Current as of: April 19, 2024 - 08:41
Portugal: Walking & Wine - Premium Adventure Trip Notes
- Ways to Travel: Guided Group, Premium Adventures, Private Group Adventures
- Destination: Portugal
- Programmes: Premium Adventures, Walking & Trekking
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Activity Level:
1 out of 7 - Leisurely
- 8 Days: Land Only
- Ages: 18+
- Trip Code: TSYP
- Carbon Footprint: 15kg CO2e
Trip Overview
Take a deep-dive into the premier wine region of Portugal, the Unesco-listed Douro Valley
Portugal has been making wine for centuries, with some estimates placing the first planting of vines as far back as 2000 BCE. The Basto and Douro regions are perhaps the best known and offer rich landscapes and fascinating history to discerning visitors.
Led by one of our expert guides, Lina Ferreira or Ana Carla Moura Parente da Costa, immerse yourself in atmospheric Porto and indulge in a voyage of taste and discovery through the verdant Douro Valley, where port wines are produced. Venture into the region known as Terras de Basto, home of Portugal’s young wine, vinho verde, and stay in handpicked hotels including properties in the heart of the Douro Valley, which have exceptional views. The perfect combination of leisurely walks and authentic cultural visits provide a memorable introduction to this lush, captivating country, once a dominant trading power in the world.
This trip includes a few of our Citizen Science Departures. These special departures offer you the opportunity to be involved in the collection of freshwater samples during the trip. The environmental DNA information derived from this sample will contribute directly to the eBioAtlas; the world’s largest repository of flora and fauna species data, contributing to the conservation and restoration of biodiversity both locally and globally. To book onto one of these special departures, see the Dates & Prices tab. For more information on these departures and the eBioAtlas, click here.
Did you know you can travel by train to this trip? Find out more here
At a Glance
- Seven nights at four- or five-star hotels
- Gentle walks on four full days and two half days, two free half days
- Group normally 4-16, plus leader. Minimum age: 18
- Well-marked trails and paths
- Travel by private air-conditioned minibus
- Option to travel by train to your adventure
Highlights
- Premium accommodation throughout the trip
- Discover ancient wine cellars and sample regional wines
- Enjoy walks through terraced vineyards and tranquil countryside
- Explore vibrant Porto with a guided walking tour
- Citizen Science departures available on this trip
Is This Trip for You?
This trip is rated Activity Level 1 (Leisurely). For more on our trip gradings, visit our Activity Level Guidelines page.
- Walks: Each day, we walk from two to five hours (excluding the sightseeing or free afternoons). Walking hours stated in the itinerary are approximations only. Timings stated include lunch and photo stops and will vary depending on the pace of the group.
- Routes: The terrain and path type will vary from paved tracks to dirt roads. The walks are easy and taken at a leisurely pace, although there are some short ascents and descents. Some of the drives, although short, follow winding mountain roads.
- Climate: The Douro region can often reach 30C (86F) between June and September.
Adult min age: 18
Min group size: 4
Max group size: 16
Itinerary
Land Only
- Start City: Mesão Frio/Régua
- End City: Porto
Land Only Itinerary
Fly to Porto; transfer to accommodation 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 our accommodation in the Douro Valley (approximately 1hr 30min 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 Régua Douro
Start at our accommodation in the Douro Valley
We begin our Portuguese adventure in the verdant Douro Valley, birthplace of the world-renowned port wines. The first trip briefing with our expert guide will take place in the evening, along with a welcome dinner.
Premium accommodation: Hotel Régua Douro
Walk along the Corgo River; visit baroque-era Casa de Mateus
This morning we take a private transfer of approximately 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 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 (approximately 20 minutes) to visit Casa de Mateus, a palace set in beautiful gardens that is one of the finest examples of baroque architecture in Portugal. After the visit, we transfer back to the hotel (approximately 50 minutes).
Premium accommodation: Hotel Régua Douro
Short walk around Quinta do Tedo winery followed by wine tasting; visit Douro Museum
We start the day with a 30-minute transfer to Quinta de Tedo, an 18th-century winery in the centre of the Douro region. We take 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 bird-watching opportunities. After lunch and an included wine tasting at the winery, we take a 20-minute transfer to the town of Régua, where we visit the Douro Museum to learn about the history, culture and identity of the Unesco-recognised Douro wine region. In the afternoon, we transfer back to our hotel (approximately 20 minutes).
Premium accommodation: Hotel Régua Douro
Maronesa walking trail; transfer to Mondim de Basto
After breakfast, we transfer to the Mondim de Basto region (approximately one hour). On our way, we’ll pass through Alvão Natural Park, a protected area of majestic landscapes. This region 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 human beings 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 (approximately 30 minutes) and there is free time to enjoy the hotel amenities or explore nearby, before a group dinner.
Premium accommodation: Água Hotels Mondim de Basto
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 enjoy 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 organic vinho verde. In the afternoon on our way back to the hotel, we visit one of the main shrines in northern Portugal 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 3,281ft (1,000m) high.
