Portugal: Village Walks & the Douro Valley

From

CAD 4,575

Duration

8 days

Countries

Portugal

Activity

moderate

The adventure

An ideal balance of city and countryside, walk through medieval towns and village hamlets as Portugal steals your heart on this 8-day active discovery. A feast for the senses, savour the regions' delicious food with fresh, local ingredients and hike along the vineyard and olive grove-laced landscapes of the Douro Valley, with pit stops to sample some of the delicious wines and delicacies of the region. Finish in Porto as a final course to cap off the perfect week. Rich in history and culture, experience Portugal as never before.

At a glance

Duration

8 days

Route

Lisbon → Porto

Countries

Portugal

Activity level

moderate

Style

Active & Multi-Sport, Beach & Islands, Culture & History, Food & Drink, Trekking & Hiking

Group size

Ask

Flights

Not included

Solo travellers

Welcome

Where you'll go

Day by day

Your journey through

Portugal

Day 1Speckled with charming and picturesque villagesLisbon

Lisbon

Speckled with charming and picturesque villages, Portugal will transport you into a fairytale from the coast to the mountains. Dream of village-to-village hikes and delicious food as you head off into the countryside towards the Spanish border. We welcome you to Portugal, and invite you to savour the sights, sounds and flavours of the adventure to come.

Day 2Travel back in time over 1000 years…

Travel back in time over 1000 years to an era of castles, legends and traditions. Deemed one of Portugal's 12 Historic Villages, hiking to Monsanto will connect you to the time of conquerors as you traverse the paths through historic stone walls and castles. Enjoy the tales of this region's fascinating history under fig and olive trees.

Day 3The enchanting Sortelha Castle stands on a crag…

The enchanting Sortelha Castle stands on a crag at an altitude of 760 meters. It looms over the most mysterious of all the historic villages, where you will soon lose yourself in a maze of alleys and lanes as you hike up to the lofty castle. It is a place where time seems to have stood still. The wind whistles round the corners and hardly anyone passes by. This sentiment lingers when you arrive to the town of Belmonte after your visit to Sortelha.

Day 4In Serra da Estrela

In Serra da Estrela, the highest mountain range in continental Portugal, rolling hills are interrupted by giant slabs of granite that protrude out of the ground. Pause to admire the beauty of this stark environment as you cross Corgo da Mós before the hike leads you to the beautiful Vale do Rossim Lagoon. In the afternoon, transfer north to Amarante.

Day 5Head to Casa de Mateus for a guided…

Head to Casa de Mateus for a guided tour of the palace and museum before transferring to a family-owned vineyard and winery, where a variety of Vinho Verde (green wine) is produced. Join a guided walk through the estate, enjoy a regional lunch, and soak in the incredible views as you taste some of the local specialties.

Day 6Mesmerizing mazes of vineyards scale the sides…

Mesmerizing mazes of vineyards scale the sides of the Pinhão hills. You will weave through historic village streets, beautiful buildings and up through paths draped with green grape vines. This hike allows for an endless panoramic riverscape and gorgeous views of the Douro River.

Day 7Porto is yours to discover today…Travel from Amarante to Porto in the morning. Choose between a walking tour through Porto or join your CEO on a Douro river cruise and walk through Vila Nova de Gaia to Porto Augusto for a wine tasting. Enjoy a free afternoon before joining your group and CEO for one last dinner together in the evening.

Porto

Travel from Amarante to Porto in the morning. Choose between a walking tour through Porto or join your CEO on a Douro river cruise and walk through Vila Nova de Gaia to Porto Augusto for a wine tasting. Enjoy a free afternoon before joining your group and CEO for one last dinner together in the evening.