At a Glance
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Explore the scenic beauty of Portuguese vineyards on a sensational odyssey of taste and discovery through the lush UNESCO listed Douro Valley. Uncover pristine villages, majestic landscapes and historical sites while indulging on wine tasting affairs in between. The perfect combination of leisurely walks and authentic cultural immersion, delve in the best of the Douro Valley, the premier wine region of Portugal.
Your wondrous expedition begins in Douro Valley where you’ll journey to Povoacao driving through stunning sceneries, and take the pleasant Corgo walk with views of the Corgo River in its natural splendour. Leave the banks of the Corgo River for Vila Real and into the welcoming ambiance of palace casa de Mateus. Explore Quinta de tedo winery, including a walking trail that offers views of the Douro and tedo ...
Trip Highlights
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What's Included
- 7 nights accommodation in deluxe hotels on a twin share basis
- All breakfasts, two lunches, three dinners and three wine tastings
- Tipping for all hotel staff, local staff and drivers
- Named tour leader, chosen for their expertise
- All transport and listed activities
- Travel by private air-conditioned minibus
Itinerary
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Making your own way from Porto Airport, your adventure begins at your hotel in the verdant Douro Valley, the birthplace of world-renowned wines and a UNESCO World Heritage Site, approximately 1.5 hrs drive. You’ll stay at Hotel Douro Scala, a breathtaking luxury hotel built into an old mansion posed on top of the Douro Valley. Drink in panoramic views of the valley and vineyards from your terrace. Or, take a refreshing dip on the indoor and outdoor pool. Come evening, gather together for a trip briefing with your guide alongside a delicious welcome dinner. |
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Level 1, Approx. 7 km (4 miles), 1-2 hours walking Wake up to a delightful breakfast next morning before a 40 minutes transfer to Povoacao where you begin your first walk. Along the way, seize the moment to behold scintillating views of the scenery and adorable roads on the north slope of the Douro Valley and its deltas. The walking trail overlapping the Corgo River banks sits idly in the core of the Douro wine region, placing you at the heart of the skillful horticultural vineyards, with additional stunning views of the River Corgo. At noon, enjoy a short journey to Vila Real to behold the ancient glory of Casa de Mateus, a royal castle drenched in an Eden-like garden and epitomising Portugal's best and most beautiful baroque architecture. Whilst in the palace, visit its winery, the manor, and chapel, and explore the gardens. Journey back to the hotel, approximately 50 minutes drive. |
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Level 1, Approx. 3 km (1.9 miles), 1-2 hours walking Begin this day with a 30-minute transfer to the iconic 18th-century estate known as ‘Quinta de Tedo’, which is also a remarkable confluence of the Tedo and Douro rivers in all of its bewitching beauty. Savour 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. You’ll be treated to a delectable lunch paired with wine tasting at the winery before a short 20 minutes transfer to the town of Régua. Here, you’ll explore the Douro Museum and tap into its rich history, culture, and reverence as a UNESCO-recognized wine region in Douro. Come afternoon, spend time unwinding back at the hotel. |
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Level 2, Approx. 5 km (3.1miles), 2-3 hours walking A sumptuous breakfast this morning preps you for a transfer to the Mondim de Basto region, approximately one hour. Along the way, pass through Alvao 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. Begin your walk in Bolbal, one of the four villages in the trio's itinerary that takes you back in time and fills you up with history. Discover a rural setting where nature maintains a perfect equipoise with humans. The Maronesia cow, a Portuguese breed of Mountain Cattle is native to this region and essential to the sustenance of this balance in the countryside. Locals harness the fields around here for subsistence farming, with seeds as heritages, passed down from generation to generation. |
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Be treated to lunch before a 30 minutes drive to your hotel. You’ll stay at Agua Hotels Mondim de Basto. A contemporary 4-star hotel featuring spa facilities, outdoor and indoor pools, a jacuzzi, sauna, and crisp picturesque views of the surroundings. Enjoy a group dinner featuring an array of traditional delights fashioned from fresh regional products. |
