2025 Early Bird SaleFinal WeekSave Now
Duration
7 days
Activities
  • self guided walk
Accommodation
  • 3 nights in a rural pension
  • 1 night in a 5 star hotel
  • 2 nights 4 star hotel
Meals
  • 3 Dinners
  • 6 Breakfasts

Price

ON SALE

$1640 USD

Adult$1550USD

 
 

Overview

Trip Code: JPO

Trip highlights


  • The Gorgeous Douro Valley and its Pinhão tributary
  • Discover the River Douro through little Pinhão. Possibilities for short river cruises
  • Bustling Porto with opportunities for Port Lodges and wine tasting
  • Pretty walks in wine country from a quiet rural 'Casa'

Created in 1756 by the government of the Marquis of Pombal, the Douro Wine Region Valley is the oldest demarcated and regulated wine region in the world. The Alto Douro Wine Region is famous not only for its port but also for its more recent high quality table wines. This self-guided, hotel based walking and sightseeing tour starts from the village of Vilarinho de Sao Romeo in the middle of the region, then continues down to the small port-town of Pinhão on the Douro River and finally travelling via train to the great city of Porto for a couple of nights. There are a number of walks that you can do based from our charming and quiet guest house at Vilarinho, before you descend to the Douro for more leisurely activities such as boat rides or wine tasting. A couple of nights in Porto give you the opportunity to ramble around one of the best preserved cities in Western Europe. All activities are optional, the Vilarinho guest house is so peaceful, you might want to spend your time reading on the veranda quaffing the local vinho. Spring and autumn are the ideal time to visit, although there can be great extremes of temperature between the valleys. September and October are best for seeing the harvest, although the exact times vary slightly each year. The most colourful time of year is October to early November when the vines turn, orange, red and purple. Spring can be a quiet time to visit, after the vine pruning, where nature is coming back to life after often surprisingly cold winters.

Trip Grading

introductory to moderate

More info about grading system

Traveller Rating

 

Make your own way to Vilarinho de Sao Romeo Accommodation: Stay for the first 3 nights in a beautifully restored manorial house in the hills high above the Douro Valley, dating back to the 1600s. All the rooms have their own character and are ensuite. There is a pleasant lounge and a beautiful shady wisteria engulfed verandah. The pretty gardens have a small outdoor pool (maybe closed early and late in the season).

Meals:  D

Walks described can be done in any order, on any day. This circular walk takes you deep into the working wine estates of golden terraces laced with vines. The walk passes through the village of Celerios before dropping steeply into the valley of Pinhão where there are some amazing Escher type perspective views of the vine terraces from across the hills in certain lights. You will walk through many small estates, crossing the river twice before winding back up through forest and vineyard to Vilarinho.

Meals:  B,D

This is a straight forward walk which takes you through the pine and eucalyptus hillsides above Vilarinho. A lovely tour for walking through peaceful countryside and a couple of villages before returning to the 'Casa'. You will get to see vineyards of various sizes. There are a couple of very sleepy villages on the way including Vilela and the appropriately named Fermentoes. There are opportunities for cafe stops on the way where a simple lunch could be obtained. There are some steep tracks with gravelly surfaces through forests and vineyards.

Meals:  B,D

Today you can either walk down to Pinhão, or if you want more time in the town, you can transfer with your luggage to the hotel. The walk is a beauty, taking you back down to the Douro and spends some time above the course of the Pinhão River which meets the Douro at Pinhão. The first half of the walk is through the woods, pine, heather, eucalyptus, broom and thyme of the hills of the ‘Serra de Alem,’ dropping steeply into the attractive village of Provesende. Next you head off through vine country, with yet more steep descents until you are right down by the Pinhão River, walking beside it until the River Douro. This afternoon you may have time to do a boat tour on the Douro or visit one of the famous wine estates for a tour. Accommodation: Overnight at a very special hotel in a wonderful location by the Eiffel Bridge and the river. The old house and the lands around it are part of an 18th century estate, exquisitely renovated into a magnificent 5 star hotel with all comforts, facilities and high standard service whilst maintaining the charm of the old days in the traditional architecture that has been carefully preserved. There is an outdoor swimming pool with lovely views to the river. There is also a tennis court, beautiful gardens, games rooms and library Bar. The restaurant specialising in Portuguese cuisine.

Meals:  B

You will have time for optional activities such as a boat ride up the Douro under some of the famous 'Quintas' - wine estates, or for an estate visit before you take the train with your baggage to Porto. Check into your Hotel and enjoy the afternoon and evening in the vibrant Ribeira district, down by the quays. There are lots of traditional 'tascas' (taverns) with marine cuisine. Accommodation: Our hotel is central to the old part of the city and the Riberia district. It is a fusion of 5 listed buildings, fully renovated and totally modernised into a 4 star hotel.

