Douro Valley Easy Walking

From Porto, our adventure begins with a relaxing van transfer through picturesque landscapes to the captivating medieval village of Marialva, nestled in the upper Douro region.  Marialva is like stepping into a fairytale where the medieval atmosphere of ancient stone walls, well-preserved houses, and historical landmarks take us back in time. The village’s enchanting atmosphere invites exploration and offers endless photo opportunities. After strolling through Marialva’s cobbled streets and soaking up its historical ambiance, we head to a traditional restaurant to savor a delightful light lunch. The menu features regional delicacies, each dish boasting the authentic flavors of the Douro region. Local wines perfectly complement the meal, allowing you to partake in the true essence of Portuguese gastronomy. Rejuvenated after lunch, we embark on a leisurely walk through the countryside us through the vast and serene olive groves. As we amble along, granite boulder fields provide a captivating contrast to the verdant landscape, their weathered appearance narrating tales of the earth’s ancient history. Our walk concludes in the serene village of Longroiva. With its warm and welcoming atmosphere, Longroiva offers a peaceful retreat from the outside world. Lunch and dinner included.

Walking: 6 miles; terrain: cobblestone, packed dirt trails. Driving: 3h30min

Our day begins at the prehistoric rock-art site of Foz Côa, a place that takes us back to the very origins of human creativity. Expert guides will lead us through the site, weaving together tales of the past, sharing knowledge about the cultures that once thrived in these lands. Having immersed ourselves in the past, we journey to the present with a short drive to the Ervamoira Winery, a prestigious farming estate renowned for producing some of the finest wines in the Douro Valley. Surrounded by terraced vineyards, the winery exudes an air of serenity, inviting us to indulge in a delightful wine tasting experience, accompanied by delicious regional delicacies. We bid farewell to Ervamoira and embark on a scenic train ride along the meandering Douro River. This leisurely ride offers picture-perfect views of terraced vineyards, quaint villages, and undulating hills flanking the river. Once in Pinhão, we transfer up the hill to the tiny village of Provesende, where we’ll stay in a stunning historic hotel for the next two nights. All meals included.

Walking: 1.4 miles; terrain: packed dirt trails. Driving: 2h30min. Train: 1 hour

After breakfast, we head east on a mesmerizing day trip that showcases more of the enchanting beauty of the Douro landscape. We take a scenic walk along the Tua River, a picturesque tributary of the Douro. The path meanders amidst ancient olive groves, fragrant almond orchards, and wildflowers that add splashes of color to the countryside canvas. Our expert guides share insights into the region’s flora and fauna, further enriching our experience.

As our stroll concludes, a treat awaits us at the Quinta Vila Rachel winery. Nestled amidst vine-covered hills, we will enjoy a unique guided visit through the vineyards and learn about the farm’s history and their organic winemaking process. We’ll also have the chance to admire sculptures made by the estate’s founder, a famous Portuguese artist. Finally we delight our taste buds with a wine tasting and delightful picnic lunch composed of savory local treats and freshly prepared delicacies. We then transfer back to Provesende for a relaxing afternoon and group dinner at our hotel. All meals included.

Walking: 4.4 miles; terrain: packed dirt. Driving: 45 min there and back.

The picturesque village of Provesende serves as our starting point, set on a mesa, surrounded by terraced vineyards and quintessential rural charm. Our path takes us along ancient stone walls, via olive groves and fruit orchards, and amidst the vineyards that have shaped the region’s winemaking heritage for centuries. Arriving at the charming village of Pinhão, we embark on a relaxing boat ride on the Douro River and taste some of the olive oils produced in the region. We’ll enjoy lunch at a charming restaurant perched on the riverbank, overlooking the scenic village of Peso da Régua. The locally sourced ingredients and traditional recipes add a touch of authenticity to the experience. We then walk to our hotel in Peso da Régua for a free night and dinner on your own. Breakfast and lunch included.

Walking: 4 miles; terrain: cobblestones, packed dirt with some rocks. Driving: 10  min

We start the day with a transfer to the city of Vila Real to walk from the old quarters of the city to the Corgo River gorge following boardwalks and riverside trails to the city river park. Along the way, we will visit the local food market and the 14th-century Gothic Cathedral and Convent of Vila Real. Following a light lunch in a quaint restaurant selling wine and tasteful souvenirs, we head to the old train station of Vila Real. Today’s highlight is our guided visit to the well-preserved interior of Casa de Mateus, an early 18th-century baroque manor house with stunning gardens and reflection pool. Afterwards, we’ll move to the tasting room and try a selection of locally produced port wines. We return to our hotel in Peso da Régua for the evening. All meals included.

Walking: 2.2 miles; terrain: cobblestones, packed dirt river cycle path. Driving: 50  min

On the final day of our Douro walking adventure, we invite our guests to take it easy. You have to choice of either:

1) Relaxing at the hotel and enjoy the indoor pool with river terrace OR

2) Joining the guides at 10 am to walk over the bridge to Peso da Régua to visit the town’s impressive wine museum and learn about the Douro region’s wine culture & history in greater depth.

We end the day with a group lunch at a lovely restaurant in Peso da Régua at 1 pm before transferring to Porto with our bellies full. Breakfast and lunch included.

Optional walk: 1.2 miles; terrain: paved sidewalk. Driving: 1h15 min