Porto and Douro Riverside
Personalized quotation
Luggage transfer
24h telephone assistance
Hotel accommodations
This will be a walk through amazing places that seem to have stopped in time. The wine, the beautiful villages and dazzling landscapes will be the protagonists on this unforgettable and magical tour through the north of Portugal.
- You’ll discover the charming city of Porto and Ribeira, its famous old town.
- During the tour, you will find two UNESCO World Heritage Sites.
- You will experience a fantastic trip on a panoramic cruise on the River Douro.
- You will participate in wine tastings in local wineries.
- You'll have scenic walks through world-class vineyards.
Itinerary
Day 1 - Arrival in Porto
Upon arrival in Porto, we will pick you up to take you to your hotel. Depending on the time you arrive, you can decide if you are going to rest or begin to know this charming city: you can go to Ribeira, its old town, and dine in one of the beautiful restaurants on the pier.
Overnight in Porto
Portobay Hotel Teatro
An old 19th-century theatre was renovated to bring this authentic hotel to life. Its location, in the centre of Porto, is perfect for going out to explore the city.
*In case this accommodation is not available, you will stay at a similar category one.
*In case this accommodation is not available, you will stay at a similar category one.
Day 2 - Enjoy your day through the Douro Valley
Today you will decide when to leave Porto to take a beautiful and unforgettable train journey into the Douro Valley, a UNESCO World Heritage Site.
On a two-and-a-half-hour tour, you will cross 26 tunnels and 30 bridges and delight in the most beautiful and diverse landscapes. You will have an unforgettable view of the slopes covered with vineyards that extend to the banks of the River Douro.
Upon arrival at Pinhao Station, you must take a taxi to your hotel.
On a two-and-a-half-hour tour, you will cross 26 tunnels and 30 bridges and delight in the most beautiful and diverse landscapes. You will have an unforgettable view of the slopes covered with vineyards that extend to the banks of the River Douro.
Upon arrival at Pinhao Station, you must take a taxi to your hotel.
Overnight in Pinhao
Quinta de La Rosa
This charming country house, with 100 years of history, has welcomed its guests for more than twenty years.
The rooms have an amazing view of the Douro and the hotel has a nice pool.
*In case this accommodation is not available, you will stay at a similar category one.
The rooms have an amazing view of the Douro and the hotel has a nice pool.
*In case this accommodation is not available, you will stay at a similar category one.
Day 3 - Pinhao to Vilarinho de Sao Romao 7 miles | 11 km
Your journey to Vilarinho de Sao Romao will be accompanied by the spectacular scenery of the Alto Douro wine region.
Wine production in these lands is a tradition dating back more than two thousand years. The harvest continues as before and the grapes are still crushed using the feet.
In Provesende you can stop to admire the old houses and visit a small tavern, where you can learn about the local wine production.
Later you will reach Vilarinho de Sao Romao. Here you can discover the area’s architectural heritage, such as the Matriz de Vilarinho Church and the manor house with its coat of arms, both built between the 17th and 18th centuries.
Wine production in these lands is a tradition dating back more than two thousand years. The harvest continues as before and the grapes are still crushed using the feet.
In Provesende you can stop to admire the old houses and visit a small tavern, where you can learn about the local wine production.
Later you will reach Vilarinho de Sao Romao. Here you can discover the area’s architectural heritage, such as the Matriz de Vilarinho Church and the manor house with its coat of arms, both built between the 17th and 18th centuries.
Overnight in Vilarinho de Sao Romao
Casa dos Barros
This small hotel, located in a place where wine was formerly produced, has different types of rooms,each with its own decoration, giving it a very homely and cosy touch. In addition, each has air conditioning, private bathroom, TV and complimentary internet.
*In case this accommodation is not available, you will stay at a similar category one.
*In case this accommodation is not available, you will stay at a similar category one.
Day 4 - Vilarinho de Sao Romao to Alijo 9,5 miles | 15,5 km
This will be a day to discover the traditions of this land and to get to know Sabrosa, the village of Ferdinand Magellan, one of the world's most important navigators. You will continue your way through the vineyards to the River Pinhao, where you will have to cross an old bridge.
Then, surrounded by olive groves, you will pass through the village of Favaios, where bakeries still use wood-fired ovens dating back to the 19th century.
Finally, before heading to Alijo, you can visit the Quinta do Portal vineyard, which has won several medals in international competitions.
