8 Days & 7 Nights

4.5

Douro Valley In Style

Stay in elegant wine hotels that boast spectacular views
Walk through vineyards, olive groves and remote villages
Enjoy the award-winning wines at historic 'quintas' and farm-to-table cuisine
Cruise from Porto to Peso da Régua on the spectacular Douro River
End with time to explore the bustling historic city of Porto

Explore a side of the Douro Valley where fewer tourists venture, with walks designed to finish at award-winning wineries. Indulge in the finest wines and mouth-watering cuisine, so that you’re fully immersed in the culinary and wine culture of the Douro Valley. To enhance the Portuguese experience, we’ve hand-selected elegant wine hotels so that you're never shy of a fine glass of wine and a spectacular view. Begin with a beautiful boat cruise from Porto to Peso da Régua before exploring the Douro Valley on foot, passing through traditional villages, olive groves and vineyards along the way. You’ll finish walking in Pinhão, a pretty little town producing some of the world’s best wines. The journey ends with time to explore the bustling city of Porto, where wine cellars, restaurants, coffee shops and rooftop bars line its winding cobbled lanes.

From £2,765.00

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Itinerary

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Day 1 Arrive Porto

Arrive in Porto, where you’ll be met and transferred to your 5-star hotel. Located in the historic centre of the city on the pedestrianised Rua das Flores, it's a great base from which to explore Porto. We recommend a sunset drink on one of the city's many rooftop bars, and a leisurely post-dinner stroll on the winding streets of the old quarters of Ribeira, Miragaia and Massarelos.

Overnight Porto

Accommodation

A sample of our typical carefully chosen accommodation in this location. Where you stay will vary depending on availability, but will be a similar standard.

PortoBay Flores | 5 Star

A stunning five-star hotel located in the historic city of Porto. This beautifully restored 16th-century palace boasts a rustic-chic vibe, with a stylish in-house restaurant and bar, gym, spa and indoor swimming pool. The location of this hotel couldn’t be better. It's situated on the pedestrianised Rua das Flores, right next to Misericórdia Church and within easy walking distance of the city’s main attractions. With 500 years of history, it even has its very own 18th-century chapel. PortoBay Flores effortlessly blends classic and contemporary living, and oozes luxury in every way.

Hospes Infante Sagres | 5 Star | Hotel

Experience the charm and refinement of Hospes Infante Sagres Porto, a luxury hotel just steps away from Porto’s iconic attractions. This historic establishment seamlessly blends old-world allure with modern comfort, creating an atmosphere of timeless elegance.

Day 2 Cruise from Porto to Peso da Régua

After a quick private transfer to the quay, you'll board the boat for your day cruise to Peso da Régua. Along the way you'll see thousands of vine-lined terraces and small settlements perched on the hillsides, whilst crossing 14 locks and descending over 35m at various dams. It's a spectacular way to travel to the Douro Valley, and a lunch with local wine will be served onboard. A short transfer will then take you to your hotel, an 18th-century manor house on a working wine estate, combining classic charm with contemporary interior design. To kickstart your time in the Douro Valley, there'll be a visit to the wine cellars for a wine tasting session on arrival. Dinner is also included at the hotel's restaurant this evening, which is renowned for its traditional Portuguese cuisine and use of typical seasonal products from the Douro Valley.

Overnight Peso da Regua

Accommodation

A sample of our typical carefully chosen accommodation in this location. Where you stay will vary depending on availability, but will be a similar standard.

Quinta da Pacheca | 4 Star

The Wine House Hotel (otherwise known as Quinta da Pacheca) is a beautifully restored 18th-century house on a 36-hectare wine estate, surrounded by vineyards and overlooking the Douro Valley. The luxurious boutique property is located just outside of Peso da Regua in Lamego, and is known to be one of the best estates in the Douro region due its world-class wine tasting. It was one of the first properties in the Douro Valley to bottle wine under its own label, and has its very own acclaimed restaurant, serving excellent wine and seasonal food throughout the year.

Quinta Casa Amerela | Country House

Owned by the same family since 1835, Quinta Casa Amarela has just 4 internal suites within the traditional house. With a small swimming pool and amazing views, it is a delightful place to relax at the end of a days walking.

