One of the world’s oldest demarcated wine regions (since 1756), the Douro Valley showcases steeply terraced vineyards carved into mountains, granite bluffs, whitewashed estates, and 18th-century wine cellars. Come for the ports and wines, winding scenic roads, postcard-pretty villages, and excellent regional restaurants!
Highlights
Groups accepted with a minimum of 6 pax
The ports and wines and the excellent regional restaurants
The dramatic landscape of the Douro Valley – a by-product of over 2000 years of winemaking, and a World Heritage Site
The boat tour on the River Douro
The winding scenic roads and the postcard-pretty villages
The city of Porto, cool and cosmopolitan, yet full of history and a World Heritage Site
The train ride through the Douro Valley landscapes
One of the world’s oldest demarcated wine regions (since 1756), the Douro Valley showcases steeply terraced vineyards carved into mountains, granite bluffs, whitewashed estates, and 18th-century wine cellars. Come for the ports and wines, winding scenic roads, postcard-pretty villages, and excellent regional restaurants!
This two-centre holiday offers easy walking while travels up the Douro Valley, allowing us to explore its furthest regions towards the Spanish frontier.
The Viewpoint of São Domingos is one of the most spectacular vantage points of the Douro landscape, but even the most extraordinary.
Those who have seen the Douro Valley in travelogues will know how beautiful and unspoiled the central and upper reaches are, with deep valleys and plateaus interspersed with ancient villages and castles that bear witness to struggles over the centuries.
We fly into Porto, known as the ‘Capital of the Douro’, where we stay for our first two nights. Situated on the Douro River, is the second-largest city in Portugal and now a World Heritage Site.
Rio Douro is at the heart of the demarcated port-wine region.
Our next center is in Régua. Our journey takes us on one of the world’s most spectacular railway lines, as we follow the great Douro River from its estuary, through the vineyards, and into the upper reaches of Portugal, where the river forms the border with Spain.
In Régua we will visit the town and the surrounding vineyards, including tasting excellent Port wines and other wines of the region, and Lamego, a magnificent old town, rich in history and culture and full of charm.
Finally, we return to Porto by boat through breathtaking landscapes, as we go down the great Douro River, through the lush green terraced vineyards, a World Heritage Site.
Itinerary
Day 1 – Arrival in Porto
Arrive at Porto airport. Transfer by road from Porto airport to our hotel by either bus or taxi. Orientation walk time permitting.
Visit Porto to explore the town which is the ‘capital of the north and Portugal’s second city.
Our walk takes in some of Porto´s most iconic monuments and places such as the Cathedral, the Stock Exchange, S. Bento Station, the Praça da Ribeira, and the Port Lodges.
We see some magnificent views from the top of D. Luis I Bridge and the viewpoint of the Serra do Pilar.
Porto tram. Believe it or not, the tram in Porto is one of the oldest electrified transport systems in Europe
Day 3 – Porto to Régua
We leave Porto to take the fabulous train journey along the River Douro valley which is also a World Heritage Site in its entirety.
Régua is the center of the Douro valley, famous of course for its wines, not just the famous port wine but also many very fine table wines.
Our walks over the next few days will go through this fantastic landscape of steeply sloping and terraced vineyards and olive groves.
Today we’ll taste some fine port wines.
Rio Douro is at the heart of the demarcated port-wine region.
Day 4 – Fontelo Walk
This varied walk explores the Fontelo region, a patchwork of fields, smallholdings, and woodland.
En route, we will have the opportunity to visit a family-owned winery to taste some fine wines and learn a bit more about winemaking.
Ermida São Domingos, Fontelo
Day 5 – Free Day
Day off with an optional excursion to Mateus Palace with lunch in & Vila Real (not included in the price). The Mateus Palace is a Solar built in the eighteenth century, one of the finest representatives of the Baroque in Portugal. The palace consists of the main house, the gardens, a winery, and a chapel.
Group walking breath-taking views in the Douro
Day 6 – Lamego Day
Today we will visit this old town that can trace its history back to before Roman times and has been at the center of Portuguese history since the implementation of the fledgling kingdom.
The town’s impressive cathedral is almost 900 years old. The sanctuary of Nossa Senhora dos Remédios dominates the town. The stunning staircase of 686 steps leads up to the sanctuary from the wide, shady avenue that bisects the town.
We will spend our day here discovering this town’s many delights.
Lamego is a beautiful town of historical and cultural importance within the Douro Valley where the buildings are elegant and the streets are laced with pavement cafés
Day 7 – Régua to Porto
From Régua we take a boat back to Porto giving us the opportunity to admire and enjoy once again the fabulous scenery from a magical perspective.
Peso da Regua and the landscape of the Douro Valley
Day 8 – Departure
Transfer from hotel to Porto airport by bus or taxi.
What's included
Accommodation
7 nights in a twin standard room for two pax
2 nights in Porto 4 nights in Peso da Régua 1 night in Porto
Shared ensuite room with a traveling companion of the same sex
Single supplement available with a surcharge
Extra nights available on request
Meals
7 buffet breakfasts at the Hotel
7 Dinners with drinks included
Transport
Meet & Greet Airport Transfer to the hotel on the first day – group transfer
Transfer from the hotel to the airport on last day – group transfer
All transports to walks and activities (as outlined) with dedicated driver and vehicle
Additional transfers are available on request at an extra cost
Tour Leaders
Dedicated English speaking local tour leader
The tour leader will assist and guide the group throughout the holidays, handle all the arrangements and other needs that might arise, making sure that you don’t have to worry about planning your days and you can enjoy your holiday
Each evening, your tour leader will discuss the details and program for the following day
Walks and Activities
Walks according to program
Exclusions
Any services not listed as included
Flights to and from Portugal
Meals, tips/gratuities, baggage, or personal insurance (except as outlined)
Admission fees to castles & attractions or events (except as outlined)
Personal expenses
Supplements
Guide services inside monuments
Insurance
You must be adequately insured to join our Portugal Guided holidays and Portugal Self-Guided holidays. We do not insist that you insure with us but we require that you are adequately insured for the nature of your holiday.
BeCool Travel has partnered with WorldNomads.com to keep you traveling safely. WorldNomads.com Travel Insurance is designed for independent and adventurous travelers, with coverage for overseas medical expenses, cancellation, baggage, and other expenses.
Please consult our Travel Insurance page, where you’ll be able to get more detailed info about insurance requirements and an immediate quote for your trip.
