Portugal: Walking & Wine - Premium Adventure
Portugal: Walking & Wine - Premium Adventure
8 Days Starting in Mesão Frio/Régua and ending in Porto
Visiting: Portugal
Tour operator:
Tour code:
TSYP
Guide Type:
Fully Guided
Group size:
4 - 16
Age range:
18-99
Special diets catered:
Vegetarians, Vegans
Trip Styles:
Interests:
Activities:
Tour Overview
Portugal has been making wine for centuries, with some estimates placing the first planting of vines as far back as 2000 BC. The Basto and Douro regions are perhaps the best known and offer rich landscapes and fascinating history to discerning visitors.
Led by one of our expert guides, Lina Ferreira or Ana Carla Moura Parente da Costa, immerse yourself in atmospheric Porto and indulge in a voyage of taste and discovery through the verdant Douro Valley, where the famous Port wines are produced. Venture into the region known as Terras de Basto, home of Portugal’s ‘young’ wine, vinho verde, and stay in handpicked hotels including properties in the heart of the Douro Valley, which boast exceptional views. The perfect combination of leisurely walks and authentic cultural visits provide a memorable introduction to this lush, captivating country, once a dominant trading power in the world.
Highlights
Itinerary
Day 1 : Start At Our Accommodation In The Douro Valley
Meals Included: Dinner
We begin our Portuguese adventure in the verdant Douro Valley, birthplace of the world-renowned port wines. The first trip briefing with our expert guide will take place in the evening at 630pm, followed by a welcome dinner.
Premium accommodation: Hotel Régua Douro
Day 2 : Walk Along The Corgo River; Visit Baroque-Era Casa De Mateus
Meals Included: Breakfast
This morning we take a private transfer of approximately 40 minutes to the start of today's walk in Povoação, driving along the beautiful roads on the north slope of the Douro Valley and its tributaries. The Corgo walking trail is in the heart of the Douro wine region and here we will walk along terraced vineyards with unique views of the Corgo River. In the afternoon, we transfer to Vila Real (approximately 20 minutes) to visit Casa de Mateus, a palace set in beautiful gardens that is one of the finest examples of baroque architecture in Portugal. After the visit, we transfer back to the hotel (approximately 50 minutes).
Premium accommodation: Hotel Régua Douro
Day 3 : Short Walk Around Quinta Do Tedo Winery Followed By Wine Tasting; Visit Douro Museum
Meals Included: Breakfast, Lunch
We start the day with a 30-minute transfer to Quinta de Tedo, an 18th-century winery in the centre of the Douro region. We take a guided tour of the grounds, following a walking trail that offers beautiful views of the Douro and Tedo rivers, vineyards and olive groves and offers plenty of bird-watching opportunities. After lunch and an included wine tasting at the winery, we take a 20-minute transfer to the town of Régua, where we visit the Douro Museum to learn about the history, culture and identity of the Unesco-recognised Douro wine region. In the afternoon, we transfer back to our hotel (approximately 20 minutes).
Premium accommodation: Hotel Régua Douro
Day 4 : Maronesa Walking Trail; Transfer To Mondim De Basto
Meals Included: Breakfast, Dinner
After breakfast, we transfer to the Mondim de Basto region (approximately one hour). On our way, we’ll pass through Alvão Natural Park, a protected area of majestic landscapes. This region on the mountain of Alvão marks the transition from the coastal and humid regions to the dry and hot regions of Trás-os-Montes.
We start our walk in Bobal, one of the four villages we’ll pass through today. We’ll find a countryside that reflects the carefully maintained balance in which human beings and nature coexist. For this balance to be preserved, the Maronesa cow is of the utmost importance. A Portuguese native breed from this region, there are still genes from the ancestral Auroque in its genetics. The fields are cultivated for subsistence farming, with seeds passed down from generation to generation.
After lunch we transfer to our hotel (approximately 30 minutes) and there is free time to enjoy the hotel amenities or explore nearby, before a group dinner.
Premium accommodation: Água Hotels Mondim de Basto
Day 5 : Walk In The Green Wine Region Of Mondim De Basto And Taste Organically Produced ‘Vinho Verde’ At Quinta Das Escomoeiras
Meals Included: Breakfast, Lunch
Our walk today takes us to the surroundings of Mondim de Basto in the green wine (vinho verde) region, along the banks of the Cabril River. Here, we enjoy uninterrupted views of the forested mountains, side by side with the fertile lands and vineyards of the Terras de Basto region. We finish our walk at the medieval bridge of Vilar Viando, which is still used by pilgrims walking the Camino de Santiago.
We will then go to Quinta das Escomoeiras to sample their wines and appreciate organic vinho verde. In the afternoon on our way back to the hotel, we visit one of the main shrines in northern Portugal to the Virgin Mary: the Senhora da Graça, also known as Chapel of Monte Farinha. The chapel is perched in front of a granite mountain range almost 3,281ft (1,000m) high.
Premium accommodation: Água Hotels Mondim de Basto
Day 6 : Walk Via The Levada De Vilarinho; Free Afternoon
Meals Included: Breakfast, Dinner
This morning, we transfer by minibus (approximately 20 minutes) to the village of Vilarinho to start our walk along the Levada de Vilarinho, a 13th-century waterway. These rural constructions were indispensable for the irrigation of the fields of the Terras de Basto region due to water scarcity in the past. After 1.5mi (2.4km), we leave the rebuilt waterway and meet the old levada as it enters a forest of oaks and pines, with a stream running alongside. The afternoon is free to enjoy the hotel amenities and surroundings. This evening we will enjoy dinner together.
Premium accommodation: Água Hotels Mondim de Basto
Day 7 : Transfer To Porto; Visit The Historic Town And The Famous Port Wine Cellars For Wine Tasting; Optional Boat Tour.