Quinta do Vallado | Country Hotel

Since 2005, Quinta do Vallado has been prepared to welcome guests to its comfortable Wine Hotel based at an 18th century country house. Rooms are located in either the traditional house or the elegant, airy and modern building built from schist, a traditional stone from the region. Enjoy beautiful views, their swimming pool and meals in their small restaurant.

Day 3 Walk from Valdigem to Aldeia de Baixo 5.8 miles / 9.3 km

From Peso da Régua, a short transfer will take you to Valdigem. From here, walk through several villages where tourists seldom venture. Life meanders slowly here and there'll be opportunities to stop at local cafés along the way. In the surrounding rugged hillsides, locals cultivate grapes, olive trees and cherry and apple trees. The fruit trees will be in blossom in early spring, and the wild flowers will also be on display. After walking through more untouched hillsides, vineyards, olive groves and orchards, stopping off to enjoy your included packed lunch, you'll finish the walk at Quinta do Outono wine estate, where a wine tasting session at the cellars will take place. A private 20 minute transfer will take you back to your hotel in Peso da Régua.

Total ascent/descent: +380m/-144m

Overnight Peso da Regua

Accommodation

A sample of our typical carefully chosen accommodation in this location. Where you stay will vary depending on availability, but will be a similar standard.

Quinta da Pacheca | 4 Star

Quinta do Vallado | Country Hotel

Quinta Casa Amerela | Country House

Day 4 Walk from Vila Seca to Quinta do Tedo 4.6 miles / 7.4 km

Today you'll walk to the 18th-century wine estate of Quinta do Tedo. This family-owned and certified-organic winery is surrounded by UNESCO World Heritage terraced vineyards, climbing high above the Douro and Tedo rivers. After a 20 minute private transfer to Vila Seca, make your way downhill to the village of Marmelal and then downwards again towards the Douro River. Finish with a wine tasting session at Quinta do Tedo.

Total ascent/descent: +109m/-535m

Overnight Peso da Regua

Accommodation

A sample of our typical carefully chosen accommodation in this location. Where you stay will vary depending on availability, but will be a similar standard.

Quinta da Pacheca | 4 Star

Quinta do Vallado | Country Hotel

Quinta Casa Amerela | Country House

Day 5 Walk from Quinta de Ventozelo to Pinhão 4.3 miles / 7 km

Today's walk starts at the Quinta de Ventozelo. Just before you start your descent, you'll be greeted with views over the Quinta das Carvalhas wine estate. The walk takes you through the village and into the vineyards and countryside. Here you'll find the landscape of smaller wine producers, and so the patterns of the grape rows are more varied as you walk towards the next village. This may be the perfect spot to enjoy your packed lunch before you gradually start walking uphill through a wine estate for some extra special views, before zigzagging your way back down through grape vines towards the Vintage House Hotel, your accommodation in Pinhão. This 19th-century winery has a tranquil riverside setting and is surrounded by terraced vineyards on hillsides. Its central location means you're a short walk from the town's restaurants, cafés, bars and wineries. Dinner is included at the hotel's restaurant this evening, so that you can enjoy the traditional and regional flavours from local producers across the Douro region. You can dine under the vaulted ceilings or on the alfresco terrace.

Total ascent/descent: +70m/-315m

Overnight Pinhão

Accommodation

A sample of our typical carefully chosen accommodation in this location. Where you stay will vary depending on availability, but will be a similar standard.

The Vintage House Hotel | 5 Star

An elegant 19th-century wine estate with a beautiful riverside setting. Each room has its own balcony or terrace with views of the Douro River or surrounding vineyards. The outdoor swimming pool is right on the river and there are plenty of terraces where you can soak up the panoramic views. Its restaurant serves up regional dishes with Douro wines, and the bar oozes an old-world feel, perfect for curling up with a glass of port. With its graceful yellow façade, the Vintage House Hotel is in a prime location for exploring the Douro Valley.

