Walking in Portugal
7 Days Starting and ending in Porto
Visiting: Porto, Braga, Pinhão, Guimaraes, Sistelo - Arcos De Valdevez, Povoa de Varzim
Tour operator:
Tour code:
146269
Guide Type:
Fully Guided
Group size:
2 - 10
Physical rating:
Low, Suitable for beginners
Age range:
9-75
Special diets catered:
Meat, Food allergies contact us
Tour operated in:
EnglishTrip Styles:
Interests:
Activities:
Tour Overview
The Rio Douro (‘river of gold’) is astonishing in its tranquillity and vibrant colours. Fertile hills neatly lined with green vines and old olive trees are reflected in the mirror-like waters. And the region’s tiny, untouched villages of granite houses with red roofs. It is here, at the Quintas (wineries) dotted across the slopes, that Port wine is produced. There are so many hidden and undiscovered treasures all over Portugal waiting for you to discover them. Portugal’s varied landscapes provide unrivalled opportunities for memorable walking holidays. Join this walking tour in Portugal. Discover the world’s first demarcated wine region — the Douro Valley, and the Portuguese historical villages in Northward Portugal. Slow Travel is a state of mind! Be with the people you love, connect with nature, feel free in Portugal, and help us to preserve our culture!
Highlights
Itinerary
Day 1 : Arrive Into Porto
Location: Porto, Braga
Accommodation: Hotel
Accommodation Name: 4-star Braga hotel (Hotel Mercure Braga or similar)
Meals Included: No Meals
Arrive at any time. An arrival transfer is included from the airport to the hotel. There are no activities planned for this day. Lunch and dinner are not included— overnight in Braga.
Day 2 : Experience Porto
Location: Porto, Braga
Accommodation: Hotel
Accommodation Name: 4-star Braga hotel (Hotel Mercure Braga or similar)
Meals Included: Breakfast, Lunch
Meeting point at the hotel lobby — 09h00 am. The tour starts with a pleasant walking tour at the UNESCO World Heritage Historical Centre, where you can admire magnificent monuments and sites — starting by the impressive settlement of over 20,000 blue tiles in São Bento Train Station.
Then, proceeding to the 12th century Porto Cathedral. Where we’ll get to know even more about the city's history and the history of Portugal; after that, we’ll be venturing down the alleys of the medieval district. To the commercial street “Rua das Flores,” filled with flowers, live street artists, and art-craft. We pass before the astonishing City Hall, up to the Clérigos Tower and its beautiful, noble quarter.
Being the most animated location in town, it’s where we will have lunch at a restaurant with local gastronomy.
In the afternoon, discover the city’s modern district, such as Boavista and its magnificent “Casa da Música.” A stylish and architectural city landmark. It is proceeding to meet the river and crossing the riverside of the Douro River to Vila Nova de Gaia. Here you will be presented with a guided visit in a traditional Wine Cellar “Cave” and taste. This rich, sophisticated, and worldwide renowned fortified wine — the Port Wine (Standard 2 great wines).
We are still having the flavour of this nectar on our tongues. It’s time to enjoy the 6 Bridges Boat Cruise on the River Douro (duration: 1 hour). Aboard a traditional “Rabelo” boat, experience the panoramic views of the surrounding hills. At the red-tiled rooftops of the medieval houses, as well as the famous bridges of the city.
Dinner is not included — overnight in Braga.
Day 3 : Walking Tour In The Douro Valley
Location: Braga, Pinhão, Braga
Accommodation: Hotel
Accommodation Name: 4-star Braga hotel (Hotel Mercure Braga or similar)
Meals Included: Breakfast, Lunch
Meeting point at the hotel lobby — 09h00 am. Our challenge for the day is to discover some of the most beautiful treasures the Douro has to offer. After a journey of about one and a half-hour, the day starts at Pinhão, with an excellent view over the Douro River (Portugal Hiking Trails).
A tranquil walking tour will be around the vineyards of the Quinta. That is a leisurely walking tour, which affords glorious views of the river. The Douro Valley demarcated wine region is one of the most scenically impressive in the world! As evidenced by its status as a UNESCO World Heritage Site. From this unique area come the grapes used to make Portugal’s famous Port wine as well as exquisite table wines. Gift: refillable water bottle and one hat per person.
After lunch, it is time to visit the famous train station in the region. To finish the day, we will visit a wine estate and taste the famous Port wine (standard 2 great wines).
Difficulty: Easy.
