Douro Wine Region Wine & Food Lovers self-guided hike tour

Upon arrival at Porto airport for your tour, we'll welcome you and drive you to Sabrosa, a charming village that proudly claims to be the birthplace of the celebrated Fernão de Magalhães, the pioneering navigator who first circumnavigated the globe. Nestled amidst magnificent vineyards, Sabrosa offers the perfect entrance to the distinguished Douro wine region, one of the most renowned wine regions globally!

Make yourself comfortable in the peaceful atmosphere of the wine estate, where you'll lodge for the night enveloped by scenic views of the vineyards. For dinner, you'll be treated to a fine dining experience of four moments, perfectly paired with four different wines from the winery, offering a true taste of the region.

Begin your journey in the tranquil village of Celeirós, a haven of stillness where time seems to slow. Arriving in Sabrosa, admire the stunning manor houses, some dating back to the Middle Ages. Continue to Fermentões for panoramic views of lush, sprawling vineyards. Along your hike, you'll stop at a small local olive oil producer for a visit and tasting, gaining insight into traditional production methods. Enjoy a farm-to-table lunch, where freshly harvested ingredients are combined into a delicious home-cooked meal. Expect rustic breads, local charcuterie, artisan cheeses, garden-fresh vegetables and other seasonal specialities. Later, step into the world of fine winemaking at a renowned Port and Douro estate, where you'll tour the winery, and get to taste wine straight from the cask. Finish with a guided tasting of five different wines, each telling the story of the land, climate and generations of craftsmanship.

From Celeirós, the beauty of the Douro unfolds before you: green vineyards cover rolling hills, with stone walls in terraces. Your journey ends in a wine village rich in history, with the largest group of manor houses in the region. Facades from the 16th to the 18th century, in baroque and neoclassical styles, give you a glimpse of the past. After your invigorating hike, nothing beats a visit and wine tasting. Imagine yourself sipping a vintage port and two DOC wines, a certification that guarantees authenticity and quality, produced using traditional methods in a protected area.

The evening concludes with a delicious dinner in a 17th-century manor house, where the menu features carefully prepared dishes made with fresh, seasonal ingredients and paired with the estate's wines. You will taste a variety of wines, from red and white to sweet, fruity and fortified.

Follow a centuries-old path through terraced hills and climb to the riverbank to experience the enduring beauty of the Douro Valley. In Pinhão, step back in time at the iconic railway station, decorated with stunning tile panels that reflect the region's rich heritage. Then set sail on a traditional rabelo boat, once used to transport port wine down the Douro River to the cellars of Vila Nova de Gaia. Enjoy a picnic lunch of regional delicacies such as bread, cheese, sausages, marinated olives with dried cheese, savoury snacks, typical Portuguese sweets and fresh fruit, complemented by local white or red wine. Afterwards, indulge in a wine tasting of Croft's signature Ports, creatively mixed into refreshing cocktails that showcase their versatility. End the day with a transfer to the charming village of Ucanha, where more wonders await.

Walking around, observe a tiny waterfall before continuing through farms, pine forests and charming villages. You will come across the Praia Fluvial de Ucanha, where you can relax in the river, before continuing. Cross the medieval bridge and be sure to stop at the old toll tower, where until 1527 tolls were collected from those passing through the monastery grounds. Stop for lunch at a traditional Portuguese restaurant where you can sample milhos no pote - a comforting meal of tender cuts of pork combined with fresh vegetables and cornmeal, all slowly cooked in traditional iron pots known as tachos pretos, accompanied by a Douro wine, traditionally served by the jar. As you approach the end of the stage, expect a refined wine tasting session featuring a selection of four prestigious sparkling wines. This is your chance to fully appreciate the complexity and elegance that define them.

On the way to Lamego, you will wind through picturesque roads flanked by charming villages, lush vineyards and fragrant apple orchards that fill the air with their sweet scent. The town's winemaking heritage, rooted in the ancient techniques of the Cistercian monks, adds a unique charm.Steeped in medieval history, Lamego is home to fascinating sites such as the imposing castle and the centuries-old cistern. But the real gem is at the top of the mountain: the Sanctuary, reached by a breathtaking baroque staircase of 686 steps. As you climb, the breathtaking views and intricate artwork - statues, fountains and decorative tiles - make for an unmissable experience. After exploring the town, indulge in a refined degustation menu, carefully paired with wines that highlight the rich flavours of the region.

In the heart of Lamego, the final part of your journey follows the historic path once taken by pilgrims to Santiago de Compostela. Your destination is Cambres, a village surrounded by vineyards, just a short distance from Régua, the center of the Douro Wine Region. Set yourself up for a wine experience at a family-run Quinta, starting with a tour of the winery, where granite wine presses are still in use after more than 200 years. In an intimate, relaxed atmosphere, you'll taste a selection of Douro and Port wines made by family members who are passionate about the history and heritage of the land. After the tasting, you will have a four-course meal designed to awaken your senses. For dessert, savour the distinctive local delicacy, Rebuçado da Régua - a puff pastry filled with Régua's candy mousse and Porto wine curd.

Say goodbye to the stunning Douro Valley and head to Porto, a city rich in history and culture. With over 150 listed monuments, Porto is a UNESCO World Heritage Site and combines ancient architecture with modern charm. Be sure to try the city's signature dish, Francesinha, a hearty sandwich topped with melted cheese and a rich sauce. Walk across the iconic Luis I Bridge for a guided visit and tasting of different Port Wines in one of the famous Port Wine Cellars. Dine in a bistro and wine bar in the heart of downtown Porto, with a full wine list of over 600 references. In a casual atmosphere, savour the authentic Portuguese cuisine paired with wines selected by an expert sommelier.

At the end of your tour, we will arrange your transfer to the airport according to your flight schedule.