Day 6 Morning walk from Casal de Loivos back to Pinhão 3.7 miles / 6 km

Today is all about the views from the north side of the Douro River, with a mostly downhill walk. A private 15 minute transfer will take you to the start point, a small village high in the hills with views of Pinhão Valley. Gradually descend with non-stop spectacular views of the Douro Valley to your left before you round the hillside. The views will be with you all the way down to the river as you walk through the vineyards of Quinta da Roeda and Quinta do Bomfim, making your back to Pinhão. A packed lunch is once again included for you to enjoy as and where you wish. The walk finishes at Quinta Bomfim, where your final wine tasting session takes place. It's an original winery and lodge dating from 1896, owned by the Symington family who have worked here for five generations, and now famous for its legendary Vintage Ports. It's conveniently located close to your hotel, so you'll have the afternoon free to either explore Pinhão or relax by the hotel's swimming pool.

Total ascent/descent: +59m/-390m

Overnight Pinhão

Accommodation

A sample of our typical carefully chosen accommodation in this location. Where you stay will vary depending on availability, but will be a similar standard.

The Vintage House Hotel | 5 Star

Quinta de Ventozelo | Hotel

Ventozelo Hotel & Quinta provides accommodation with an infinity swimming pool boasting incredible views over the Douro Valley, and a garden with a terrace. Some rooms have a balcony with mountain views. At the hotel you will find a restaurant and bar serving seasonal cuisine using ingrediants from local farms and producers. We love their farm-to-table approach, and staying in an elegant quinta like this really is a unique experience.

Day 7 Morning transfer to Porto

After four days of walking, it's time to return to Porto to expore the city. The city's renowned for its vast port export, which is evident from the terracotta roofed storage warehouses on the banks of the Douro. Discover botanical gardens and over 1500 UNESCO-listed monuments, off-set by striking modern architecture and edgy street art. A gastronomic paradise, Porto is home to Michelin-starred restaurants and a myriad of Michelin Guide-listed restaurants.

Overnight Porto

Accommodation

A sample of our typical carefully chosen accommodation in this location. Where you stay will vary depending on availability, but will be a similar standard.

PortoBay Flores | 5 Star

Hospes Infante Sagres | 5 Star | Hotel

Day 8 Departure

THIS TRIP'S CARBON SCORE

This trip has a carbon score of 15kg per person per night, meaning it’s one of our best trips! For comparison, a carbon count of 15kg is equivalent to 4.5 cheeseburgers. Here at Macs, we pride ourselves on being a responsible travel company and continue to adopt, develop and innovate ways to positively impact the environment. Find out more information on how we've carbon counted our trips.

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Other Information

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Is it for me?

If you enjoy great walks in good weather, combined with luxurious accommodation to unwind in each evening, then this is the tour for you. Reward your efforts each day with farm-to-table Portuguese cuisine and local wines, with spectacular views of the terraced vineyards and the Douro River. Each walk is designed to take in the best views of the Douro Valley and finish at selected award-winning wineries ('quintas') so that you can enjoy some of the best wines from the region at the end of your walk. This is a multi-centre walking holiday with 4 linear walks, so there will be a private transfer each day (either to the start-point of your walk or at the end of your walk to take you back to your hotel). We also include private transfers to and from Porto Airport to ensure you're fully relaxed at the start and end of your holiday.

Trip Type:

In Style | After a day of exciting adventures and soaking up unbeatable scenery, retreat to stylish accommodations and unwind with fine food and wine. This trip type is for those who like sophisticated places to stay and are looking for active routes but still want the holiday to feel special.

Activity:

Multi Centre Walking | With a mix of loop and point-to-point walks stay 2 or 3 nights in one place which offers the chance to slow down and really explore a destination.

Ideal if you have an interest in:

Foodie, Wine

The minimum age for this tour is: 12 Years

Grade & Terrain

This tour is graded easy-moderate and is suitable for most people that are in good physical condition. There are some small elevation gains and losses through the local vineyard terraces in the Douro Valley. However, on some of the days there is no walking at all, to make way for a scenic boat ride from Porto to the Douro Valley, and to explore Porto in your own time.