Distance: 5km (3.10miles)
Dinner is not included — overnight in Braga
Day 4 : Guimarães
Location: Braga, Guimaraes, Braga
Accommodation: Hotel
Accommodation Name: 4-star Braga hotel (Hotel Mercure Braga or similar)
Meals Included: Breakfast, Lunch
Meeting point at the hotel lobby — 09h00 am. After breakfast, we have a small briefing about Bom Jesus do Monte Shrine. Ascent will be made on the elevator; this is the first funicular of the Iberian Peninsula. This funicular uses the system water balance, and it is currently the world oldest in the service to use this ecological system. The cabins have a water tank. It will be filled when you are at the top level and empty at the bottom. The difference in weight allows the obtained displacement; the amount of water is calculated depending on the passengers’ number. The descent of the mount will be made on foot.
Then, we have a hands-on cooking class in Braga (lunch — Portuguese Cuisine. You will cook the main dish and dessert.
In the afternoon, we visit Guimarães. A historic town, exceptionally well-preserved, and an authentic example of the evolution of a medieval settlement into a modern city. (Guimarães’ Castel – ticket is included).
Dinner is not included — overnight in Braga
Day 5 : Walking Tour In Sistelo – Arcos De Valdevez
Location: Braga, Sistelo - Arcos De Valdevez, Braga
Accommodation: Hotel
Accommodation Name: 4-star Braga hotel (Hotel Mercure Braga or similar)
Meals Included: Breakfast
Meeting point at the hotel lobby — 09h00 am. Sistelo won this title in 2017, in the category of Rural Villages, standing out for its endless agricultural terraces. That is the reason Sistelo is also called “Little Tibet.” These have created a peculiar landscape and example of human resilience in adapting to the environment.
This tour will pass through mountain areas, rural areas, and remarkable villages in Portugal’s history. With about three hundred inhabitants. Everything and everyone in Sistelo sounds like the good old days. The fountain is in the centre of the square, marks the ending point. And, the details of the houses invite us to curiosity. Iron staircases, stone steps, sheer white draperies, and half-open wooden doors are typical of a village where peace reigns (Portugal Hiking Trails).
It includes a guided walking tour in the Vez Ecovia. An incredible path, where we will admire wooden walkways, Roman road, green mountains, crystal-clear lagoons, native flora, and fauna.
Difficulty: Easy/Moderate.
Distance: 9km (5.50miles)
Lunch and dinner are not included. Overnight in Braga
Day 6 : Walking Tour In Póvoa De Varzim (Portuguese Way Of Santiago)
Location: Braga, Povoa de Varzim, Braga
Accommodation: Hotel
Accommodation Name: 4-star Braga hotel (Hotel Mercure Braga or similar)
Meals Included: Breakfast
Meeting point at the hotel lobby — 09h00 am. On the last day of the trip, we have a beautiful walk on the beach. Follow your local guide along the boardwalks alongside sandy beaches and between dunes and windmills. The walking level is a lesser degree of difficulty. This walk will serve to appreciate the landscape. Learn the fisher community of Póvoa de Varzim and smell the sea air (Portugal Hiking Trails).
Along the walk, you will see small groups doing the Portuguese Camino Coastal Way. This trail is the most popular walking tour of the Portuguese Way of Saint James. Perfect for those looking to capture the essence of the Camino! It is a nice walk, good food, and wine discovering local customs. Meeting fellow pilgrims and enjoying the unique atmosphere of it all.
Difficulty: Easy.
Distance: 5 km (3.10 miles)
Suggestion for lunchtime: grilled fish or shrimp salad with Vinho Verde (Verde means “green” or more accurately “young” wine).
Lunch and dinner are not included — overnight in Braga.
Day 7 : End Of Tour
Location: Porto
Meals Included: Breakfast
Transfer to the airport in Porto — end of Walking in Portugal. There are no activities planned for this day.
What's Included
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Accommodation
Six nights in a twin room or single room (4 stars hotel)
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Meals
Breakfast is included every morning plus 1 lunch in Porto and 1 lunch in the Douro Valley
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Airport Transfers at Destination
Private transfer from/to Oporto Airport
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Fully Guided
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Entrance Fees
Castle of Guimarães: the ticket is included
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Sightseeing
Porto: Private full-day sightseeing tour + Douro River cruise (1h approx)
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Walking & Hiking Experiences
Hiking in the Douro Valley; Hiking in Sistelo; Walking Tour in Póvoa De Varzim; Braga and Guimaraes, private full-day walking tour
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Cooking Classes & Wine Tasting
Port wine tasting in a traditional Wine Cellar; 1 Hands-on cooking class (lunch — Portuguese Cuisine)
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Eco-friendly gifts: a refillable water bottle and one hat per person
What's Not Included
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International Travel
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Local Taxes
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Telephone & personal expenses
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Drinks and meals not specified
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Travel insurance
Booking Notes
Included
- Private Transfer from Oporto Airport to Hotel in Braga
- Private Transfer from Hotel in Braga to Oporto Airport
- Six nights in a twin or single room
- Breakfast is included every morning in all multi-day tour packages
- 1 Lunch in Porto
- Full-Day in the Douro Valley
- Castle of Guimarães: the ticket is included
- Port Wine tasting (Standard 2 great wines)
- Douro River cruise (1h approx.)
