I wanted to have a constant video camera going to capture every moment.What did you think of your group leader? Rita was excellent as was the other guide Lina. Both were kind, caring, generous with their time to answer any and all questions. They often went above and beyond to ensure that we had the best trip possible. Rita would often drop back to see that we were all doing ok and then would bound back up to the front. Some of us nicknamed her ninja girl because she would suddenly appear without even snapping a twig underfoot, ha ha. As I was usually at the back of the pack, I had the good fortune to spend a lot of time with Lina who with deserved pride, shared her knowledge about Portugal . She was so knowledgeable about the various flora and their uses . It made for a much more interesting trip for me which could have been just an exercise in trying to stay with the pack. I learned much more and have a great appreciation of the beauty of the Portugal countryside.Do you have any advice for potential travellers? Not really as I’m a pretty neophyte traveller myself. I prefer guided tours as a result. Pretty much all of the other travellers in this group were experienced travellers.Is there anything else you would like to add? I chose this trip as my entry into the world of solo travel. I had a very good experience thanks to the excellent guides and travel agent.
Reviewed October 2018 David HarrupVery well organised Good trip that got away from the slightly touristy Porto city and included very scenic walks around the Douro river and further North. Due to the October storms instead of the first walk we visited the nearby town of Lamego with its 612 steps, church, castle and great views – really enjoyed this and probably preferred to a walk. Most of the wine tastings were port wine rather than normal wine (I was only expecting port on the last day) but there was plenty of local wine choice with dinner. The only downside, out of Exodus control, is that all trips depend on the dynamic of the group and it’s a shame when one person dominates.What was the most inspirational moment of your trip? The views over the vineyards, which were variously arranged horizontally, vertically or in a curves depending on the shape of the hill, very picturesque.What did you think of your group leader? András was excellent, and managed to cope with the many fastidious food requirements and varying walking abilities of the group.Do you have any advice for potential travellers? Bring a swimming cap for the indoor hotel pools as they require them. The infinity pool at the third hotel is outdoors and freezing! Although a grade 1 (and the walks were very easy for a rambler like me) it is a walking holiday, you’ll need to be able to walk up say 50m of ascent, up 100 or so steps, and across quite widely spaced stepping stones over a river. Porto city is very hilly.
Reviewed October 2018 Cheryl Olinyk-SemeniukPortugal Walking & Wine tour Excellent tour. I would recommend this tour.What was the most inspirational moment of your trip? Day 1 & 5 walks were in the forest . These walks were the longest in length. Beautiful to walk in the vegetation. I really felt inspired by these 2 walks.What did you think of your group leader? Luis & Riccardo were awesome! Our group was so lucky to have them as our leaders. They were engaging. They were very interested in the people in the group.Do you have any advice for potential travellers? I have been telling my colleagues & friends about this tour. It's fantastic! Potential travellers should be made aware of the ease or difficulty of the walk.Is there anything else you would like to add? Accommodation was top notch (excluding Vale Puorto) It was too busy!!!
Reviewed October 2018 Jane RodgmanA relaxing trip helped along with a bit of Vinho Verde If you're looking for a relaxing trip with a varied itinerary and enjoy sampling the local brew this may well be the trip for you. Some of the walks were a little more challenging than others but the pace was leisurely with fabulous scenery. On 2 days we got back to the hotel by 3pm so had time to relax and enjoy the infinity pools.What was the most inspirational moment of your trip? I really enjoyed the 2 lunches we had at vineyards (after a morning walk). Both in beautiful locations with really nice buffet lunches washed down with a glass of the local wine.What did you think of your group leader? Ricardo was lovely, he very organised and made sure the trip ran smoothly. He was ably assisted by the equally lovely Marta. Together they were a great team. Ricardo took photos each day which he shared as a slide show each evening at our daily briefing (always with a glass of port or wine for everyone), it was so nice to re-live the day. Marta's attempts to teach us a traditional folk dance one evening was hilarious, although she couldn't persuade the waiter to join us to make up numbers!Do you have any advice for potential travellers? The Duoro valley is a microclimate and was almost 10 degrees hotter than Porto, we started the walks a bit earlier to avoid the hottest part of the day but be prepared for it to be warm.
Reviewed June 2018 CVLIVE NUNNDelightful Douro A very well organised trip with excellent guides, wonderful weather, good hotels and food all bound together with a group of varied, vibrant and interesting companions.What was the most inspirational moment of your trip? Lunch in the Vineyard at Quinta das escomoeiras and a wonderful morning walk.What did you think of your group leader? Very knowledgeable and also supportive to those who were unwell at the beginning of the trip, which was so important.Do you have any advice for potential travellers? Reserve space in your luggage to bring back plenty of Vinho Verde.
