
Douro Valley Wine region Hiking tour
- 8 Days
- Distance: 68 km
- Moderate
- Self-guided
- Closest Airport: Aeroporto Sá Carneiro
- Min Age: 16
Douro Valley Wine region Hiking tour
A demarcated and classified wine region
The region of Douro got its classification as a World Heritage Site in 2001 due to the effort of women and men during centuries, who worked to improve their lives and the lives of their children. What came out of all their hard work is an incomparably beautiful landscape, where a perfect harmony between nature and human interventionism as been establish, in the production in that which is one of the most known wines in the World.
Route description
- The area of Douro is hilly and this walk is no exception
- The majority of the walk is done on dirt trails and when in tarmac roads the traffic is low
Itinerary :
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Day 1: Arrival Porto
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Day 2: Walk from Pinhão - Vilarinho de São Romão: 13 km
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Day 3: Vilarinho de São Romão – Alijó: 18 km
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Day 4: Alijó loop- São Mamede Ribatua: 15 km
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Day 5: Alijó - Vale de Mendiz: 13 km
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Day 6: Vale de Mendiz – Pinhão: 9 km +boat cruise to Pocinho
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Day 7: Departure
Optional extra day route: 86 Km:
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Day 8: Régua – Lamego: 18 km
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Day 9: Departure
Map
Itinerary
Day 1: Arrival Porto
Hotel 4*: Trindade Hotel
Day 2: Walk from Pinhão → Vilarinho de São Romão: 13 km
A lot of the areas in the Douro region are intrinsically mountainous. As such there will be a good quantity of opportunities for appreciating wonderful views all along the way. This days walk is mainly an uphill towards Vilarinho de São Romão done primarily on asphalt roads. Starts at a height of 80m and ends at the 550m mark. Some of the areas that might spark your interest during the day are: The numerous wine farms and sightseeing points that exist throughout the way, the chapel of Santa Maria and Sabrosa’s chapel near the place where your night will be spent. House: Casa de Vilarinho de São Romão
Day 3: Vilarinho de São Romão → Alijó: 18 km
Continuing to cross the region this walk will finish in Alijó. The walk itself keeps the same characteristics as the previous one. The steepest of its portion last for roughly 10km while descending to cross the river of Pinhão and then ascending back up again to around the same height. The highest point during this walk is at 690m and the lowest at 240m. Some of the areas that might spark your interest during the day are: The views and shapes of the Douro Valley region, the chapel of St.ª Bárbara and the town of Alijó. Hotel 4*: Pousada de Alijó
Day 4: Alijó loop → São Mamede Ribatua: 15 km
The region of Douro does not stop to amaze and this walk is no exception. The natural conjunction between the human made vineyard production farms and the natural landscape is breathtaking. This walk proceeds to make a loop between Alijó and São Mamede Ribatua, and it takes you to the top of the hill of São Domingos at 700m high. This journey is primarily made in paved roads similarly to the previous ones. Some of the areas that might spark your interest during the day are: Roman bridge of São Mamede, the church of São Mamede de Ribatua, the chapel of Nossa Senhora da Lapa/Sr. do Calvário and the views and the triangulation station of São Domingos’ hill. Hotel 4*: Pousada de Alijó
Day 5: Alijó → Vale de Mendiz: 13 km
Getting away from the usual trend so far, this walk is mainly done downhill. It allows for a constant appreciation of the landscape, since by going majorly down it faces directly the hilly horizon. The path goes slightly uphill early on, only to descend roughly 300m for the big majority of the day. Once again the majority of the walk is made through paved roads. Some of the areas that might spark your interest during the day are: The beautiful views of the Douro region and the church of São João Baptista. Farm: Quinta do Silval
Day 6: Vale de Mendiz → Pinhão: 9 km + train or boat to Régua