Premium accommodation: Água Hotels Mondim de Basto
Walk via the Levada de Vilarinho; free afternoon
This morning, we transfer by minibus (approximately 20 minutes) to the village of Vilarinho to start our walk along the Levada de Vilarinho, a 13th-century waterway. 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 1.5mi (2.4km), 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. This evening we will enjoy dinner together.
Premium accommodation: Água Hotels Mondim de Basto
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 vibrant Porto (approximately 1hr 15min). 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. Please note that your leader will leave the group after todays wine tasting and the remainder of the trip will be self-guided, but you will be provided with plenty of tips, maps and directions to make the most of your time in Porto.
Premium accommodation: Neya Hotel
Fly to London
Transfer to the airport and fly to London.
End Porto
Our trip ends in Porto in the morning. If you’d like more time in this fascinating city, speak to your sales representative about extending your stay.
Please note: It is possible the order of the itinerary listed above will be changed to ensure the best possible conditions for each activity during the trip. All listed activities and services will be included. Your leader will inform you of any changes locally after assessing conditions.
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 history and culture of the region, while offering the ultimate comfort and hospitality. The properties vary between departure dates – please see below for more details.
Douro Valley, three nights
Hotel Régua Douro
- Riverside property with an outdoor pool, restaurant and games room
- In the heart of Régua town with local amenities on the doorstep
- Classically designed, spacious rooms
Basto region, three 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, one night
Neya Hotel
- Located on the banks of the Douro River
- A converted convent – many original features preserved during its restoration
- The Skybar provides views for miles over the city and river
Single supplement from USD 712
Food & Drink
All breakfasts, two lunches, three dinners and three 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 has 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 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 unmissable – a multi-layered sandwich comprising cheese, ham, steak and sausage, topped with a fried egg and coated in a spicy tomato sauce.
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 we can best accommodate your request.
The Douro Valley, birthplace of port, is one of the oldest and most beautiful wine regions in the world. Considering the importance of the Alto Douro Wine Region, Unesco recognised it as a World Heritage site in 2001. Port 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.
Transport
Transport from and to the airport is by minibus. Other transport mentioned in the itinerary as an integral part of the guided walks is also included and is by private vehicle.
Weather & Seasonality
The Douro region has a micro-climate, which is an important factor in the quality and style of its wines. Sheltered from the cold and humid winds of the Atlantic Ocean by the Marão and Montemuro mountain ranges, the region has a continental climate, with hot and dry summers and cooler and wetter winters. As you leave Porto behind and travel upriver, the rainfall decreases and temperatures increase. In May, spring peaks, with flowers and greenery in abundance. June still offers this pleasant climate without the stifling heat of July and August. September and October are also particularly pleasant, remaining dry and warm, and from the second half of October, the beautiful red, orange and yellow of the leaves herald autumn.
Joining Instructions
Key information
Start hotels and phone number:
Hotel Douro Scala, R. do Paço, 5040-154 Cidadelhe (+351 254 890 020)
or
Hotel Régua Douro, Largo da Estação, 5050-237 Peso da Régua (+351 254 320 700)
Recommended arrival time: Before 6pm to catch the welcome briefing and dinner
Airport: Porto Airport (OPO)
Getting to the start hotel
The start hotel is approximately 90 minutes’ drive from the airport. Your options for this journey are:
Take an Exodus transfer
Exodus provides one group arrival transfer from the airport that departs at 3pm, which is timed to coincide with the arrival of a chosen flight from London, UK. You may join this transfer at no extra cost, provided you can be at the airport before the transfer leaves. Speak to your sales representative for the group arrival transfer times or to arrange a private transfer.
Make your own way
You can’t reach the start hotel by public transport, so we recommend joining the group transfer where possible. If you can’t join the group transfer and would like to organise a private transfer, or would like further information on joining this trip, please speak to your sales representative.
Catching your return flight
The trip ends in Porto, approximately 20 minutes’ drive from Porto Airport. There’s a group departure transfer to the airport for customers who Exodus booked onto a chosen flight to London, UK. Please speak to your sales representative if you wish to join. If the group departure transfer does not suit your flight time, speak to your sales representative to arrange an alternative transfer.
Full joining instructions including local emergency numbers will be sent to you as part of our Final Joining Instructions. If you do not receive these at least a week before departure, or require them earlier please contact our office or your travel agent.
Location start: Mesão Frio/Régua
Location end: Porto
What To Take
Essential Equipment
- Walking shoes
- Warm jacket or sweater in May and October
- Sunhat and sunscreen
- Backpack to carry your daily essentials on walks
- Waterproof jacket
- Water bottle: while mineral water is available at hotels and shops, it’s safe to drink the local tap water, so remember to bring refillable water bottles and keep hydrated during the day.
Optional Equipment
- Umbrella
- Swimwear for pools
- Swimming cap is sometimes required to use pool and spa facilities
Practical Information
Passport
Remember to check the expiration date of your passport if travelling internationally. Many countries require your passport to be valid for at least six months after the date of your scheduled return.
Visa
Portugal
Travellers from the UK, US and EU normally do not need a visa to enter Portugal. Please note, visa requirements often change and it is your responsibility to obtain any required visas for this trip. Therefore, we recommend that you check with the nearest embassy or consulate of your chosen destination(s), including any countries you may be transiting or transferring through.
