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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
Tour Overview
Portugal has been making wine for centuries, with some estimates placing the first planting of vines as far back as 2000 BCE. 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 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 have 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.
This trip includes a few of our Citizen Science Departures. These special departures offer you the opportunity to be involved in the collection of freshwater samples during the trip. The environmental DNA information derived from this sample will contribute directly to the eBioAtlas; the world’s largest repository of flora and fauna species data, contributing to the conservation and restoration of biodiversity both locally and globally. To book onto one of these special departures, see the Dates & Prices tab. For more information on these departures and the eBioAtlas, click here.
Did you know you can travel by train to this trip? Find out more here
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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All breakfasts, two lunches, three dinners and three wine tastings
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All premium accommodation
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Tipping for all hotel staff, local staff and drivers
What's Not Included
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City tax of €2 to be paid in Porto (in cash)
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Tip for the tour leader
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Travel insurance - information on insurance through Exodus is available here
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Single accommodation (available on request)
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Visas or vaccinations
Food
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 has 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 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 unmissable – a multi-layered sandwich comprising cheese, ham, steak and sausage, topped with a fried egg and coated in a spicy tomato sauce.
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 we can best accommodate your request.
The Douro Valley, birthplace of port, is one of the oldest and most beautiful wine regions in the world. Considering the importance of the Alto Douro Wine Region, Unesco recognised it as a World Heritage site in 2001. Port 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
Douro Valley: Hotel Régua Douro (nights 1-3)
On the banks of the Douro River, but also in the heart of Régua town, this 77-room property is ideally located for our adventures. When you’re not out exploring, enjoy the hotel amenities, which include an outdoor pool, gym, games room and bar. The third-floor restaurant serves an à la carte menu with panoramic views over the rivers, vineyards and terraces.
Basto region: Água Hotels Mondim de Basto (nights 4-6)
Unwind at this contemporary hotel with peace-inducing views over mountains and the River Tâmega. Relax further in the outdoor infinity pool or book yourself into the Agua Viva Spa for a treatment or two. The Tâmega Restaurant offers a fine-dining take on Trás-os-Montes cuisine (with views over the beautiful landscape), while Fisgas Bar serves wines and handcrafted cocktails.
Porto: Neya Hotel (night 7)
Return to the banks of the Douro River, this time staying in a converted convent in the Ribeira area of Porto. Many of the original features were preserved during the restoration, plus there are plenty of modern conveniences, including a day spa and restaurant serving traditional Portuguese cuisine. Gather the group and raise a final glass together at the Último rooftop bar with a view of the Douro.
Worth knowing
The accommodation shown has been booked and agreed in advance; however, we may need to make changes to a property of similar or higher standard after you have booked. We endeavour to inform you of any changes in advance, which could, on rare occasions, be at late notice.
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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Transfer as credit for future tours
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Low Deposit
Exodus Adventure Travels requires a minimum deposit of 25% or the full booking value, whichever is less, with the final balance not due until 120 days before departure.
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Cancellation Policy
We don't charge a cancellation fee, here is a summary of exodus adventure travels charges.
Up to 90 days before tour starts: Forfeit 100% of deposit.
At 89 days before tour starts: Forfeit 50% of booking price.
At 51 days before tour starts: Forfeit 75% of booking price.
At 30 days before tour starts: Forfeit 100% of booking price.
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