Meals:  B

Full day in Porto. We suggest a walking itinerary taking in the famous sites such as the Cathedral, churches such as 'Igreja de sto Ildefonso' and the 'Igreja Clerigos' with its monumental tower. Maybe walking along the upper and lower spans of the famous Luis I road bridge, admiring the riverside districts of the old towns on both river banks. We would also recommend a trip across the river to the other town, 'Vila Nova de Gaia' where you can take your choice and visit one or more of the famous port lodges. Prices and tour times will vary,Taylors do a good one with tastings for approx. 6E. Not all require bookings.

Meals:  B

After breakfast make your way to the airport either via the Metro or Taxi service.

Meals:  B


Map

Elevation

The map and elevation chart are for illustrative purposes only and meant to provide general guidelines.
On self guided trips, actual route information provided before departure will be more detailed.


Inclusions

  • 6 breakfasts, 3 dinners
  • 3 nights accommodation twin share ensuite in a rural pension
  • 1 night accommodation twin share ensuite in a 5 star hotel
  • 2 nights accommodation twin share ensuite in a 4 star hotel
  • 1 luggage transfer from Vilarinho to Pinhão
  • Information pack including notes and maps
  • Emergency contact
  • GPX files

  • 3 dinners, all lunches & beverages
  • Transport to and from the start/finish points
  • Travel Insurance
  • Entrance fees
  • Personal expenses such as laundry and phone calls
  • Unscheduled transfers required during the trip
  • A supplement will apply if you are travelling solo or book a single room
  • Guide - this is a self guided holiday

Grading

introductory to moderate  

This trip involve walking between 4 - 5 hours per day. You will need a reasonable level of fitness and good health.


Departure dates

Daily from 1 Apr to 30 Jun and 1 Sep to 15 Oct

Notes

M
Mid Season
H
High Season
Note:
The Vintage Hotel in Pinhao has variable and seasonal pricing. The closer to departure you book the more likely that a supplement will apply.
DN2
High Season is May - Oct, a supplement applies for travel during this period.

Want to organise a private group?

Fundraising events, sporting groups, family treats; learn how you can organise a Private Group from just 6 travellers.

Priceper person from

$1550USD

Options & Supplements*
  • 2024 Single SupplementUSD$620
  • Main Season Single SupplementUSD$670
  • 2025 Single SupplementUSD$670
  • 2024 Solo Traveller SupplementUSD$670
  • 2025 Solo Traveller SupplementUSD$690
  • Main Season Solo Traveller SupplementUSD$730
  • High Season Single SupplementUSD$730
  • High Season Solo Traveller SupplementUSD$740
*Prices listed are per person

Trip reviews


Why travel with us

Making Europe Affordable

We offer different levels of accommodation and comfort so that even the most budget conscious can treat themselves to active holidays on Europe's most celebrated tracks and trails. Our trips are great value for money because you only pay for what you want.  

Self-Guided Specialists

Our wide range of self-guided itineraries embody the UTracks philosophy of exploring Europe your way. We handle the logistics so all that's left for you to do is enjoy exploring Europe at your own pace. Most depart daily with a minimum of two people, meaning maximum flexibility.

Our Wide Range

With close to 400 trips in almost 50 countries, including the largest range of bike & boat holidays in Europe, we're confident that we can organise an Alps walk, Camino de Santiago or Via Francigena experience, Food Lovers' trip or a tour in a lesser-known pocket of Europe that you will love. 