Small journey back to Pinhão in order to catch either the train or a boat to Régua. The walk is slightly uphill in the first half, followed by a fast decent towards Pinhão in the second half. It comprises a mixture of several types of terrain and once again offers several areas for taking in the insurmountable mountainous view. Some of the areas that might spark your interest during the day are: Sightseeing points, the church of São Bartolomeu and the connection to Régua either by train or boat, which offer an interesting bottom view of the area. Farm: Quinta da Pacheca
Day 7: Régua → Lamego: 18 km
The last day in Douro Valley goes from Régua to an area near the river Varosa belonging to Lamego. This last journey is predominantly uphill, with a total cumulative height of 1110m of both uphill and downhill areas. The maximum and minimum height for the day are 530m and 60m respectively. It portraits a mixture of all types of terrain, being asphalt the most frequent. Some of the areas that might spark your interest during the day are: Varosa’s Hydroelectric Power Station and Varosa’s Water Dam. Farm: Visconde Várzea
Day 8: Departure
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Price
What's included
Season:
- LS - Low season: Nov 01 to Mar 25
- RS - Regular season: Mar 26 to 25 Jun and Set 26 to 31 Oct
- HS - High Season: Set 01 to 25 Set
- SS - Summer Season: Jun 26 to August 30
Observations:
- Prices are based for 2 people sharing the same room;
- Sea view (when available) or premium rooms, price on request;
- Prices can suffer updates due high season, holidays or weekends
- Beverages are not included at lunch and dinner when included in the package
- If in a triple room with parents Children up to 10 years old - 35% discount. Children from 11 to 14 years old - 20% discount. Children from 15 to 17 years old - 15% discount.
Extras
- Solo traveler: 200 €
- Single supplement: LS: 300€, RS: 329€, HS: 360€, SS.390€
- Extra nights: on request
- Private group price on request
- City taxes is not included in the price package (approximately 2€ per person per night - payable on site - in Lisbon city tax is 4€ per person per night)
- Ferry (boat) in river / lake crossing is not included in price package (approximately 2€ to 10€ per person)
Photos
Faq
How do we ensure customer welfare during the tours?
How do we ensure customer welfare during the tours?
We provide special attention to the welfare of our customers by maintaining an appropriate pace during guided tours, allowing you to enjoy the scenery and the way of life of the Portuguese.
What is the daily schedule like on your tours?
What is the daily schedule like on your tours?
Each day's ride ends in the afternoon, giving you time to relax before the next gastronomic experience, where you can taste regional flavors. We aim to provide an exceptional adventure with a little extra spice.
What types of walking tours do you offer in Portugal?
What types of walking tours do you offer in Portugal?
We offer the following types of walking tours: Self-Guided Tour Guided Tours Guided Tour Plus
What is included in the Self-Guided Tour?
What is included in the Self-Guided Tour?
The Self-Guided Tour includes: airport transfers Hotel bookings with breakfast included GPS with route Light picnics Daily luggage transfer to the next hotel Transfer from the destination back to the start point
What is included in the Guided Tours?
What is included in the Guided Tours?
The Guided Tours include: includes everything described in the self –Guided tours Guide and support van for the walking tour Water, snacks, and transport for any dropouts Organized lunches and dinners for the group
What additional benefits are included in the Guided Tour Plus?
What additional benefits are included in the Guided Tour Plus?
The Guided Tour Plus includes everything described in the Guided Tours, plus daily lunches and dinners featuring typical dishes of the Portuguese regions.
How do you classify the routes?
How do you classify the routes?
Our route classifications are as follows: Easy (1/5): Mostly flat terrain with daily distances up to 15 km. Easy to Moderate (2/5): Mostly flat terrain with daily distances between 15 km and 25 km, with short climbs up to 20% of the route. Suitable for inexperienced hikers with some fitness preparation. Moderate (3/5): Terrain can be dirt roads or trails, mostly flat with daily distances between 15 km and 25 km, with some climbs up to 40% of the route. Suitable for walkers with fitness preparation. Moderate to Hard (4/5): Terrain can be dirt roads or trails, with daily distances between 15 km and 25 km and moderate climbs up to 60% of the route. Suitable for hikers with fitness preparation who want to challenge themselves. Hard (5/5): Terrain can be dirt roads or trails, with daily distances between 15 km and 30 km and strong climbs up to 60% of the route. Suitable for experienced hikers.