- 1 Lunch in the Douro Valley
- 1 Hands-on Cooking Class (lunch - Portuguese Cuisine)
- Gift: refillable water bottle and one hat per person
- City tour in Porto, Braga, Guimarães and Póvoa de Varzim
- Private transfers during the tours
- Guide during the trips
Hotels
- 6 Nights Lodging in a 4-Star Braga Hotel (Hotel Mercure Braga or similar).
This 4-star hotel was refurbished in 2013 and included a fitness center and an outdoor swimming pool. It is 15 minutes from the Cathedral and the shopping area.
All air-conditioned rooms have a flat-screen cable TV and free Wi-Fi. On the first floor, there is a restaurant which serves regional and traditional dishes together with an extensive wine list. Guests can also enjoy a drink at the rooftop bar with panoramic views of the Bom Jesus.
The booking will be confirmed with you as soon as we get the final confirmation from the hotels' availability. Please wait for our confirmation before purchasing your air tickets.
Not Included
- Flight
- Travel insurance
- Drinks and meals not specified
- Entrances other than mentioned
- Tourist tax
- Telephone and personal expenses
Notes
- Room Twin Standard: it has two single beds. For an upgrade, please do not hesitate to contact us.
- The meal that is included, it may be a buffet or a limited menu.
That is included: one main course, dessert, beverage, coffee or tea.
Optional drinks: Portuguese wine, beer, coke, or water.
It is not included in the lunch: whiskey or another cocktail. - Some changes may occur in our tours due to inclement weather and frequent seasonal changes to timetables and transport routes.
- We reserve the right to change hotels based on availability and pricing.
- You should bring with you hiking boots or tennis shoes, a camera, and a small bottle of water. When it’s hot out, we recommend an application of sunscreen on exposed parts of the body and a pair of sunglasses. During the colder seasons, it’s essential to wear and an extra layer of clothing.
- Traditional Portuguese Cuisine is not suitable for vegans or vegetarians. We can accommodate dietary needs, such as food allergies.
Check out our Q&As
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What is the fitness level required to do this tour?
This trip has an activity rating of easy. Travellers should be prepared for multiple hours of activity each day. Hikes/walks range from 3 hours (3 to 6 miles), mostly on level trails but with some steeper grades. Our tour is suitable for beginners and all ages 9 years & older.
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What is the tipping policy?
At your discretion.
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What to bring?
You should bring hiking boots or tennis shoes, a camera, and a small bottle of water. When it’s hot out, we recommend an application of sunscreen on exposed parts of the body and a pair of sunglasses. During the cooler seasons, it’s important to wear an extra layer of clothing. Don’t forget your hiking boots.
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Are airport transfers included in this tour?
Yes. To/from Porto Airport
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Will there be an escort accompanying this tour?
Yes, this tour is guided
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What is the standard of the hotels on this tour?
4* quality
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Can you assist with pre or post tour accommodation?
Yes, Please enquire directly
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Are children permitted to take part in the tour?
We welcome ages 9 years & older
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Are the local guides on the tour English speaking?
Yes
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What happens if a group doesn’t make its minimum required number of passengers?
Minimum two passengers required to run the tour.
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Do you cater for food allergies?
We can accommodate dietary needs, such as food allergies. However, please be aware our tours are NOT suitable for vegans or vegetarians.
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What currencies are required for this tour?
Euros
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Company Instant Book
No. All of our multi-day tours are on request
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Are flights included in this tour?
No
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What policies are in place for Covid-19?
Reviews from Travellers on this Tour
Book with Confidence
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Low Deposit
EcoTrilha Portugal Tours requires a minimum deposit of 20% or the full booking value, whichever is less, with the final balance not due until 80 days before departure.
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Cancellation Policy
We don't charge a cancellation fee, here is a summary of ecotrilha portugal tours charges.
At 35 days before tour starts: Forfeit 100% of booking price.
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