Discover the Douro Valley differently
Leave the usual sightseeing routes behind and discover the Douro Valley on foot, walking through the terraced vineyards, historic villages and extraordinary landscapes that have shaped one of the world’s oldest wine regions.
Your experience begins at your hotel in Porto, where your private guide will meet you for the journey into the Douro. In the historic village of Provesende, stop for a coffee and visit the local bakery to pick up fresh bread for the walk before setting off along the São Cristóvão Trail towards Pinhão.
Rather than experiencing the Douro through the window of a vehicle, you’ll spend the day inside the landscape itself. Walk among the vines, follow trails across the terraced hillsides and stop at beautiful viewpoints overlooking the Douro Valley. Along the way, your guide will explain how generations of local people transformed these steep slopes into vineyards and share the history, traditions and wine culture of the region as you experience them first-hand.
The trail gradually descends towards Pinhão, in the heart of the Douro wine country. Celebrate your arrival with a light lunch of Portuguese tapas and petiscos by the Douro River and a Port wine tasting before your private transfer back to your hotel in Porto.
What makes this experience different:
Your day begins at your hotel in Porto, where your private guide will meet you at 09:30AM for the journey into the heart of the Douro Valley. No meeting points, shared buses or other guests. This is a completely private experience for you and your group. Arriving in the historic wine village of Provesende, we'll stop for a coffee and explore its charming historic centre, discovering traditional architecture, centuries-old manor houses and the rich winemaking heritage of this picturesque Douro village. Then, it's time to discover the Douro as we believe it is best experienced: on foot, among the vineyards. We'll descend towards Pinhão along the beautiful São Cristóvão Trail, walking through the terraced vineyards with spectacular views across the Douro Valley. Rather than seeing the landscape through the window of a vehicle, you'll be walking through it, touching the vines, crossing the terraces and stopping at beautiful viewpoints along the way. Throughout the walk, your private guide will bring the landscape to life, explaining the history of the Douro, its centuries-old wine culture and how generations of local people transformed these steep hillsides into one of the world's most remarkable wine regions. The trail eventually descends into Pinhão, on the banks of the Douro River. Here, we'll sit down for a light lunch of Portuguese tapas and petiscos and raise a glass of Port wine to celebrate the walk. After lunch, your private transfer will take you directly back to your hotel in Porto.
A day to slow down, connect with nature and experience the Douro from within, walking among its vineyards, hillsides and centuries-old landscapes rather than simply seeing them from the road.
This walk follows the São Cristóvão Trail from the historic village of Provesende down towards Pinhão, through the heart of the Douro Valley's terraced vineyards. The route is predominantly downhill, following a mixture of rural paths, vineyard tracks and sections of uneven terrain, with spectacular views over the Douro River and surrounding wine country. Although the walk is not technically difficult, the descents and uneven surfaces require comfortable footwear and a reasonable level of mobility. We complete the route at a relaxed pace, with plenty of opportunities to stop, enjoy the views, take photographs and learn about the landscape from your guide.
This experience is ideal for active travellers who want to discover the Douro Valley beyond the usual sightseeing tours. You don't need to be an experienced hiker, but you should be comfortable walking for several hours on countryside trails and uneven terrain. It's particularly suited to travellers who enjoy nature, walking, wine and local culture, and who would rather spend their day among the vineyards than looking at them through the window of a tour bus. If you enjoy exploring a destination slowly, being outdoors and understanding the landscape you're travelling through, this is a very different way to experience the Douro Valley.
AT YOUR SERVICE
Our team is composed of Portuguese tour leaders and walking enthusiasts, in love with our country and proud to present the best landscapes, gastronomy, history, culture and experiences to anyone who chooses to hike in Portugal.
We are seasoned travelers and love the proximity and timeless feeling of exploring new turns, mountains, beaches and viewpoints on foot. Our passion is to share these feelings with you, so that you fall in love with Portugal as much as we are too.
Our team is composed of dedicated guides, making sure our guests’ walking holidays run smoothly and exceed their expectations.
After a great day outdoors, it's time to relax
We work with the best hotels and SPA's, to guarantee you full-access to great relaxing experiences and a good night's sleep after your hiking is done.
/ Access to the best SPAs;
/ Free time for sightseeing;
/ Experience adapted to your own pace and holiday style;
We strive to provide our guests with time to relax and immerse into the atmosphere, providing a balance between great activities and well deserved “me time” on your walking holidays Portugal!
WALKING HOLIDAYS FOR EVERY TYPE OF HIKER
While planning your holidays, our staff will contact you to ask for further details to better design a tour more suited to you. However, all our tours are built to adapt to groups with different hiking experience, having shorter and longer options. For "expert" hikers, we provide additional challenges. Or you are welsome to take a day off; we invite all our guests on our guided tours to simply hop into our vans if they want to enjoy a recovery day.
HIKER TYPES:
1 BEGINNER
/ I walk/hike on a regular basis, for fitness. I prefer rolling terrain but enjoy reaching my goals and enjoy an active lifestyle. I like to overcome some challenges, but mostly enjoy the landscapes and atmosphere, going out on hikes up to 2 or three hours.
You will get to hike at your own pace, in moderate distances and hop on our van if you so desire or challenge yourself when you feel comfortable! You’ll get to walk in a group with like-minded people and accompanied by our guides, discovering the best of Portugal
2 INTERMEDIATE
/ Hiking is a great part of my life, and I walk regularly. I am comfortable with hikes of 3 to 4 hours, or even more at a relatively strong pace. I like to be challenged and to surpass obstacles, so that I can explore more and discover the most beautiful places.
You will get to explore different riding experiences, from tougher climbs to walking along in great company. You’ll have time to enjoy the great landscapes, but also enjoy the descents and push yourself climbing those tough hills. You’ll enjoy the variety of terrain, and pushing a little harder to get off the beaten path.
3 EXPERT
/ I am an explorer by nature and understand I have to push myself to get to the top of the summit. I love to climb, hike and tackle big climbs to long, technical descents, especially the ones that allow me to push my limits and make long lasting memories. I love to spend the full day hiking.
You’ll get to hike the best Portuguese trails and push yourself as hard as you can, as at the end of the day, you know you’ll be able to rest and relax. Lead the pack and take on the special extra-challenges we have in store for you – try to keep up with our guides as you go for the extra mile just before your well deserved rest and massage at the hotel!
Walking holidays Portugal for all.
/ From 5 to 8 guests, 5% discount for guests;
/ From 9 to 12 guests, 7.5% discount for guests;
/ From 12 hikers to 20 guests, 10% discount for guests;
