Quick Details
Rio Douro, or River of Gold, is astonishing in its tranquility and vibrant colors. Fertile hills neatly lined with green vines and old olive trees are dotted with the region’s tiny, untouched villages of granite houses with red roofs. Here, at the Quintas (wineries) dotted across the slopes, port wine is produced. There are so many hidden and undiscovered treasures that can only be discovered on foot.
Portugal’s varied landscapes provide unrivaled opportunities for memorable walking holidays. Discover the world’s first demarcated wine region – the Douro Valley and the historic Portuguese villages in northwest Portugal on this week-long walking-focused tour.
Get in touch with us! We require a minimum of 2 travelers to offer this experience as a private tour.
Our tours are suitable for your next travel adventure, as an anniversary trip, family vacation, or a trip to only celebrate life! Book a journey with a group of friends or family. It will be an incredible experience with many opportunities to bond and create lifelong memories. You don’t need to organize your vacation alone. We are here to help walk you through it all and plan a memorable trip!
Book an extra night in Coimbra and Aveiro with our post-tour extension option. This includes a guided tour of the University of Coimbra, a tour of Coimbra’s historic center, and a traditional lunch. It also includes a visit to Aveiro, the “Venice” of Portugal, where we will take a boat ride along the canals of Ria de Aveiro.
This trip is recommended for 50-plus, couples, family vacations, youth, wine lovers, and small groups of friends.
The booking will be confirmed with you as soon as we get the final confirmation from the hotel availability.
DAY 1
Oporto Airport (OPO)
Welcome to Porto! Arrive at any time, and a transfer will be waiting to whisk you away to the hotel. There are no activities planned for this day, so feel free to explore some of the city just at your doorstep — Check-in at the hotel from 2 pm. onwards.
Accommodation: 4 stars hotel. Overnight in Braga.
DAY 2
Porto
09h00 am: Meet in the lobby.
We start the day with a walking tour through the historic center of Porto. Beginning with the impressive collection of over 20,000 blue tiles in São Bento Train Station. Proceeding to the 12th century Porto Cathedral, where you’ll discover the city’s unique history while taking in sweeping views of the Douro River. Next, we will venture down the alleys of the medieval district to the commercial street of “Rua das Flores” to take in buskers and craftspeople selling their wares. We pass the astonishing City Hall and continue up to the Clérigos Tower, next to the buzzing university. Being the most lively area in town, this is where we will have lunch at a restaurant favored by locals.
In the afternoon, discover the city’s modern district, Boavista, and home of the magnificent “Casa da Música.” A stylish concert hall and beloved city landmark. Afterward, we will cross the Douro to the Vila Nova de Gaia neighborhood. Here you will be treated to a guided visit to a traditional wine cellar or cave to taste the rich, sophisticated, and world-renowned fortified wine – port.
With the taste of port still on your tongue, it will be time to enjoy a one-hour boat cruise along the Douro River aboard a traditional Rabelo. Experience the panoramic views of the surrounding hills and the red-tiled rooftops of the medieval houses, as well as the famous bridges of the city from the water.
Accommodation: 4 stars hotel. Overnight in Braga.
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, and Port Wine Tasting.
DAY 3
Walking Tour in the Douro Valley
09h00 am: Meet in the lobby.
Our task for the day is to discover the beautiful treasures the Douro Valley has to offer. After a journey of about one and a half-hour, the day starts at Pinhão, a picturesque village nestled in the heart of the valley with stunning views.
We will embark on a tranquil walking tour around the vineyards that affords glorious views of the river. The Douro Valley’s demarcated wine region is one of the most stunning in the world, as evidenced by its status as a UNESCO World Heritage Site. From this unique terroir come the grapes used to make Portugal’s famous port wine and other exquisite table wines.
After lunch, it is time to visit the famous Pinhao train station. To finish the day, we will visit another wine estate and have another taste of what made the region famous, the beloved port wine (Standard 2 great wines).
Difficulty: Easy. Distance: 5km – 3.10 miles. Duration: 1 day.
Accommodation: 4 stars hotel. Overnight in Braga.
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, and Port Wine Tasting.
Gift: refillable water bottle and one hat per person.
DAY 4
Braga – Guimarães
09h00 am: Meet in the lobby
After breakfast, we have a short lecture about the Bom Jesus do Monte Shrine prior to our visit. Upon arrival, our ascent will be made on the funicular; the first on the Iberian Peninsula. This lift uses a system of water counterbalancing to pull the funicular up and down the steep incline. The success of this tram inspired Lisbon to install their own version, which we still see in the city today. Our descent will be made on foot. Next, we will explore the cathedral and downtown area. Next, we will explore the cathedral and downtown area.
Then, we have one hands-on cooking class in Braga where we will discover the flavors of Portugal first hand. Our excellent chef instructor will walk us through two dishes that we will feast on for our lunch.
In the afternoon, we will visit Guimarães. A historic town, exceptionally well-preserved, and an authentic example of the evolution of a medieval settlement into a modern city. We will venture to Guimarães Castle with its links to the very founding of Portugal as an independent nation.
Accommodation: 4 stars hotel. Overnight in Braga.
Meals: Breakfast and Lunch (cooking class).
DAY 5
Walking Tour in Sistelo – Arcos de Valdevez
09h00 am: Meet in the lobby.
Venturing to Sistelo, known as “Little Tibet” for its endless agricultural terraces. These have created a peculiar landscape and an example of environmental adaptation. On our walk, we will pass through rural mountainside villages, which maintain a traditional way of life and evoke feelings of years gone by. The fountain in the center of town marks the ending of our walk, but as we enter the village, be sure to keep your eyes peeled for architectural curiosities; iron staircases, stone steps, white drapes, and dutch doors with the tops swung open for fresh air.
From town, we will head out for a guided walking tour in Vez Ecovia. This incredible path features wooden walkways, Roman roads, green mountains, crystal-clear lagoons, and native flora and fauna.
Difficulty: Easy / Moderate. Distance: 9km – 5.50 miles. Duration: 1/2 day.
Accommodation: 4 stars hotel. Overnight in Braga.
Meals: Breakfast.
DAY 6
Walking Tour in Póvoa De Varzim (Portuguese Way Of Santiago)
09h00 am: Meet in the lobby
On the last day of the trip, we will take a beautiful walk along the beach. Follow your local guide on the boardwalks alongside sandy beaches and between dunes and windmills. This easy walk will help us appreciate the landscape while learning about the fishing community of Póvoa de Varzim while we take in the sea air.
Along the walk, you will see small groups doing the Portuguese Camino Coastal Way. This trail is the most popular portion of the Portuguese Camino de Santiago. Perfect for those looking to capture the essence of the Camino! Meet fellow pilgrims and enjoy the unique atmosphere. Difficulty: Easy. Distance: 5 km – 3.10 miles.
Suggestion for you lunchtime: grilled fish or shrimp salad with Vinho Verde (Verde means “green” – or more accurately “young” – wine).
Duration: 1/2 day.
Accommodation: 4 stars hotel. Overnight in Braga.
Meals: Breakfast.
DAY 7
Oporto Airport (OPO)
Our time of discovery will have come to an end. Check-out at the hotel by 11 am, after which we will transfer you to the airport.
Meals: Breakfast.
Interested in exploring more Braga and seeing Coimbra and Aveiro? Check out our tour extension!
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Yes, you can! Eco Trilha provides a free, flexible payment option for you to pay in installments. Click Book Now and then choose Pay 20% Deposit as a payment method during checkout. We will send you an email with the final payment one month before the departure date.
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