9-Day Douro Wine Region Self-Guided Hiking Tour
Highlights
Lamego, Porto
rural, trekking, winetour
Private Tour
9 Days
Medium
English
Description
Come experience the allure of the Douro Valley, the world’s first regulated wine region and a UNESCO World Heritage Site! This region invites oil Connoisseurs to wander among terraced vineyards carved into slate hillsides and taste regional cuisine and olive oil. Savour the renowned Port and Douro wines. Whether walking along the Douro River or cruising on a traditional Rabelo boat, you’ll be treated to breathtaking views at every turn. Discover Ucanha, part of the historic Cistercian Wine Route, and Pinhão, celebrated for its wineries and picturesque train station adorned with hand-painted tiles. End your adventure in Lamego and Régua, the vibrant heart of Alto Douro, where local delicacies and wines await. Choose your route—shorter for ease or longer for a challenge. Feeling strong on your calves? Take the longer path and uncover more of this extraordinary region. After all, it’s your way!
Itinerary
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Day 1 - Sabrosa | En route to the renowned vineyards of the Douro wine region
- Upon arrival at Porto airport for your tour, we will greet you and transport you to Sabrosa, a delightful town known as the birthplace of the famed Ferdinand Magellan, who was the first explorer to sail around the world. Encircled by stunning vineyards, Sabrosa serves as an ideal gateway to the famous Douro wine region.
- Immerse yourself in the calm and picturesque town, where the sprawling vineyards provide a sneak peek of the gorgeous scenery and vibrant wine traditions that you will encounter on your adventure. Prepare yourself for an unforgettable adventure in one of the most renowned wine regions globally!
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Day 2 - Sabrosa round tour | Escape to Portugal's past
Stage 1 - 13km/8mi or 17 km/10 mi
- Surrounded by traditional estates of vineyards and wineries, start your adventure in the peaceful village of Celeirós. This serene setting offers the perfect escape from the hustle and bustle of everyday life.
- Arriving in Sabrosa, the birthplace of Fernão de Magalhães, a Portuguese navigator famous for making the first circumnavigation of the globe between 1519 and 1522, admire the stunning manor houses, some dating back to the Middle Ages.
- Continue to Fermentões for panoramic views of lush, sprawling vineyards.
- Enhance your trip with an optional visit to a local olive oil mill for a tasting and a look at traditional production methods.
- You'll also have the opportunity to explore a renowned Port and Douro winery, where you can enjoy a tasting and learn about the region's rich winemaking heritage.
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Day 3 - Sabrosa to Provesende | Olive groves and traditional rural life
Stage 2 - 9 km/6 mi or 14 km/9 mi
- A stroll along historic stone paths will take you to Celeirós. From here, the beauty of the Douro unfolds: rolling hills covered in green vineyards, with terraced stone walls that speak of generations of dedication.
- Your journey culminates in Provesende, a charming wine village steeped in history and home to the region's largest collection of manor houses. Baroque and neoclassical facades from the 16th to 18th centuries offer a glimpse into the past.
- Discover hidden gems such as the smell of freshly baked bread and local craft shops. The authenticity and charm of the village will take your breath away and create an unforgettable experience.
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Day 4 - Provesende to Ucanha | Pinhão's historic railway and sail on a traditional Rabelo boat
Stage 3 - 6 km/3 mi or 10 km/7 mi
- A fascinating journey from Provesende to Pinhão awaits, following a centuries-old path that winds through terraced hills where the craftsmanship of generations past is still visible in the stone walls.
- As you climb towards the riverbank, you'll witness the enduring beauty of the Douro Valley, shaped by both nature and man.
- In Pinhão, one of Portugal's most picturesque towns, step back in time at the iconic railway station, adorned with stunning tile panels that bring the region's history to life. Can you imagine the countless stories these tiles tell of the valley's rich heritage?
- Then, set sail on a traditional Rabelo boat, the same vessel that once carried port wine down the Douro River to Vila Nova de Gaia.
- End the day with a transfer to your next destination: the charming village of Ucanha, where more wonders await.
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Day 5 - Ucanha round tour | Cobbled village streets and classic granite houses
Stage 4 - 10 km/7 mi
- Walking around Ucanha, stop for a moment at a tiny waterfall before continuing through farms, pine forests and charming villages with cobbled streets and classic granite houses.
- You will also come across the charming Praia Fluvial de Ucanha, where you can relax and rejuvenate before continuing your journey.
- Explore the area's rich history, including the 12th-century Salzedas Monastery, which proudly towers over the village.
- Cross the medieval bridge and be sure to stop at the old toll tower, where, until 1527, tolls were collected from those passing through the monastery grounds.
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Day 6 - Ucanha to Lamego | City of monuments, a walk in baroque splendour
Stage 5 - 14 km/9 mi
- On the way to Lamego, you will wind through picturesque roads flanked by charming villages, lush vineyards and fragrant apple orchards that fill the air with their sweet scent. The town's winemaking heritage, rooted in the ancient techniques of the Cistercian monks, adds a unique charm. Steeped in medieval history, Lamego is home to fascinating sites such as the imposing castle and the centuries-old cistern. But the real gem is at the top of the mountain: the Sanctuary, reached by a breathtaking Baroque staircase of 686 steps.
- As you climb the mountain, the breathtaking views and intricate artwork - statues, fountains and decorative tiles - create an unforgettable experience.
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Day 7 - Lamego to Cambres | Historic pilgrimage route to Santiago de Compostela
Stage 6 - 15 km/9 mi
- In the heart of Lamego, the final part of your journey follows the historic path once taken by pilgrims to Santiago de Compostela.
- Set off through the scenic landscape, where traditions meet vineyards and historic estates. This area, where the first extensive vineyards for winemaking were established in the 12th century, holds a rich history. Your destination is Cambres, a town surrounded by vineyards, just a short distance from Régua, the center of the Douro Wine Region.
- Walk along the cobblestone streets, passing historic mansions, and enjoy a guided tour and tasting of Port and Douro wines at one of the region’s oldest wineries, dating back to the 16th century. This final day promises unforgettable landscapes and wines.
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Day 8 - Porto | A UNESCO World Heritage City of wine, culture and cuisine
- Say goodbye to the beautiful Douro Valley and enjoy a smooth transfer to Porto, a city steeped in history and culture. With over 150 listed monuments, Porto is a UNESCO World Heritage Site known for its unique blend of ancient architecture and modern charm.
- Visit the iconic Luis I Bridge, the famous Port wine cellars and the charming Ribeira district, lined with colourful buildings and cobbled streets. Don't miss Porto's signature dish, Francesinha, a delicious sandwich topped with melted cheese and rich sauce.
- After settling into your accommodation, go and uncover Porto's distinct character, where the past and present intertwine.
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Day 9 - End of the Douro Wine Region hike tour
- At the end of your tour, we will arrange your transfer to the airport according to your flight schedule.
What's Included
What's Excluded
Know Before You Go
Meeting Point
Cancellation Policy
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For cancellations within 24 hours before the tour -
Refund of 50% of the tour price.
Price
Adult | |
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1 to 1 | /person |
2 to 3 | /person |
4 to 5 | /person |
6 to 12 | /person |
Child | |
1 to 1 | /person |
2 to 3 | /person |
4 to 5 | /person |
6 to 12 | /person |
This is a private tour |