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Porto and the Douro Valley Rail and Hike Tour
  • Hiking
  • Train tours
  • Douro Valley
  • Porto & Norte
Duration
8 days/7 nights/ 5 stages
Trip type
Hiking / Train adventure
Accomodation
Selected
Premium
Accommodations offering top-tier comfort, distinctive character, and unique charm. Includes 5-star hotels, the finest rooms in 4-star hotels when 5-star options are unavailable, historic properties, and intimate boutique hotels with a refined atmosphere.
Selected
Comfortable and hand-picked accommodations in central locations, offering a mix of quality and local charm. Features 4-star hotels, 3-star hotels when 4-star options are unavailable, charming guesthouses, and small traditional accommodations that reflect local culture and hospitality.
Casual
Comfortable and practical accommodations for relaxed travelers. Includes 3-star hotels, 2-star hotels when 3-star options are unavailable, and small, simple lodgings that provide an essential but pleasant stay.
Glamping
A unique and stylish outdoor experience blending nature with comfort. Encompasses luxury tents, elegant bungalows, barrel bungalows, and treehouses, offering an adventurous yet refined retreat.
Levels
Easy to moderate
We categorize our trips based on a range of activity levels from leisurely (1) to avid (5) with plenty of options in between.
Route
43.7km / 27.2mi
Recommended airport
Porto Airport
Recommended season
March to June and September to November

Overview


Discover the heart of northern Portugal with a tour of Porto and the Douro Valley. A city that blends history and modernity, Porto invites you to explore its UNESCO-listed historic centre, vibrant streets and iconic landmarks such as São Bento Station and Bolhão Market. Soak up the city's unique charm on a three-hour walking tour, where you'll discover hidden gems, taste a traditional pastel de nata and learn about Porto's rich port wine heritage. 

From Porto, board the Douro Railway, a scenic train journey that takes you through 26 tunnels and over 30 bridges, offering breathtaking views of the Douro Valley. Continue your exploration in Pinhão, where you'll visit the historic Quinta das Carvalhas vineyard, taste exceptional ports and immerse yourself in the beauty of the terraced vineyards. The day ends with a relaxing cruise on the Douro River, surrounded by renowned wineries. 

For the more adventurous, hike the Wine Trail through the stunning Douro Valley, where ancient stone terraces lead you through picturesque villages and lush vineyards. Explore the region's rich history, stroll through charming Provesende and enjoy a wine and olive oil tasting in Sabrosa, the birthplace of Magellan. Whether it's the vibrant city of Porto or the tranquil beauty of the Douro Valley, every moment of this journey offers a taste of authentic Portuguese culture, history and natural beauty. 

Itinerary & tour plan

Porto is the beating heart of northern Portugal, a city where history and innovation blend seamlessly. From the iconic Port Wine to its UNESCO-listed historic center, Porto is a living story, where every corner whispers tales of resilience and charm. 

The city’s spirit is felt in its vibrant streets, where centuries-old architecture meets modern marvels like the Serralves Museum and Casa da Música. Whether you’re savoring a glass of port by the river or soaking in the city’s dynamic energy, Porto captivates at every turn. It’s a place where tradition and creativity come together, inviting you to experience its bold, unforgettable charm. 
Discover Porto like never before with a 3-hour walking tour through its historic streets, full of charm and hidden gems. Explore the UNESCO World Heritage-listed center, where colorful houses cascade toward the river and the lively atmosphere of the Bolhão market awaits. Visit the stunning São Bento train station, hailed as one of the world’s most beautiful. Your expert guide will take you through the famous Port Wine district (without a visit inside), where you’ll see the iconic Rabelo boats that once carried barrels along the Douro River, preserving Porto’s rich history.Included: stop for a tasting of a typical pastry Pastel de Nata, a coffee and water.
Board a charming vintage train for a breathtaking journey on the Douro Railway, one of the most scenic railway routes in the world. Completed in 1887, this marvel of engineering passes through twenty-six tunnels and crosses thirty bridges, offering unrivalled views of the stunning Douro Valley. As the train hugs the banks of the river, you'll pass through an unspoilt, lesser-known wine-growing region that's part of the UNESCO World Heritage-listed Douro. A restored beauty from the 1940s, the train retains its classic charm, with large windows perfect for taking in the ever-changing scenery. Although the train may be different, the experience remains unforgettable. 