Then, surrounded by olive groves, you will pass through the village of Favaios, where bakeries still use wood-fired ovens dating back to the 19th century.
Finally, before heading to Alijo, you can visit the Quinta do Portal vineyard, which has won several medals in international competitions.
Overnight in Alijo
Pousada Barcao de Forrester
Although the hotel was renovated to give it a more contemporary atmosphere, when you get there, you feel like you're in another era, every corner and every detail tells a different story about the Douro.
The Barao Restaurant bases its menu on traditional recipes. Most dishes include meat, smoked meats and seasonal vegetables, always looking for simplicity and harmony to please the diner.
*In case this accommodation is not available, you will stay at a similar category one.
The Barao Restaurant bases its menu on traditional recipes. Most dishes include meat, smoked meats and seasonal vegetables, always looking for simplicity and harmony to please the diner.
*In case this accommodation is not available, you will stay at a similar category one.
Day 5 - Alijo to Casal de Loivos 8,5 miles | 14 km
On your way through Favaios, you can stop to buy some homemade bread at one of the bakeries, before passing by an iron-age settlement dating back to the 1st century BC.
Arriving at Quinta de Avessada, a place where wine has been produced for at least a century, it's worth paying for a wine-tasting tour, an interactive museum and participating in some innovative activities.
Continue to Casal de Loivos and, before heading to your accommodation, take the opportunity to admire the scenery that characterises this wine-growing region.
Arriving at Quinta de Avessada, a place where wine has been produced for at least a century, it's worth paying for a wine-tasting tour, an interactive museum and participating in some innovative activities.
Continue to Casal de Loivos and, before heading to your accommodation, take the opportunity to admire the scenery that characterises this wine-growing region.
Overnight in Casal de Loivos
Hotel Rural Quinta do Silval
Located on the mythical River Pinhao, this hotel offers its guests a privileged and charming view of this UNESCO World Heritage Site.
Despite being recently built and equipped with the latest technologies, it retains the typical Douro architecture.
The windows of the rooms look like postcards, as they offer a wonderful view of the old vineyards.
In the restaurant, you will taste the best of traditional gastronomy and you can taste wines of excellent quality.
*In case this accommodation is not available, you will stay at a similar category one.
Despite being recently built and equipped with the latest technologies, it retains the typical Douro architecture.
The windows of the rooms look like postcards, as they offer a wonderful view of the old vineyards.
In the restaurant, you will taste the best of traditional gastronomy and you can taste wines of excellent quality.
*In case this accommodation is not available, you will stay at a similar category one.
Day 6 - Casal de Loivos to Pinhao; transfer to Regua 3,5 miles | 6 km
On your way back to the heart of the Douro, Pinhao, you will better understand why this region was declared a UNESCO World Heritage Site: you will have the chance to see the River Douro from different angles, the beautiful vineyards and the imposing mountains crossed by the rivers.
In Pinhao you can visit the railway station, built in the 19th century and decorated with tiles in 1937. You will be dazzled by the 3,047 tiles that stretch along the front of the station, depicting landscapes related to the wine tradition: the cellars, the treading of the grapes and grape harvesting.
From Pinhao you will be transferred to Regua, where you will spend the night.
In Pinhao you can visit the railway station, built in the 19th century and decorated with tiles in 1937. You will be dazzled by the 3,047 tiles that stretch along the front of the station, depicting landscapes related to the wine tradition: the cellars, the treading of the grapes and grape harvesting.
From Pinhao you will be transferred to Regua, where you will spend the night.
Overnight in Regua
Quinta de La Rosa
This charming country house, with 100 years of history, has welcomed its guests for more than twenty years.
The rooms have an amazing view of the Douro and the hotel has a nice pool.
*In case this accommodation is not available, you will stay at a similar category one.
The rooms have an amazing view of the Douro and the hotel has a nice pool.
*In case this accommodation is not available, you will stay at a similar category one.
Day 7 - Enjoy your day along the River Douro
This will be a day to end your trip on a high note. You will take a boat to enjoy a magical cruise on the River Douro.
As you navigate the waters, you will enjoy the views of the terraced vineyards, as well as the charming little towns built on the sloping hillsides. Many of these settlements have preserved their medieval structure, in which houses are grouped around churches, monasteries and castles.
Lunch will be on board. Once in Porto, we recommend dining in one of the many restaurants with world-class cuisine, very characteristic of this city.