Meals Included: Breakfast
In the morning, we return to vibrant Porto (approximately 1hr 15min). After a guided visit of the historic centre and port wine cellars (wine tasting included), the rest of the day is free for further individual sightseeing or optional activities, such as a boat ride along the Douro River. City highlights include Porto Cathedral; Saint Francis Church; Livraria Lello (one of the most beautiful bookstores in the world) and Clérigos Church and Tower.
Premium accommodation: Neya Hotel
Day 8 : End Porto
Meals Included: Breakfast
Our trip ends in Porto in the morning and our guide will be on hand to provide recommendations if you have planned to extend your stay in Porto. If you’d like more time in this fascinating city, speak to your sales representative about extending your stay.
What's Included
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Meals
7 breakfasts, 2 lunches, 3 dinners.
What's Not Included
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International Travel
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City tax of EUR 2 to be paid locally in Porto (in cash)
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Local Taxes
Food
All breakfasts, 2 lunches, 3 dinners and 3 wine tastings are included. Porto and the Douro Valley are known for their excellent wines and the delicious regional cuisine which makes use of the natural resources found here. All meals have strong links with the land and sea, often prepared following old traditional recipes. Local specialities include caldo verde, a cabbage soup that originated here thanks to the fertile green fields. Portugal also prides itself on having some of the best fish in the world, and in this region a lot of the fish comes from the Douro River. The Douro region is also well-known for an endless number of meat dishes, including the famous roasted goat with rice and potatoes, wild boar stew, posta mirandes (veal steak) and cozido à portuguesa (boiled meat, sausages and cabbage). The francesinha is also not to be missed - a multi-layered sandwich comprising cheese, ham, steak and sausage, topped with a fried egg and coated in a spicy tomato sauce. Delicious! Although meat and fish dishes are typically the focal point of Portuguese cuisine, vegetarian and vegan options have become more widely available in recent years, particularly in cosmopolitan cities such as Lisbon and Porto. Please let us know of any dietary requirements in advance so that we can best accommodate your request. The Douro Valley, birthplace of Port, is one of the oldest and most beautiful historic world wine regions. Wine has been made here for 2000 years. Considering the importance of the Alto Douro Wine Region, in 2001 UNESCO recognised this site as World Heritage. Port wine is a fortified wine produced under particular and unique conditions. It is still produced in the traditional way, during which the fermentation process is stopped by adding spirits distilled from wine, and the blending of wines and aging still play a vital role. Port wines can be red, white or rosé and during the trip there will be plenty of opportunities to try the different varieties. Vinho verde is also an excellent wine produced in this area. Naturally light and fresh, it is fruity, easy to drink, great as an aperitif or served with light meals.
Accommodation
Accommodation on your Portugal: Walking and Wine – Premium Adventure has been selected for its style, location and excellent service. We have chosen unique properties that give a sense of the history and culture of the region, while offering the ultimate comfort and hospitality. The properties vary between departure dates – please see below for more details.
Douro Valley, three nights
Hotel Régua Douro
Riverside property with an outdoor pool, restaurant and games room
In the heart of Régua town with local amenities on the doorstep
Classically designed, spacious rooms
Basto region, three nights
Água Hotels Mondim de Basto
Contemporary feel throughout the hotel
Outdoor infinity pool, indoor pool and extensive spa facilities
Excellent views of the surrounding mountains and River Tâmega
Porto, one night
Neya Hotel
Located on the banks of the Douro River
A converted convent – many original features preserved during its restoration
The Skybar provides views for miles over the city and river
Check out our Q&As
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Is there a supplement for solo travellers?
If you would like to be paired with a tour member of the same gender, there is no additional charge. A single supplement can be requested if you would like your own room.
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Are the local guides on the tour English speaking?
Yes, our local guides are English speaking.
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Are children permitted to take part in the tour?
The minimum age for this tour is 16 years old.
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Can you assist with pre or post tour accommodation?
We are happy to assist with pre and post tour accommodation. Please enquire for detailed information.
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Who is Exodus Travels?
At Exodus Travels, we've been exploring the world for nearly 50 years. From Walking and Trekking, Cultural and Cycling, Responsible Wildlife, to Polar and our new Premium Adventures, we are proud to offer award-winning small group and self-guided tours to 100+ countries worldwide.
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Are flights included in this tour?
International flights are not included with this tour.
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What happens if I need to change my holiday date once I’ve booked?
If you wish to make any changes to your booking, particularly if you need to alter any flights booked through us, please let us know as soon as possible. There is a booking or flight amendment fee of £40 per change and flight amendments often incur extra airline costs depending on the changes to be made and if the ticket has been issued or not.
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How long has the tour company been trading?
Exodus has been trading since 1974
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What documents will I receive before I travel?
Your final joining instructions and flight details, if booked with us, will then be sent out 2 to 3 weeks before departure. If you would like a hard copy posted, or if you require these any earlier, please contact the customer operations team. We advise that if you are booking connecting travel before receiving these, please ensure you leave plenty of time.
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Do you operate a “single share” option and how does it work?
Travellers are welcome to opt to share a room with a tour member of the same gender for no additional charge. If you'd like your own room, we can request a single supplement so that you will have your own room throughout.
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Can I join the tour once it has departed?
You are welcome to meet the group after the tour has departed however there is no reduction in rate for joining a tour after the departure date.
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Free Date Changes
CTS demo white label allows you to make 20 free date changes, as long as the change is made at least 0 days before the start of the tour.
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Low Deposit
CTS demo white label requires a minimum deposit of 55% or the full booking value, whichever is less, with the final balance not due until 30 days before departure.
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