This is a two centre, self-guided tour of the Douro, a region famous for its wines. The culture and scenery found along this route are both exceptional.
The Douro is the famous river and wine area near Porto. The name means ‘of gold’ and when the sun is glowing the river does resemble a twisting golden chain as it winds through the narrow valley between the steep hills and terraced vineyards. The countryside above the river is exceptionally beautiful particularly in spring and autumn and this holiday will allow you to discover the best of the region. Stay in a converted Portuguese manor house (Quinta) and a typical village house – both have been beautifully restored to offer very comfortable accommodation to guests. Enjoy a boat trip along the Douro River to get a different view of the vineyard terraces and the Douro valley from the water.
Price:
£825.00 per person based on 2 people sharing.
Single supplement: £180.00 Solo walker: £120.00
Included:
Not Included:
Day 1: Arrival at Pinhao and transfer to your quinta in Vilarinho de Sao Romao. Enjoy your first dinner.
Day 2: The first walk is a circular walk in the Pinhao valley passing through the village of Celeiros. Your walk will take you through the vineyards of the Alto Douro, a UNESCO heritage area. 16km/10 miles – return to Vilarinho for dinner and overnight.
Day 3: Today’s walk on the west side of the Pinhao valley visits several tiny hamlets that are so typical of the region. The walk is an easy relaxing walk and if you want to walk further to the town of Sabrosa home of the world explorer Magellan. 12km/7.5 miles or 17km/ 10.45 miles – Return to Vilarinho for dinner and overnight.
Day 4: Today you leave Vilarinho and walk to the hilltop village of Provosende. First walk uphill to the tiny chapel of Sao Domingos, perched high above the Douro river. Enjoy the wonderful views to the surrounding countryside and its vineyard-terraced beauty before walking downhill to Provosende, 12km – overnight and dinner in Provosende.
Day 5: Our walk today is from the large village of Sao Martinho de Antas from where the walk goes northwards through a variety of landscapes, pass ancient Moorish tombs and a 2,500BC burial chamber. 13km/8.12 miles – overnight and dinner in Provosende.
Day 6: The final walk is uphill through the vineyards and tiny villages high above the river. Enjoy some amazing views before going down to Pinhao to enjoy a boat ride on the Douro. 14km/8.75 miles – overnight and farewell dinner in Provosende.
Day 7. Transfer after breakfast to the train station at Pinhao or bus station of Vila Real.
Getting to Pinhão:
Nearest airports are Lisbon or Porto. There is a lovely scenic train ride from Porto to Pinhão.
Accommodation:
You will stay the first 3 nights in a converted Portuguese manor houses (Quinta) and the second 3 nights in a typical village house, both properties have been beautifully restored to offer very comfortable accommodation to guests.
All rooms ensuite.