Note: Please note that the River Douro cruise is only available from April to October. Should you travel outside these months, lunch is not included and you will be transferred by car to Porto.
As you navigate the waters, you will enjoy the views of the terraced vineyards, as well as the charming little towns built on the sloping hillsides. Many of these settlements have preserved their medieval structure, in which houses are grouped around churches, monasteries and castles.
Lunch will be on board. Once in Porto, we recommend dining in one of the many restaurants with world-class cuisine, very characteristic of this city.
Note: Please note that the River Douro cruise is only available from April to October. Should you travel outside these months, lunch is not included and you will be transferred by car to Porto.
Overnight in Porto
Portobay Hotel Teatro
An old 19th-century theatre was renovated to bring this authentic hotel to life. Its location, in the centre of Porto, is perfect for going out to explore the city.
*In case this accommodation is not available, you will stay at a similar category one.
*In case this accommodation is not available, you will stay at a similar category one.
Day 8 - Porto
After a delicious breakfast, you can head to Porto Airport to start your journey home.
End of our services.
End of our services.
Itinerary map
Services
Included
- Accommodation in en suite rooms in charming hotels
- Daily Breakfasts
- Lunch on day 7 (On months when the Douro Cruise is operating)
- River Douro Cruise
- Luggage transfers between accommodations
- Transfer to and from Porto Airport
- Transfers as specified in the itinerary
- Information dossier with maps and routes
- 24-hour telephone support
- Sustainable travel, we compensate the CO2 emissions of your trip
- Taxes
Extras
- Travel insurance
- Cancellation insurance
- Additional nights
Accomodation
General information
The accommodations with which we collaborate have a private bathroom and all the necessary services to ensure the best comfort available.
Our team checks in situ the quality of all the accommodations offered, so that you have an unforgettable experience during your trip.
The accommodation that we will book for your trip will be selected taking into account our commitment to you: guaranteeing comfort, calm and enjoyment throughout your trip.
We work with quality hotels and country cottages with limited capacity, so we invite you to confirm your reservation as soon as possible.
The name of each accommodation will be provided to you a few weeks before your trip begins.
Room types
It is possible to book this journey in single, double or triple rooms.
All rooms have private bathrooms.
Travel & transfers
Upon arrival at Porto airport (Oporto-Francisco Sá Carneiro Airport), we will pick you up and take you to your hotel.
Alternatively, you can get to the city of Porto from Lisbon Airport (Portela Airport). From the airport, you can take a bus from Av. Berlim to Oriente train station (Estação do Oriente) and travel to Porto (2h 30m). Another option is to take the metro from the airport to the Oriente train station on the red line (linha vermelha). The last option for this transfer is to take a taxi, which takes about 5 minutes.
On the last day you will have an included transfer to take you back to Porto airport for your flight back to your home city.
FAQs
Is luggage transfer included? What are the luggage requirements?
Absolutely! Each traveller has included 1 piece of luggage that we will transfer between your accommodations. It's important that this piece of luggage meets the following criterias:
- Maximum weight of 45 lbs (20 kg).
- Must be only 1 piece of luggage without any attachments or accessories.
- Should not contain valuables, fragile items, food or medications.
- Must be correctly identified (booking reference of your trip and the full name of the trip holder).
What should my physical preparation be?
This tour is ranked from easy to moderate. Although it is suitable for most people who are in good physical condition and do not travel long distances, there are some stretches that are at a significant height, such as the local vineyard terraces in the Douro Valley.
Please note that on days when train and boat trips are made to and from Porto, there are no walks.
What kind of equipment do I need?
You will need good walking shoes or boots, comfortable clothes, waterproof jacket and pants, a backpack, gloves/hats, etc.
The full list will be given to you once you book your trip.
How far in advance should I book?
We suggest you book once you have decided your plans, as this is a very popular region and room reservations should be made as soon as possible.
We will do our best to live up to your expectations.
What is the best time of year to make this trip?
The dates of this holiday are scheduled only for the spring and autumn months, since in summer,temperatures become very high and walking can be quite uncomfortable.
In the spring, there are many wild flowers and in autumn, grapes are harvested.
Do I need to take out travel support insurance?
Yes, this is a requirement to book with us. It's important that this insurance covers your activities, emergency evacuation, and hospital care.
What if I can't walk one of the stages?
You can use public transport or local taxis to continue to the next accommodation.
Our partners in Portugal and/or their hosting providers can help you if you require assistance.
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