Some local governments provide guidance on what visas their citizens need. To help, we’ve gathered a selection of useful links below.
• Australia: www.smartraveller.gov.au/destinations/europe/portugal
• Canada: www.travel.gc.ca/destinations/portugal
• United Kingdom: www.gov.uk/foreign-travel-advice/portugal/entry-requirements
• USA: www.travel.state.gov/content/travel/en/international-travel/International-Travel-Country-Information-Pages/Portugal.html
Vaccinations and Health
Portugal
There are no required vaccinations. However, you may want to consider vaccinations for tetanus and rabies. Please confirm with your doctor or travel clinic.
If you’re a UK citizen, please note that your UK-issued European Health Insurance Cards (EHIC) are still valid and offer the same cover as the Global Health Insurance Cards (GHIC) in the EU. This gives you medical care at a reduced cost, and in some cases for free, in many European countries, but should not be considered a substitute for adequate insurance. Once your EHIC has expired, replace it with a GHIC.
Local Time
Portugal's time zone: Europe/Lisbon (UTC +01:00)
Electricity
Portugal's electricity: Plug types C (two round pins, European standard) and F (two round pins) – 230V, 50Hz
Money
Portugal's currency: Euros (EUR)
ATM Availability
Cashpoints are available in Porto and the major towns visited. Many restaurants and shops and all the hotels accept credit cards. We recommend travelling with some cash to use in shops and bars in smaller villages and rural areas.
Extra Expenses & Spending Money
Allow €20-€25 for lunch and €25 – €30 for dinner (taken in a standard restaurant), excluding alcoholic beverages. Alternatively, you may choose to contribute €40 to an optional kitty that covers 3 lunches. You will also need some extra cash for drinks or ice creams in cafes or bars during the day walks or in the hotel bar in the evening. Typically, a beer will cost around €2 and a coffee will cost around €1, with a reasonable bottle of wine at dinner about €15.
Tipping
On all Exodus Premium Adventures, tipping for any local support staff is included and will normally be taken care of via your tour leader (or in some cases through our local partner), so there is no need for any tipping kitty contributions or to give your own tips during the trip.
Our ‘included tips’ will normally be distributed among drivers, local specialist guides, certain hotel staff and serving staff for included meals. Amounts will be in line with the local standard. Of course, if you wish to make a further tip for extra special service you may do so.
Tips for the tour leader are not included. Whether to tip at all and the amount is entirely at your own discretion, but as a starting point we suggest around €20-€25 per person for the guides.
People, Places & Planet
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.
Important Information
Your safe participation
When booking this trip, you should be confident in your ability to participate in all activities described in these Trip Notes. If you have any doubt about your suitability, please call the Exodus office and ask to speak to one of the experts on this itinerary.
Although our leaders are well trained to deal with different capabilities, if they have any concerns about someone’s ability to safely take part in an activity, or their impact on other people’s enjoyment, we authorise them to take necessary action which, in some circumstances, may involve asking someone to miss that activity.
By booking this trip you agree to our Booking Conditions which clearly state that our leaders have the authority to do this. In these rare instances we will ensure anyone sitting out is safely provided for and offered alternative options where possible. Refunds will not be provided for activities missed and customers may be liable for additional costs incurred.
How to Book
- Check availability: Go online to check availability, or contact us by phone or email.
- Secure your place: You can provisionally hold a place on this trip, usually for between three and seven days.
- Complete your booking and payment
When you’re ready to book, go to our website for online bookings, book over the phone or you can complete a booking form (available online or on request by calling us). We accept all major credit and debit cards, or you can pay be cheque.
After booking
You will receive your booking confirmation letter and invoice, which includes extra information and guidance about your travel arrangements.
Full joining instructions, including local emergency numbers and details of how to reach the start point, will be sent to you approximately two to three weeks prior to departure. If you do not receive these at least a week before departure, or require them earlier, please contact our office or your travel agent.
Trip Note validity
These Trip Notes are valid from the “Current as” date on page one. They will occasionally be updated after booking and before departure; if there are any updates that significantly impact the inclusions or itinerary, customers will be written to separately. They will also receive a link to the most up-to-date Trip Notes with their Final Joining Instructions before travelling.
The information in these Trip Notes is given in good faith. Where differences exist between the Trip Notes and our current brochure or website, the Trip Notes supersede the brochure and website. All holidays can be subject to unexpected changes; to enjoy them you should be prepared to be flexible where necessary. Occasionally, it may not be possible to follow the itinerary as planned. This may be for a variety of reasons – climatic, political, physical or other. In these circumstances we will make the best-possible alternative arrangements that maintain the integrity of the original itinerary.
Licensing
Exodus is fully licensed and bonded as a tour operator. We hold Air Traffic Organisers Licence (ATOL) number 2582, issued and bonded with the Civil Aviation Authority (CAA). We are also bonded to the International Air Transport Association (IATA) and we are members of the Federation of Tour Operators (FTO) and ABTA – The Travel Association. This means you can book your Exodus holiday with confidence, as all money paid to us for your trip is fully protected.