Accommodation & Meals

Accommodation Information

We've hand-selected elegant wine hotels in Peso da Regua and Pinhao, all of which boast spectacular views. In Peso da Regua you'll stay at Quinta da Pacheca (otherwise known as The Wine House Hotel), a restored 18th-century house on a 36-hectare working wine estate, surrounded by beautiful vineyards and overlooking the Douro Valley, the Quinta do Vallado with its traditional house and elegant and modern building built from schist stone, or at the Quinta Casa Amarela, a family run quinta with just 4 individual suites. In Pinhao, you'll stay in the 5-star Vintage House Hotel, a tranquil 19th-century wine estate with a beautiful riverside setting. In Porto, a beautifully restored 16th-century former palace awaits at The PortoBay Flores, a stunning 5 star hotel in the heart of historic Porto. Its renowned restaurant is situated in the former noble halls of the restored palace, but retains the stylish feel found throughout the hotel. Or another hotel we use there is 5 star Infante Sagres. This historic establishment seamlessly blends old-world allure with modern comfort, creating an atmosphere of timeless elegance.

Single Rooms & Solo Walkers

If you require single rooms within your party we would be happy to accommodate you, although there is a single room supplement payable. This tour is also possible for solo travellers, again a supplement is payable.

Meals

All breakfasts, 4 packed lunches, and 1 lunch on the river cruise are included. Packed lunches usually include sandwiches, fresh fruit and a snack, and are sourced locally. We wanted to take away the hassle of sourcing lunch on your walks, so that all you'll need to do is find a picnic spot with a view. We include 2 evening meals on Days 2 and 5. For other evening meals, you have the choice of eating at local restaurants or at the hotels. You'll find a list of recommendations on where to eat in the roadbook provided by our supplier, which you'll receive upon arrival.

Navigation What's Included

Included

7 nights accommodation in en suite rooms
All breakfasts, 4 packed lunches (days 3 to 6) and 2 Dinners (days 2 and 5)
Douro River Cruise with Lunch
4 wine tastings at award-winning wine estates (days 2, 3, 4 and 6)
Arrival and departure private transfers from/to Porto Airport or train station
Access to maps, GPS tracks and daily route information with the Macs Adventure smartphone navigation app
Door to door baggage transfer of one bag per person
Emergency telephone support from our office in the UK as well as from a local office in Portugal with English speaking staff
Recommendations on restaurants, bars and local attractions

Excluded

Flights to and from Porto or Lisbon
Dinners (other than days 2 and 5), drinks and snacks
Travel insurance
Taxi transfers or public transport should you need to skip a stage

Extras

Extra nights along the route

When to go Travel & Transfers

Getting to the Start

By Air - Porto Airport (or Francisco Sá Carneiro Airport) is the most convenient airport for this trip, with regular flights from and to almost all major European cities.

An arrival transfer from Porto Airport or the train station is included. If you're not using the transfer, Porto Airport is approximately 11km from the city centre. You can use the metro, bus, shuttle or taxi to reach your hotel in Porto.

If flying into Lisbon Airport, you can take an airport shuttle bus to the Santa Apolonia Train Station and then a train to Porto (approx. 2.5 hours).

Macs Adventure can arrange private transfers to your accommodation in Porto. Please contact your Destination & Adventure Specialist for details.

Getting from the End

A departure transfer is included from your hotel to the airport or train station. If you're not using a transfer, Porto Airport is approximately 11km from the city centre. From Porto, you can use the metro, bus, shuttle or taxi to reach Porto Airport terminal.

If you're flying home from Lisbon Airport, take a train from Porto (approx. 2.5 hours) to Santa Apolonia Train Station in Lisbon, then an airport shuttle bus, metro or taxi from there.

Macs Adventure can also arrange private transfers to Lisbon Airport. Please contact your Destination & Adventure Specialist for details.

Baggage Transfer

Your bags will be transferred from your accommodation as per your itinerary and moved onto your next overnight accommodation, giving you the freedom to walk each day with just a day pack. We ask you to limit your luggage to one bag of up to 20kg per person. Please ensure that you do not bring more than one bag of 20kg as if this occurs, our supplier will ask you to pay an additional fee for an extra bag.

Info & FAQ

General Information

The distances and ascents/descents are approximations of the recommended routes.

Equipment

Please be prepared by packing all necessary items, for example, a rain jacket, sun hat and sunscreen. Your information pack has a detailed equipment list which includes standard walking gear such as good walking boots or shoes, warm and waterproof clothes for the cooler months and lightweight clothing for summer, and a day pack.

Travel Insurance

It is a requirement of booking this tour with Macs Adventure that you have suitable travel insurance which covers you for the activity, emergency evacuation and hospital care.