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Level 1, Approx. 6 km (4 miles), 1-2 hours walking Today's walk takes you to the surroundings of Mondim de Bastro in the beautiful green wine (Vinho Verde) region overlooking the Cabril River. Imposing mountains dressed in the shrubbery, lush vineyards of the Teras de Basto region, and fertile farmlands are some of the highlights for your viewing pleasure in this region. The walk terminates at the iconic and legendary antiquated Bridge of Vilar Viando, which is still used by pilgrims walking the Camino de Santiago. Next, visit Quinta Das Escomoeiras to tantalise your tastebuds as you sample their wines and realise the true essence of organic Vinho Verde. Around noon, journey back to you hotel, with a stop at one of the prominent shrines of Northern Portugal, the Chapel of Monte Fariha, sitting atop a granite mountain range, perched at almost 1000 m (3,281 ft) in height. |
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Level 2, Approx. 9km (5.6 miles), 2-3 hours walking This morning, transfer via a private air-conditioned minibus for 20 minutes to Vilarinho village, where you'll begin your walk down the 13th-century waterway of Levada de Vilarinho. Aged but structurally compact, these ancient unskilled constructions by locals played an indispensable role in providing irrigation to the fields of Teras de Basto when water scarcity reigned in time past. Having trekked through 2.5 km (1.4 miles) of this pathway, bid farewell to this waterway, which has since been rebuilt for reinforced durability, and walk into the old Levada. Meander as it pokes through the oak and pine forests, with a stream complementing its natural beauty running by the side. |
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Spend the rest of afternoon unwinding back at the hotel. Laze by the picturesque outdoor infinity pool, indulge in the extensive spa facilities or simply sit on the deck and absorb the serene views of the surrounding mountains and River Tâmega. |
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At dawn, exit the coasts and return to the bustling city of Porto in a transfer that takes about an hour and a half. On arrival, explore the historic town and port wine cellars, where your taste buds are again pampered by the exotic pleasantness of fine wines. |
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The remainder of the day is yours to do as much or as little as you please. You’ll stay at Hotel Neya, a quaint 4-star oasis situated on the banks of Duoro River. Sit at its sky bar and enjoy pleasurable views of the city and river. Relish otherworldly sessions in one of the treatment rooms at the exotic spa. Alternatively, embark on a boat ride across the Douro River and end the evening with a farewell dinner to toast to a splendid week of adventure. |
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Savour a relaxing breakfast, a perfect time to reflect on your incredible journey before you bid farewell and make your own arrangements for your onward travel. Alternatively, airport transfers can be arranged at an additional cost, please contact us. NOTE: This itinerary is provided as an example only – prevailing conditions and local arrangements may cause variation. |
Dates & Prices
Please contact us for private departures and group bookings. Single Supplement is available on request.
More Info
- The departure point is Mesão Frio/Régua
- The finish point is Porto
- Major commercial flights provide convenient access to Mesão Frio/Régua in Douro Valley. The closest major international airport is Porto International Airport
- Airport transfers are not included. Joining location starts in your accommodation in Douro Valley making your own arrangements there. Alternatively, airport transfers can be arranged at an additional cost, please contact us.
The Douro region has a micro-climate, which is an important factor in the quality and style of its wines. Sheltered from the cold and humid winds of the Atlantic Ocean by the Marão and Montemuro mountain ranges, the region has a continental climate, with hot and dry summers and cooler and wetter winters. As you leave Porto behind and travel upriver, the rainfall decreases and temperatures increase. In May, spring peaks, with flowers and greenery in abundance. June still offers this pleasant climate without the stifling heat of July and August. September and October are also particularly pleasant, remaining dry and warm, and from the second half of October, the beautiful red, orange and yellow of the leaves herald autumn.
The walking level on this trip is rated Level 1 Leisurely.
Level 1 Leisurely: Experience is not necessary; anyone fit and healthy enough to complete a weekend walk will thrive. Walks are often optional. Trails are seldom flat, so expect a reasonable number of ascents and descents. You normally walk for two to five hours per day; daily ascents will likely be around 985ft to 1,640ft (300m to 500m), perhaps with the odd day around 1,970ft (600m).