Reviewed May 2018 Sheree DoddGreat walks, great wine, great holiday A really wonderful holiday with very different walks and enjoyable/informative visits to wineries well led by Ricardo and András. We enjoyed the holiday with a diverse and fun group that mixed Brits with Aussies and Canadians - keep doing this Exodus it added another dimension to our trip. We enjoyed fantastic weather and it was good to be able to relax in hotels with excellent facilities - two infinity pools overlooking breathtaking scenery in one. Lunches at the quintas were excellent especially the organic winery.What was the most inspirational moment of your trip? Personal highlights for me were walking through a meadow that were bursting with colour from the sudden blooming of thousands of wildflowers while the adjoining vines terrace was being ploughed by a horse and following a levada until a beautiful meeting place of two rivers.What did you think of your group leader? Ricardo was a very good group leader who had researched and organised the excellent itinerary. At all times I felt that he was conscientious about safety and the needs of group individuals. He was ably supported by Andras. Both took excellent pictures of the group and an evening highlight was looking back over the day's activities through the images.
Reviewed May 2018 Susan BowersPortugal Walking and Wine Well thought out Itinery, beautiful scenery, fab Hotels and Great leadersWhat was the most inspirational moment of your trip? Walking amonst the wild flower meadowsWhat did you think of your group leader? Really good. Very caring, very focused and totally reliableDo you have any advice for potential travellers? Enjoy!
Reviewed November 2017 Amanda BarkerFantastic trip in a beautiful part of Portugal Fantastic trip in Porto and the Douro valley. Varied walks....every day a different type of walk and scenery, and numerous wine and port tastings.....what’s not to love! There’s a good mix of walking, and sight seeing....nothing too strenuous. For those of a certain age....a visit to The Mateus Palace, where the infamous Mateus Rosé used to be produced, was fun....the palace is featured on the label of the wine.... Accommodation is in 4/5* hotels.....some better than others....but plenty of free time to relax or explore the area. Highly recommend.What was the most inspirational moment of your trip? Enjoying the company of a fantastic group...with 2 outstanding leaders.What did you think of your group leader? Ricardo, and András.....a fantastic duo....both went out of their way to accommodate the group..nothing was too much trouble for either of them. From carrying huge bottles of water to keep us all topped up throughout the day, to the daily evening slide show of photos they’d both taken of the group throughout that day...they were both fanstastic, and felt more like friends by the end of the week rather than just our leaders.Do you have any advice for potential travellers? The walking is fairly straightforward, as classed as a leisurely trip, however there is still a bit of up and down in places. You’ll definitely know by the end of this trip much more about Port! Plenty of opportunity to discover its history and how it’s made, as well as trying several different types.Is there anything else you would like to add? A few issues with one of the hotels were addressed immediately by our leaders, who’s main aim for th week was to ensure everyone in the group had a fantastic and enjoyable holiday.
Reviewed May 2017 Grant HowellA Great Walking Tour A wonderful week of walking with great guides, interesting co-hikers, very nice accommodation in a very lovely setting.What was the most inspirational moment of your trip? There were two things that inspired me; first the beautiful panoramic views of terraced vineyards in the Douro Valley and second; learning a great deal more about the history and culture of this area and Portugal overall.What did you think of your group leader? Nuno was a wonderful guide and was capably assisted by Ricardo. He was very knowledgeable about the area and was incredibly helpful in choosing meals and wines. He kept us interested and informed and his knowledge of each of our locations meant no disappointments at all. Both Nuno and Ricardo were personable and very helpful. Great guys!Do you have any advice for potential travellers? Do it! It's fun, it's educational and you'll probably meet interesting people on the trip.Is there anything else you would like to add? This is listed as a Level 1 "leisurely" trip. I think it is closer to a Level 2+ in that there are some significant elevation changes, as well as some paths that are a bit more challenging than "a walk in the park".
Reviewed June 2016 Vicky BoughtonBeautiful region, great walks and wine The Douro Valley is a spectacular region to discover with stunning views and lovely walks. On either side of the Douro River terraced vineyards cover the landscape - this is the only area in the world where Port wine is produced and on this holiday we learnt about the Portuguese history and culture surrounding the process. Several of our walks ended up at a local Quinta (wine farm) where we had the opportunity for wine tasting with a lunch on the terrace which everyone enjoyed. It was a very relaxing and interesting week of walking, with varied routes each day. We barely saw another walker on any of the routes so it felt as though we had the region to ourselves!What was the most inspirational moment of your trip? I really enjoyed the Levada do Piscaredo walk on Day 7 - it was the longest walk that we did but fairly easy walking (no hills), following a waterway dating back to the 13th century. Pretty wildflowers dotted the route and every now and then the views of the river below would come into sight.What did you think of your group leader? Nuno was great, a keen walker and outdoor enthusiast, he knew the routes inside out and was great company, introducing the group to local restaurants.Do you have any advice for potential travellers? Try the Vinho Verde (green wine) - this was my favourite!
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