In which languages are guided tours available?
In which languages are guided tours available?
Guided tours are available in Portuguese, and English.
Is insurance included in the tours?
Is insurance included in the tours?
Liability insurance and personal accident insurance are included only in guided tours. We recommend all participants to ensure their Travel Insurance has adequate coverage for Cancellation and Refund, Luggage, Medical Expenses and Repatriation, Death and Permanent Disability.
What should I pack for each hiking holiday?
What should I pack for each hiking holiday?
To ensure you're well-prepared for a hiking experience, we recommend the following gear and clothing. Note that we provide a cycling jersey and bib shorts for all our guests. General Clothing: Bathing suit and sandals Walking shoes/sandals Evening and casual wear Walking Gear: Walking sticks (available upon request) Different pairs of walking socks Walking backpack (available upon request) Walking shoes
How do I book a tour with Top Walking Tours Portugal?
How do I book a tour with Top Walking Tours Portugal?
Booking a tour with Top Wlaking Tours Portugal is simple and straightforward. Start by visiting our website and browsing through our diverse range of tour packages. Once you've selected the perfect tour for you, reach out to us directly via our contact form or email. Our team is ready to provide you with all the information you need and assist you in finalizing your booking.
How long is a proposal valid?
How long is a proposal valid?
The proposal is valid for 30 days.
Are city taxes included in the tour price?
Are city taxes included in the tour price?
No, city taxes are not included and are payable on site. The approximate cost is €1 or €2 per person per night. In Lisbon, the city tax is €4 per person per night, and in Porto, it is €3 per person per night.
Is the proposal a confirmed booking?
Is the proposal a confirmed booking?
No, with a proposal, nothing is confirmed until accommodations are reserved and a deposit is requested.
Are transfers included if I book extra nights at the beginning of the tour?
Are transfers included if I book extra nights at the beginning of the tour?
Yes, transfers are included for extra nights booked at the beginning of the tour, as long as the nights are booked through us.
Are transfers included if I book extra nights at the end of the tour?
Are transfers included if I book extra nights at the end of the tour?
No, transfers are not included for extra nights booked at the end of the tour.
How many bags are included in the luggage transfer?
How many bags are included in the luggage transfer?
Each person is entitled to one bag for luggage transfer. If you need to transfer additional bags, an extra charge of approximately €100 per bag will apply, depending on the specific bicycle tour you choose.
What happens after I confirm the proposal?
What happens after I confirm the proposal?
After confirming the proposal, accommodations will be reserved. Once all accommodations are reserved, the tour will be confirmed, and a deposit will be requested.
Are unused services refundable?
Are unused services refundable?
No, services not used are not refunded.
How will I be picked up at Porto airport?
How will I be picked up at Porto airport?
Someone will be at Porto airport with a card displaying the "Top Bike Tours Portugal" logo and/or your name.
How will I be picked up at Lisbon airport?
How will I be picked up at Lisbon airport?
For tours starting in Figueira da Foz, Lisbon, or Évora, look for meeting point 3 at Lisbon airport. There will be a card with your name for your transfer.
Can I postpone a tour? What is your flexibility?
Can I postpone a tour? What is your flexibility?
Yes, you can postpone a tour with Top Walking Tours Portugal. We offer flexibility in our booking policies, allowing you to postpone your walking tour free of charge up to 30 days before the start date, no questions asked. This provides you with the convenience to adjust your plans if needed. Click our full cancellation policy.
What payment methods do you accept?
What payment methods do you accept?
At Top Walking Tours Portugal, we offer a variety of payment methods to ensure a convenient and secure booking experience for our customers. We accept the following payment methods: Bank Transfers: Direct bank transfers are accepted, and no fees will be charged. Flywire: We are pleased to offer Flywire as a payment option, providing secure and convenient international payments. Please note that a 2% fee applies for this option. The payment link will be provided once Top Walking Tours Portugal confirms your tour.
Reviews
Jules — Netherlands