Level 3 Moderate: Expect easy, medium-length walks or harder, shorter walks. Some experience is useful, but not essential. Good health and reasonable fitness are important. There will be walks at higher altitudes and some longer, harder days. Generally, though, the underfoot conditions will be fair. A walking day is normally five to seven hours; daily ascents will likely be around 1,640ft to 2,625ft (500m to 800m), perhaps with the odd day around 2,955ft to 3,280ft (900m to 1,000m).
Level 5 Challenging: Fitness is vital with extended walking in mountainous terrain. You might also experience high altitude, challenging climates and remote locations. Trekking experience is desirable, but not vital if you are confident in your physical condition. Walking days are usually between six and eight hours, although they may be longer for passes or peaks. Daily ascents can be around 2,955ft to 3,280ft (900m to 1,000m), perhaps with the odd day around 3,610ft to 3,940ft (1,100m to 1,200m).
Level 7 Tough: Trekking experience is essential and preferably at altitude. You need complete confidence in your ability to trek for many days over difficult terrain. You may encounter extreme altitude and weather conditions and may need to use ice axes and crampons. Stamina is essential as walking days last six to nine hours (sometimes more on occasions). Daily ascents will likely be around 2,955ft to 3,280ft (900m to 1,000m), perhaps with the odd day around 3,610ft to 3,940ft (1,100m to 1,200m).
Split and optional grades: Where a trip falls between two grades, an intermediate or ‘split’ grade is used. For example, Level 2 (Leisurely/Moderate). Occasionally there are optional ascents available; in this case, the grade will be highlighted.
Each day, we walk from two to five hours (excluding the sightseeing or free afternoons). Walking hours stated in the itinerary are approximations only. Timings stated include lunch and photo stops and will vary depending on the pace of the group.
The terrain and path type will vary from paved tracks to dirt roads. The walks are easy and taken at a leisurely pace, although there are some short ascents and descents. Some of the drives, although short, follow winding mountain roads.
Onlyluxe Travel acts as travel agency and work with different tour operators.
Payment Detail
All pricing is in Australian dollars and are quoted on a per person twin share basis. A supplementary price is available (see below). Bookings are not confirmed until full payment and the signed Booking Form has been received by Onlyluxe Travel.
A non-refundable 30% deposit is payable within 7 days of your booking, with the final balance due 90 days prior to departure. If a booking is made 90 days or less before departure, the full payment is payable immediately. Last minute bookings are payable before arrival. Failure to pay on time may result in automatic cancellation of a booking with cancellation penalties payable to Onlyluxe Travel. If you pay by credit card or PayPal a surcharge will be added to the total price.
Single Supplement
All accommodation is twin share. Single guests will share with someone of the same gender. If a single room is demanded, a supplementary price of will apply. The supplementary price refers to our quotation and needs to be stipulated at the time of booking.
General Cancellation Policies
- Outside of 90 days monies will be refunded less 30% of full fee
- Within 90 days prior to arrival all monies will be forfeited
- No refunds will be given in the event of non-arrival, any unused services or unused nights due to flight or weather disruption
- We strongly recommend guests protect themselves with travel insurance and medical insurance
Please Note: Cancellations must be advised in email and will take effect from the date they are received.
We strongly recommend guests protect themselves with travel insurance.
Pre-Existing Medical Conditions and Age Limits
You need to advise the tour operator on any pre-existing medical condition, mobility impairment and/or disability that might reasonably be expected to increase the risk of your requiring medical attention, or that might affect the normal conduct of a trip and the enjoyment of other trip members. The tour operator may require an assessment of your medical condition from a qualified medical practitioner. If you fail to adequately notify the tour operator of any pre-existing medical conditions and/or disability, the tour operator reserves the right, at its reasonable discretion, to cancel your participation in a trip at any time, including after the commencement of your trip, with no right of refund if your medical condition, mobility impairment and/or disability could be reasonably expected to affect the normal conduct of the trip and the enjoyment of other trip members.
