Charming Douro-Valley
Cultural and culinary enjoyments in the valley of Enchantment.
Arrival in Pinhão
After your arrival in Pinhão, take a stroll around the vineyards, sample their wines or take a boat trip along the river. In the evening, take the chance to enjoy tasty local dishes in the splendid restaurants of this charming village.
Hotel (example): Quinta de la Rosa
Today you explore the western slopes of the Pinhão-valley, as you climb to the hillside villages of São Cristovão do Douro and Provosende. The views of the surrounding vineyards will more than compensate your efforts. End the day with a warm welcome and a home-cooked meal at Casa de Vilarinho de São Romão, where a refreshing dip in the outdoor pool or a nap in the comfortable guest lounge await you.
Hotel (example): Casa de Vilarinho de São Romão
With Vilarinho de São Romão as your base, today’s circular route winds down to the Pinhão River via a couple of small villages and wine estates and along the opposite hillsides, through the vineyards, with varied landscapes and splendid views throughout. Relax at a riverside picnic spot before making your way uphill to the village of Celeirós, where you can stop to taste the wines at Quinta do Portal before returning to your delightful accommodation.
Hotel (example): Casa de Vilarinho de São Romão
Enjoy views across the valley on your way towards the pretty village of Sabrosa. Follow an ancient road between here and Favaios, as you head down through the vineyard terraces to the river. Wend your way uphill again between grape vines and olive groves towards a distinctly different landscape. Taste traditional wood oven-baked bread and moscatel wine in Favaios, then continue to the small, historical town of Alijó.
Hotel (example): Pousada do Barão de Forrester
Today’s walk is a circular route from Alijó that undulates through an ever-changing patchwork of vineyards and fields towards the ancient village of São Mamede da Ribatua, with spectacular views of the surrounding rock-strewn mountains. Return to Alijó in the shade of the pine forests.
Hotel (example): Pousada do Barão de Forrester
Alijó – Casal de Loivos
Spend the day walking through vineyards, perhaps calling in at a wine estate or two for a tour and tasting session before reaching the ridge at the top of the eastern slopes of the Pinhão Valley. Look back at the terraced slopes opposite to identify the villages you passed by earlier in the week. You’ll have magnificent views of the Douro river, before reaching the last village of the day. Once there, take the chance to visit the nearby olive oil museum.
Hotel (example): Casa de Casal de Loivos
Today’s rather short but stunning walk down to Pinhão leaves you with time for a final winery tour and tasting session overlooking the Douro River. Enjoy lunch in the village or a picnic in the vineyards, before taking the train back to Porto for a night in the heart of the city. Take your time to explore the city’s historical monuments, but also revitalised areas such as Rua das Flores and the riverside Ribeira district. If you have some time left, cross the river and visit at least one of the port wine cellars in Vila Nova de Gaia to see and smell where the barrels of aging wine are stored – and raise your glass to an unforgettable hiking journey!
Hotel (example): Hotel Teatro
Departure or extra days
Tour character
You are hiking on solid, unpaved trails. For walking times up to max. 6 hours and the sometimes a little bit longer ascents and descents, a good basic fitness level is enough to feel comfortable.
Category: beautiful and comfortable country hotels and chalets (Quintas), mostly with swimming pool, 4****-hotel in Porto
Included:
- 7 overnight stays as stated, breakfast included
- 3x evening meal (2 x Vilarinho de São Romão, 1 x Casal de Loivos)
- 5x walking snack (day 2 – 6)
- Luggage transfer
- Transfer airport Porto – station Porto
- Transfer hotel Porto – airport Porto
- Carefully elaborated route description
- Detailed travel and tour documents 1x per room (German, English)
- GPS-data is available (GPS-device on spot included)
- Service hotline
Arrival / Departure:
- Airport Porto and organized transfer to the station Porto-Campanhã. You continue by train (www.cp.pt) to Pinhão, duration approx. 2,5 hours. Return transfer from your hotel in Porto to the airport at the end of your trip, transfer included in the tour package.
Things to note:
- Tourist tax, if due, is not included in the price
- Train journey Porto – Pinhão (day 1) and Pinhão – Porto (day 7), approx. EUR 22 per person
- You can book extra nights for any day of your tour. Prices upon request.
- Further important information according to the package travel law can be found here!