Videos

Porto and the North As Never Seen Before

Similar trips

Join Newsletter
<img src='/portals/World%20Expeditions/Icons/brands/small/ADS.jpg' class='brandPopoverIcon' alt="Adventures South"> <div class='brandPopoverBrandName'>Adventure South</div>
Adventure South NZ is unrivalled in their geographic coverage, originality and overall quality of adventures holidays in New Zealand. Choose from walking, cycling, winter or multi-activity holidays, on either the North or South Island.
<img src='/portals/World%20Expeditions/Icons/brands/small/AWH.jpg' class='brandPopoverIcon' alt="Australian Walking Holidays"> <div class='brandPopoverBrandName'>Australian Walking Holidays</div>
Australian Walking Holidays specialises in small group guided walking adventures. Since 1982 we have been guiding small groups of travellers on Australia's finest walks across our tropical, coastal or red centre landscapes.
<img src='/portals/World%20Expeditions/Icons/brands/small/GCT.jpg' class='brandPopoverIcon' alt="Great Canadian Trails"> <div class='brandPopoverBrandName'>Great Canadian Trails</div>
Great Canadian Trails specialises in active holidays in Canada. With both guided and supported self-guided options available, our unique itineraries draw upon some of Canada's most inspiring parks, trails and landscapes from coast to coast.
<img src='/portals/World%20Expeditions/Icons/brands/small/HUM.jpg' class='brandPopoverIcon' alt="Humac Challenge"> <div class='brandPopoverBrandName'>Huma Charity Challenge</div>
Huma enables those with adventurous spirits to challenge themselves and make a difference for a cause close to their heart. Travel, fundraise and meet life-long friends on one of Huma's meaningful and unique challenges around the world.
<img src='/portals/World%20Expeditions/Icons/brands/small/WB.jpg?v2' class='brandPopoverIcon' alt="Walkers’ Britain"> <div class='brandPopoverBrandName'>Walkers' Britain</div>
Walkers' Britain (formerly Sherpa Expeditions) have specialised in walking and cycling trips in the United Kingdom and Europe since 1973. Explore iconic trails and destinations on a self guided or small group active holiday with Walkers' Britain.
<img src='/portals/World%20Expeditions/Icons/brands/small/WB.jpg?v2' class='brandPopoverIcon' alt="Walkers’ Britain"> <div class='brandPopoverBrandName'>Walkers' Britain</div>
Walkers' Britain (formerly Sherpa Expeditions) have specialised in walking and cycling trips in the United Kingdom and Europe since 1973. Explore iconic trails and destinations on a self guided or small group active holiday with Walkers' Britain.
<img src='/portals/World%20Expeditions/Icons/brands/small/TAS.jpg' class='brandPopoverIcon' alt="Tasmania Expeditions"> <div class='brandPopoverBrandName'>Tasmanian Expeditions</div>
Tasmanian Expeditions is the most experienced operator of treks and adventure travel holidays in Tasmania. We own and operate the most comprehensive range of adventure holidays available across Tasmania's varied landscapes.
<img src='/portals/World%20Expeditions/Icons/brands/small/UTX-new.jpg' class='brandPopoverIcon' alt="Utracks"> <div class='brandPopoverBrandName'>UTracks</div>
UTracks are the active European holiday specialists. Whether you prefer cycling or walking, 2-star or 4-star, small groups or self guided, land, river or sea – UTracks can help you to explore Europe exactly the way you want.
<img src='/portals/World%20Expeditions/Icons/brands/small/WYA.jpg' class='brandPopoverIcon' alt="World Expeditions Schools"> <div class='brandPopoverBrandName'>World Expeditions Schools</div>
World Expeditions Schools is our specialist division dedicated to organising tailor made overseas school group adventures. Specialists in Service Learning projects, choose from more destinations than any other school group provider.
<img src='/portals/World%20Expeditions/Icons/brands/small/YOM.jpg' class='brandPopoverIcon' alt="Yomads"> <div class='brandPopoverBrandName'>Yomads</div>
Yomads offers adventures for the 20s and 30s on six continents. Designed as a way to bring young and likeminded travellers together, Yomads caters to those interested in lightly structured and active trips that allow freedom to roam and explore.
<img src='/portals/World%20Expeditions/Icons/brands/small/ACT.jpg' class='brandPopoverIcon' alt="Australian Cycle Tours"> <div class='brandPopoverBrandName'>Australian Cycle Tours</div>
Australian Cycle Tours specialises in high quality self guided and guided cycling experiences in a selection of the most beautiful regions in Australia.
<img src='/portals/World%20Expeditions/Icons/brands/small/WEX.jpg' class='brandPopoverIcon' alt="World Expeditions"> <div class='brandPopoverBrandName'>World Expeditions</div>
The pioneers of original, worldwide adventure travel holidays since 1975
<img src='/portals/World%20Expeditions/Icons/brands/small/TJX.jpg' class='brandPopoverIcon' alt="Trail Journeys"> <div class='brandPopoverBrandName'>Trail Journeys</div>
Self-guided cycling experts on New Zealand's Otago Rail Trail and more
<img src='/portals/World%20Expeditions/Icons/brands/small/BMAC.jpg' class='brandPopoverIcon' alt="Blue Mountains Adventure Company"> <div class='brandPopoverBrandName'>Blue Mountains Adventure Company</div>
The original Blue Mountains canyoning, hiking, climbing and abseiling experts
<img src='/portals/World%20Expeditions/Icons/brands/small/GWNZ.jpg' class='brandPopoverIcon' alt="Great Walks of New Zealand"> <div class='brandPopoverBrandName'>Great Walks of New Zealand</div>
Explore New Zealand's most spectacular wilderness regions with the self-guided hiking experts
<img src='/portals/World%20Expeditions/Icons/brands/small/NAA.jpg' class='brandPopoverIcon' alt="North America Active"> <div class='brandPopoverBrandName'>North America Active</div>
USA Canada hiking & cycling tour specialists, choose from self-guided or guided trips