Liability
The participant agrees to indemnify Onlyluxe Travel, and its servant, tour operator and agents, in relation to any liability, loss and damage which the tour operator, or its servants and/or agents may incur as a result of the participants, negligence or misconduct during the tour.
Smoking is not permitted on the bus, or in tents or in other accommodation being used by tour operator at the time that a trip is being conducted.
Child Policy
Please consult travel consultant on age limit.
Changes to Itineraries
Local conditions may necessitate changes to sightseeing, walking and driving routes, camping and accommodation locations. While every effort will be made to provide the services and experiences as offered in our brochure, on our website, and in our trip letters, we reserve the right to vary your itinerary. In the event that we are forced to change your arrangements, substitute arrangements of a similar standard will be provided. The tour operator will not be liable where interruptions to itineraries are caused by weather conditions, technical problems to transport used by the tour operator, industrial action, political or civil commotion or other circumstances beyond our control. We refer you to the conditions regarding travel insurance.
Changes in Prices
While we will do its utmost to honour its pricing unforeseen circumstances may mean that prices may be subject to change without notice.
Pre-Existing Medical Conditions and Age Limits
You need to advise Onlyluxe travel and the tour operator on any pre-existing medical condition, mobility impairment and/or disability that might reasonably be expected to increase the risk of your requiring medical attention, or that might affect the normal conduct of a trip and the enjoyment of other trip members. Onlyluxe Travel and the tour operator may require an assessment of your medical condition from a qualified medical practitioner. If you fail to adequately notify the tour operator of any pre-existing medical conditions and/or disability, the tour operator reserves the right, at its reasonable discretion, to cancel your participation in a trip at any time, including after the commencement of your trip, with no right of refund if your medical condition, mobility impairment and/or disability could be reasonably expected to affect the normal conduct of the trip and the enjoyment of other trip members.
Cancellation by The Tour Operator
The walks take place in very special wilderness settings. The tour operator is at the mercy of nature in all her beauty and all her fury. The tour operator will under no circumstance knowingly place at risk the health and well-being of our guests and guides. In the case of natural threats, acts of God and the like (e.g. bushfires, impassable snow, etc) the tour operator may need to cancel a walk with very little notice. In some cases, this can occur after the walk has commenced. The tour operator reserves the right to cancel any walk up to 60 days prior to departure if a minimum of 4 walkers are unable to meet for a tour. If the tour operator needs to cancel for any reason, the cost of the walk or any other costs associated with travel to the designated pick up point, overnight accommodation, meals, etc will not be covered by the Onlyluxe Travel and therefore we strongly recommend travel insurance be taken out prior to travel.
Force Majeure
'Force Majeure' means (without restriction) any event which Onlyluxe Travel or its third party providers could not, even with due care, foresee or avoid. Force Majeure covers events such as, but not limited to, adverse weather conditions, fire and all similar events beyond our control. In the case of Force Majeure Onlyluxe Travel will not accept liability, and reserves the right to change and cancel trips.
Evacuations
In rare circumstances, due to injury or unforeseen illness, the tour operator may need to evacuate you from a remote part of the walk. Helicopter evacuations are expensive and in most cases will be at a cost to the customer.
For Australian residents, under the Australian Government Medicare Act, it is prohibited for any domestic travel insurance product to provide any financial reimbursement with regard to ambulance or air ambulance services. We therefore strongly advise our customers to take specific ambulance cover through their health insurance provider. Evacuation cost will not be covered by the Onlyluxe Travel and therefore it is also strongly recommended that our customers take out travel insurance to cover (amongst other things) the costs associated with evacuation.
Travel Insurance
In view of the heavy cancellation penalties applied to cancelled reservations in certain circumstances, we strongly recommends suitable travel insurance be purchased at the time the holding deposit is paid. We recommend insurance cover that covers any loss which may be suffered due to cancellation. We also strongly recommend comprehensive travel insurance against loss of baggage and medical expenses.