As you travel deeper into the valley, the scenery becomes even more spectacular - steep hills tumble into the Douro River and the land is dotted with terraced vineyards and olive groves. This is the heart of Port wine country, where the region's first demarcated wine region was established in 1756. The valley is a canvas of rich colours as the vines ripen, with familiar names such as Ferreira, Cockburns, Taylors and Sandeman marking the slopes. Famous for its Port wine, the Douro is now gaining attention for its exceptional table wines, making this trip a real treat for wine and nature lovers alike. The beauty of the Douro Valley and the legacy of its wine culture are waiting to be discovered - experience it for yourself! 
Embark on the unforgettable Wine Trail, where scenic beauty and rich history come together in the heart of the Douro Valley. This 7.5km journey takes you along rolling hillsides, with the Douro River meandering below, surrounded by the breathtaking scenery of vineyards growing on hand-built stone terraces. It's this unique beauty that has earned the Alto Douro region UNESCO World Heritage status. 

As you walk along country lanes lined with slate walls, you'll be immersed not only in the splendour of nature, but also in the local culture and history of the area. Wander through picturesque villages where friendly farmers welcome you with a smile, and discover the birthplace of world-famous Port and Douro wines. The trail takes you down to the river for some of the most stunning and authentic views of the valley. A truly special experience for wine lovers, nature lovers and anyone who wants to get in touch with the heart of Portugal. 
Start your journey in Régua, where you'll board the Douro Railway, a true marvel of engineering. As the train passes through 26 tunnels and crosses 30 bridges, you'll be treated to breathtaking views of the UNESCO World Heritage-listed Douro Valley, with its terraced vineyards. Arriving in Pinhão, cross the iconic iron bridge to Quinta das Carvalhas, a historic vineyard dating back to 1759. Explore the estate's centuries-old vines and diverse terroirs before tasting its exceptional Ports, made from some of the region's most prized grapes. 

Next, discover the charming village of Pinhão, the heart of the Douro wine region, with its famous azulejo-dappled train station. Finish your day with a relaxing cruise along the Douro River, taking in breathtaking views of vineyards such as Carvalhas, Rosa and Seixo. Experience the perfect blend of history, culture and natural beauty. 
Embark on an enchanting hike through the heart of the Douro Valley, linking the charming village of Provesende with the peaceful village of S. Cristovão. This medieval trail takes you up and down the rolling hills, surrounded by the timeless beauty of terraced vineyards, built stone by stone over the centuries. 

Starting from the peaceful centre of Provesende, you will pass by traditional quintas, where vineyards and wine cellars coexist. The tranquil atmosphere of this region offers a perfect escape from the hustle and bustle of everyday life. As you make your way towards S. Cristovão, the view of the lush vineyards below is nothing short of breathtaking - an unforgettable sight that truly captures the essence of the Douro. 
Discover the charm of Sabrosa, a small town with a rich history as the birthplace of Ferdinand Magellan, the first navigator to circumnavigate the globe. Here you'll enjoy an optional wine and olive oil tasting programme, where you'll get an intimate look at the authentic process of olive oil production. Visit a local producer's press and savour the fresh flavours of this ancient craft. From Sabrosa, follow the rustic cobbled roads that wind through the picturesque quintas, where terraced vineyards stretch across the hillsides, each stone wall a testament to generations of hard work. Passing through Celeirós, the breathtaking beauty of the Douro Valley unfolds before you, with hillsides covered in lush green vines, each estate proudly displaying its name on the slopes. 

 Reach the breathtaking viewpoint of Monte São Domingos, where one of the region's most spectacular panoramas awaits. From here, your journey takes you to Provesende, a historic village full of charm and heritage, with the largest collection of manor houses in the Douro region. Its baroque and neoclassical facades, dating back to the 16th century, offer a glimpse of the area's rich winemaking past. A truly unforgettable experience in the heart of the Douro. 
At the end of your tour, we will arrange your transfer to Pinhão train station, where you will pick-up the train back to Porto. 

What is included?

What you get on this adventure

  • Accommodation 8 nights BB, in double standard room 
  • Guided walking tour to Porto historic centre with tasting 
  • Train ticket from Porto São Bento to Régua 
  • Private transfer to the Régua train station, and luggage transfer to Provesende 
  • Hike tour access to the spectacular Quinta das Carvalhas wine estate, a private historic property, with wine tasting 
  • Douro River cruise in a charming and typical Rabelo boat 
  • Private transfer from Pinhão to the village of Provesende 
  • Private transfer from Provesende to the town of Sabrosa 
  • Private transfer to Pinhão train station 
  • Train ticket from Pinhão to Porto São Bento 
  • City taxes 
  • Daily post-walk message 
  • Access to the Ride with GPS app on your smartphone 

What is not included

  • Flights 
  • Insurance 
  • Meals and wine tastings (optionals) 
  • Personal expenses and other items not included 
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