Trip code: W07OP 4.5 (2 reviews)
Guided group walking
7 nights,
hotel-to-hotel
Level: 2
Moderate
Operated by
Exodus Travels
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
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, along with a welcome dinner. Premium accommodation: Hotel Régua Douro
You stay at Vila Gale Hotel.
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TV
Minibar
Aircon
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The **** Vila Gale is located in the heart of Porto and was renovated in 2015. The central hotel offers a health club with an indoor swimming pool and the spacious rooms are air-conditioned and feature contemporary décor. All come with free Wi-Fi, a flat-screen cable TV, minibar and a private bathroom, including a hairdryer.
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
You stay at Douro Scala Agua Hotel.
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Enjoy a first-class service and celebrity treatment at the ***** Douro Scala Agua Hotel, complete with spa. Nestled in the Mesão Frio region, the hotel is surrounded by vineyards and overlooks the rolling hills of the Douro Valley.
With a modern decor, the rooms offer satellite TV, air-conditioning, Wi-Fi and wide windows offering splendid views out to the gardens and the Douro cliffs.
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
You stay at Mondim Agua Hotel.
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Encompassed by a picturesque mountain landscape lies the Mondim Agua Hotel. Valley views are offered whilst soaking in the outdoor infinity pool. Indoor its state-of-the-art spa features Turkish baths, hot tub, indoor pool and fitness room.
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
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
You stay at Vila Gale Hotel.
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The **** Vila Gale is located in the heart of Porto and was renovated in 2015. The central hotel offers a health club with an indoor swimming pool and the spacious rooms are air-conditioned and feature contemporary décor. All come with free Wi-Fi, a flat-screen cable TV, minibar and a private bathroom, including a hairdryer.
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
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
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.
These tour only prices are based on two people sharing. Single supplement from C$903.
These flight inclusive prices are based on two people sharing. Single supplement from C$903.
Our aim is to provide holidays that are unbeatable for choice and flexibility. We've listed our most popular travel options below, however you aren't limited to these - we can tailor-make virtually any holiday to suit.
To find out more about the travel options available call our sales team on 0044 1606 720199 or email sales@headwater.com
Guided group walking
7 nights,
hotel-to-hotel
Level: 2
Moderate
Operated by
Exodus Travels
